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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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Friday · 37 min
OIG Reopens Dominguez Investigation. Plus, Michigan Ave Getting Bus Lane
Chicago Public Schools’ inspector general is reopening an investigation into school board presidential candidate Hilario Dominguez. He is facing allegations of inappropriate behavior while working with a minor at a Pilsen nonprofit. Fox Chicago reporter Brandon Pope and Axios Chicago’s Carrie Shepherd are here with the latest. Plus, Block 37 sold for $30 million, a bus lane coming to Michigan Avenue in the Loop, and who would you pick to throw out a playoff first pitch? Good News: Poet Laureate Mayda del Valle workshop 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 Join City Cast Chicago Neighbors today for a free gift! Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 9 episode: Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Chicago Plays Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Thursday · 35 min
Will Supreme Court End Assault Weapons Ban? Plus, Chicago Named Best Big City… AGAIN
The Supreme Court is officially back for the fall term, and it has its hands full. The ACLU possibly has its busiest term ever, with plenty of civil liberties cases on the docket. The Supreme Court will decide the fate of Cook County’s 30-year ban on assault weapons. Plus, what happens when a neighborhood festival goes viral? Get ready for “Best Big City Day.” Good News: Latina Expo 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 Join City Cast Chicago Neighbors today for a free gift! Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 8 episode: Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Chicago Plays Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Wednesday · 36 min
Edgewater Rezoning Debate, John Prine Bday Celebration, and White Sox Tickets Skyrocket
Today we’re talking about an ongoing redevelopment debate in Edgewater, a birthday celebration for legendary songwriter John Prine, and the rising price of White Sox playoff tickets. Plus, it’s the start of our Fall Membership campaign, and we’ve got an amazing piece of merch for new City Cast Chicago neighbors! Good News: Friday: Chicago Textile Fair, Healing Arts Chicago Summit, and Big Marsh 10th Anniversary 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 Join City Cast Chicago Neighbors today for a free gift! Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 7 episode: Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Chicago Plays Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Tuesday · 44 min
What You Need to Know For School Board Elections
Over the next month, Chicagoans will vote in a historic school board election. For the first time, the now 20-seat board and the at-large president will be decided at the ballot box. WBEZ’s Sarah Karp and Chalk Beat Chicago’s Reema Amin are here with their Chicago School Board Voter Guide. We discuss the races we’re watching closely, the candidates for school board president, and where the campaign money is flowing in from. Good News: Chicago 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 If you enjoyed this interview with Adam Rubin, Senior Director of Public Engagement at Chicago Architecture Center, learn more here Learn more about the sponsors of this October 6th episode: Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Chicago Plays Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Monday · 38 min
Is Chicago's New Parking Deal Better? Plus, 2020 Time
Last week, the City Council voted to approve the sale of Chicago’s Parking meters to a New York-based investment firm. After months of back and forth, alders voted overwhelmingly in favor of the deal, arguing it means more revenue for Chicago over the remaining five decades. We are joined by contributors Brandon Pope and Jill Hopkins to break down the details. Plus, we’re taking a peek inside a COVID-era time capsule, previewing Día de Muertos celebrations at the National Museum of Mexican Art, and sharing the TV shows we can’t get enough of right now. 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 this interview with Brooke Flanagan, Executive Director of Steppenwolf Theatre, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 5th episode: Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Chicago Plays Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
October 2 · 32 min
Why Did Wieners Circle Shade the Mayor? Plus, Soxtober Returns
Today we’re joined by Jessica Mordacq from Austin Weekly News/Forest Park Review and Block Club Chicago’s Patrick Filbin. We’re reacting to the Wieners Circle shading the mayor with their marquee, a new plan to close the life expectancy gap in Garfield Park, and the White Sox first playoff series win in 21 years! Plus, where to find Hebru Brantley’s Austin statue and Block Club Chicago’s weekend Block Party. 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 Oct. 2 episode: Enjoy Illinois Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Kowalski Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
October 1 · 36 min
Your Guide to October 2026 in Chicago
As we enter the home stretch of 2026, we’ve got your guide for October. We’re talking Sox hats, budget battles, early voting, apple orchards, and tips for the Chicago Marathon. Plus, we need your help sourcing the best spots for Halloween costumes. Good news: SAUCED 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 Oct. 1 episode: Enjoy Illinois Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Kowalski Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
September 30 · 39 min
Deadly Month For Cyclists. Plus, Best of the South Side
Chicago has over 70% more cycling accidents through September than this same period in 2021, including multiple fatal crashes involving speeding drivers. Contributors Yareni Murillo and Anna DeShawn are here to discuss what they believe must be done to stem these rising numbers. Plus, we are celebrating the newest inductees of Chicago’s LGBT Hall of Fame, and South Side Weekly’s Best of the South Side 2026. Good News: Sunset Paddle 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. 30 episode: Enjoy Illinois Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Kowalski Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
September 29 · 35 min
Why Block Club Sued ICE
It took Block Club Chicago’s investigative reporter Mick Dumke 11 months to get one page of records from ICE about the clash between its agents and protestors outside of the Broadview detention center last year. The response had no records or reports of arrests or use of force. It only contained the agency’s own account of what happened. Mick joins host Jacoby Cochran to talk all things Freedom of Information Act and why records eventually came out through a lawsuit instead. 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. 29 episode: Enjoy Illinois Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Kowalski Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
September 28 · 32 min
Can Mayoral Candidates Double Dip? Plus, Ford City’s Future
Mayoral candidate Bill Quinlan’s lawsuit aims to block Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, and Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas from seeking reelection in their offices while running for mayor. Interim executive producer Michelle Navarro and contributors Jill Hopkins and Yareni Murillo break down the details. Plus, City Council approves plans for the Ford City Mall site and what we are looking forward to this October. Good news: Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple 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 Sept. 28 episode: Enjoy Illinois Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Kowalski Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
September 25 · 32 min
How Chicago Latinos Are Changing Neighborhoods
Little Village was once known as the city's largest Latino neighborhood, but a new report found Belmont Cragin now has the largest Latino population. Block Club reporter Francia Garcia Hernandez tells host Jacoby Cochran how this happened and how other Chicago neighborhoods are changing. Good news: Hexe 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. 25 episode: Steppenwolf Theatre Broadway In Chicago - Jekyll & Hyde Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Destination Madison AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
September 24 · 38 min
Art Institute Returns Nazi-Looted Painting. Plus, Fourth Shedd Beluga Dies
The Art Institute of Chicago is returning a 113-year-old painting to the family of its original owner after an investigation revealed it was stolen and resold during Nazi occupation. We talk with contributor Leigh Giangreco and WTTW’s Joanna Hernandez about how Chicago’s world-class museums manage repatriation and allegations of stolen artifacts. Plus, a new report says younger Latinos are speaking less Spanish in the home, and we update our Beluga Watch 2026. Good News: Beverly Art Walk, Norwood Park Walking Tour 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. 24 episode: Steppenwolf Theatre Broadway In Chicago - Jekyll & Hyde Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Destination Madison Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
September 23 · 34 min
Why Are There Sukkahs in North Lawndale? Plus, Chicago’s Queer-Affirming Churches
Contributors Anna DeShawn and Adora Namigadde join us with picks from the Chicago Underground and International Film Festivals. Plus, we discuss E3 Radio’s 12th annual Purple Tie Affair, the Chicago Sukkah Design Festival, and Good Neighbor Week Good News: Palestine Film Showcase 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. 23 episode: Steppenwolf Theatre Broadway In Chicago - Jekyll & Hyde Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Destination Madison Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
September 22 · 35 min
Are Illinois’ County Jails in Crisis? Plus, Big Changes at MSI
Following a historic number of deaths in 2023, growing concerns over standards violations, and an investigation into ongoing unreporting, some Cook County Commissioners are calling for renewed independent oversight for the state’s largest county jail. Plus, Museum of Science and Industry announced multimillion-dollar renovations, Caleb Williams avoids serious injury, and it’s the first day of fall. Good News: Chicago Filipino American Theatre 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. 22 episode: Steppenwolf Theatre Broadway In Chicago - Jekyll & Hyde Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Destination Madison AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
September 21 · 35 min
Where Are the Flock Cameras? Plus, Circus on the River
Today we’re talking about the rise of Flock automatic license plate reading cameras on college campuses, including at the University of Illinois Chicago. Contributors Liegh Giangreco and Al Scorch walk us through the growing controversy. Plus, we’ve got a floating riverboat circus unlike anything you’ve ever seen, and our favorite Chicago documentaries. Good News: Bronzeville Trail Framework Plan Open House #2 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. 21 episode: Steppenwolf Theatre Broadway In Chicago - Jekyll & Hyde Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Destination Madison Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
September 18 · 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
September 17 · 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
September 16 · 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
September 15 · 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
September 14 · 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

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