City Cast Chicago

Earlier this week, former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, once the most influential politician in the state, was found guilty of bribery, conspiracy, and other corruption charges following a four-month trial and two weeks of deliberation. We’ve got WCIU TV host Brandon Pope and Block Club Chicago’s Jamie Nesbit Golden reacting to this historic conviction, including the juror's split verdict. Plus, the city prepares to lose community clinics in Uptown and Englewood, Beyonce adds a third Chicago tour date, and we’re loving one North Lawndale neighbor’s ice cream dreams.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. 14 episode: The Newberry - Use code CITYCAST for 10% off your class TimeLine Theatre Company Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Chicago Animal Care and Control is having its annual “Love is in the Air” adoption event which offers fee-waived adoptions. The municipal shelter cares for 400 to 500 animals daily and in 2024, they saw an increase in animal intake and euthanasia. Last year, host Jacoby Cochran talked to CACC public information officer Armando Tejeda, who told us how the largest municipal animal shelter in the Midwest cares for Chicago’s animals and how you can help. 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. 13 episode: The Newberry – Use code CITYCAST for 10% off your class TimeLine Theatre Company Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

More and more restaurants and bars are going cashless, meaning you must have a card or a phone to pay your bill. But many of Chicago’s most beloved spots are not only bucking the trend, they are committed to staying cash-ONLY. City Cast Contributor Leigh Giangreco spoke with restaurant owners to learn more.Good News: Crying at the Shed Film 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 Feb. 12 episode: The Newberry – Use code CITYCAST for 10% off your class TimeLine Theatre Company Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Episode Description: Months after the city ended its contract with gun detection technology ShotSpotter, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration is searching for its replacement. Host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro explain replacement requirements and technology the city is already testing out. Plus, we talk about the new neighborhood map reimagined by residents and what places we are looking to check out for Black Restaurant Week. 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. 11 episode: The Newberry – Use code CITYCAST for 10% off your class TimeLine Theatre Company Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

When an individual has bad credit, it might be harder to rent an apartment, buy a car, or get a loan. But what happens when a city or state has a low credit rating? After one agency downgraded Chicago’s rating and as the governor prepares to make his budget address next week, host Jacoby Cochran talks with DePaul University professor Amanda Kass about how municipal credit ratings work, why Chicago is close to “junk” status, and what it says about the city’s financial health.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. 10 episode: The Newberry – Use code CITYCAST for 10% off your class TimeLine Theatre Company Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

On Thursday, the Justice Department announced it is suing the city and state alleging “sanctuary laws” are impeding ICE investigations. Host Jacoby Cochran sits down with WTTW’s Amanda Vinicky and Heather Cherone to discuss the details of the lawsuit. Plus, Mayor Johnson is heading to Congress, women’s soccer reaches an investigation settlement, and Black restaurant week begins this weekend.Good News: 7th Annual Cultural Jam, Bridgeport Records Detroit Techno, Val’s Halla Pop Up Record StoreWant 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. 7 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

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