City Cast Chicago

For over a week, Lurie Children’s Hospital has been without critical phone, email, and other communications networks as they deal with a cyberattack. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and WCIU TV host Brandon Pope are here with the latest details. Plus, we discuss an investigation into Chicago dollar stores, mockups of a South Loop Sox stadium, and the next tenant in Wicker Park’s landmark Noel State Bank. Good News: Jacoby is hosting The Moth Monday in Lincoln Park and Grown Folks Stories Thursday in Hyde 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: 773 780-0246Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Let’s be honest: Super Bowl Sunday is only partly about football. A lot of us are watching it just for the commercials. In the advertising world, it’s the biggest and most expensive opportunity to create a legendary commercial that will have the whole country’s attention. Chicago knows a thing or two about creating a classic commercial. From local jingles to iconic characters, host Jacoby Cochran and Axios reporter Justin Kaufmann remember some of Chicago’s greatest ads.Good News: Axios Chicago team tonight at the HideoutWant 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: 773 780-0246Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Mardi Gras is on Tuesday, but many Chicagoans know the holiday as Paczki Day. That’s because Chicago once had the largest Polish population outside of Warsaw, and their Fat Tuesday (and Thursday) pastry of choice was this cross between a classic donut and brioche bun with a cream or fruit filling. Host Jacoby Cochran and journalist Joanna Marszałek decided to avoid the Paczki Day lines and met up in Logan Square for a paczki taste test.Where We Went:  Bennison’s Bakery in Evanston Laramie Bakery and Deli in Belmont Cragin Polish Paczki Cafe in Norwood Park Other Suggestions: Racine Bakery in Garfield Ridge Weber’s Bakery in Garfield Ridge Delightful Pastries in Jefferson Park  Baranowski in Franklin Park Hanna's Bakery in Bloomingdale KD Market (several suburban locations) Good News: Lunar New Year CelebrationsWant 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: 773 780-0246Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

The Ventra app ran into some issues due to updates and changes to Metra’s fare structure, including reducing the number of fare zones and the end of the 10-ride ticket. Host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro talk about how riders are affected and run through important election dates. Plus, we listen to dating advice from Chicago matchmaker and dating coach Kara Laricks at Three Day Rule. Connect with Kara Laricks and join their free pool of singles Check out Nobody’s Darling“Please Date My Friend: A Night of Powerpoints” February 15 at the Color Club Some good news: Blue Door Neighborhood Center Black History Month celebrationWant 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: 773 780-0246Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Learn about the importance of local school councils in Chicago, their responsibilities, power dynamics, and the transition to an elected school board. Explore the decision-making power of councils, their involvement in recent news events, and the disparities in representation. Discover the value of getting involved with local school councils and how schools benefit neighborhoods as community hubs.

After weeks of back and forth in City Council and months of street protests, Chicago became the largest city in the country to pass a resolution calling for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza. Chalkbeat Chicago’s Samantha Smylie and The Triibe’s Tonia Hill are here to discuss the tense scene at City Hall this week and the dozens of student walkouts in support of the resolution. We are also discussing the Illinois Board of Education’s $11 billion budget proposal, the future of free pre-k in Chicago Public Schools, and the abrupt closure of Chatham’s movie theater. Plus, we’ve got some coupon tips and birthday wishes!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 our sponsors:Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Discover exciting events happening in Chicago during February including Black History Month activities at Chicago Public Libraries, a furniture exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry, and a Valentine's Day Dungeons and Dragons adventure at a local bar. Also, explore unique Valentine's Day activities like cockroach naming at the Brookfield Zoo and a love-themed film series at the Salt Shed. Learn about leap day trivia and upcoming episodes and events in the city.

Learn about the challenges faced by Englewood in opening full-service sit-down restaurants, including white flight, disinvestment, and red tape. Community members are determined to build restaurants despite the difficulties. Explore the history and struggles of Englewood, and the efforts to overcome barriers in opening businesses. Discover local favorites, support local businesses, and find out about upcoming events in Englewood's restaurant scene.

Migrants staying at city shelters will not be evicted this week as planned, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced Monday. Shelter stays have been extended at least through March. Meanwhile, the city is crunching the numbers on its annual count of people experiencing homelessness, which took place late last week. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea talk about what the announcement means and some of the shortcomings of the count. They also discuss names for Irving Park’s new eagle friend and City Cast Chicago’s pre-show event at Karaoke Storytellers on Sunday.Learn more about spotting bald eagles in Illinois.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: 773 780-0246Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

“Guaranteed” is a podcast about what happens when regular people receive direct cash assistance, known as guaranteed income. It’s a show about the choices people make, the dreams they pursue, and the impossible things that become a little more possible when their money is guaranteed. We’re featuring this episode about John, a minister, grandfather, military veteran, and former Freedom Rider who lives on the West Side of Chicago and is a participant in the guaranteed income pilot run by the City of Chicago.“Guaranteed” is created by Respair Production & Media and Eve L. Ewing, with support from the Economic Security Project.In case you missed it, go back and listen to our episode with “Guaranteed” host Eve L. Ewing about how guaranteed income works and the different programs around Chicago.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: 773 780-0246