Episodios

  • Not Enough Psych Beds, Still No CPS Leader, and 'Diary of a Black Illusionist'

    Not Enough Psych Beds, Still No CPS Leader, and 'Diary of a Black Illusionist'
    Dec 5 2025
    While Chicago Public Schools are preparing for winter break, the search for the next permanent CEO is ongoing. Last month it was reported, the school board was interviewing finalists. Now it is unclear where exactly the school board’s process to name the next head of CPS is. Chalk Beat Chicago’s Reema Amin is here with the latest. Blockclub Chicago’s Investigative Editor Crystal Paul breaks down what happens to individuals in Illinois who are declared mentally unfit to stand trial. Plus, newsrooms unite to challenge the feds, Diary of a Black Illusionist is Chicago’s next great magic show, and vote City Cast Chicago ‘Best Podcast of 2025.’ Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Dec. 4 episode: The Auditorium Dandelion Bev Ed Uniting Voices Chicago Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
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    37 m
  • Are These Chicago Holiday Traditions Overrated?

    Are These Chicago Holiday Traditions Overrated?
    Dec 4 2025
    Chicago is now fully in holiday mode, so we’re back with our holiday edition of the one-star review game! Host Jacoby Cochran quizzed Axios Chicago reporters Carrie Shepherd and Monica Eng last year. Can they guess these popular Chicago holiday attractions based on their one-star Yelp reviews? Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Dec. 4 episode: The Auditorium Dandelion Bev Ed Uniting Voices Chicago Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
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    24 m
  • What Makes a Chicago Restaurant Michelin-Worthy?

    What Makes a Chicago Restaurant Michelin-Worthy?
    Dec 3 2025
    Since the Michelin Guide arrived in Chicago back in 2010, only four restaurants have received a Michelin star. There are only 14 restaurants in North America, and as of just last month, there is only one in Chicago. Chicago Tribune’s restaurant critic, Louisa Chu, tells host Jacoby Cochran which restaurants are recently Michelin-recommended, what she thinks makes a restaurant worthy, and her favorites in the city. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Dec. 3 episode: The Auditorium Dandelion Bev Ed Uniting Voices Chicago Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
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    37 m
  • Snowiest November Day, Overnight Parking Ban, and Bears Rivalry Week

    Snowiest November Day, Overnight Parking Ban, and Bears Rivalry Week
    Dec 2 2025
    This weekend’s record-setting snowstorm also resulted in lots of flight cancellations and car accidents across the city. Plus, the winter overnight parking ban has gone into effect for more than 100 miles of main streets in Chicago. We’re also discussing the Bears better-than-expected season, the upcoming matchup with the Packers, and the sports bars you should have on your radar. Where to find the City Warming Centers Good News: Quilen Blackwell of Southside Blooms in "CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute" on Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this December 2nd episode: The Auditorium Dandelion Bev Ed Uniting Voices Chicago Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
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    24 m
  • Your Guide to December 2025 in Chicago

    Your Guide to December 2025 in Chicago
    Dec 1 2025
    Before we wrap up the year, we have your guide to December in Chicago. Digital marketing manager Jermaine Thomas is here with some tips for thriving in the cold. Hey Chicago newsletter editor Emmi Mack is bringing some holiday events to keep your calendar packed. And host Jacoby Cochran’s mind is on Chicago’s best new restaurants. 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 December in Chicago, check out Hey Chicago’s take on what to do this month. City Cast Chicago’s guide to December is made possible by our sponsors, The Auditorium, Dandelion Bev Ed, and Uniting Voices Chicago. 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
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    32 m
  • The Must-Buy Gift From Every City Cast City (Including Chicago!)

    The Must-Buy Gift From Every City Cast City (Including Chicago!)
    Nov 26 2025
    Join City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran alongside fellow hosts from Austin, DC, Denver, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh, Portland, Salt Lake, Seattle, and the Twin Cities for a special episode that’ll help you knock out your holiday shopping early and support small businesses around the country. From a handlebar mount (and app!) that’ll turn your phone into a bike cam, to a mustard-of-the-month subscription box, our hosts are here to tell the stories of local businesses in their cities making cool stuff that you can order online right now. Visit our website to find the full list of recommendations with links for holiday shopping! Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Learn more about the sponsors of this November 26th episode: Chicago Symphony Orchestra Joffrey Ballet Paramount Theatre Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
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    46 m
  • Will the Mayor Revisit Snap Curfew? Plus, Cook County Guaranteed Income and Thanksgiving Cold Front

    Will the Mayor Revisit Snap Curfew? Plus, Cook County Guaranteed Income and Thanksgiving Cold Front
    Nov 25 2025
    Nine teenagers were shot, including one who was killed, during two separate incidents Friday night in the Loop following the Millennium Park annual Christmas tree lighting. Host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro are discussing reported details, the Mayor’s response over the weekend, and renewed conversation about snap curfews in Chicago. Cook County passes $10 billion budget with money for a permanent guaranteed income program. Plus, what to know about Thanksgiving week in Chicago and where to find free meals. Also, listen to Michelle's essay in the latest episode of This American Life. Good News: Garfield Park “Merry and Brights”, Lincoln Park “Fireside” Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this November 25th episode: The Auditorium Chicago Symphony Orchestra Joffrey Ballet Paramount Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
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    27 m
  • 10 Years Since the Video That Changed Chicago

    10 Years Since the Video That Changed Chicago
    Nov 24 2025
    On November 24, 2015, dashcam footage of a Chicago police officer shooting and killing 17-year-old Laquan McDonald was made public after months and months of protests and investigative reporting. The story of his murder and the subsequent attempts by local officials to bury it continues to cast a shadow over Chicago a decade later. We are joined by the Invisible Institute’s Jamie Kalven and The Triibe’s Tonia Hill. Together, we reflect on the efforts of McDonald’s family, organizers, journalists, and eyewitnesses, who worked diligently to bring attention to McDonald’s murder and what happened after the video was released to the world. Good News: The Juju Exchange, The Spades Table, John Walt Day Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 24 episode: Auditorium Theatre Chicago Symphony Orchestra Joffrey Ballet Paramount Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
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    38 m