City Cast Chicago

While gyms, yoga studios, and cycling classes might be packed at the beginning of the new year, by now it’s probably dropped off a little. Most of us can agree, It’s tough to work out and stay active, especially during the winter in Chicago. That’s why host Jacoby Cochran is talking with fitness director Seobia Rivers about her realistic guide to working out in the city. Looking for even more fitness options? Check out this guide on our website.Good news: Chicago Botanic Garden Orchid ShowWant 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 Feb. 6 episode: The Newberry – Use code CITYCAST for 10% off your class Klairmont Kollections Paramount Theatre – Use code CityCast for $5 off Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and whether you’re spending it on a date, with friends, or riding solo, we wanted to help out with some of the best places for a romantic dinner, themed cocktails, and mouthwatering desserts. Host Jacoby Cochran sits down with The Infatuation’s Adrian Kane and John Ringor who bring their favorite picks. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Good news: Lunar New Year Chinatown Parade & Argyle Lunar New Year CelebrationFollow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Feb. 5 episode: The Newberry – Use code CITYCAST for 10% off your class Klairmont Kollections Paramount Theatre – Use code CityCast for $5 off Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Big concentrations of mergansers, a type of duck, were found dead along Chicago beaches this weekend. Advocates suspect it’s bird flu. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss what this means for the city’s birds and the price of eggs. Plus, Mayor Brandon Johnson is outlining his priorities for 2025. The first nine people who become members today will receive a tote bag!Good news: “From Chicago, With Love” at Lakeshore Design LabWant 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 Feb. 4 episode: The Newberry – Use code CITYCAST for 10% off your class Klairmont Kollections Paramount Theatre – Use code CityCast for $5 off Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Property tax bills are headed to mailboxes in Cook County. The 2024 first installment taxes are due March 4. That makes it a good time to revisit our conversation from the fall with the Tribune’s A.D. Quig and the Illinois Answers Project Alex Nitkin about property tax basics and why Chicago is always complaining about them.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 Feb. 3 episode: The Newberry – Use code CITYCAST for 10% off your class Klairmont Kollections Paramount Theatre – Use code CityCast for $5 off Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Chicago communities are grappling with the increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement presence. Chalkbeat Chicago’s Reema Amin and Chicago Tribune’s Laura Rodriguez Presa explain how ICE makes arrests and how schools are responding. Plus, they talk about how Chicago students’ test scores compare nationally and the reopening of Sikia, Englewoods’s culinary student–led restaurant, after five years. Apply to be Hey Chicago’s newsletter editor.We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag.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 Jan. 31 episode: The Newberry – Use code CITYCAST for 10% off your class Klairmont Kollections Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, Theatre Week — There’s still plenty to do in Chicago during the shortest month of the year. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and producer Michelle Navarro are here with your best tips for February including best date spots and where to donate or volunteer around the city.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 January in Chicago, check out Hey Chicago’s take on what to do this month. City Cast Chicago’s guide to February is made possible by our awesome sponsors, The Newberry (use code CITYCAST for 10% of your class) and Klairmont Kollections. 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.

Sure, Chicago has a lot of great bars. But every Chicagoan knows that the best parties happen in a basement, especially if you have a home bar like Theresa “Mama T” Ferrell. Mama T’s impressive home cocktail skills have been making the rounds on TikTok thanks to her son, City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran. That’s why we’re getting Mama T’s best basement cocktail tips.We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag.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 Jan. 29 episode: The Newberry – Use code CITYCAST for 10% off your class Klairmont Kollections Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

 Top federal officials were out in Chicago this weekend as agents began arresting immigrants, making good on the Trump administration’s promise of a crackdown. The operations came after a chaotic week of fear following the inauguration and days after federal agents showed up at an elementary school in Back of the Yards, sparking a lot of confusion. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran breakdown what happened at Hamline Elementary. Plus, is the third time the charm for NASCAR this summer? Tell us what you LOVE about Chicago.We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag.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 Jan. 28 episode: The Newberry – Use code CITYCAST for 10% off your class Klairmont Kollections Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Dolton residents will be voting for mayor in just four weeks, and this small south suburban election might just be the wildest political story in Illinois right now. Current Mayor Tiffany Henyard — who’s also the Thornton Township supervisor — has been accused of mismanaging public funds (from a taxpayer funded trip to Las Vegas to a line item for the mayor’s stylist) and retaliating against political opponents. The acrimony has prompted multiple investigations, a failed recall effort, and all but halted progress in village meetings. NBC Chicago’s Regina Waldroup explains how these issues go beyond political chaos and actually affect the people of Dolton.Good News: Architecture and Design Film FestivalWe’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag.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 Jan. 27 episode: Babbel — Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST The Newberry — Use code CITYCAST for 10% off your class Klairmont Kollections Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

As threats of mass deportations in Chicago continue, we check in with WBEZ’s Adriana Cardona-Maguigad on how city officials, advocacy groups, and community members are preparing for the worst. Block Club Chicago’s Patrick Filbin also joins us to discuss a proposed housing development in Lincoln Park, a punk rock record label pushing for landmark status, and a 10-foot igloo!Good News: Jaja’s African Hair BraidingWe’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s only 7 minutes long. You’ll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag.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 Jan. 23 episode:Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCASTBecome a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE