City Cast Chicago

Chicago’s domestic violence cases surged last year, even as overall violent crime dropped. BlockClub Chicago’s Mina Bloom, Borderless Magazine’s Katrina Pham, and host Jacoby Cochran are breaking down the latest numbers. Plus,  Ald. Vazquez and Fuentes want clarity on Welcoming City violations, CPS enrollment declines continue, and Chicago is under an extreme cold watch.  Good News: Femdot's Ramova Show, “Oh, Mary!” coming to Chicago, and $33 Million Community Development Grants 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 Jan. 23 episode:  Chicago Theater Week Broadway in Chicago Window Nation Teatro Zinzanni Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

If you’re looking to quit Dry January right when it ends, or if you need a spot to hang out with non-Dry January friends, breweries are the perfect place. Chicagoland has one of the highest concentrations of breweries in the country. Executive producer Simone Alicea talked with Adam Drakulic, a local Brewery tour guide, in 2024 about Chicago’s brewing history and how to truly make the most of the craft beer scene. Spots mentioned: Dovetail Begyle Forbidden Root Off Color  Revolution BiXi Corridor  Hopewell Marz District Brew Yards  Moody Tongue Turner Haus Solemn Oath Brewery 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 Jan. 22 episode:  Chicago Theater Week Broadway in Chicago Window Nation Teatro Zinzanni Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Bally’s Chicago casino is seeking an extension on its construction deadline for its permanent site in River West. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss the latest news, including whether the city can buy back the parking meters after the infamous $1 billion deal that left Chicagoans feeling scammed. Plus, a look back at the Bears game and how this storybook season left the city feeling.  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 Jan. 21 episode:  Chicago Theater Week Broadway in Chicago Window Nation Teatro Zinzanni – Use code CITYCAST for $20 off tickets through Feb. 28 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Our video about “slashies” (bars-slash-packaged goods stores) really got you all debating about what “real” Chicagoans call things. Host Jacoby Cochran, social media manager Rick Homuth, and executive producer Simone Alicea debate whether “slashie” is a real thing and the popularity (or perceived popularity) of other Chicago slang terms. 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 Jan. 20 episode:  Chicago Theater Week Broadway in Chicago Window Nation Teatro Zinzanni – Use code CITYCAST for $20 off tickets through Feb. 28 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Earlier this week, Trump was once again threatening to withhold funding from Chicago and other sanctuary cities with stated commitments to protecting immigrants. We sat down with TV host Brandon Pope and South Side Weekly’s Alma Campos to discuss whether these threats will withstand ongoing legal challenges. Plus, Venezuelans migrants feel left in limbo, Fulton Market's business rents are skyrocketing, and the MSI’s newest exhibits are a must-visit.  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 Jan. 16 episode:  Museum of Contemporary Photography Chicago Restaurant Week Broadway in Chicago Window Nation Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Barnes & Noble, the last of the giant chain bookstores, is opening a massive flagship store downtown after the company’s Wicker Park location opened last year. Host Jacoby Cochran and host of “Happy To Be Here”, Greta Johnsen, discuss what this resurgence means for Chicago’s independent bookstores, where they get their books, and Greta’s picks from Chicago authors. 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 Jan. 15 episode: Museum of Contemporary Photography Chicago Restaurant Week Broadway in Chicago Window Nation Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Just because we are in the midst of Chicago winter doesn't mean you have to stay inside. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive director Simone Alicea, and producer Michelle Navarro talked last fall about all the food, drinks, and activities that cost 10 dollars or less. Some lists and resources: Infatuation’s list of $10 meals Hey Chicago’s lists of cheap eats downtown and free things in Chicago Laura Keene’s spreadsheet of $8 cocktails  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 Jan. 14 episode:  Museum of Contemporary Photography Chicago Restaurant Week Broadway in Chicago Window Nation Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Last week, the Chicago Public Schools’ Office of the Inspector General released its annual report, which included investigations into cases of pandemic relief fraud, financial mismanagement, and sexual abuse and misconduct. Producer Michelle Navarro and host Jacoby Cochran discuss the findings. Plus, we’re reliving the Bears' historic playoff comeback and talking about our favorite spots during Chicago Restaurant Week. Check out Paige Serena’s Restaurant Week spreadsheet.  Good News: Tomorrow Never Knows at Ramova This episode mentions sexual assault, so please take care when listening. 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 Jan. 13 episode:  Museum of Contemporary Photography Chicago Restaurant Week Broadway in Chicago Window Nation Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The 2026 Primary Elections are right around the corner. So we’re talking about the biggest races we’re watching, including the contest for U.S. Senate, the county board president’s race, and the future of property tax assessments. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran also break down historic retirements in their congressional districts. Good News: The Moth at The Den 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 Jan. 12 episode:  Museum of Contemporary Photography Chicago Restaurant Week Broadway in Chicago Window Nation Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability held a meeting this week to hear testimony from Chicagoans about federal immigration enforcement over the past six months. We talk about the latest news with Block Club Chicago’s Francia Garcia Hernandez and The Triibe’s Corli Jay, including a teen curfew advancing in the City Council, an affordable housing initiative in North Lawndale, indoor farmers markets, and how you can help families impacted by ICE. Plus, we share predictions for the Bears' playoff game against our rivals.  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 Jan. 9 episode:  Chicago Restaurant Week Teatro Zinzanni – Use code CITYCAST for $20 off tickets through Feb. 28 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

As the federal funding outlook for child care and educational programs looks more and more uncertain, we decided to visit the after-school program at Carole Robertson Center for Learning’s Albany Park site. As the center celebrates its 50th anniversary, host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro ask some of the kids in the program what they think Chicago adults should know, and they talk to staffers about why these programs are important. 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 Jan. 8 episode:  Chicago Restaurant Week Teatro Zinzanni – Use code CITYCAST for $20 off tickets through Feb. 28 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

If your New Year’s goals involve being a better Chicagoan, then we think there are some things about the city you should know. That’s why we’re revisiting these essential Chicago rules from host Jacoby Cochran, Hey Chicago newsletter editor Emmi Mack, and social media manager Rick Homuth. This episode was first published Aug. 7, 2025 — and make sure you go back to part one. Good News: Douglass Park Creative Space and Crate Town opening 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 Jan. 7 episode:  Teatro Zinzanni — Use code CITYCAST for $20 off tickets through February 28 Chicago Restaurant Week Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

We’re back to catch up on some of the biggest stories around the city! The State & Lake CTA station officially closed Monday for a three-year renovation. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss what the $444 million project means for commutes and budgets. We also discuss the Bears’ playoff outlook and recap what happened with the city budget (spoiler: no veto, and no shutdown). Plus, we’ve got some New Year’s resolutions. 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 Jan. 6 episode:  Teatro Zinzanni - Use code CITYCAST for $20 off tickets through Feb. 28 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Nobody understands a city’s pulse quite like a City Cast host — and that makes them the best predictors for 2026’s biggest local stories. City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran joins CEO David Plotz and the other 12 hosts from across the network to talk about the big changes coming to our cities, from political shifts to data centers. 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 ⁠Become a member of City Cast Chicago⁠. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info⁠ HERE⁠ Learn more about the sponsors of this January 5th episode:  ⁠Teatro Zinzanni⁠ - Use code CITYCAST for $20 off tickets through February 28

Happy New Year! We’re getting 2026 started right with a guide to what’s happening in January, from how to celebrate Martin Luther King Day to how to make the most of Restaurant Week. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and social media manager Rick Homuth are here with all the tips you need. 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 December in Chicago, check out Hey Chicago’s take on what to do this month. City Cast Chicago’s guide to December is made possible by our sponsor, Simply Eloped. 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

Holidays are a great time to catch up on movies, from summer blockbusters to nostalgic classics. Earlier this year, the City Cast Chicago team set a lofty goal: To put together a list of the best Chicago movies of all time. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, Hey Chicago newsletter editor Emmi Mack, and social media manager Rick Homuth came up with 12 films deserving of this honor. The List: Medium Cool (1969) Cooley High (1975) Stony Island (1978) The Blues Brothers (1980) Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986) The Fugitive (1993) Return to Me (2000) Chicago (2002) Barbershop 2: Back in Business (2004) The Weather Man (2005) The Dark Knight (2008) Widows (2018) This episode originally aired on July 17, 2025. Good News: Lincoln Park Zoo lights, Brookfield Holiday Magic, Botanic Gardens Lightscape, Light of Christmas Drive thru at Sox Park 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 Dec. 30 episode:  Simply Eloped Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

As we look back on the year’s milestones, 2025 marks 25 years since Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley unveiled the Plan for Transformation. It was a decade-long initiative that demolished Chicago’s public high-rises, overhauled the city's public housing system, and displaced thousands of Chicagoans. Author Natalie Moore and investigative reporter Mick Dumke have tracked the city’s claims about its overall success. We spoke to them earlier this summer about the plan’s legacy. Good News: Elizabeth Catlett: “A Black Revolutionary Artist and All That It Implies”  This episode originally aired on August 25, 2025.  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 Dec. 29 episode:  Simply Eloped Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Chicago’s airports are boasting another season of record travel. But what travelers really need to know is what to eat, where to find last-minute gifts, and general tips for navigating the busy travel season. That’s why host Jacoby Cochran is talking with Axios reporter Justin Kaufmann, who’s also been covering the massive renovations at O’Hare. Good News: ChiTown Drive-In 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 Dec. 23 episode:  Simply Eloped Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The Bears are making threats again — this time saying they’re considering a move to Northwest Indiana after they hit a wall trying to reduce their property tax burden in Arlington Heights. It’s just another chapter in the ongoing back-and-forth, but with other Chicago teams vying for new stadium projects, we’re wondering: Is there a better way to do this? Host Jacoby Cochran talks with the Chicago Architecture Center’s Michael Wood about a new possible way forward in municipal stadium development. Vote City Cast Chicago as Best Podcast and Hey Chicago as Best Email Newsletter in the Reader’s Best of 2025! 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 Dec. 22 episode:  Simply Eloped Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

After leaving Chicago a few weeks ago, Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino has returned with about 200 federal agents and camera equipment. We are joined by the Tribune’s Laura Rodriguez Presa who has been following this terror campaign since the beginning. Plus, Chalkbeat Chicago’s Samantha Smylie is here to discuss forthcoming school board elections, the search for the next CPS CEO, and a South Side production of ‘The Wiz.’Good News: Operation Midway Bliss 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 Dec. 19 episode:  Lincoln Park Zoo The Shops at North Bridge Joffrey Ballet Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE