City Cast Chicago

Construction on a temporary winterized tent camp for new arrivals began this week in Brighton Park after nearly two months of back-and-forth. But the start was not without confusion and community pushback. Block Club Chicago’s Madison Savedra and Melody Mercado are here with the latest. Plus, we look at an investigation into the Chicago Housing Authority’s vacant properties, a plan to house asylum-seekers at churches, and the Loop’s viral cabbages! . Good News: Chicago AIDS Garden for World Aids Day 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  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Geoffrey Baer has been showing off Chicago’s architecture and natural beauty for decades, first as a docent for the Chicago Architecture Center, then as a WTTW host. On Monday, Baer is out with part two of his series “The Most Beautiful Places in Chicago.” He talked with host Jacoby Cochran when part one came out earlier this spring about what makes a place beautiful to him and which spots Chicagoans should check out. Good News: 3rd Annual Music Festival & Youth Pitch Competition  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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether it’s a friend’s party, a family gathering, or a work potluck, there’s no way you’re cooking for all of your holiday festivities. That’s where Chicago restaurants come in. Executive producer Simone Alicea, producer Michelle Navarro, newsletter editor Sidney Madden, and host Jacoby Cochran designed their best potluck menus. Using just restaurants in their area, each person picked an appetizer, entree, side, and dessert. Who do YOU think had the best menu? You can text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Jacoby Black-eyed pea fritters from Majani Jerk chicken and shrimp from Caribbean Jerk Palace Gouda mac and cheese and candied yams from Lexington Betty Smokehouse Baklava from Cedars Mediterranean Kitchen Simone Bavarian Pretzels from Paulina Market Duck from Sun Wah Maduros and mofongo from Borinquen Cupcakes from Jennivee’s Bakery Michelle Spring/Egg Rolls from Lotus Banh Mi Shawarma from KoKo’s Mediterranean Grille Rice and beans, maduros, and tostones from Jibaritos y Mas Variety from Panaderia Nuevo Leon Sidney Charcuterie from Eataly Shawarma, kebob, falafel, and hummus from Oasis Cafe Tiramisu from D’Amato’s Bakery Custard tarts from MingHin Cuisine Donuts from Doughnut Vault Good News: 46th annual Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The federal corruption trial of former Ald. Ed Burke is now in its fourth week. Multiple delays have slowed down the timeline but the judge is still hopeful the trial will wrap by Christmas. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran discuss the latest updates out of the courthouse. Plus, Illinois’ 2024 election season is officially underway as hopeful candidates for local, state, congressional and judicial races began filing their petitions Monday.  What holiday pop-ups are you excited for?  Good News: Lifeline Theatre’s 3rd Annual Adaptation Workshop & Showcase 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  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when a person goes missing in Chicago? Trina Reynolds-Tyler with Invisible Institute and Sarah Conway with City Bureau are here to discuss “Missing in Chicago,” their two-year investigation into how Chicago police handle missing person cases. They highlight inadequate police data, testimonials from families who felt mistreated or dismissed by police, and a disproportionate impact on Black women and girls. Make sure you also check out their resources list and rights guide. Good News: Karaoke Storytellers on 11/30 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many of us may have out-of-town visitors this week for the Thanksgiving holiday. And what better way to say “I’m thankful for you” than with the city’s favorite drink-slash-prank: Malört. Whether you actually like the bitter liquor or you just want to see your friends make a weird face, it’s become one of Chicago’s best inside jokes. Host Jacoby Cochran tried it for the first time this summer. We did a taste test and round of Malört trivia with executive producer Simone Alicea, marketing director Caroline Patton, and marketing coordinator Jermaine Thomas. Good News: Chicago Weekly Show Calendar 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: Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Service on the Yellow Line from Howard to Skokie/Dempster was still suspended Monday after a train crashed into a city snowplow late last week, injuring nearly 40 riders. Investigators from the the National Transportation Safety Board are in town piecing together what happened. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran are breaking down the latest findings. Plus, we discuss Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 60 day limit at the city’s temporary migrant shelters and some quick holiday travel tips.  Check out these City Cast Chicago playlists to get you through tough traffic this holiday season. What are you thankful for this holiday season? You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most of Illinois’ 16 juvenile detention centers fail to meet minimum compliance standards, according to recent reports from the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice. The audits show the facilities are overusing confinement and failing to provide adequate resources, including education, mental health services, and even proper clothing or bedding. Injustice Watch’s Kelly Garcia looked over the reports and tells host Jacoby Cochran what’s driving the problems, why transparency issues persist, and how officials are responding. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a three month search, Mayor Brandon Johnson has hired Dr. Olusimbo Ige to lead Chicago’s Public Health Department. This is one of Johnson’s biggest hirings, especially following the ousting of the former top doc. Crain’s Katherine Davis and City Bureau’s India Daniels are here to discuss why this move is so critical. Plus, the city’s $16 billion dollar budget was approved, Howard Brown health workers strike again, and there are plenty of opportunities to see Chicagoland’s holiday lights. Calendar for police district council meetings and follow along with the City Bureau Documenters Good News: Stay up to date with City Bureau events Chicagoland Light Shows: Chicago Botanic Gardens Lightscape, Lincoln Park ZooLights, Morton Arboretum Illumination, Magnificent Mile Lights Fest, Sparkle Light 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 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve been on a CTA train or bus in the last 25 years you have heard the same voice announcing every single stop, what side the doors open on, and what to do if your Ventra card is expiring soon. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to Lee Crooks, the actor behind the voice, about what it’s like to help move millions of Chicagoans and visitors each year. Plus, Jacoby tests how much the voice of CTA really knows about the CTA.  Some Good News: Grown Folks Stories and Karaoke Storytellers at The Promontory  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  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The name Chicago is believed to originate from Indigenous words describing a type of wild onion now known as “ramps.” They grew so much in the area that the onion — and its smell — ended up defining the city’s name. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu to understand how onions play a role in Chicago restaurants and kitchens today.  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  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

City Council is slated to vote this week on the budget. One detail concerning Mayor Brandon Johnson’s supporters is the money included for the controversial gunshot-detection technology ShotSpotter, whose contract Johnson pledged on the campaign trail to end. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran ask: Are we getting mixed signals from City Hall? Plus, we’re discussing potential name changes for Chicagoland birds and great Thanksgiving meal deals.  The birds we mentioned: Cooper’s Hawk, Wilson’s Warbler, Henslow’s Sparrow 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  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chicago is home to the country’s third-largest urban Native American population. But do you know why? Andrew Johnson says that’s just one of many lessons Illinois students might learn as the result of new Native American history requirements going into effect next year. Johnson is executive director of the Native American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, one of many groups that pushed for the new curriculum. He tells us why it is so critical students are given a comprehensive picture of indigenous communities’ history, culture, and present realities. Some good news: Public Library Events 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  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was a very busy week in City Council. Between a rare censure vote, advancing the “Bring Chicago Home'' referendum, and finalizing a Far South Side winterized migrant shelter location, there were plenty of debates, distractions, and deals. Host Jacoby Cochran sits down with The Daily Line’s Erin Hegarty and Axios Chicago’s Justin Kaufmann to make sense of it all. Plus, we are talking about next week’s budget vote, Chi Christmas trees, and the Cubs spending $40 million on a new manager.  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  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While you’re picking up your next cozy read at your local library, don’t forget all the other things your library card can get you: passes to city attractions, seeds for starting a garden, and more. To remind you, we’re revisiting a conversation we had earlier this summer with Patrick Molloy, government and public affairs director for the Chicago Public Library, and Manning branch manager Alejandra Santana. Some Good News: “What Time Is It?” opens Friday at Chicago Art Department in Pilsen. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the Cubs vs. White Sox to deep-dish vs. tavern-style, Chicago is no stranger to rivalries. One rivalry host Jacoby Cochran knows well is the fried-chicken-and-mild-sauce competition between Harold’s and Uncle Remus. As a South Sider, Jacoby had never even been to Uncle Remus in the Austin neighborhood. Now, Justice Informed CEO, lifelong West Sider, and Uncle Remus evangelist Xavier Ramey shows Jacoby what he’s been missing. Don’t miss our love letter to Harold’s. Some good news: Catch the last week of Destinos Chicago International Latino Theater Festival. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new University of Illinois Chicago report has named Chicago the country’s most corrupt city for the fourth year in a row. Lead producer Simone Alicea, host Jacoby Cochran, and producer Michelle Navarro dive into the study and ask if the title is still deserved. We are also discussing some of the fanciest meals we’ve had in the city and our favorite tourist attractions.  We want to know your favorite meals and tourist spots! Text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Plus, nominate City Cast Chicago as Best Podcast and Hey Chicago as Best Newsletter under the "City Life" category in the Reader's Best of 2023 Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The political corruption trial of former 14th Ward Ald. Ed Burke begins today. Burke spent more than 50 years in office, making him Chicago’s longest-serving alder before he opted not to run in this year’s election. WTTW’s Heather Cherone and host Jacoby Cochran break down Burke’s long and controversial career along with the trial that could ultimately define his legacy. Some good news: The 28th Annual Asian American Jazz fest Nominate City Cast Chicago as Best Podcast and Hey Chicago as Best Newsletter under the "City Life" category in the Reader's Best of 2023 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mayor Brandon Johnson traveled to Washington, D.C. this week with other big city mayors asking for more federal aid to help the tens of thousands of largely Venezuelan migrants who have arrived in the last year. Crain’s Leigh Giangreco and Block Club Chicago’s Atavia Reed join us to talk about the latest efforts to secure funding. Plus, we discuss ongoing concerns with neighborhood Save-A-Lots, a Walgreen’s closure in Roseland, and the beginning of Christmas music season.  Some good news: Black Harvest Film Festival Be sure to nominate City Cast Chicago as Best Podcast and Hey Chicago as Best Email Newsletter in the Chicago Reader's Best of 2023. Find us under the City Life category. 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  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are halfway through our fall season and before wintertime Chi hits, we are revisiting journalist and naturalist Zack Nauth’s list from last year of 20 midwest hiking trails to visit. Host Jacoby Cochran talked with Nauth about his top picks, from best views to most accessible.   Places discussed: Cap Sauers Holding Nature Preserve Sag Valley Trail System Swallow Cliff Woods Lakewood Forest Preserves Big Marsh  Franklin Creek State Natural Area Nachusa Grasslands Salt Creek Woods Nature Preserve  Wolf Road Prairie Nature Preserve Illinois and Michigan Canal Some good news: City Civics Day 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  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices