Podcast
City Cast Chicago
Hosted by City Cast · EN
Chicago’s daily news podcast, fresh every weekday morning. Host Jacoby Cochran brings you timely conversations with news and culture makers; activists and artists; bus drivers and students; those who love and hate this place. City Cast Chicago is a smart and delightful new way to connect with the city we share. Learn more and subscribe to our newsletter at chicago.citycast.fm.
Named Best Podcast by Chicago Reader 2022
110episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Why Are More Young People Moving to Chicago? Plus, How To Recycle Your Electronics
5d ago00:38:09Tap to summarizeWhile cleanup at Grant Park is ongoing following a massive, rain-soaked Lollapalooza, Mayor Johnson called this year’s festival “the prelude of what’s to come… the top destination for college graduates is Chicago.” We are joined by contributors Yareni Murillo and Pj Walker to dive into why more young people are moving to Chicago. Plus, a west side nonprofit is making it easier to recycle old electronics, and the iconic Rainbow Cone is celebrating 100 years. Good News: Kehlani, Northalsted Market Days, and Chicago Vintage Festival 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 6 episode: Lincoln Park Zoo Visit Bloomington Chicago Public Library Destination Madison DCASE Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Transcribe →Cook County Ups Healthcare Relief. Plus, Ariana Grande Supports ALMA Chicago
6d ago00:29:08Tap to summarizeOver 200,000 Cook County residents are at risk of losing their healthcare coverage by 2028. In response, Cook County is planning to spend its highest amount on charity care in a decade. Contributors Brandon Pope and Anna DeShawn join us today. Plus, Ariana Grande’s tour is highlighting local organizations and theater productions to see: Continuum, South Side Stories, Theater of the Mind, and How We Got On Good News: LatiNxt Festival 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 5 episode: Lincoln Park Zoo Visit Bloomington Chicago Public Library Destination Madison DCASE Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Transcribe →Why It’s Totally Worth Visiting Every Chicago Neighborhood
1w ago00:38:30Tap to summarizeToday we’re talking with Chicagoans who have made it their mini-mission to visit every community area. And they have all taken very different approaches. Viral Mistry is visiting every public library branch. Kate Golembiewski is grabbing a cup of coffee in each community area. Joabe Barbosa recently finished running all 4000 miles of Chicago public streets. Good News: Pierogi Fiesta 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: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 4 episode: Lincoln Park Zoo Visit Bloomington Chicago Public Library Destination Madison DCASE Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Transcribe →School Board Passes Amended Budget. Plus, Vote on Park Improvements
1w ago00:34:11Tap to summarizeLast week, Chicago’s school board voted 11-7 to pass an amended $10 billion budget. To avoid hundreds of layoffs, the board budgeted for an additional $150 million in state funding that has yet to be secured. Contributors Brandon Pope and Leigh Giangreco explain what this means for the district’s finances moving forward. Plus, the Chicago Park District wants you to vote on how they should spend $500,000, and how we’re feeling about the first half of summertime Chi. 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 If you enjoyed today's interview with the Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Kenya Merritt, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 3 episode: Lincoln Park Zoo Visit Bloomington Chicago Public Library Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Transcribe →New Mayoral Candidates, More Grocery Closures, and Chicago’s Rainy Summer
2w ago00:36:14Tap to summarizeOn Tuesday, candidates hoping to get on February’s ballot were able to start gathering nominating petitions. That includes folks who want to run for police district council, city council, city clerk, city treasurer, and of course, mayor. The Chicago Tribune’s Jake Sheridan and freelance journalist Corli Jay discuss the latest. Plus, how Chicago’s rainy summer is impacting residents, and Mayor Brandon Johnson responds to shuttered Save-A-Lot locations on the South and West Sides. Good News: North Lawndale Arts Fest, Morgan Park Roots Fest 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 31 episode: Broadway In Chicago - The Notebook Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Transcribe →Your Guide to August 2026 in Chicago
2w ago00:36:52Tap to summarizeAugust in Chicago is packed with reasons to visit all corners of the city, including the Bud Billiken Parade, Northalsted Market Days, the Crosstown Classic, and more. Here’s your guide to getting the most out of the month. 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 30 episode: Broadway In Chicago - The Notebook Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Transcribe →CPS Budget Woes, Chi's Best Chicken Wings, and the Esteem Awards
2w ago00:30:25Tap to summarizeThe Board of Education is scheduled to vote tomorrow on a Chicago Public Schools budget plan that would lay off 760 teachers and 801 teacher aides, in addition to the 162 central office and citywide staff that have already been laid off. Contributors Anna DeShawn and Brandon Pope join us to talk about why the district is proposing this, plus the 19th annual Esteem Awards, and how to celebrate National Chicken Wing Day in the Windy City. Good News: Boxville Battle of the Wings 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 29 episode: Broadway In Chicago - The Notebook Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Transcribe →Chicago Renter Protections, Edgewater Restricts E-Scooters, and Lollapalooza Weekend
2w ago00:33:43Tap to summarizeRight now, Chicago’s City Council is weighing exactly how to update the city’s 40-year-old Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance. There are two competing visions: one from the mayor and the other from a bloc of alderpeople. Host Jacoby Cochran and creative producer Michelle Navarro are discussing the key differences between the two proposals. Plus, e-scooters are being restricted in Edgewater, and Lollapalooza weekend is back in Chicago. Good News: String Fellow Quartet , Marvin Gaye Tribute , Slide 2 The Stu 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, July 28th episode: Broadway In Chicago - The Notebook Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Transcribe →Why Chicagoans Feel Like Crime Is Up. Plus, Archdiocese Sues Accusers
2w ago00:35:02Tap to summarizeA new study from NORC at the University of Chicago indicates many Chicagoans feel like violent crime rates are rising even though the data doesn't support it. We dig into why that is with contributors Adora Namigadde and Brandon Pope. Plus, we break down a countersuit from the Archdiocese of Chicago, and take the City Cast landmarks quiz. Good News: Sky vs. Sun, Sky vs. Aces 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, July episode: Broadway In Chicago - The Notebook Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Transcribe →Can Chicago Save Save-A-Lot Stores? Plus, Safety Net Hospitals Are Struggling
3w ago00:36:12Tap to summarizeSeven Save-A-Lot grocery stores across the South and West Sides could close their doors as early as Saturday if Yellow Banana, the company that owns and operates them, can’t find new funding. Block Club Chicago’s Atavia Reed is here with the latest. Plus, WBEZ’s Kristen Schorsch joins us to detail the ongoing legal battles surrounding the recently shuttered West Suburban Hospital and provide a temperature check on Chicago’s struggling safety net hospitals. Good News: 5th Annual Words of Wonder Literary Festival!, Roots: “The Brunch Experience” 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 24 episode: Visit Bloomington Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
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