797 episodes

Chicago’s daily news podcast, fresh every weekday at 6 a.m. 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—all in 15 minutes a day. It’s a smart and delightful new way to connect with the city we share. Learn more and subscribe to our morning newsletter at citycast.fm/chicago. 

City Cast Chicago City Cast

    • News
    • 4.8 • 393 Ratings

Chicago’s daily news podcast, fresh every weekday at 6 a.m. 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—all in 15 minutes a day. It’s a smart and delightful new way to connect with the city we share. Learn more and subscribe to our morning newsletter at citycast.fm/chicago. 

    New DCFS Director, Pulitzer Prize Winners, and Happy Mother’s Day

    New DCFS Director, Pulitzer Prize Winners, and Happy Mother’s Day

    After an eight-day pro-Palestinian protest at University of Chicago, police cleared the encampment on early Tuesday. Invisible Institute’s Trina Reynolds-Tyler and City Bureau’s Sarah Conway are here with the latest. Plus, we discuss the new director of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, celebrate Chicago’s 2024 Pulitzer Prize winners, and send some Mother’s Day love.

    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 our sponsors:

    Hubbard Street Dance

    Aligner Experts

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    • 27 min
    How Footwork Rose from Chicago Concrete

    How Footwork Rose from Chicago Concrete

    Summer dance season is almost here. And if Taylor Bennett’s new single “2 Much” is any indication, Footwork is going to be a big part of summertime Chi this year. Born on Chicago’s West and South Sides, the art form pairs fast-paced dancing with uniquely Chicago house and juke music. We talk to Dr. ShaDawn Battle, a lifelong dancer and Footwork historian, about the roots of the genre and where you can find it today. Dr. Battle is the creator of the docuseries “Footwork Saved My Life” and is the artist-as-instigator at Chicago’s National Public Housing Museum. 

    Good News: Public Narrative Community Media Awards

    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 our sponsors:

    Hubbard Street Dance

    Aligner Experts

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    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 20 min
    The 3 Unwritten Rules of Chicago Farmers Markets

    The 3 Unwritten Rules of Chicago Farmers Markets

    It’s farmers market season, and we’re here to talk about what you need to know to make the best of it. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran talk about what to do and what not to do when it comes to planning ahead, picking up what’s in season, and their favorite markets in the city. 

    Good news: Wicker Park Plant Sale and Garfield Park Conservatory Annual Seedling Sale 

    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 our sponsors:

    Hubbard Street Dance

    Aligner Experts

    Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
    Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 25 min
    Chicago Casino’s Future, College Protests Continue, and Happy Teacher Day!

    Chicago Casino’s Future, College Protests Continue, and Happy Teacher Day!

    Pro-Palestinian protests have continued at several college campuses across Chicago despite an increased presence of police and counter-protesters. Dozens of protesters were arrested over the weekend at the School of the Art Institute. The City Cast team breaks down the latest. Plus, the temporary Bally’s casino is pulling in less money than expected, and we show love to some amazing teachers in honor of National Teacher Day. 

    Good News: Invisible Institute and City Bureau won a Pulitzer Prize for their investigation “Missing in Chicago” and Invisible Institute and USG Audio won for their podcast series “You Didn’t See Nothin.” 

    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 our sponsors:

    Hubbard Street Dance

    Aligner Experts

    Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
    Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 27 min
    What to Know About Cicadas in Chicago

    What to Know About Cicadas in Chicago

    You might not hear them yet, but cicadas have already started emerging in Illinois. Over the next few weeks, overlapping broods are expected to emerge in a rare event where we could see trillions of cicadas. And while the insects might be loud and even a little gross, Insect Asylum founder Nina Salem says we should welcome our new neighbors. Salem tells executive producer Simone Alicea about why the cicadas are here, their role in our ecosystem, and why we should learn to appreciate the bugs.

    Some good news: It’s teacher appreciation week. Tell us about a teacher you want to show love to.

    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 our sponsors:

    Hubbard Street Dance

    Aligner Experts

    Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
    Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 17 min
    Campus Protests Grow, Blues Destination Reopens, and Kendrick Fires Back!

    Campus Protests Grow, Blues Destination Reopens, and Kendrick Fires Back!

    This week as pro-Palestinian protests picked up on campuses across the country, Chicago area students also began setting up encampments demanding universities divest from direct support of Israel as the death toll in Gaza surpasses 34,000 people. Crain’s Chicago reporter Leigh Giangreco and Block Club Chicago’s Maxwell Evans are here with the latest, including what student organizers are saying and a response from the Midwest Anti Defamation League. Plus, former gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey is accused of colluding with a super PAC, an iconic Greater Grand Crossing Blues club is reopening, and did y’all hear that new Kendrick dis? 

    Good news: Call and Response Bookstore Grand Opening   

    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
    Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
    Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 35 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
393 Ratings

393 Ratings

Old Boy Himself ,

Insightful — and fun

Listened to my first Chicago podcast this morning and was delighted by the knowledge — and chemistry — shown by the hosts.

EricaTheWonder ,

Amazing Way to Connect to The City

As a sober person, City Cast has been an incredible resource for me to learn about all of the amazing experiences, food, and nature that the city offers that isn’t centered around drinking. Thank you City Cast Team! Your work is so important!!

Sir Knee ,

Friendly, Fun and Informative

I love tuning in to city cast Chicago to get the rundown on the big Onion!

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