What to See on Chicago’s Legendary Route 66

In April, weather apps across Chicago showed alarming air pollution levels. But as it turns out, the air quality was actually fine. State climatologist and University of Illinois researcher Trent Ford tells executive producer Simone Alicea what happened and explains how air quality monitoring works in Chicago. 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 May 5 episode: Aura Frames — Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST The North Shore Center For the Performing Arts Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Introducing Hugh Howey: “I write for myself.” from Math & Magic: Stories from the Frontiers of Marketing with Bob Pittman.Follow the show: Math & Magic: Stories from the Frontiers of Marketing with Bob PittmanHugh Howey is an international best-selling author whose work has been published in 40 languages. But he’s not just a writer, he’s an entrepreneur in the purest sense. When Hugh self-published a short story, the world demanded more. Soon enough the income from that one story was enough to quit his job to begin work on what became the now-iconic Silo trilogy. Instead of going the traditional route with a publisher, Hugh stuck with his instinct to self-publish, disrupting an entire industry along the way. His conversation with Bob dives into the inspirations and the dollars behind his decision-making. Plus, he talks about turning Silo into the acclaimed AppleTV+ series, how he ended up in a performance of the Nutcracker, and the sailing trip he’s planning to take around the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

Executive Producer Simone Alicea discusses the mission and achievements of Women Employed with CEO Cherita Ellens and Executive VP of Policy Programs and Research, Sharmili Majmudar in this sponsored bonus episode. They highlight the organization's initiatives to improve economic equity for women, recent legislative successes in paid leave and salary transparency, and efforts to support women entrepreneurs through the Women Entrepreneurship Hub. They also cover the importance of equitable higher education funding and preview their upcoming signature fundraiser, the Working Lunch. If you enjoyed today's sponsored episode, learn more at Women Employed.

After hours of debate, a City Council committee delayed a vote on an ordinance that would allow public safety leaders to declare snap curfews in response to large teen gatherings downtown. Block Club’s Melody Mercado was there, and she tells executive producer Simone Alicea and Axios Chicago’s Carrie Shepherd what happened. They also discuss some of the president’s latest executive orders, questions that neighbors have about a shooting in West Loop, struggles in arts funding, and some concerts they’re looking forward to (hello, Cowboy Carter).  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 May 2 episode: Aura Frames - Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Cozy Earth - Use code COZYCHICAGO for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

From birdwatching, to labor protests, to farmers markets — we’ve got your monthly guide to May in Chicago. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and producer Michelle Navarro discuss their best tips for the month. 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 May in Chicago, check out Hey Chicago’s take on what to do this month. City Cast Chicago’s guide to May is made possible by our awesome sponsor, Aura Frames (get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST). 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 [email protected]

On this day 99 years ago, Route 66 was assigned its iconic number. The so-called Mother Road takes you all the way to California, but it begins in Chicago. So let’s take a little road trip. Host Jacoby Cochran gets in the car with Dario Durham and Sara Faddah, hosts of 77 Flavors of Chicago, to drive the Chicago leg of old Route 66. Along the way, they point out their favorite attractions, spots to eat, and see the city from a new perspective. Get more from City Cast Chicago when you become a City Cast Chicago Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm. 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 April 30 episode: Aura Frames — Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Last week, Sen. Dick Durbin announced that he will not seek reelection in 2026, after more than four decades in Congress. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran discuss Durbin’s reasons for ending his long political career and which names are likely to emerge as successors. Plus, we break down upcoming changes to Chicago’s library cards and hear from new City Cast Chicago neighbors. Good News: The Portal in Woodlawn and CatJam in Avondale. Want

Anna Lee Ackerman is trying to ride every CTA train line and hit every “L” stop in record time, documenting her journey on TikTok. Host Jacoby Cochran talks with her about how she’s planning her trip, why it’s worth doing, and her definitive (and possibly spicy) ranking of the city’s train lines. Get more from City Cast Chicago when you become a City Cast Chicago Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events, and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm 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 April 28 episode: Aura Frames — Get $ 35 off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

On the heels of a tough budget season, and with looming federal funding cuts, Mayor Branndon Johnson is hoping to get ahead of what is shaping up to be yet another grueling budget fight. On Monday, he signed an executive order launching a budget working group and a review of city spending. Alex Nitkin from the Illinois Answers Project explains how this could set the stage for difficult budget considerations like staffing and service cuts. Plus, we discuss high “bonuses” for ward aides, the city’s reparations task force, and this weekend’s Cherry Blossom festival. Good News: Off Beat Tour Get more from City Cast Chicago when you become a City Cast Chicago Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm 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 April 25 episode: Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Aura Frames – Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Moats Entertainment – Save $5 with code CityCast Paramount Theatre – Save $5 off each ticket with Code CityCast. Offer is good for up to 4 tickets  Cozy Earth – Use code COZYCHICAGO for 40% off best-selling sheets, towels, pajamas, and more. Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The Kehrein Center for the Arts is hosting a soldout “The Listening Field” this Sunday, dedicated to sound healing, meditation, and rest on Chicago’s West Side. We are joined by event producers Kori Coleman, the founder and executive director of D-Composed, and poet, songwriter, and musician Jamila Woods. We discuss what sound healing looks like for them, ways to get started at home, and how they blend Chicago poetry and classical music for a one-of-a-kind experience. 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 April 24 episode: Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Aura Frames – Get $35-off plus free shipping on the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Moats Entertainment – Save $5 with code CityCast Paramount Theatre – Save $5 off each ticket with Code CityCast. Offer is good for up to 4 tickets  Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE