City Cast Chicago

With better weather comes more time outside, which in Chicago means more time in the alley.  Back in March, we listed 1,000 things we love about Chicago, and something that repeatedly appeared on the list was the great Chicago alley. Historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas is here to discuss the importance of the Chicago alley and why we have the most extensive network in the country. Good news: Healing House 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 Women Employed's CEO, Cherita Ellens, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this May 19 episode: Williamstown Theatre Festival Paramount Theatre — Use the code CityCast for $5 off/ticket. Valid for up to 4 tickets Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

We are two years in and halfway through Mayor Brandon Johnson’s first term. Blockclub Chicago investigative reporter Rachel Hinton joins us to discuss the administration's highlights, major pain points, and immediate agenda. Plus, Tribune sportswriter Julia Poe is in the building to talk about all things Chicago Sky, including offseason moves, playoff hopes, and how the league's forthcoming CBA negotiations will impact the team long term. Plus, what’s next for unhoused residents in Gompers Park, how are tariffs impacting Chicago’s international grocers, and how are you enjoying this 80 degree weather?    Good News: Lincoln Park May Fest 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 May 16 episode: Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Prolonlife.com/city – Use this link for 15% off Williamstown Theatre Festival Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Saturday is Vintage Store Day 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: Slow Jams at Expat 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 May 15 episode: Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Prolonlife.com/city – Use this link for 15% off Williamstown Theatre Festival Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The weather is warming up, which means biking is about to feel a lot better in Chicago. Last spring, host Jacoby Cochran talked with Liam Ouweleen from The Recylery, a bike repair co-op in Rogers Park. He brings us tips for bike shopping and bike maintenance for any season. Spots mentioned: Working Bikes West Town Bikes Broadway Bikes  Blackstone Bicycle Works The Recyclery Some Good News: Stevie Wonder birthday tribute events with Untitled Supper Club, MSB Dance, and City Winery.   Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  If you enjoyed today's interview with Women Employed's CEO, Cherita Ellens, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this May 14 episode: Babbel — Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Prolonlife.com/city — Use this link for 15% off Williamstown Theatre Festival 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

Dozens of Chicago alderpeople and school board members are pushing the board to uphold a resolution demanding that the next Chicago Public Schools CEO hold a state superintendent’s license, as Mayor Brandon Johnson reportedly points to his chief of staff to become the school district’s interim chief executive. Host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro discuss the internal fight to pick the next leader of Chicago public schools. Plus, we talk about our favorite Popemania memes and check in on Chicago’s piping plover neighbors. Good News: Crosstown Classic and Sky Season Opener  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 May 13 episode: Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Prolonlife.com/city – Use this link for 15% off Williamstown Theatre Festival Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

You’ve heard by now the new pope is from Chicago. But now that we’ve seen all the memes, it’s time to break down who Robert Prevost was before he became Pope Leo XIV, the challenges facing him as the leader of more than 1 billion Catholics, and what his selection says about Chicago. Host Jacoby Cochran talks with Sun-Times investigative reporter Lauren FitzPatrick and Loyola University scholar Michael Canaris. Good News: Open mics! Aawaz: A South Asian Queer Open Mic, Something Real for the People, Workers of the World 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 May 12 episode: Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Prolonlife.com/city – Use this link for 15% off Williamstown Theatre Festival Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The new pope has Chicago roots. But that’s just one of the big stories in Chicago this week. Police Supt. Larry Snelling explained earlier this week why he agrees with a decision from the Civilian Office of Police Accountability to suspend a group of officers who violated the constitutional rights of Chicagoans in multiple traffic stops just weeks before this same unit stopped, shot and killed Dexter Reed. WTTW’s Heather Cherone and freelance reporter Adora Namigadde are here to break down the ruling. Plus, we discuss the difficulty in appealing property tax assessments, rat birth control in Lincoln Park, acupuncture, and Mother’s Day 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 the sponsors of this May 9 episode: Aura Frames – Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Cozy Earth – Use code COZYCHICAGO for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. The North Shore Center For the Performing Arts Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HER

Tourism season is about to be in full swing, and we are curious why these popular Chicago attractions got poor reviews. Host Jacoby Cochran plays with Dario Durham and Sara Faddah from 77 Flavors of Chicago to see who can guess the Chicago spot based on its one-star ratings. 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 May 8 episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST The North Shore Center For the Performing Arts Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Ready for a getaway? In this special bonus episode, sponsored by the Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau, City Cast Madison’s Hayley Sperling talks with Krystal Westfahl, CEO and president of the Greater Minocqua Area Visitors Bureau. From water sports and cold plunges to stargazing and silent sports, Krystal shares all the reasons Minocqua is the perfect place to recharge. Plus, a look at the area's rich Native American heritage and the warm, welcoming community that makes it feel like home. Want to plan a trip to Minocqua? Check out THIS LINK to learn more

With grocery prices being what they are, some of us dream about never needing to shop at Jewel or Mariano’s again. Bonnie McDonald and Michael Johnson have been tending their home garden in Edgewater for about a decade, offering beginner tips. Plus, host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea get to meet their bees. Good News: Diary of a Black Illusionist  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 May 7 episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST The North Shore Center For the Performing Arts Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Chicago might get a new head of aviation amid O’Hare’s expansion project, American Airlines lawsuit, and upcoming bids for restaurants, bars and shops in the airport’s domestic terminals. Executive producer Simone Alicea and producer Michelle Navarro break down the top stories of the week, including the report from the Cook County Treasurer that found an imbalance in our property tax appeals system, disproportionately impacting low-income households. Plus, we talk about an impressive spreadsheet detailing some of Chicago’s cheap cocktail deals.  Good 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 May 6 episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Cozy Earth - Use code COZYCHICAGO for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. The North Shore Center For the Performing Arts Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

In April, weather apps across Chicago showed alarming air pollution levels. But as it turns out, the air quality was actually fine. State climatologist and University of Illinois researcher Trent Ford tells executive producer Simone Alicea what happened and explains how air quality monitoring works in 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 May 5 episode: Aura Frames — Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST The North Shore Center For the Performing Arts Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Executive Producer Simone Alicea discusses the mission and achievements of Women Employed with CEO Cherita Ellens and Executive VP of Policy Programs and Research, Sharmili Majmudar in this sponsored bonus episode. They highlight the organization's initiatives to improve economic equity for women, recent legislative successes in paid leave and salary transparency, and efforts to support women entrepreneurs through the Women Entrepreneurship Hub. They also cover the importance of equitable higher education funding and preview their upcoming signature fundraiser, the Working Lunch. If you enjoyed today's sponsored episode, learn more at Women Employed.

After hours of debate, a City Council committee delayed a vote on an ordinance that would allow public safety leaders to declare snap curfews in response to large teen gatherings downtown. Block Club’s Melody Mercado was there, and she tells executive producer Simone Alicea and Axios Chicago’s Carrie Shepherd what happened. They also discuss some of the president’s latest executive orders, questions that neighbors have about a shooting in West Loop, struggles in arts funding, and some concerts they’re looking forward to (hello, Cowboy Carter).  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 May 2 episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Cozy Earth - Use code COZYCHICAGO for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

From birdwatching, to labor protests, to farmers markets — we’ve got your monthly guide to May in Chicago. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and producer Michelle Navarro discuss their best tips for the month. 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 May in Chicago, check out Hey Chicago’s take on what to do this month. City Cast Chicago’s guide to May is made possible by our awesome sponsor, Aura Frames (get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code 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

On this day 99 years ago, Route 66 was assigned its iconic number. The so-called Mother Road takes you all the way to California, but it begins in Chicago. So let’s take a little road trip. Host Jacoby Cochran gets in the car with Dario Durham and Sara Faddah, hosts of 77 Flavors of Chicago, to drive the Chicago leg of old Route 66. Along the way, they point out their favorite attractions, spots to eat, and see the city from a new perspective. Get more from City Cast Chicago when you become a City Cast Chicago Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm. 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 April 30 episode: Aura Frames — Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Last week, Sen. Dick Durbin announced that he will not seek reelection in 2026, after more than four decades in Congress. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran discuss Durbin’s reasons for ending his long political career and which names are likely to emerge as successors. Plus, we break down upcoming changes to Chicago’s library cards and hear from new City Cast Chicago neighbors. Good News: The Portal in Woodlawn and CatJam in Avondale. Want

Anna Lee Ackerman is trying to ride every CTA train line and hit every “L” stop in record time, documenting her journey on TikTok. Host Jacoby Cochran talks with her about how she’s planning her trip, why it’s worth doing, and her definitive (and possibly spicy) ranking of the city’s train lines. Get more from City Cast Chicago when you become a City Cast Chicago Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm 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 April 28 episode: Aura Frames — Get $ 35 off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

On the heels of a tough budget season, and with looming federal funding cuts, Mayor Branndon Johnson is hoping to get ahead of what is shaping up to be yet another grueling budget fight. On Monday, he signed an executive order launching a budget working group and a review of city spending. Alex Nitkin from the Illinois Answers Project explains how this could set the stage for difficult budget considerations like staffing and service cuts. Plus, we discuss high “bonuses” for ward aides, the city’s reparations task force, and this weekend’s Cherry Blossom festival. Good News: Off Beat Tour Get more from City Cast Chicago when you become a City Cast Chicago Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm 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 April 25 episode: Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Aura Frames – Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Moats Entertainment – Save $5 with code CityCast Paramount Theatre – Save $5 off each ticket with Code CityCast. Offer is good for up to 4 tickets  Cozy Earth – Use code COZYCHICAGO for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The Kehrein Center for the Arts is hosting a soldout “The Listening Field” this Sunday, dedicated to sound healing, meditation, and rest on Chicago’s West Side. We are joined by event producers Kori Coleman, the founder and executive director of D-Composed, and poet, songwriter, and musician Jamila Woods. We discuss what sound healing looks like for them, ways to get started at home, and how they blend Chicago poetry and classical music for a one-of-a-kind experience. 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 April 24 episode: Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Aura Frames – Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Moats Entertainment – Save $5 with code CityCast Paramount Theatre – Save $5 off each ticket with Code CityCast. Offer is good for up to 4 tickets  Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE