City Cast Chicago

We could use a laugh with the news cycle being what it is. Luckily, Chicago is the comedy capital of the world. Host Jacoby Cochran is talking with local comedian Sonal Aggarwal about her guide to Chicago’s comedy scene: spots to check out, hidden gems, and what to do when your friend inevitably invites you to their improv 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. 21 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

Is Chicago really a hot dog city? What’s the most overrated Chicago food? Which Harold’s is the best? Longtime food writer Kevin Pang is here with Poochie from The Wiener’s Circle to offer their Chicago food hot takes. Plus, they tell host Jacoby Cochran all about their new show “Poochie & Pang (eat Chicago)” on NBC Chicago and the burgers they try in season one. 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. 20 episode: Mubi The Second City Orthodontic Experts Court Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

An investigation from Block Club and CBS Chicago reveals the city of Chicago is owed millions of dollars from street fest and event organizers for police overtime bills. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran discuss what this means for the city budget and Chicago’s busy summer event schedule. Plus, we are ranking the Bulls most recent NBA city edition jerseys and listing some turkey giveaways across the city. How would you rank these jersey designs? 2024-2025 2023-2024 2022-2023 2021-2022 2020-2021 2019-2020 Good News: Wednesday is Trans Day of Remembrance: Memorial Mural and Observance in Andersonville, TaskForce Prevention and Community Services’ “Say Their Name” in Austin, La Cueva Nightclub’ Transgiving 2024 in Little Village  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. 19 episode: Mubi The Second City Orthodontic Experts Court Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Aldi abruptly closed its West Pullman store last week, leaving yet another Chicago neighborhood without easy access to fresh food. The move leaves us wondering (once again) if big grocery chains are Chicago’s only option. So we’re revisiting a conversation from the spring with Matthew Ruffi, board president of Chicago Market and senior program director for Link Up Illinois. He tells host Jacoby Cochran about some grocery alternatives and why food access is a growing concern 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 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. 18 episode: Mubi The Second City Orthodontic Experts Court Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

After nearly 20 years in Chicago, Pitchfork Music Festival announced it’s leaving the city citing rising costs and growing festival competition. Many longtime fans were shocked, as the alder in the area says he hopes the company behind the festival will reverse course. Freelance journalist Britt Julious and Injustice Watch senior reporter Maya Dukmasova are here to discuss the latest. Plus, we break down ongoing budget debates in city council, an update in Cook County’s housing courts, and our favorite Friendsgiving dishes! Good News: The Christmas Cache Newsletter, The Light of Truth: Richard Hunt’s Monument to Ida B. Wells, Sip & Thrift at Simone's, National Take A Hike 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 15 episode: Mubi The Second City Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

After getting lost on a recent trip to the (lower) Lower Wacker auto pound, host Jacoby Cochran needed some info on why Chicago has such a vast and confusing underground network. So he called up tour guide Mike McMains to ask about how the city’s lower streets, Pedway, and abandoned freight tunnels came to be such an integral part of the city. Mike is running an Underground Chicago (Plus Rats!) tour Nov. 23. 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: Mubi The Second City Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Whether it’s for Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving, or any other get-together, Chicago restaurants have plenty of options for the potluck. Last year, executive producer Simone Alicea, producer Michelle Navarro, newsletter editor Sidney Madden, and host Jacoby Cochran designed their best potluck menus. Each person picked an appetizer, entree, side, and dessert from all sides of the city. 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 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. 13 episode: Mubi The Second City Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

With election results finalizing, Chicago’s first-ever hybrid school board is taking shape. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss Mayor Brandon Johnson’s deadline to round out the board and lingering questions about the current board. Plus, CTA is urgently working to secure federal funds for the Red Line extension, state lawmakers are headed back to Springfield, and we are bummed about recent restaurant closures. Good News: 2024 Chicago Japan Film Collective 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. 12 episode: Mubi The Second City Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

When Mayor Brandon Johnson announced his proposal for a $300 million property tax hike, you could almost hear the entire city collectively groan. In fact, some alders are pushing to reject the move in a special meeting this week. But why is Chicago always complaining about property taxes? The Tribune’s A.D. Quig and the Illinois Answers Project’s Alex Nitkin are here with some property tax basics. 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 11th episode: Mubi The Second City Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

From the race for president to the first-ever school board election, how could this week’s election results impact Chicago? We’re discussing what lies ahead with The Triibe’s editor in chief Tiffany Walden and Axios Chicago reporter Carrie Shepherd. Plus, alders sound off on the proposed property tax hike, the Johnson administration pushes back, and we’re disconnecting from doom scrolling for a moment. Good News: City Civics Day , Taking a Seat: Resistance and Agency in Public Spaces, Ink + Impact: The Power of Journalism 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. 8 episode: Mubi The Second City Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

After a week like this, we’re ready to go out with friends, have a drink, and listen to some good music. That’s why host Jacoby Cochran is talking to CaSera Heining, aka DJ Ca$h Era. As one of the busiest DJs in Chicago, Ca$h Era gives us the scoop on some of the best parties and spots, tips for building a set list, and when it’s okay to request a song from the booth. Spots mentioned: D.S. Tequila Co. Chop Shop Everyday People Salt Shed Le Nocturne Scarlet Cerise Broken Shaker Promontory Ramova Beer Garden Tao Dorian’s 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. 7 episode: Mubi The Second City Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Chicago has elected a new school board — or at least half of one. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and producer Michelle Navarro are breaking down Chicago’s election night results. From the hybrid school board to Cook County state’s attorney to binding and nonbinding referenda, here’s who won and who lost. Some Good News: Fillet of Solo 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 6 episode: Mubi The Second City Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

It’s Election Day, but before the campaign text messages stop, we’ve got some last-minute reminders for folks heading out to vote today. Plus, the leader of the Chicago Housing Authority is out, Pepsi abruptly closes a South Side plant, and we remember the legacy of Quincy Jones. 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: Mubi The Second City Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Even before federal Prohibition began in 1920, a small pocket of what is now Ravenswood and Lincoln Square had already restricted the sale of alcohol. Almost one hundred years after the end of Prohibition, this precinct and all of the businesses in it are still banned from selling alcohol. A ballot measure this election could finally end the century-old law. We speak with Lucia Herrejone, the restaurant co-owner behind the ballot referendum, and 47th Ward Alderperson Matt Martin.  Nominate City Cast Chicago for best podcast and Hey Chicago for 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 Nov. 4 episode: Mubi The Second City Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

This week we’ll be sharing results from our local elections and discussing what they mean for Chicago. But we can’t help but wonder… what’s going on with our City Cast colleagues in swing states? As America white-knuckles its way into one of the closest presidential elections in modern history, City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with the hosts of our shows in swing state cities: Madison, Philly, Pittsburgh, and Las Vegas. In this special episode, our crew of hosts gives you a locals’ look inside how their cities are preparing for the presidential election and its aftermath. From a peek inside the Pennsylvania election warehouse where mail-in ballots will be counted, to a glimpse at how Dane County, Wisconsin’s early voting is going, you’re invited to hear what the swing states are talking about…with each other.

Earlier this week, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced his $17.3 billion budget proposal for 2025. Staring down a $1 billion budget gap, the mayor announced a $300 million property tax increase to avoid what he said would otherwise be mass layoffs and cuts to critical city services. We are joined by Illinois Answers Project’s Alex Nitkin and City Bureau’s Ariel Chung to discuss other cost-cutting measures, key investments, and the remaining budget season timeline. Plus, we discuss the regional transit authority’s new board, Google’s Thompson Center transformation, and Chicago-area Palestinians returning to their home country for olive harvesting season. Good News: Huge improvement in city tree trims Nominate City Cast Chicago for best podcast and Hey Chicago for 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 Nov. 1 episode: Chicago Board of Election Commissioners Mubi 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

Whether you’re trying to go out for Thanksgiving this year or just want to order a pie, we have recs for you. From last-minute election tips to best new restaurants to wild turkey facts, here’s what you need to know to enjoy November. For even more ideas on how to make the most of November in Chicago, check out Hey Chicago’s take on what to do this 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. City Cast Chicago’s guide to November is made possible by our awesome sponsors, the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners, Mubi, and BetterHelp (Get up to 10% off at Betterhelp.com/CITYCAST). 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

Devon Avenue is known as a cultural hub for South Asian Chicagoans. As folks celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, and traffic picks up in the neighborhood, we are checking in on some of the best Indian and Pakistani restaurants in the city. Eater Chicago editor Ashok Selvam tells host Jacoby Cochran what qualities he looks for in South Asian cuisine and his favorites.  Places mentioned: Tandoor Char House  Annapurna  Superkhana International Indienne The Coach House  King Sweets Art of Dosa  Udupi Palace Basant Kama Bistro Indian Garden  Indian House Nominate City Cast Chicago for best podcast and Hey Chicago for 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 Oct. 30 episode: Chicago Board of Election Commissioners 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

After the entire board resigned, Mayor Brandon Johnson quickly announced a new slate of school board members. All seven were sworn in on Thursday. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea talk about what happened during their first meeting, plus we've got a Congressional quiz and messages from our listeners.  Nominate City Cast Chicago for Best podcast and Hey Chicago for 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 Oct. 29 episode: Chicago Board of Election Commissioners 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

Mayor Brandon Johnson is set to give his budget address this week as the city stares down a nearly $1 billion gap for next year. One word we can almost guarantee you’ll hear is: pensions. Chicago currently owes over $37 billion to its four employee pension funds representing police officers, firefighters, municipal employees and laborers. Chicago’s pensions have been underfunded and in crisis for years now, but what does that really mean? We’re revisiting our conversation from last year with DePaul University’s Dr. Amanda Kass, who studies city pensions. She breaks down how the debt got so high and why the “crisis” narrative may be doing more harm than good. Good news: Chi-Soul Workshops  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: Chicago Board of Election Commissioners 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