City Cast Chicago

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 TourGet 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.fmWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn 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

Introducing Derek Thompson on AI, abundance, and human progress from Possible.Follow the show: Possible Why can the United States government help make a vaccine in a year but not build a high-speed train in a reasonable timeframe? What if our biggest problems—affordable housing shortages, energy limits, and scientific slowdowns—aren’t inevitable, but chosen?This week, Reid and Aria sit down with Derek Thompson—staff writer at The Atlantic and host of the podcast Plain English—to explore how a scarcity mindset is holding American society back. They cover how AI can revolutionize scientific discovery; what Operation Warp Speed got right; and why real progress depends on bold policy, not just better technology. Plus, Reid joins Derek in the hotseat for some “Too Much, Too Little, or Just Right?”—a game co-created with ChatGPT to discuss ideas in Derek’s new best-selling book, Abundance. For more info on the podcast and transcripts of all the episodes, visit https://www.possible.fm/podcast/ Select mentions: Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson“The Anti-Social Century” Every Cure co-founder Dr. David Fajgenbaum Topics:1:06 – Episode introduction2:34 – What year would Derek choose to be born and why?7:14 – What can AI do as a co-author that Ezra Klein can't, and what are Ezra's irreplaceable strengths?9:08 – AI's impact on the future of work — what AI can and can't do — and what the enduring role of humans will be.12:00 – The situation with current tariffs, and the potential fixes or silver linings.14:28 – Operation Warp Speed and other examples of abundance in the U.S. and beyond.19:39 – What specific government policies could effectively leverage AI to speed up the creation of abundance?22:40 – Midroll22:49 – Derek and Reid play a fun game based on Abundance: “Too much, too little, or just right?” 30:46 – What's needed to better incentivize scientific progress and foster innovation?39:22 – How could society and our relationship with technology be reframed to combat the loneliness epidemic?45:08 – Derek identifies specific policies that currently hinder abundance and suggests new ones that could promote it.49:45 – Rapid-fire QuestionsPossible is an award-winning podcast that sketches out the brightest version of the future—and what it will take to get there. Most of all, it asks: what if, in the future, everything breaks humanity's way? Tune in for grounded and speculative takes on how technology—and, in particular, AI—is inspiring change and transforming the future. Hosted by Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger, each episode features an interview with an ambitious builder or deep thinker on a topic, from art to geopolitics and from healthcare to education. These conversations also showcase another kind of guest: AI. Each episode seeks to enhance and advance our discussion about what humanity could possibly get right if we leverage technology—and our collective effort—effectively. 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.

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 @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this April 24 episode:Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCASTAura Frames – Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCASTMoats Entertainment – Save $5 with code CityCastParamount 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

Word on social media is Chicago’s funniest food duo is filming a second season of their show. We’re of course talking about “Poochie & Pang (eat Chicago),” starring Poochie from The Wiener’s Circle and longtime food critic Kevin Pang. While we wait to see what they’re eating this season, we’re revisiting a conversation host Jacoby Cochran had with the pair last fall about their Chicago food hot takes and the burgers they ate in season one.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.fmWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this April 23 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

As street festival organizers struggle with rising costs, a coalition is urging Chicagoans to donate at the gate this summer. Host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro discuss the hurdles facing the city’s (mostly) free street fests and the future of summertime Chi. Plus, new restaurant openings and how to get our new City Cast Chicago Neighbors mug. Good news: The Moth in Chicago: GrandSLAMWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this April 22 episode:Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCASTCozy Earth – Use code COZYCHICAGO for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more.Aura Frames – Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCASTMoats Entertainment – Save $5 with code CityCastParamount 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 

Kat Abughazaleh has garnered national attention for announcing her campaign challenging U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky in Illinois’ 9th Congressional District. But how does a 26-year-old who’s lived in Chicago less than a year win over voters in a district that’s been represented by the same person for nearly three decades? Host Jacoby Cochran sits down with Abughazaleh to learn more about her vision for the district covering Chicago’s Far North Side and north suburbs.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.fmWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this April 21 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 cod CityCast Paramount Theatre — Save $5 off each ticket with Code CityCast. Offer is good for up to 4 tickets Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The City Council this week held discussions about the future of hemp regulations, the mayor’s affordable housing plan, updates to the city’s curfew for minors, and whether Jan. 6 insurrectionists should be banned from city work, among other things. We ask The Triibe’s Corli Jay and the Chicago Tribune’s Jake Sheridan what came of these City Council meetings.Good News: Expo Chicago 2025Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this April 18th episode: Prolonlife.com/city – Use this link for 15% offBecome a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Losing a loved one to gun violence can be extremely isolating. But in Chicago, there are many ways communities come together to remember those who have been lost. Producer Michelle Navarro visited a healing vigil for survivors last weekend organized by Corniki Bornds, founder of the Help Understand Grief (HUG) support group. She talked with Bornds about why groups and events like this are important ahead of an upcoming memorial basketball game for her son, who was shot and killed eight years ago.Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this April 17 episode: Prolonlife.com/city - Use this link for 15% offBecome a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The people have spoken. With nearly 90% of the vote, the audience has crowned the winner of our March Madness Ultimate Chicago food bracket as none other than the Chicago Hot Dog. The City Cast Chicago team (reacts to the results) and revisit an earlier conversation breaking down the Chicago dog’s origins, their favorite places to grab one, and if it deserves all the hype.Spots mentioned: Jim’s Original The Wieners Circle Maxwell Street Grill Dan’s Hot Dogs Petey’s Gyros The Duck Inn Fixin Franks at Home Depot Vienna Beef Hall of Fame Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this April 16 episode: Prolonlife.com/city — Use this link for 15% offBecome a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Will Mayor Johnson’s affordable housing plan make it through City Council this week? Do you need a Real ID before the May 7 deadline? What are some of Chicago’s biggest foods according to Block Club Chicago? Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran answer these questions and more.Good News: Jackson Park Cherry BlossomsWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this April 15 episode: Prolonlife.com/city – Use this link for 15% off 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