City Cast Chicago

Now that it’s officially fall, the City Cast team is going road tripping! Last year, host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, newsletter editor Sidney Madden, and marketing coordinator Jermaine Thomas each picked a direction and gave us their best road trip ideas. Whether you’re in it for the leaf peeping, tasty treats, a little fright, or a cozy vibe, we’ve got getaways for you!Good News: Birds, Bikes, and Beats at Big Marsh ParkWant 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 Sept. 26 episode: Paramount Theatre Navy Pier Wastenot — use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Whether it's because of the rise in remote work and solo traveling or simply a desire to try new things alone, cities like Chicago are seeing more solo diners. Freelance food writer Samantha Nelson tells host Jacoby Cochran her favorite spots and what makes Chicago a great place to dine by yourself. Restaurants mentioned: Robust Coffee Lounge in Woodlawn  Arami in West Town Lior’s Cafe in Roseland Hopleaf in Andersonville Quartino in River North Shake A Leg in Austin Irazu in Wicker Park  Warlord in Avondale Ramen-san (Multiple Locations) Cafecito (Multiple Locations) 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 Sept. 25 episode: Paramount Theatre Navy Pier Wastenot — use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

This weekend Mayor Brandon Johnson made good on a campaign promise when ShotSpotter was decommissioned. He has also reportedly asked CPS CEO Pedro Martinez to resign. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran are discussing these big moves. Plus, we are looking at the White Sox’s historically bad season and our last festival update of the season.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 Sept. 24 episode: Paramount Theatre Navy Pier Wastenot – use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Revolution Brewing Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Chicago Animal Care and Control cares for 400 to 500 animals daily. They also have seen increases in animal intake and euthanasia this year. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to CACC’s public information officer Armando Tejeda who tells us how the largest municipal animal shelter in the Midwest cares for Chicago’s animals and how you can help. Good news: The Moth StorySLAMWant 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 Sep. 23 episode: Paramount Theatre Navy Pier Wastenot – use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Twenty percent of Chicagoans identify as Mexican, according to a new UIC Great Cities institute report. We break down their findings with WBEZ’s Araceli Gomez Aldana and WTTW’s Joanna Hernandez. Plus, we are discussing National Voter Registration Day, the forthcoming Little Village Starbucks, and Vocalo’s Summer Finale concert at Millennium ParkGood News: World Dumpling Fest, Pilsen Community Books, Real Ones 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 Sept. 20 episode: Paramount Theatre Steppenwolf Theatre Chicago Cares Navy Pier Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Illinois is hosting a state flag design contest. That’s because the Illinois flag is forgettable at best, according to “Good Flag, Bad Flag” author Ted Kaye. Last year, he told host Jacoby Cochran what would make our state flag better.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: 773 780-0246If you enjoyed today's interview with Revolution Brewing's Director of Communications, John Carruthers, learn more here.Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 19 episode: Paramount Theatre Steppenwolf Theatre Chicago Cares Navy Pier Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The “Starbucks effect” is when property and home values rise after the second-largest restaurant chain in the world opens a new location. As Little Village prepares for a new Starbucks by the end of the week, residents and community activists are voicing their concerns. Chicago Tribune reporter Laura Rodriguez Presa tells host Jacoby Cochran how it could impact the city’s largest and most recognizable Mexican immigrant community.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: 773 780-0246If you enjoyed today's interview with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Events Performing Arts Programmer, Carlos Cuauhtemoc Tortolero, learn more here.Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 18 episode: Paramount Theatre Steppenwolf Theatre Chicago Cares Navy Pier Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

On Thursday, the city will release more information about efforts to combine Chicago’s existing homeless shelter system with the system for new arrivals. The public’s first look at the initial details of the plan comes after the city closed a Gold Coast homeless shelter used during the Democratic National Convention and announced the upcoming closure of three migrant shelters. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea break down what we know so far. Plus, we’ve got tips for enjoying tonight’s Harvest blood supermoon and this weekend’s festivals. We also announce the winner of our “most Chicago” thing bracket.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 Sept. 17 episode: Paramount Theatre Steppenwolf Theatre Chicago Cares Navy Pier Revolution Brewing Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Chicago’s Greyhound bus terminal could close as early as this week, despite transit advocates pushing the city to save the terminal before its lease ends in October. Nearly 500,000 riders rely on the terminal each year. Block Club Chicago reporter Quinn Myers explains how we got here and why Chicago could become the biggest city in the Northern Hemisphere without an intercity bus terminal. Good News: What’s Funny Comedy FestivalWant 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 Sept. 16 episode: Paramount Theatre Steppenwolf Theatre Chicago Cares Navy Pier Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

In August, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced a 2025 budget gap of $985 million dollars. He said Chicago would have to make sacrifices and find creative solutions. He left no options off the table including property tax hikes. This week the Johnson administration implemented a hiring freeze. WTTW’s Heather Cherone and Sun-Times’ Mariah Rush help us understand why the budget hole is so large and what potential solutions are available. Plus, we are discussing an environmental ruling against Trump Tower, a record $50 million police misconduct decision, and ongoing concerns with Save A Lot store operator Yellow Banana.Good News: Brookfield Zoo Helping Preserve Endangered Bird & Englewood Music Festival. 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: 773 780-0246If you enjoyed today's interview with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Events Performing Arts Programmer, Carlos Cuauhtemoc Tortolero, learn more here.Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 13 episode: Chicago Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Chicago Association of Realtors Wastenot – use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Aligner Experts Chicago Board of Election Commissioners Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE