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City Cast Chicago

City Cast

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

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52 episodes
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Avg 36 min
English

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Friday · 35 min
More Chicagoans Can’t Afford Food. Plus, Fall Storefront Theater
This year, Chicagoans have seen more grocery stores close on the South and West Sides, SNAP benefits stripped from tens of thousands of households, and food prices continue to rise. Sun-Times health reporter Elvia Malagon joins us to discuss how this is all contributing to an increasingly food-insecure Chicago. Plus, WBEZ’s arts and culture reporter Mike Davis is in the building with the must-see storefront productions during Chicago’s fall theater season. The 2026 Hunger in Chicago Report Good News: Celebrating Chaka Khan 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 Sept. 18 episode: Broadway in Chicago - Dirty Dancing Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Chicago Exhibition Weekend Kowalski AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Thursday · 39 min
Who Owns the Word 'Dope'? Plus, Chicago's Divviest Summer Ever
Today we’re talking about a local historian’s fascinating copyright battle, the rise of microcinemas and film clubs, and the ‘Divvyfication’ of Chicago. We are joined by contributors Jill Hopkins and PJ Walker. Shows: Pop Quiz Hot Show, I Said What I Said, Storyfest Good News: Build Coffee Writing Workshop, The Kick Off Open Mic, Proud and Loud: 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 Sept. 17 episode: Broadway in Chicago - Dirty Dancing Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Chicago Exhibition Weekend Kowalski Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Wednesday · 34 min
Who’s Building Guerrilla Bus Benches in Ukrainian Village? Plus, Fall in the Air
A neighborhood group is building bus benches in Ukrainian Village. But will the city remove the unauthorized infrastructure? Executive producer Simone Alicea and contributors Yareni Murillo and Anna DeShawn discuss the need for benches and shelters. Plus, it’s Bisexual Visibility Week, and autumn is nearly here. Good News: Rooted in Recovery 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 Sept. 16 episode: Broadway in Chicago - Dirty Dancing Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Chicago Exhibition Weekend Kowalski Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Tuesday · 49 min
Who’s All Running For Mayor? Plus, Live From Printers Row
Mayor Brandon Johnson has officially announced his campaign for a second term in office. He enters alongside more than a dozen challengers, including a Cook County board commissioner, secretary of state, county treasurer, and a congressperson. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran are running through the full list of candidates. Plus, we hear from City Cast Chicago readers and listeners, and have a special segment from our Printers Row Lit Fest panel. Good News: See Jacoby Live at Storyfest 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 Angela Cummings, Executive Director, AFSP Illinois Chapter, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 15 episode: Broadway in Chicago - Dirty Dancing Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Chicago Exhibition Weekend Kowalski AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Monday · 28 min
City Expands Free Narcan. Plus, Best of Open House Chicago
Chicago’s Department of Public Health has worked diligently in recent years to expand access to free Naloxone/Narcan, the opioid overdose drug. You can find it at Chicago Public Library locations, in vending machines at various train stops, and recently in retrofitted newsboxes. We talk with contributors Jill Hopkins and Adora Namigadde about the city’s latest initiative to save lives. Plus, what is the Illinois End-of-Life Options Act, and what’s new at Open House Chicago? Good News: Englewood Jazz 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 Sept. 14 episode: Steppenwolf Theatre Broadway in Chicago - Dirty Dancing CAC Walking Tours Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Chicago Exhibition Weekend Kowalski Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
September 11 · 39 min
Could White Sox Really Leave Bridgeport? Plus, Mexican Independence Celebrations
Over the weekend, White Sox minority owner Justin Ishbia released stadium renderings that confirmed the team is considering a move to the South Loop and also assisting Amtrak’s proposed facility relocation and expansion to Bridgeport. Neighborhood groups, local officials, and some fans have weighed in, calling it a double dose of devastating news for the community economically and environmentally. We are joined by Block Club Chicago’s Jame Nesbitt-Golden and Axios Chicago’s Justin Kaufmann to break down the latest details. Plus, we lay out our biggest concerns heading into the Bears' season opener, and talk traffic preparation for Mexican Independence Day celebrations. Good News: Stevie Wonder Tour, Noname, Printers Row Lit 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 Friday, September 11th episode: Steppenwolf Theatre Broadway in Chicago - Dirty Dancing CAC Walking Tours DCASE AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
September 10 · 39 min
Big Marsh Celebrates 10 Years. The Oprah Winfrey Show Celebrates 40.
As Big Marsh Park prepares to officially celebrate ten years on the South East side, the park has cut the ribbon on new bike features on the nearly 300-acre site. We are joined by contributors Al Scorch and PJ Walker to discuss the history and growing legacy of BMP. Plus, it's Self Care Awareness Month, and we’re recognizing over 40 years of The Oprah Winfrey Show. Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, September 10th episode: Steppenwolf Theatre Broadway in Chicago - Dirty Dancing CAC Walking Tours DCASE AFSP Illinois 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
September 9 · 37 min
Loop Restaurants Resurging, Chicago’s Climate Resilience, And Meet Us At Lit Fest
A 2026 study has ranked Chicago as the ‘World’s Most Climate Resilient’ major city. After a summer of torrential storms, tornado warnings, and wildfire smoke, we ask contributors Anna DeShawn and Leigh Giangreco how much they are buying that headline. Plus, after years of pandemic recovery efforts, Loop restaurants seem to be bouncing back, and we’ve got even more recommendations for this weekend’s Printer’s Row Lit Fest. Check out the podcast on YouTube 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 Sept. 9 episode: Steppenwolf Theatre Broadway in Chicago - Dirty Dancing CAC Walking Tours DCASE AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
September 8 · 36 min
Mayor Johnson Answers Your Toughest Questions
As Mayor Brandon Johnson prepares to make a big announcement about his “political future” on Sunday, Sept. 13, we visited City Hall for a one-on-one interview. Thanks to the City Cast Chicago audience, we had plenty of questions to ask spanning budget season, data centers, and more. By the way, did you know we’re on YouTube? Just saying, you might want to check out the video for this one. Good News: El Grito, 79th St. Renaissance Festival, German American Oktoberfest 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 Sept. 8 episode: Steppenwolf Theatre Broadway in Chicago - Dirty Dancing CAC Walking Tours DCASE AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
September 4 · 33 min
Former Loretto Exec Finally In Court. Plus, Does Chicago Have an Alderman Problem?
Former Loretto Hospital COO Anosh Ahmed was finally in federal court this week, where he pleaded not guilty to defrauding the safety-net hospital and federal government. Block Club Chicago’s Manny Ramos is here with the latest. Plus, Tatyana Najee joins the podcast to discuss her digital series exploring Chicago’s 50 alders. Good News: Midnight Circus 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 Sept. 4 episode: Paramount Theatre Chicago Exhibition Week AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
September 3 · 43 min
Washington Park Mass Shooting, Ye & North in Chicago, and Printers Row Lit Quiz
Today we are joined by contributors Jill Hopkins and Leigh Giangreco to discuss the tragic mass shooting in Washington Park over the weekend, both Ye and North West performing in Chicago, and the upcoming Printers Row Lit Fest. Good News: Fact Checking Training 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 Angela Cummings, Executive Director, AFSP Illinois Chapter, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, September 3 episode: Paramount Theatre Chicago Exhibition Week AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
September 2 · 39 min
Why Are Chicago Judges Deporting More Kids? Plus, Sox Parking Scam
An immigration judge in Chicago ordered 6 children to be deported. We break down what children are facing in Chicago immigration courtrooms. Plus, how to not get finessed when looking for parking for a Sox Game, and the world record meetups we would like to see in the city. 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 Program Director - Programming, Performing Arts of Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Carlos Cuauhtémoc Tortolero, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, September 2nd episode: Paramount Theatre Chicago Exhibition Week AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
September 1 · 34 min
Your Guide to September 2026 in Chicago
September in Chicago is going to see us outside, come storms or heatwaves. Between Mexican Independence Day celebrations, Fall Theater Season, and the Bears’ home opener, we’ve got plenty to look forward to. Here’s your guide to getting the most out of the month. The Brown Line newsletter and events calendar are free at thebrownlinechi.com, and listeners can follow @thebrownlinechi on Instagram and TikTok. 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 Sept. 1 episode: Paramount Theatre Chicago Exhibition Week AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
August 31 · 34 min
What’s In Mayor’s Latest Exec Order? Plus, Fall Exhibitions and Flavors
Last week, Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order barring companies with a recent history of workplace discrimination from receiving city contracts. It also requires city contractors to disclose past work done for other governments and law enforcement agencies, and creates a new procurement task force. We dive into the details with contributors Leigh Giangreco and Al Scorch. Plus, we’ve got great art exhibitions and fall flavors to check out this September. Exhibitions: Between Memory and Becoming: Manifestations of Black Motherhood; Artist’s Flower Show: Pigments; If Emmett Till Lived: Freedom on American Ground; Where Memory Lives: 40 Years of Día de Muertos 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. 31 episode: Paramount Theatre Chicago Exhibition Week AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
August 28 · 42 min
The Property Tax Report: Late Bills, Data Center Incentives, and 40 Years of TIFs
Today we brought in the Tribune’s A.D. Quig and Illinois Answers Project’s Alex Nitkin to talk about all things property taxes. We discuss continued delays at the treasurer’s office and the growing tax burden on homeowners, the impact of 40 years of TIF districts, and massive tax breaks for Cook County data centers. Good News: Chicago House Music Festival & Conference 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. 28 episode: TimeLine Theatre DCASE AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
August 27 · 36 min
Field Museum to Return Sacred Objects. Plus, Chicago’s Best Fall Film Festivals
The Field Museum is in the process of repatriating 175 sacred objects to the Pulikla Tribe of Yurok People. Contributor Adora Namigadde digs into the museum’s efforts to return objects and remains to Native American tribes. Plus, contributor PJ Walker is previewing some of Chicago’s fall film fests, and executive producer Simone Alicea celebrates “Just Because” day. 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. 27 episode: TimeLine Theatre DCASE AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
August 26 · 29 min
Downtown to O’Hare in 15 Minutes? Plus, Defunding Gender-Affirming Care and Chicago State Football
O’Hare International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. And for most Chicagoans, commute times to and from the airport can be wildly unpredictable. Now, a private company is proposing 15-minute express train rides from O’Hare to the Old Post Office. We discussed the plan and our dream 15-minute commutes with Brandon Pope and Anna DeShawn. Plus, what is the future of gender-affirming care funding, and is Chicago State University ready for their inaugural football season? Good News: The Funktion 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. 26 episode: TimeLine Theatre DCASE AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
August 25 · 35 min
Gary's Two Weeks Without Power. Plus, School Stories to Watch
Today, executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran are talking about two weeks of power outages across Gary and Northwest Indiana; CPS’ biggest questions as kids return to school; and a friendly faceoff between some of Chicago’s most beautiful places of worship. Good News: Final Argyle Night Market, Walking Mural Tour, Porch Life Tours 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. 25 episode: TimeLine Theatre DCASE AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
August 24 · 42 min
Chicago’s Chaotic Immigration Court. Plus, What to Do When a Wall Blocks Your Window
Illinois’ congressional Democrats are calling for an end to “megamaster” hearings at Chicago’s immigration courts, referring to morning calendars where judges are seeing over 100 cases at a time. Creative producer Michelle Navarro tells executive producer Simone Alicea and contributor Al Scorch how the chaos at the court is contributing to a spike in deportation orders. Plus, what happens when a developer builds a big cinderblock wall directly outside your window? And what do you do when one of your favorite spots is closing? 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. 24 episode: TimeLine Theatre DCASE AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
August 21 · 39 min
ShotSpotter Replacement, Tollways Price Hike, and Crosstown Delivers Classic
It has been two years since Mayor Brandon Johnson ended the city’s contract with the gunshot detection company Sound Thinking, also known as ShotSpotter, to the chagrin of some alders. City Hall has kept the door open for a replacement, and two alders have begun testing new options. We discussed SplitSec AI with Chicago Public Media’s Arionne Nettles and Block Club Chicago’s Melody Mercado. Plus, Illinois toll roads are increasing prices for the first time in 15 years, BTS is headed to Soldier Field, and the crosstown classic delivered just that. Good News: Remembering How They Moved: A Live Activation 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. 21 episode: Visit Bloomington TimeLine Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

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