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
Mayor’s Transit and Public Health Picks. Plus, ‘Love Island’ Mania and Chicago’s Next Hit Show
Jul 900:36:41Tap to summarizeToday we’re talking about some new appointments coming out of the Johnson administration, including a new Public Health Commissioner and transit board members. We break down the nominations with executive producer Simone Alicea and contributor Yareni Murillo. Plus, where to watch “Love Island” in Chicago and our pitches for the next big Chicago-based TV series. 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 9 episode: Visit Bloomington Chicago Public Library Lincoln Park Zoo DCASE Newberry Library Randolph Street Market Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Transcribe →Is Chuy Garcia Controlling Congressional Race? Plus, a Visit to Feld
Jul 800:34:45Tap to summarizeU.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (4th) has been accused of thumbing the political scales in favor of his chosen successor. In November, Garcia dropped out of the race just before the candidacy submission deadline, leaving his chief of staff, Patty Garcia, as the only Democratic candidate on the ballot. Now, independents in the race say the elder statesman is creating even more campaign hurdles. We discuss the details with contributors Leigh Giangreco and Anna Deshawn. Plus, the Obama Presidential Center celebrates queer history all year long, and host Jacoby Cochran reviews Chicago’s newest Michelin-starred restaurant, Feld. 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 Wednesday, July 8 episode: Visit Bloomington Chicago Public Library Lincoln Park Zoo DCASE Newberry Library Randolph Street Market Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Transcribe →Why Massage Parlors Are Getting Raided in the 12th Ward
Jul 700:42:05Tap to summarizeTwo illicit massage parlors on Archer Avenue were raided within weeks of each other — including one next door to 12th Ward Ald. Julia Ramirez’s office. Creative producer Michelle Navarro lives in the ward and has noticed the proliferation of sketchy-looking establishments in her neighborhood. She and host Jacoby Cochran ask Ramirez what’s happening at these “spas,” why there are so many in the area, and who’s responsible for regulating them. Plus, they discuss how the Moving Archer Forward project fits into all of this. Good news: Chicago Latin Jazz 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 7 episode: Visit Bloomington Chicago Public Library Lincoln Park Zoo DCASE Newberry Library Randolph Street Market Water Lantern Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Transcribe →Who Will Replace Retiring Police Chief? Plus, Chicago's New Gayborhood?
Jul 600:33:12Tap to summarizeThe Chicago Police Department will be without a permanent police superintendent starting July 15, as current superintendent Larry Snelling announced his retirement late last week. We break down Snelling’s tenure and Mayor Brandon Johnson’s potential timeline with Araceli Gomez-Aldana and Leigh Giangreco. Plus, the number of same-sex couples on the Far Southeast Side is growing, and we’ve got even more good news for you. Good News: Karaoke Storytellers, Argyle Night Market 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 6th episode: Visit Bloomington Chicago Public Library Lincoln Park Zoo DCASE Newberry Library Randolph Street Market Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Transcribe →'Your City Could Be Better': The Ultimate USA Trivia Battle. How Much Do You Know? — Presented By City Cast Chicago
Jul 300:25:01Tap to summarizeSee if your Chicago knowledge serves you well! In the first-ever Your City Could Be Better trivia episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz goes head to head with journalist and historian Alexandra Petri to see who knows more about U.S. history, geography, and celebrities ahead of the country’s semiquincentennial. Sean McPherson, trivia wiz and City Cast Twin Cities host, leads four riveting rounds of questions covering everything from The Declaration of Independence to the hottest college rivalries, and all 13 City Cast cities make an appearance. See how you stack up! Mentioned on the show: Trivia Mafia website and locations Alexandra Petri's US History: Important American Documents (I Made Up) Milwaukee's block of Frank Lloyd Wright - Atlas Obscura 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.
Transcribe →What Is a Tenant Bill of Rights? Plus, Cold Treats For the Heat
Jul 200:28:37Tap to summarizeThis week, Mayor Brandon Johnson pitched the Protecting Renter’s Ordinance, which the city calls a “comprehensive modernization” of Chicago's 40-year-old residential landlord and tenant law. We break down the details with contributors Jill Hopkins and Leigh Giangreco. Plus, the Obama Presidential Center announces “The People’s Fourth,” and we’re talking go-to treats for those 90-degree days. Good News: Mandala Arts Red Line Project 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 2 episode: Writer's Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Transcribe →Your Guide to July 2026 in Chicago
Jul 100:38:44Tap to summarizeAs summer really takes off, the food fests, fireworks shows, and WNBA All Star Weekend have us really excited for July. Here’s your guide to getting the most out of the month. Also included: a breakdown of the mayoral petition process and ‘what’s in our bags.’ Good News: Pride South Side 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 Wednesday, July 1 episode: Writer's Theatre Enjoy Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Transcribe →Extreme Heat, Indiana Fireworks, and 'The Bear' Finale
Jun 3000:36:36Tap to summarizeExtreme heat warnings, corn sweat, and potential thunderstorms could make this the most volatile weather week of the summer so far. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran have tips to beat the heat. Plus, thousands of Chicagoans will be making that annual trip to Northwest Indiana this week for fireworks, and thousands more will be bingeing the final season of “The Bear.” So, we went ahead and did both! Good News: Offsite for Fatimah Asghar's Daughter of the Mountains 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 1 episode: Writer's Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Transcribe →Seriously, More Parking Meter Drama? Plus, More Mayoral Candidates
Jun 2900:39:04Tap to summarizeChicago’s infamous parking meters are up for sale. In a City Council committee meeting last week, alders got more insight into the mayor’s earlier bid to buy them back. We also heard from representatives of the prospective buyers. Host Jacoby Cochran is breaking down the contentious meeting with contributors Leigh Giangreco and Al Scorch. Plus, another day, another candidate for mayor, and y’all have got some corrections and recommendations for me. Good News: Big Cheese Poetry Slam; Big Kids Show 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 June 29 episode: Writer's Theatre Water Lantern Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Transcribe →How Quantum Is Already Changing the South Side. Plus, Heat Wave Approaching
Jun 2600:32:49Tap to summarizeEarlier this month, Advocate Health Care broke ground on a new hospital at the south end of the forthcoming 440-acre Quantum Shore Campus. The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park has already started construction at the former U.S. Steel South Works site. This $9 billion, 128-acre tech campus is backed by major public and private partners and is set to reshape the southeast side. A new multimedia investigative series, “Quantum Entanglements,” is peeling back the layers to discover how this highly speculative technology is already transforming the community. We are joined by cohosts Damon A. Williams and Daniel Kisslinger. Good News: Shedd Aquarium Action Days: Saturday at Calumet Beach 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 June 26 episode: Visit Bloomington Destination Madison Writers Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Transcribe →