City Cast Chicago

Since Operation Midway Blitz began in September, we have covered dozens of protests, hundreds of detainments, and growing violence from the federal government. But for unhoused Chicagoans detained by agents, what happens when there are no cameras and little record of their disappearance? The Chicago Reader’s Katie Prout has been working to track how many unhoused Chicagoans have been detained and what the city is doing to provide more protections as their own encampment clearings continue.  Good News: Respect the Mic, Last Minute Mic Queer Comedy, and Playdate Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this November 20th episode:  The Auditorium Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Chicago Symphony Orchestra Joffrey Ballet Simply Eloped Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

We know Chicago is a food city, but what made dining here so special this year? The Infatuation’s Adrian Kane tells host Jacoby Cochran her favorite meal of the year, new restaurants that have become her favorites, and predictions for what dining in Chicago might look like in 2026.  Good News: You Can Grow Here exhibit (+35 Thanksgiving pie specials and 70 restaurants offering holiday meals) Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this November 19th episode:  The Auditorium Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Chicago Symphony Orchestra Joffrey Ballet Simply Eloped Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Alders rejected Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposal to reinstate Chicago’s corporate head tax to raise roughly $100 million annually. Chicago previously had a head tax from 1973-2014, when then-Mayor Emanuel eliminated it. Now the proposal to reverse course remains one of the biggest hurdles to passing next year’s $16.6 billion budget. We’re discussing the support and opposition in the City Council. Plus, National Guard troops may be leaving Chicagoland, and the area's holiday markets are ready for their comeback.   Good News: Invisible Institute event on 11/20 Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 18 episode:  The Auditorium Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Chicago Symphony Orchestra Joffrey Ballet Simply Eloped MUBI Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The Chicago Board of Education recently voted to keep Chicago High School for the Arts open after talks of closing the public fine arts school. At the same time, the decision was made to close the public charter school EPIC Academy. Chalkbeat’s Bureau Chief Becky Vevea talks with host Jacoby Cochran about how the decision was made and what it means to close a school.  Good News: 12 x 12 Art Exhibition  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 If you enjoyed today's interview with Deborah's Place Board President, Rosie Drumgoole, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 17 episode:  Auditorium Theatre Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Chicago Symphony Orchestra Joffrey Ballet Simply Eloped Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Six people arrested while protesting outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Broadview processing facility were in federal court this week. They have all pleaded not guilty to federal conspiracy charges. We are discussing these and other ongoing legal challenges with The Trace’s Rita Oceguera and Suntimes’ Elvia Malagon. Plus, what’s next for the hotly debated affordable healthcare subsidies now that the government shutdown is over; why West Garfield Park neighbors are demanding more investment; and where can we find toy, food, and clothes drives this weekend?    Good News: The Holiday Pantry Bag, Whistle Assembly Event, Winter Item Drive, and Holiday Toy Drive; Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light   Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 14 episode:  The Newberry Paramount Theatre Babbel – Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

If you think New York and LA are the country’s only fashion hubs, think again. Local designers like Ron Louis have been repping Chicago on the street and on the runway. Louis sits down with host Jacoby Cochran to talk about the hallmarks of Chicago’s style, how he came to fashion, and some of the designers and shops he loves in the city. Good News: Frankie Knuckles Festival & Supply Locale Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 If you enjoyed today's interview with Neal Heitz, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Program Director of Event Production, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 13 episode:  The Newberry Paramount Theatre Babbel – Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

In the last few weeks, we have talked about some iconic Chicago staples, whether it's a deep dive into the world of Vienna Beef or a shout-out to a 50-year-old sub sandwich. That got us thinking about all the other iconic Chicago sammies. Axios reporter Monica Eng and host Jacoby Cochran linked up earlier this year to rank eight Chicago sandwiches. From the sweetsteak to the jibarito to the Italian beef, which one is No. 1? Good News: Real Ones Show Community Events Round Up Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 If you enjoyed today's interview with Composer Steve Hackman, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 12 episode:  The Newberry Paramount Theatre Babbel – Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

After a weekend of raids across Little Village, federal agents gathered for a photo op Monday morning at the Bean in Millennium Park. Block Club Chicago reported that agents were seen joking about the operations that have gripped Chicago for two months. Plus, we are discussing how the government shutdown and the first snow of the season are combining to cause increased airport delays and Mr. Submarine's 50th anniversary ad campaign. Good News: Greater Chicago Sudanese American Association Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 11 episode:  The Newberry Paramount Theatre MUBI Babbel – Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Millions across the state are still waiting for November SNAP benefits to be paid out as the government shutdown continues. Beyond this current crisis, others remain anxious about their future eligibility for food assistance once the federal government's new stricter work reporting requirements go into effect next year. All the while, Chicago’s food assistance organizations, food banks, and mutual aid groups are bracing for the inevitable rise in food insecurity across the city. We are talking with Ruby Ferguson, the Senior Director of Community Engagement at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, about how the city’s network is preparing for the worst.  Good News: Nakama Toys Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 If you enjoyed today's interview with Deborah's Place Board President, Rosie Drumgoole, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 10 episode:  The Newberry Paramount Theatre Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Earlier this week, we broke down some of the major line items in the $1.5 billion transit bill. However, we did not answer whether or not CTA and Metra fares were still planned to go up, given that the Regional Transportation Authority officials announced weeks ago that the expected 10% fare hikes were not contingent upon the final bill. We ask Block Club Chicago’s Manny Ramos and Quinn Myers what we should expect at the farebox. Plus, the city wants to buy the downtown bus terminal, librarians denounce budget cuts, and the baby Bulls keep winning!  Good news: Deeply Rooted Dance Theater Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 If you enjoyed today's interview with Composer Steve Hackman, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 7 episode:  The Newberry Chicago Loop Alliance Deborah's Place Chicago Board of Election Commissioners Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Earlier this year, Anna Lee Ackerman attempted the CTA ‘L’ Challenge, documenting her entire journey on TikTok. The goal is to ride every CTA train line and hit every ‘L’ stop as fast as possible. Host Jacoby Cochran sat down with Anna as she was planning her trip to ask why it’s worth doing, and to get her definitive (and possibly spicy) ranking of the city’s train lines. Good News: Asian American Jazz Festival Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago If you enjoyed today's interview with Neal Heitz, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Program Director of Event Production, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 6 the episode:  The Newberry Chicago Loop Alliance Deborah's Place Chicago Board of Election Commissioners  Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

For over 100 years, Vienna Beef has been almost synonymous with the Chicago Hot Dog. But how did this hot dog company with roots all the way back to the 1893 World’s Fair grow to one of Chicago’s most recognizable brands and logos? We put City Cast Chicago’s resident hot dog experts, social media manager Rick Homuth and newsletter editor Emmi Mack, on the case. Good News: Pueblo Market, Big Kids Show Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 5 episode:  The Newberry Chicago Loop Alliance Deborah's Place Chicago Board of Election Commissioners  Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

We have known all year that regional transit agencies were headed towards a fiscal cliff, so it only makes sense that lawmakers finally passed a transit funding bill in the middle of the night last Friday. As the $1.5 billion package heads to the Governor’s desk, we’re looking at what made it in the final bill. Plus, we’re discussing where to find food support and free events around the city. Good News: Coffee and Kamehameha Wave Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 4 episode:  The Newberry Chicago Loop Alliance Deborah's Place Chicago Board of Election Commissioners  MUBI Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

And just like that, it’s November. Producer Michelle Navarro is here with ways to help your neighbors. Executive producer Simone Alicea says now’s the time to learn to navigate the pedway. And host Jacoby Cochran is warning you to gear up for Christmas music. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Chicago community. For even more tips on how to make the most of November in Chicago, check out Hey Chicago’s take on what to do this month. City Cast Chicago’s guide to November is made possible by our sponsors, The Newberry, Chicago Loop Alliance, Deborah's Place, and Chicago Board of Election Commissioners. City Cast Chicago is also powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more about how to become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Reach us at chicago@citycast.fm

The loss of federal food assistance due to the government shutdown will affect nearly 2 million Illinoisans. Gov. JB Pritzker is directing $20 million to help close the gap, but Sun-Times reporter Tina Sfondeles explains that’s only a fraction of the need. She talks with executive producer Simone Alicea and Alex Nitkin with the Illinois Answers Project about what’s next. Plus, they discuss the charges facing local political candidates, transit funding, suburban tax loopholes, and a couple of architectural projects worth taking a look at.  UPDATE: Early Friday, about an hour after this episode came out, state lawmakers passed a $1.5 billion transit bailout. Instead of some of the more controversial statewide taxes, money will come from the Road Fund and a localized sales tax increase. We'll have more next week. An earlier version of this episode's title has been changed to reflect the news. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 31 episode:  Broadway in Chicago Deborah's Place Window Nation MUBI Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Since the beginning of  “Operation Midway Blitz,” Chicago neighborhoods have remained on high alert, afraid that immigration officials could arrest community members at any moment. This has made it especially difficult for people who work in public, such as construction workers, day laborers, and street vendors. Producer Michelle Navarro recently attended a street vendor crawl in Back of the Yards to talk with Chicagoans committed to shopping with and protecting those who remain most vulnerable to targeting by immigration officials.    Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 30 episode:  Broadway in Chicago Deborah's Place Window Nation Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Halloween is Friday, and for some of us, the best place to find a last-minute costume is one of the city’s vintage or thrift shops. And Chicago’s got no shortage of options, whether you’re looking for designer steals, great bargains, or selling your clothes. For Hey Chicago Newsletter editor Emmi Mack, this isn’t just a hobby but a way of life, as she grew up hanging out at vintage stores with her friends and working at the old Belmont Army Vintage. She joins host Jacoby Cochran with her guide to vintage shopping in Chicago. Good News: Whistlemania 2 Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 29 episode:  Broadway in Chicago Deborah's Place Window Nation Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino has been ordered to testify in federal court this week as ICE continues to ignore court orders and tear gassed more Chicago neighborhoods over the weekend. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran have the latest. Plus, Chicago’s number of tenant unions is growing as frustrations about renter protections and housing prices mount.   Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 28 episode:  Broadway in Chicago Deborah's Place Window Nation MUBI Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Three years ago, the first buses from Texas carrying migrants and asylum-seekers came to Chicago. More than 51,000 have arrived since then. With immigration agents now roaming the city, we’re checking in on where those new arrivals are now. Host Jacoby Cochran talks with Borderless magazine’s Mauricio Peña, Diane Bou Khalil, and Katrina Pham, along with Block Club Chicago’s Madison Savedra. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  FOLLOW US @CITYCASTCHICAGO YOU CAN ALSO TEXT US OR LEAVE A VOICEMAIL AT: 773-780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 27 episode:  Broadway in Chicago Deborah's Place Window Nation Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

While a ton of attention has been focused on the federal government shutdown and Chicago’s budget battle, south suburban Harvey is currently managing its own budget crisis and partial shutdown including layoffs and furloughs. Harvey World Herald founder Amethyst Davis is here to break down the latest. Plus, WBEZ’s Mariah Woelfel joins to discuss the fallout from ICE raids in Little Village and Cicero earlier this week.  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 24th episode:  The Other Art Fair Broadway in Chicago Deborah's Place Window Nation MUBI Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE