City Cast Chicago

Why Are So Many Breweries Closing? Plus, Animal Control Controversy and Public Bathrooms

Acting head of Chicago Animal Care and Control, Susan Cappello, has been leading the department for three years and is Mayor Brandon Johnson’s pick for the permanent role. But her appointment has been met with vehement opposition from shelter volunteers and others in the animal care community. Ahead of an expected confirmation vote next week, host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea break down the controversy. Plus, why so many Chicago breweries are closing and digging into Chicago’s lack of public bathrooms. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Chance the Rapper in Court, Music Venues Struggling, and Chicago Spring Playlist

Why is Chance the Rapper and his former manager facing off in court? How are the city’s independent music venues performing financially? What Chicago music are you listening to currently? We’ve got freelance music journalist Britt Julious and co-founder of Real Ones Ben Moskow with us to break down these questions. Good News: Andersonville Restaurant Week Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our ⁠daily newsletter⁠. Follow us ⁠@citycastchicago⁠ You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: ⁠773 780-0246⁠ ⁠Become a member of City Cast Chicago⁠. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info ⁠HERE

Should Chicago Pay School Board Members? Plus, Portillo's Expansion Flopping

Once again, Illinois lawmakers are weighing whether to allow school districts to pay board members. Remember, Chicagoans will elect the entire CPS school board in November for the first time. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea weigh in on the debate. Plus, the entire City Cast Chicago team joins to discuss the Portillo’s national expansion and Simone’s first-ever visit to the beloved franchise. Good News: Early Voting at Chicago Universities Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Who’s Spending Big On Elections? Plus, Endangered Buildings and Favorite Parks

Which companies, super PACs, and industries are pumping the most money into our local elections? What sites made Preservation Chicago’s “Most Endangered Buildings” list? Host Jacoby Cochran is joined by executive producer Simone Alicea and contributor Leigh Giangreco to discuss, including what some of their favorite springtime parks across the city. Good News: Poet Laureate Celebration and Rooted and Radical Youth Poetry Finals Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

'Your City Could Be Better': What Chicago Needs To Know About Utah's Controversial 'Homeless Campus' Plan

Homelessness is one of the major issues that cities like Chicago are trying to solve. The state of Utah is planning to build a 16-acre homeless campus on the outskirts of Salt Lake City, where unhoused people with mental illnesses or addiction issues could be sheltered and in some cases involuntarily committed. This controversial idea is the brainchild of conservative think tanks, and it’s one that’s very much being embraced by the Trump administration and the Utah legislature. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Salt Lake podcast host Ali Vallarta about how this plan is meant to work, the concerns about forced institutionalization, and why the state is pushing for this even though it goes against the recommendations of local experts and service providers. Mentioned on the show: Interrogating Controversial Homeless Policy Proposals (City Cast Salt Lake) Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.