NewsDaily NewsNews Commentary

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

Play

Open in

23 episodes
daily
Avg 35 min
English

Episodes 23

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

Yesterday · 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
Monday · 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
Friday · 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
Thursday · 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
August 20 · 37 min
NASCAR Leaves Chicago, ABC Sues FCC, and Best Mexican Food
NASCAR announced it will not hold a race in Chicago next year. Contributors PJ Walker and Yareni Murillo tell executive producer Simone Alicea what they think should replace it. Plus, ABC is suing over early review of broadcast licenses for stations like Chicago’s own Channel 7. We also submit our picks for the best Mexican food 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, August 20th episode: Visit Bloomington TimeLine Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
August 19 · 33 min
Mayor Walks Quantum Tightrope. Plus, Chicago's Got Talent
The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is a forthcoming multi-billion-dollar development on the former U.S. Steel South Works site on the Southeast Side of Chicago. Over the weekend, Mayor Brandon Johnson attended a community town hall meeting in the neighborhood. We are joined by contributors Brandon Pope and Anna DeShawn to discuss how the meeting went, what neighbors are asking for, and how the Mayor responded. Plus, we are celebrating the Our Stories, Our Power community journalism program, and pitching Chicago’s next great “America’s Got Talent” superstars, including Zion Ali, Po Chop, and the Era Footwork Collective. Good News: The Cookout 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. 19 episode: Visit Bloomington TimeLine Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
August 18 · 30 min
Data Center Moratorium, 'ICE Out' Pledge, and Chicago Singles Mingling
Last week, Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order aiming to modernize regulations and oversight for Chicago’s data centers. He also called on the City Council to put a pause on new data center approvals and expansions. Host Jacoby Cochran and creative producer Michelle Navarro break down the details. Plus, alders debate the “ICE Out” pledge and creative producer Emmi Mack drops by to talk singles events. Good News: Jesse White Tumblers 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. 18 episode: Visit Bloomington TimeLine Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
August 17 · 30 min
CPD Traffic Stops Down, Chicago’s West Nile Risk, and Even More Belugas OTW
The Illinois Department of Transportation has released the most recent traffic stop data from police departments across the state. While overall traffic stops in Chicago are down, Black and Latino drivers are still three to six times more likely to be pulled over than white drivers. We dive into the numbers with contributors Adora Namigadde and Jill Hopkins. Plus, Chicago is on high-risk alert for West Nile virus, and the Shedd welcomes four more beluga whales. Good news: South Asian American 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 Aug. 17 episode: Visit Bloomington TimeLine Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
August 14 · 33 min
Funeral Home Under Investigation, Aspira Charter Files Bankruptcy, and Chicago Fire Heats Up
The owners of multiple South Side funeral homes are under a microscope after state officials discovered they had been mismanaging human remains. Last week, officials and police discovered dozens of decaying bodies at the South Chicago Chapel. We break down the details with Block Club Chicago’s Maxwell Evans and WBEZ’s Dan Mihalopoulos. Plus, the recently shuttered Aspira charter network is trying to sell its publicly funded school building, and the Chicago Fire are hoping to extend their August win streak. Good News: Hegewisch Farmers Market & Edgewater Monday 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 Aug. 14 episode: Paramount Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
August 13 · 40 min
Will CPD Ever Actually Investigate ICE? Plus, The Other Washingtons
Earlier this week, a coalition of Chicagoans who allege they were victims of misconduct and violence during Operation Midway Blitz filed nine police reports seeking criminal charges against ICE agents. We break down the details with Yareni Murillo and Leigh Giangreco. Plus, Washington Park is home to a new monuments project, and Mayor Brandon Johnson wants the City Council to enact a moratorium on future data centers. Good News: South Side Zine 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 Aug. 13 episode: Paramount Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
August 12 · 36 min
Why Did Bally’s Pause Hotel Construction? Plus, 24 Hours in Chicago
Over the weekend, Bally’s Casino hit the brakes on all non-gaming construction in protest of Chicago’s forthcoming expansion of video gambling terminals. We ask contributors Brandon Pope and Anna DeShawn what impact this could have on the $1.7 billion River West development scheduled to open in 2027. Plus, we discuss the rise of transphobia at WNBA games and how we’d spend our last 24 hours in Chicago. Good News: 25th Ave Glenwood Ave Arts 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 Aug. 12 episode: Paramount Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
August 11 · 35 min
Let’s Play Chicago Scattergories! Plus, Moving Tips
Back in June, we played a Chicago-themed game of Scattergories during our live taping at Switchyards Chicago. Host Jacoby Cochran competes with Dario Durham and Sara Faddah of 77 Flavors and with some audience volunteers. Plus, in today’s members-only segment, the team discusses some of the worst things about moving in Chicago. Want access to the extra content, an invite to the next event, and some exclusive City Cast Chicago merch? Become a Neighbor today. Good News: Hindsight Tavern to open in North Center. 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. 11 episode: Paramount Theatre Destination Madison Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
August 10 · 39 min
Will Local Grocers Survive SNAP Cuts? Does Chicago Have A City Council Problem?
Today we’re talking about the impact SNAP cuts are having on grocers across Chicago, the relationship between the mayor and alders heading into City Council elections, and where we go for a little summertime peace and quiet. We are joined by contributors Leigh Giangreco and Jill Hopkins. Good News: Quantum Campus Town Hall 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. 10 episode: Paramount Theatre Destination Madison DCASE Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
August 7 · 29 min
‘Your City Could Be Better’: Naked Neighbors, Unwelcome Pets, and Other City Life Dilemmas — Presented By City Cast Chicago
As much as you love Chicago, city living inherently means sharing space and resources with your neighbors, and y’all certainly have complaints, questions, and quandaries. On today’s very first call-in episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz is joined by Bridget Todd, host of City Cast DC, and Jane C. Hu, host of City Cast Seattle, to respond to your dilemmas, from when it’s acceptable to intervene on a bike path to what to do about that neighbor who really lets it all hang out. Have more city dilemmas? Send them in for our next call-in show. 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.
August 6 · 38 min
Why Are More Young People Moving to Chicago? Plus, How To Recycle Your Electronics
While 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
August 5 · 29 min
Cook County Ups Healthcare Relief. Plus, Ariana Grande Supports ALMA Chicago
Over 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

Showing 1–20 of 23 episodes