Chicago’s domestic violence cases surged last year, even as overall violent crime dropped. BlockClub Chicago’s Mina Bloom, Borderless Magazine’s Katrina Pham, and host Jacoby Cochran are breaking down the latest numbers. Plus,  Ald. Vazquez and Fuentes want clarity on Welcoming City violations, CPS enrollment declines continue, and Chicago is under an extreme cold watch. 

Good News: Femdot's Ramova Show, “Oh, Mary!” coming to Chicago, and $33 Million Community Development Grants

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Jan. 23 episode: 

• Chicago Theater Week
• Broadway in Chicago
• Window Nation
• Teatro Zinzanni

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If you’re looking to quit Dry January right when it ends, or if you need a spot to hang out with non-Dry January friends, breweries are the perfect place. Chicagoland has one of the highest concentrations of breweries in the country. Executive producer Simone Alicea talked with Adam Drakulic, a local Brewery tour guide, in 2024 about Chicago’s brewing history and how to truly make the most of the craft beer scene.

Spots mentioned:

• Dovetail
• Begyle
• Forbidden Root
• Off Color 
• Revolution
• BiXi
• Corridor 
• Hopewell
• Marz
• District Brew Yards 
• Moody Tongue
• Turner Haus
• Solemn Oath Brewery

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Jan. 22 episode: 

• Chicago Theater Week
• Broadway in Chicago
• Window Nation
• Teatro Zinzanni

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Bally’s Chicago casino is seeking an extension on its construction deadline for its permanent site in River West. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss the latest news, including whether the city can buy back the parking meters after the infamous $1 billion deal that left Chicagoans feeling scammed. Plus, a look back at the Bears game and how this storybook season left the city feeling. 

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Jan. 21 episode: 

• Chicago Theater Week
• Broadway in Chicago
• Window Nation
• Teatro Zinzanni – Use code CITYCAST for $20 off tickets through Feb. 28

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Our video about “slashies” (bars-slash-packaged goods stores) really got you all debating about what “real” Chicagoans call things. Host Jacoby Cochran, social media manager Rick Homuth, and executive producer Simone Alicea debate whether “slashie” is a real thing and the popularity (or perceived popularity) of other Chicago slang terms.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Jan. 20 episode: 

• Chicago Theater Week
• Broadway in Chicago
• Window Nation
• Teatro Zinzanni – Use code CITYCAST for $20 off tickets through Feb. 28

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Earlier this week, Trump was once again threatening to withhold funding from Chicago and other sanctuary cities with stated commitments to protecting immigrants. We sat down with TV host Brandon Pope and South Side Weekly’s Alma Campos to discuss whether these threats will withstand ongoing legal challenges. Plus, Venezuelans migrants feel left in limbo, Fulton Market's business rents are skyrocketing, and the MSI’s newest exhibits are a must-visit. 

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Jan. 16 episode: 

• Museum of Contemporary Photography
• Chicago Restaurant Week
• Broadway in Chicago
• Window Nation

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Barnes & Noble, the last of the giant chain bookstores, is opening a massive flagship store downtown after the company’s Wicker Park location opened last year. Host Jacoby Cochran and host of “Happy To Be Here”, Greta Johnsen, discuss what this resurgence means for Chicago’s independent bookstores, where they get their books, and Greta’s picks from Chicago authors.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Jan. 15 episode:

• Museum of Contemporary Photography
• Chicago Restaurant Week
• Broadway in Chicago
• Window Nation

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Just because we are in the midst of Chicago winter doesn't mean you have to stay inside. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive director Simone Alicea, and producer Michelle Navarro talked last fall about all the food, drinks, and activities that cost 10 dollars or less.

Some lists and resources:

• Infatuation’s list of $10 meals
• Hey Chicago’s lists of cheap eats downtown and free things in Chicago
• Laura Keene’s spreadsheet of $8 cocktails 

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Jan. 14 episode: 

• Museum of Contemporary Photography
• Chicago Restaurant Week
• Broadway in Chicago
• Window Nation

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Last week, the Chicago Public Schools’ Office of the Inspector General released its annual report, which included investigations into cases of pandemic relief fraud, financial mismanagement, and sexual abuse and misconduct. Producer Michelle Navarro and host Jacoby Cochran discuss the findings. Plus, we’re reliving the Bears' historic playoff comeback and talking about our favorite spots during Chicago Restaurant Week. Check out Paige Serena’s Restaurant Week spreadsheet. 

Good News: Tomorrow Never Knows at Ramova

This episode mentions sexual assault, so please take care when listening.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Jan. 13 episode: 

• Museum of Contemporary Photography
• Chicago Restaurant Week
• Broadway in Chicago
• Window Nation

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The 2026 Primary Elections are right around the corner. So we’re talking about the biggest races we’re watching, including the contest for U.S. Senate, the county board president’s race, and the future of property tax assessments. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran also break down historic retirements in their congressional districts.

Good News: The Moth at The Den

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Jan. 12 episode: 

• Museum of Contemporary Photography
• Chicago Restaurant Week
• Broadway in Chicago
• Window Nation

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The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability held a meeting this week to hear testimony from Chicagoans about federal immigration enforcement over the past six months. We talk about the latest news with Block Club Chicago’s Francia Garcia Hernandez and The Triibe’s Corli Jay, including a teen curfew advancing in the City Council, an affordable housing initiative in North Lawndale, indoor farmers markets, and how you can help families impacted by ICE. Plus, we share predictions for the Bears' playoff game against our rivals. 

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Jan. 9 episode: 

• Chicago Restaurant Week
• Teatro Zinzanni – Use code CITYCAST for $20 off tickets through Feb. 28

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As the federal funding outlook for child care and educational programs looks more and more uncertain, we decided to visit the after-school program at Carole Robertson Center for Learning’s Albany Park site. As the center celebrates its 50th anniversary, host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro ask some of the kids in the program what they think Chicago adults should know, and they talk to staffers about why these programs are important.

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You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246

Learn more about the sponsors of this Jan. 8 episode: 

• Chicago Restaurant Week
• Teatro Zinzanni – Use code CITYCAST for $20 off tickets through Feb. 28

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Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE