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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Oct 2, 2026 · 32:38
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…
Oct 1, 2026 · 36:57
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.…
Sep 30, 2026 · 39:10
Chicago has over 70% more cycling accidents through September than this same period in 2021, including multiple fatal crashes involving speeding drivers. Contributors Yareni…
Sep 29, 2026 · 35:39
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…
Sep 28, 2026 · 32:59
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…
Sep 25, 2026 · 32:19
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…
Sep 24, 2026 · 38:44
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…
Sep 23, 2026 · 34:07
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…
Sep 22, 2026 · 35:48
Following a historic number of deaths in 2023, growing concerns over standards violations, and an investigation into ongoing unreporting, some Cook County Commissioners are…
Sep 21, 2026 · 35:20
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…
Sep 18, 2026 · 35:26
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…
Sep 17, 2026 · 39:48
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…
Sep 16, 2026 · 34:58
A neighborhood group is building bus benches in Ukrainian Village. But will the city remove the unauthorized infrastructure? Executive producer Simone Alicea and contributors…
Sep 15, 2026 · 49:17
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…
Sep 14, 2026 · 28:18
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…
Sep 11, 2026 · 39:14
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…
Sep 10, 2026 · 39:16
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…
Sep 9, 2026 · 37:48
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…
Sep 8, 2026 · 36:48
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…
Sep 4, 2026 · 33:31
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…
Sep 3, 2026 · 43:53
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…
Sep 2, 2026 · 39:39
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…
Sep 1, 2026 · 34:56
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…
Aug 31, 2026 · 34:10
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…
Aug 28, 2026 · 42:12
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…
Aug 27, 2026 · 36:15
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…
Aug 26, 2026 · 29:53
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…
Aug 25, 2026 · 35:51
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…
Aug 24, 2026 · 42:37
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…
Aug 21, 2026 · 39:00
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…
Aug 20, 2026 · 37:51
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.…
Aug 19, 2026 · 33:34
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…
Aug 18, 2026 · 30:40
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…
Aug 17, 2026 · 30:43
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…
Aug 14, 2026 · 33:03
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…
Aug 13, 2026 · 40:31
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…
Aug 12, 2026 · 36:41
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…
Aug 11, 2026 · 35:31
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…
Aug 10, 2026 · 39:03
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…
Aug 7, 2026 · 29:26
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…
Aug 6, 2026 · 38:09
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…
Aug 5, 2026 · 29:08
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…
Aug 4, 2026 · 38:30
Today we’re talking with Chicagoans who have made it their mini-mission to visit every community area. And they have all taken very different approaches. Viral Mistry is visiting…
Aug 3, 2026 · 34:11
Last week, Chicago’s school board voted 11-7 to pass an amended $10 billion budget. To avoid hundreds of layoffs, the board budgeted for an additional $150 million in state…
Jul 31, 2026 · 36:14
On Tuesday, candidates hoping to get on February’s ballot were able to start gathering nominating petitions. That includes folks who want to run for police district council, city…
Jul 30, 2026 · 36:52
August in Chicago is packed with reasons to visit all corners of the city, including the Bud Billiken Parade, Northalsted Market Days, the Crosstown Classic, and more. Here’s…
Jul 29, 2026 · 30:25
The Board of Education is scheduled to vote tomorrow on a Chicago Public Schools budget plan that would lay off 760 teachers and 801 teacher aides, in addition to the 162 central…
Jul 28, 2026 · 33:43
Right now, Chicago’s City Council is weighing exactly how to update the city’s 40-year-old Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance. There are two competing visions: one from…
Jul 27, 2026 · 35:02
A new study from NORC at the University of Chicago indicates many Chicagoans feel like violent crime rates are rising even though the data doesn't support it. We dig into why…
Jul 24, 2026 · 36:12
Seven Save-A-Lot grocery stores across the South and West Sides could close their doors as early as Saturday if Yellow Banana, the company that owns and operates them, can’t find…
Jul 23, 2026 · 36:45
Now that the smoke has largely cleared out, it is the perfect time to get outdoors and into nature. Whether you’re planning a quick hike or weekend camping trip, the Illinois…
Jul 22, 2026 · 30:03
A plan to sell Chicago’s 36,000 parking meters remains stalled in the City Council. A group of alders is critical of the potential buyer's financial connections to ongoing ICE…
Jul 21, 2026 · 38:54
Should Chicagoans be preparing to mitigate wildfire smoke every summer? How are fundraising efforts and ballot challenges shaping the race for school board? Is Chicago the…
Jul 20, 2026 · 36:14
Last week, alderpeople approved a $425 million infrastructure plan at ‘The 78’ in the South Loop, anchored by the forthcoming Chicago Fire stadium. Contributor Leigh Giangreco is…
Jul 17, 2026 · 39:42
Today, a City Council committee will question the details and effectiveness of the Mayor’s “ICE on Notice” executive order as ICE sightings and arrests are up in Chicago. Mayor…
Jul 16, 2026 · 35:09
In January, longtime Harold’s Chicken Shack CEO Kristen Pierce-Sherrod passed away. Now, a legal battle between her five children and her widower will determine who owns the…
Jul 15, 2026 · 37:07
The Rev. Michael Pfleger, the St. Sabina parish leader for 45 years, has been removed from his position as the Archdiocese of Chicago investigates another accusation of sexual…
Jul 14, 2026 · 38:25
Another heat wave is hitting Chicago. Here's what to expect. Also on today's podcast, we talk to Onion executive editor Jordan LaFlure about the Chicago satire publication's new…
Jul 13, 2026 · 36:05
Chicago is seeing a rise in enforcement against immigrant street vendors. Over the last few months the Street Vendors Association of Chicago has been sounding the alarm on a rise…
Jul 10, 2026 · 37:07
What have we learned in the last week about the city’s financial position, and what does that mean for the growing field of mayoral candidates? Alex Nitkin with the Illinois…
Jul 9, 2026 · 36:41
Today 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…
Jul 8, 2026 · 34:45
U.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…
Jul 7, 2026 · 42:05
Two 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…
Jul 6, 2026 · 33:12
The Chicago Police Department will be without a permanent police superintendent starting July 15, as current superintendent Larry Snelling announced his retirement late last…
Jul 3, 2026 · 25:01
See 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…
Jul 2, 2026 · 28:37
This 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…
Jul 1, 2026 · 38:44
As 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.…
Jun 30, 2026 · 36:36
Extreme 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…
Jun 29, 2026 · 39:04
Chicago’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…
Jun 26, 2026 · 32:49
Earlier 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…
Jun 25, 2026 · 38:52
The Federal Communications Commission has ABC 7 Chicago and other local stations in its crosshairs as the FCC has ordered an accelerated review of several affiliate broadcast…
Jun 24, 2026 · 37:27
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, who has been floated as a potential candidate for mayor, recently received $255,000 from a local union. This has sparked conversation about…
Jun 23, 2026 · 35:45
Principals, local school councils, and parent groups are getting increasingly creative with their fundraising. In 2025, Chicago schools spent nearly $52 million in independently…
Jun 22, 2026 · 33:35
Last week, the City Council voted to purchase the downtown Greyhound bus terminal. We discuss the details and what’s next for the critical transportation hub. Host Jacoby Cochran…
Jun 18, 2026 · 37:59
We’ve got more mayoral candidates ahead of February’s primary after former Ald. George Cardenas (12th) officially launched his campaign. Contributor Leigh Giangreco was at the…
Jun 17, 2026 · 34:59
A week before the Bears season kicks off, Soldier Field will be home to one of Chicago’s most controversial sons, Kanye West. The Bully tour touches down Sept. 3 and 4. Host…
Jun 16, 2026 · 43:27
Across Chicago, neighbors are still navigating uprooted trees, power outages, and flooding following intense storms last week. Unfortunately, if the weather apps are to be…
Jun 15, 2026 · 33:33
After years of trying, Illinois lawmakers have officially banned cellphones and other devices in classrooms. Gov. JB Pritzker, a vocal supporter of this legislation, says he will…
Jun 12, 2026 · 37:41
Walgreens has shuttered two more South Side locations, including the Chatham location, after closing five in 2025. Ald. William Hall (6th) wants to launch the city’s first-ever…
Jun 11, 2026 · 39:09
Ann Sather’s last day on Belmont is June 28. City Cast Chicago contributor Adora Namigadde explains why the closure feels so significant. Plus, contributor Leigh Giangreco…
Jun 10, 2026 · 36:45
Most of the city’s 77 public pools, 200 water features, and Chicago’s only inland beach are all opening next Friday. Plus, we’ve got more events and organizations to visit during…
Jun 9, 2026 · 38:20
Red Line trains will be rerouted to elevated tracks for the third straight weekend due to maintenance work in the Loop subway. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby…
Jun 8, 2026 · 40:03
Chicago’s mayoral election is nine months away. Last week, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza became the first major candidate to make their campaign official. Host Jacoby…
Jun 5, 2026 · 33:39
Chicago is opening its 82nd public library branch in June, and loaning out books is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what these institutions offer residents. Host…
Jun 4, 2026 · 35:15
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Housing are launching a new $21 million housing program to provide down payment and closing assistance to prospective homebuyers. Host…
Jun 3, 2026 · 34:21
For almost two years, there have been questions about the future of Chicago’s downtown bus terminal. Flix, the parent company of Greyhound, has been on a month-to-month lease…
Jun 2, 2026 · 36:42
What did lawmakers get done in Springfield? A $56 billion budget, a cellphone ban in schools, relief for those who lost SNAP benefits, and so much more. However, they didn’t pass…
Jun 1, 2026 · 41:24
June is officially summertime Chi in our world, so we’re going to help you make the most of it. Host Jacoby Cochran is joined by contributors Leigh Giangreco and Anna DeShawn to…
May 29, 2026 · 39:23
This year, for the first time, Chicago will fully elect the 21-person school board. Candidates had to get their petitions in this week with signatures from their district in…
May 28, 2026 · 30:33
Mayor Brandon Johnson is in Vatican City this week to meet Chicago’s very own Pope Leo XIV for the first time. The two are expected to discuss their mutual disdain for the…
May 27, 2026 · 33:43
After multiple large gatherings of young people over the weekend, including at 57th St. Beach and North Ave Beach, Ald Brian Hopkins is preparing an ordinance he says would hold…
May 26, 2026 · 38:27
Earlier this month, CTA announced a new transit safety task force and made adjustments to 2025 ridership totals. With ongoing concerns about post-pandemic recovery and threats to…
May 22, 2026 · 32:30
City Council reached a near-unanimous decision to pause the subminimum wage hike for tipped workers this week. When they voted to free the subminimum wage hike back in March,…
May 21, 2026 · 54:16
City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson hosts this showdown where 12 City Cast reps, including City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran, compete head-to-head and debate which city…
May 20, 2026 · 34:28
Gov. JB Pritzker voiced support for a mega projects bill that incentivizes the Bears’ move to Arlington Heights, while shading Mayor Brandon Johnson, saying he has “no plan” to…
May 19, 2026 · 34:59
Getting into Chicago Housing Authority units is hard enough, but the agency is also processing hundreds of relocation requests for current tenants facing health and safety…
May 18, 2026 · 38:32
Chicago Public Schools are planning to cut teacher positions to minimize the $732 million budget deficit. Meanwhile, CPS CEO Macquline King has been subpoenaed by a congressional…
May 15, 2026 · 40:08
Mental health courts have proliferated in Illinois, but how effective are they? Grace Hauck with the Illinois Answers Project joins Justin Laurence with Crain’s and executive…
May 14, 2026 · 36:27
Lawmakers in Springfield are considering legislation that would make it easier for churches to build multifamily housing on land they own. Contributor Adora Namigadde explains…
May 13, 2026 · 35:19
DNC officials are wrapping up a three-day visit as the city is a finalist to host the 2028 and 2032 conventions. We talked with contributors Brandon Pope and Anna DeShawn about…
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