City Cast Chicago

After months of contentious council meetings, new tax proposals, and a few delayed votes, alders voted 27-23 to approve the mayor’s $17 billion budget for 2025. Given all of the combativeness and compromise, what did we actually end up with in our city budget? WTTW’s Heather Cherone and Chicago Reader’s Katie Prout are here to help us dive into the numbers. Plus, we discuss the head of DFSS resigning, CPD’s “unsatisfying” consent decree progress, and one particularly photogenic river otter. Good News: Garfield Park Plant Sale & Planks and Pistils 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. 20 episode: Joffrey Ballet — save 10% with code SNOW10 for the December 26th and 27th performances! Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Introducing Vogue Editors on Chanel’s New Artistic Director Matthieu Blazy from The Run-Through with Vogue.Follow the show: The Run-Through with Vogue After months of speculation and anticipation, Chanel has officially announced its new artistic director: Matthieu Blazy, the former creative director of Bottega Veneta. In today’s episode, Nicole is joined by Vogue editors Mark Holgate, Laia Garcia-Furtado, and Jose Criales Unzueta to discuss the exciting news. Together, they explore why Matthieu is the right fit for the role and what his appointment means for the brand’s future. The group also shares their thoughts on Louise Trotter taking the reins at Bottega Veneta. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

We brought you episodes about food nearly every week this year, recommending spots to check out, trying Chicago classics, and talking about the latest food headlines. But how much information did the City Cast Chicago team retain? Host Jacoby Cochran and Hey Chicago newsletter editor (and weekly quiz writer) Sidney Madden take on executive producer Simone Alicea’s toughest quiz yet. Episodes mentioned: Our Best Chicago Food Predictions for 2024 How to Find Chicago’s Secret Speakeasies and Restaurants Is the Sweet Steak Sandwich Chicago’s Most Underrated Classic? Is Chicago a Wine City? How to Eat Cicadas. Yes, We’re Serious. The Sad State of Chicago’s Food Truck Scene Where Are Chicago’s Best Breweries? Did Chicago Restaurants Benefit from DNC? Is Chicago Actually The Pumpkin Spice Capital? Restaurant Openings, Updated United Center Menu, and a $13,000 Martini Will North Siders End 120-Year Alcohol Ban? Good News: TINK’s The Winter’s Diary Music Festival and Independent Spirit by Britt Julious 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 our sponsors: Joffrey Ballet - save 10% with code SNOW10 for the December 26th and 27th performances! Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

We spent a lot of time online in 2024, and despite our individual bubbles, there were some moments that landed on all of our feeds. What were the most viral moments that came out of Chicago in 2024? And which one was the best? Or at least the one we just couldn’t get away from? Host Jacoby Cochran and contributor Leigh Giangreco take on a classic City Cast Chicago bracket to find Chicago’s most viral moment of 2024. Vote on what you think was Chicago's most viral moment. Update: City Approves Pilsen Metal Shredder  Good News: Silver Room Anniversary Weekend 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 our sponsors: Joffrey Ballet — save 10% with code SNOW10 for the December 26 and 27 performances! Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

While City Council voted on a budget yesterday, a decision on a permit for a metal shredder in Pilsen that was supposed to come down Monday has been pushed back indefinitely. Neighbors are calling for a comprehensive health risk assessment, as the city comes under fire for failing to enforce environmental regulations and as staffing changes at the health department slow environmental justice projects. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss what the moves could mean for the Johnson administration in 2025. Plus, they play a game of “guess that quote” and discuss the most interesting Best of Chicago categories in the Reader. 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. 17 episode: Joffrey Ballet – save 10% with code SNOW10 for the December 26th and 27th performances! Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Last week, Chicago experienced its first taste of the dreaded winter polar vortex when temperatures dipped into the single digits with below-zero wind chills. Whether you’re an experienced wintertime Chicagoan or this is your first December in the city, we’ve got the perfect winter survival guide. WBEZ Curious City editor Susie An tells host Jacoby Cochran her top tips for staying warm and sane this winter.  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

The city has been ramping up its attempt to relocate people staying in tents in Humboldt Park. Block Club’s Manny Ramos tells host Jacoby Cochran how removals have unfolded at Chicago’s largest encampment of unhoused people. Chalkbeat’s Samantha Smylie is also here with an update on all the education news in Chicago (Spoiler: It’s a lot). Plus, a Morgan Park housing development, a new state head of early education, and some weekend holiday plans. Good News: Christmas Tree Shopping, One-of-a-Kind-Show, Western Ave. Holiday Road 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. 6 episode: The Second City Paramount Theatre – CityCast for $5 off of up to 4 tickets! BetterHelp – Get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Every year, hundreds of thousands of Catholics and other pilgrims walk to Des Plaines to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12. People from all over travel by car, horseback, or foot to visit the shrine, which holds the only authorized replica of the painting from the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. Last year, host Jacoby Cochran talked to Father Esequiel Sanchez to learn more about the shrine's significance and to Cynthia Alanis, whose family has led a pilgrimage to the northwest suburb from Chicago for 25 years.  Did you hear? You can now become a member of City Cast Chicago — Join now to support your favorite Chicago podcast and ensure we can keep bringing you the conversations that matter! 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 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

We certainly ate our way through Chicago this year. The Infatuation Chicago’s Adrian Kane and John Ringor are back with host Jacoby Cochran to talk about 2024’s best new restaurants, favorite dishes, and what to look forward to next year. Spots mentioned: Mariscos San Pedro Cariño Santa Masa Tamaleria Brasero Maxwell’s Trading Oliver’s Signature ETC Akahoshi Ramen Parachute HiFi Anelya Lior’s Cafe Cafe Yaya Cantina Rosa  Del Sur Bakery Mirra  Nafsi By focusing on the stories and issues shaping our neighborhoods, City Cast Chicago bridges gaps and connects the dots in Chicago. Become a member to support local journalism that connects.  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

Over the last few weeks, we’ve been talking about the city budget process, specifically the perennial property tax hike boogeyman. Mayor Brandon Johnson initially proposed a $300 million property tax hike but that’s been whittled down to $69 million. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss the details of the mayor’s latest proposal including a growing list of tax and fine increases. Plus, we’re breaking down a confusing cannabis ruling and reading some listener mail.  By focusing on the stories and issues shaping our neighborhoods, City Cast Chicago bridges gaps and connects the dots in Chicago. Become a member to support local journalism that connects.  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

Gun violence stories in Chicago are often reduced to statistics. Long after the media has moved on, loved ones are left picking up the pieces. That's why The Trace, a nonprofit news outlet that covers gun violence in America, runs a survivor storytelling workshop. Seven people who have lost family members or friends to gun violence worked with The Trace to write essays about their experiences, and Trace staffers then reported stories based on the survivors' concerns. Producer Michelle Navarro spent some time in the workshop and spoke with participants. She tells host Jacoby Cochran what she learned. By focusing on the stories and issues shaping our neighborhoods, City Cast Chicago bridges gaps and connects the dots in Chicago. Become a member to support local journalism that connects. 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 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The city has been ramping up its attempt to relocate people staying in tents in Humboldt Park. Block Club’s Manny Ramos tells host Jacoby Cochran how removals have unfolded at Chicago’s largest encampment of unhoused people. Chalkbeat’s Samantha Smylie is also here with an update on all the education news in Chicago (Spoiler: It’s a lot). Plus, a Morgan Park housing development, a new state head of early education, and some weekend holiday plans. Good News: Christmas Tree Shopping, One-of-a-Kind-Show, Western Ave. Holiday Road 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. 6 episode: The Second City Paramount Theatre – CityCast for $5 off of up to 4 tickets! BetterHelp – Get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

With holiday festivities in full swing, we’re back with our one-star review game! Host Jacoby Cochran is quizzing Axios Chicago reporters Carrie Shepherd and Monica Eng. Can they guess these popular Chicago holiday attractions based on their one-star Yelp reviews? Voting in the Reader’s Best of Chicago is open! Vote City Cast Chicago as Best Podcast and Hey Chicago as Best Email Newsletter. 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. 5 episode: The Second City Paramount Theatre - CityCast for $5 off of up to 4 tickets! BetterHelp - Get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

From an artistic coffee shop in North Lawndale to the return of delicious tavern-cut pizza in West Town, we’re discussing some exciting restaurant openings. Plus, Tribune Food Critic Louisa Chu teaches us about an indigenous food program in Albany Park, and host Jacoby Cochran picks the Chicago chef he’d love to cater his holiday party. Voting in the Reader’s Best of Chicago is open! Vote City Cast Chicago as Best Podcast and Hey Chicago as Best Email Newsletter. Good News: WGCI’s Big Jam 2024 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. 4 episode: The Second City Paramount Theatre - CityCast for $5 off of up to 4 tickets! BetterHelp - Get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

A day after the Bears' baffling loss to the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving, the team fired head coach Matt Eberflus. This is the first time in franchise history the organization has dismissed a head coach during the season. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran discuss this unsurprising midseason move and rank the team's losses during the Bears' ongoing six-game losing streak. Plus, a bright spot in the city's overnight parking ban, a cold weather forecast, and WTTW’s November news quiz.  Good News: Harold Washington Library Holiday Makers Market 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. 3rd episode: The Second City Paramount Theatre - CityCast for $5 off of up to 4 tickets! BetterHelp - Get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The CTA holiday train is running and the winter overnight parking ban is in effect? Must be December in Chicago. The team is here with our best tips for the month from how to upgrade your winter gear to getting in the holiday spirit with our bucket list. If giving back is more your jam, make sure you go back and listen to our episode about mutual aid in Chicago. Plus, don't miss this "Home Alone" screening. 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 awesome sponsors, The Second City, Paramount Theatre (CityCast for $5 off of up to 4 tickets), and BetterHelp (get 10% off at betterhelp.com/CITYCAST). 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

For us, a Thanksgiving table isn’t complete without a pie. Luckily, Chicago has no shortage of pie shops and bakeries, so the team is doing a little taste test. Honeypie Bakeshop in Edgewater  First Slice Pie in Andersonville Bang Bang Pie in Logan Square Spinning J Bakery and Soda Fountain in Humboldt Park  Pie, Pie My Darling in Humboldt Park Hoosier Mama Pie in West Town  Give Me Some Sugah in South Shore  Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab in River North  Give Me Some Sugar in Roscoe Village  Justice of The Pies in Avalon Park Classic Cobbler in Bronzeville 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. 27 episode: The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection  Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

A forecasted snowstorm during the busiest travel season of the year — what could possibly go wrong? Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea explain what you need to know heading into Thanksgiving. They’ve also got updates on the trial of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan and the overturned conviction of Jussie Smollett.  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. 26 episode: The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection  Become a member of City Cast Chicago.

It’s the season for giving back, and mutual aid is a term that has become more prevalent over the past few years. Host Jacoby Cochran is talking with Maira Khwaja, a writer, reporter, and co-founder of Market Box Chicago. They explain the basics of mutual aid, where to find networks in Chicago, and why it can make you feel more connected to your community. Groups mentioned: Chicago Community Jail Support Edgewater Mutual Aid Rogers Park Free Store The People’s Grab-N-Go Pilsen Solidarity Network Farm, Food, Familias Femme Defensa Lists from Borderless and Block Club Chicago 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. 25 episode: The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection  Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Earlier this week, the Chicago Board of Elections finished counting ballots, and out of 77 Cook County judges seeking retention, Shannon O'Malley became the third judge in the past four elections to lose retention. Injustice Watch’s Kelly Garcia and the Tribune’s Jake Sheridan tell us what this result means for election participation and the growing chasm between city and suburban voters. Plus, we discuss city budget negotiations, CPD’s sluggish reform progress, and play a round of "Is It Decent, Decent or Decent." Good News: The 12th annual Grabadolandia Print Fair 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 Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Events Program Director Event Productions, Neal Heitz, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 22 episode: The Second City Orthodontic Experts Court Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE