City Cast Chicago
Subscribed: 173Played: 39,663
Subscribe
Description
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
1258 Episodes
Reverse
Primary election day is Tuesday. Of the many races we’re watching, we’re diving a little deeper into the open race for the 7th Congressional District. Jessica Mordacq with Austin Weekly News and Forest Park Review has been profiling the candidates. She joins host Jacoby Cochran and freelance reporter Brandon Pope to talk about what she’s learned, plus the new CTA safety plan, what’s happening for St. Paddy’s Day weekend, and Oscars buzz.
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
Acting head of Chicago Animal Care and Control, Susan Cappello, has been leading the department for three years and is Mayor Brandon Johnson’s pick for the permanent role. But her appointment has been met with vehement opposition from shelter volunteers and others in the animal care community. Ahead of an expected confirmation vote next week, host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea break down the controversy. Plus, why so many Chicago breweries are closing and digging into Chicago’s lack of public bathrooms.
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
Why is Chance the Rapper and his former manager facing off in court? How are the city’s independent music venues performing financially? What Chicago music are you listening to currently? We’ve got freelance music journalist Britt Julious and co-founder of Real Ones Ben Moskow with us to break down these questions.
Good News: Andersonville Restaurant Week
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
Once again, Illinois lawmakers are weighing whether to allow school districts to pay board members. Remember, Chicagoans will elect the entire CPS school board in November for the first time. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea weigh in on the debate. Plus, the entire City Cast Chicago team joins to discuss the Portillo’s national expansion and Simone’s first-ever visit to the beloved franchise.
Good News: Early Voting at Chicago Universities
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
Which companies, super PACs, and industries are pumping the most money into our local elections? What sites made Preservation Chicago’s “Most Endangered Buildings” list? Host Jacoby Cochran is joined by executive producer Simone Alicea and contributor Leigh Giangreco to discuss, including what some of their favorite springtime parks across the city.
Good News: Poet Laureate Celebration and Rooted and Radical Youth Poetry Finals
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
Homelessness is one of the major issues that cities like Chicago are trying to solve. The state of Utah is planning to build a 16-acre homeless campus on the outskirts of Salt Lake City, where unhoused people with mental illnesses or addiction issues could be sheltered and in some cases involuntarily committed. This controversial idea is the brainchild of conservative think tanks, and it’s one that’s very much being embraced by the Trump administration and the Utah legislature. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Salt Lake podcast host Ali Vallarta about how this plan is meant to work, the concerns about forced institutionalization, and why the state is pushing for this even though it goes against the recommendations of local experts and service providers.
Mentioned on the show:
Interrogating Controversial Homeless Policy Proposals (City Cast Salt Lake)
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.
How close is the school board to selecting a permanent CPS CEO? Will the Aspira Charter network remain open through the school year? How are students reacting to ongoing DEI rollbacks across the University of Illinois system? Host Jacoby Cochran is joined by Chalkbeat Chicago’s Reema Amin and Chicago Reader’s Devyn-Marshall Brown to answer these questions and more. Plus, have you checked out the Chicago Reader’s Best of 2025 winners?
Check out the best sober-focused music series and the best new club for queer and trans people getting started with strength training.
Good news: DMB & The Etymology, Chicago Printmakers Collaborative, Miyagi Records Yard Sale
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 March 6 episode:
Access Contemporary Music - Use promo code PIANO for 20% off
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Earlier this week, the Chicago Fire officially broke ground on the city’s first new stadium development in over 30 years. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss how neighbors are responding and the timeline for the 78 megadevelopment. Plus, they’re looking at proposed People’s Gas rate hikes and some of Chicago’s most iconic neon signs (and why there are fewer of them these days).
Good news: LGBTQ Lunar New Year Dinner, Haymarket Sausage Fest, and Chicago Palestine Film 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 March 5 episode:
Access Contemporary Music - Use promo code PIANO for 20% off
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
A Northwest Side charter network, an iconic South Side cleaners, and a North Side art museum all announced closures in recent weeks. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran dive into the details. Plus, attack ads are picking up in primary races, and Amazon delivery drones are coming to Chicago’s south suburbs.
Good News: Women in Dance Festival, Farmdega at Monday coffee, 312 All Star Basketball Tournament, Winter Walk & Bonfire
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this March 4 episode:
Access Contemporary Music – Use promo code PIANO for 20% off
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
There has been a lot of headlines in recent months about crime on the CTA following high profile incidents in late 2025, ongoing tension with the feds over the presence of cops on public transit, and an overall feeling that even after improvements in hirings and wait times, CTA still has a lot to do concerning rider experience and safety. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran are discussing recent public transit crime statistics. Plus, the city council is proposing a new tourism improvement district, and listeners have thoughts on Waymo in Chicago.
Good News: Annual Chicago Birthday Party
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this March 3 episode:
Access Contemporary Music – Use promo code PIANO for 20% off
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
March in Chicago means heading to the voting booth, dying the river green, and trying to stay optimistic about spring weather. Host Jacoby Cochran is joined by newsletter editor Emmi Mack and creator Paige Serena to talk about St. Patrick’s Day plans, even more restaurant weeks, and where to find pepper-and-egg sandwiches during Lent.
Good News: Thalia Hall Free for All
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 March 2 episode:
Access Contemporary Music — Use promo code PIANO for 20% off
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
A lot of cities, including Chicago, are trying to figure out how best to revitalize downtown. It's an issue that's especially top of mind for Pittsburgh, who is hosting the NFL Draft in April. To solve the problem of vacant properties and empty storefronts, the city is trying out a new rent abatement program. So, City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Pittsburgh podcast host Megan Harris about why their downtown emptied out, whether this program will bring new businesses downtown for the long-term, and other revitalization plans that are in the works.
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.
Why are fewer than half of the county judicial races in this year’s primary elections uncontested? Where are Rev. Jackson’s homegoing services being held in Chicago? What’s going on with that fleet of Waymo cars parked in a downtown parking garage? We’re answering these questions and more with freelance writer Natalie Christian-Frazier and Block Club Chicago’s Jamie Nesbitt Golden. Plus, we are showing love to Kennedy-King’s iconic radio station, North Lawndale’s Peace Runners 773, and Englewood’s Girl Scout troop.
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this Feb. 27 episode:
Steppenwolf Theatre
Griffin MSI
Access Contemporary Music – Use promo code PIANO for 20% off
South By Southwest – Unlock a 10% discount on your Innovation Badge when you use code citycast10
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
We’re concluding this week’s celebration of Chicago’s Black history with something that may feel modern. Last fall, Chicago rapper femdot was professor Femi Adigun while teaching his course “Chicago Culture Through Hip Hop” at DePaul University. Host Jacoby Cochran sat down with him at the time to learn about his syllabus and how Chicago’s history can be traced through rap music.
Good News: Chinatown Community Foundation Lunar New Year Celebration
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 Feb. 26 episode:
Steppenwolf Theatre
Griffin MSI
South By Southwest — Unlock a 10% discount on your Innovation Badge when you use code citycast10
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Gospel music has roots in southern spirituals during slavery and migrated north during the Great Migration in the early 1900s. Chicago has staked its claim as the birthplace of modern gospel thanks to Bronzeville’s Pilgrim Baptist Church and Thomas Dorsey, its choir director for 50 years. In 2022, we talked with writer and producer Stacy Robinson about the WTTW documentary “The Birth of Gospel” and Chicago’s place in music history.
Good News: The DuSable Museum - Black History Month Closeout Celebration
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this Feb. 25 episode:
Steppenwolf Theatre
Griffin MSI
South By Southwest – Unlock a 10% discount on your Innovation Badge when you use code citycast10
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
This week, we’re exploring Chicago’s contributions to Black history. That’s why we’re heading to the roller rink. Back in 2023, Chicago skating legend Theresa “Sweet T” Ferrell (aka Jacoby’s mom) took us for a spin around MLK Roller Skating and Bowling Center in Auburn Gresham. She shared her 50 years of skating history, explained why Chicago skaters are the smoothest around, and gave executive producer Simone Alicea a quick lesson.
Good News: “Still Searching” at Chicago Justice Gallery
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 Feb. 24 episode:
Steppenwolf Theatre
Griffin MSI
South By Southwest — Unlock a 10% discount on your Innovation Badge when you use code citycast10
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
It’s the last week of Black History Month, so we’re bringing you some of our favorite episodes about Chicago’s contributions to Black history. In 2023, the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party was listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the culmination of a yearslong effort to landmark a collection of sites associated with the Black Panthers. About a year before they won that historical recognition, host Jacoby Cochran talked with Leila Wills, executive director of the Historical Preservation Society of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party. They discuss where the Black Panthers worked in Chicago and about Wills’ personal connection to the history as the daughter of party members.
Good News: Rooted & Radical Youth Poetry Festival
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 Feb. 23 episode:
Steppenwolf Theatre
Griffin MSI
South By Southwest — Unlock a 10% discount on your Innovation Badge when you use code citycast10
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Everyone’s talking about AI these days, including Chicagoans. And now, more data centers are popping up across the country, thanks in part to the AI revolution. But some cities are stemming the tide, including Madison, Wisconsin, who recently passed a one-year moratorium on new data center construction. City Cast CEO David Plotz feels strongly that this was the wrong choice! He’s sitting down with City Cast Madison podcast host Bianca Martin to weigh the pros and cons of data centers, and debate the economic, ethical, and ecological considerations at the heart of this debate. Plus, David and Bianca share must-know tips for making it in Madison and DC.
We also mentioned this City Cast Madison episode.
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.
In Wednesday’s State of the State address, Gov. JB Pritzker proposed to pause the state’s tax incentives for new data center construction amidst growing concerns of environmental hazards, water and power usage, and the future of AI. We break down the announcement with Invisible Institute Director of Public Strategy Maira Khwaja and Director of Data Trina Reynolds-Tyler. Plus, Chicago woke up to dusty, muddy cars and streets on Ash Wednesday, helpful voter guides released ahead of primary day, and we’re checking in on our favorite backyard chickens.
Good News: Soundtrack Sessions, Chicago Dyke March Community Iftar
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this Feb. 20 episode:
Chicago Board of Election Commissioners
Access Contemporary Music – Use promo code PIANO for 20% off
South By Southwest – Unlock a 10% discount on your Innovation Badge when you use code citycast10
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
A debate over bike lanes on Archer Avenue is launching municipal election season in Brighton Park, where a bike lane opponent has launched a campaign to replace the 12th Ward alderperson. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and producer Michelle Navarro break it down. Plus, they’re talking about the confluence of Lunar New Year, Ramadan, and Lent. We also hear from listeners about the Bears stadium drama.
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this Feb. 19 episode:
Chicago Board of Election Commissioners
Access Contemporary Music – Use promo code PIANO for 20% off
South By Southwest – Unlock a 10% discount on your Innovation Badge when you use code citycast10
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States
What a great story!