City Cast Chicago

If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a million times. Chicagoans are frustrated with public transit. Common concerns include cleanliness, safety, and schedule accuracy. Unfortunately, while CTA says it is working hard to “meet the moment” and address rider concerns, the number of trains and buses running each day is still far below pre-pandemic numbers with some routes experiencing 30% cuts. The Chicago Tribune’s Sarah Freishtat has been digging into the numbers and she explains why public transit is struggling to rebound. 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 sponsor(s) of this show:Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Earlier this week, Mayor Brandon Johnson gave his first-ever budget address at City Council. To help break down the details of his $16.6 billion budget proposal are WBEZ city hall reporter Mariah Woelfel and Axios reporter Carrie Shepherd. We are also looking at the highly anticipated start of former Ald. Ed Burke’s corruption trial, Metra’s 2024 budget proposal, and a Texas charity responsible for flying thousands of asylum-seekers to Chicago. Plus, Friday the 13th gets us into the Halloween spirit, and we’re checking out Chicago Architecture Center’s Open House.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: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

With news of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s first-ever city budget proposal, the City Cast Chicago team thought it was time to revisit one of their favorite challenges: enjoying a fun, eventful day in Chi for under $50. Host Jacoby Cochran, lead producer Simone Alicea, marketing coordinator Jermaine Thomas, and former City Cast-er Carrie Shepherd discuss what their perfect Chicago days look like on a budget and decide who had the best day.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 sponsor(s) of this show:Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Chicago is home to dozens of culinary creations, and the jibarito is by far one of the best. Imagine a juicy steak sandwich with lettuce, tomato, garlic aioli, and instead of bread, two smashed and fried green plantains. Despite the mouthwatering description, host Jacoby Cochran had never tried the Puerto Rican masterpiece. So we grabbed three different sandwiches and made our way to Humboldt Park alongside local performer and community organizer Marisol “Pinqy Ring” Velez. We tasted the sandwiches, without knowing who made them, and decided who had Chicago’s best jibarito.   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 sponsor(s) of this show:Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

The director of Illinois’ Department of Children and Family Services, Marc Smith, has announced he will resign at the end of the year. Throughout Smith’s four and a half years, the agency has faced increased scrutiny for inadequate care, poor transparency, and inappropriate child placements. Lead producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran look back on Smith’s tenure and discuss what’s ahead for the next department leader. We are also breaking down what you need to know about fall vaccines, FEMA flood relief, and local assistance. And we're enjoying a really cool podcast milestone!The 59th Chicago International Film Festival begins Wednesday nightWant 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 sponsor(s) of this show:Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Despite complaints from riders about unreliable service, CTA President Dorval Carter’s pay has only climbed during his eight years on the job. The Tribune’s A.D. Quig and writer Evan Moore talk with host Jacoby Cochran about Carter’s tenure, get into the numbers of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s plan to tax high-end real estate sales, and discuss the future of Chicago’s soccer fandom after one of the sport’s biggest stars missed an appearance at Soldier Field. Plus, we show some love to the businesses on 75th Street, Chicago’s role in hip-hop, and a 104-year-old skydiver.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: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Despite a new report showing the city’s arts organizations are still hurting from the pandemic, there is still plenty of theater to check out this fall. Chicago Reader theater and dance editor Kerry Reid is back with host Jacoby Cochran to talk about shows you have to check out and give an update on how the theater scene is recovering.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: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

A lot of Chicagoans will always know the Macy’s on State Street simply as Marshall Field’s. That’s because the department store and others like it played a huge role in shaping the city and American shopping habits at large. Ahead of the Elmhurst History Museum’s “Lost Chicagoland Department Stores” exhibit opening Friday, author and curator Leslie Goddard tells host Jacoby Cochran what the history can tell us about the future of Chicago retail.Good News: Final Weekend of the Asian Pop-Up Cinema at AMC New City in Old TownWant 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: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Chicago schools that implemented restorative justice practices a decade ago have seen big reductions in suspensions and student arrests, a recent study from the University of Chicago found. Host Jacoby Cochran and lead producer Simone Alicea discuss how changes in CPS’ approach to discipline impacts students. They also hear your thoughts on camping versus glamping and dissect the New York Times’ latest “36 Hours in Chicago” travel guide.Some good news: Latin Restaurant WeekWant 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: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Less than 10% of Chicago’s waste is recycled, according to a recent Tribune report. Meanwhile, other cities boast rates of 70% or more. Axios’ Monica Eng has been covering the city’s waste management struggles for years. She tells host Jacoby Cochran what’s driving Chicago’s abysmal recycling rates and offers some tips for all of us to do 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: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE