642 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
    • 4.9 • 366 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. 

    Why Fall Is Still Camping (and Glamping) Season

    Why Fall Is Still Camping (and Glamping) Season

    It’s the final day of our Fall Getaway Guide. This week we’ve pitched road trips in every direction and autumnal stops off the Metra. But it wouldn’t be a fall trip without some time in nature, so we’re talking camping, glamping, and hitting the hiking trails. We are joined by Chevy Linear and Kam Stanton, the couple behind the popular TikTok account Black People Outside, to get some tips on how to prepare and where to go.

    Are you more of a camper or a glamper? Take our poll, and we’ll talk about it on the show.

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

    • 23 min
    Hop Aboard Metra for Quick, Cheap Fall Day Trips

    Hop Aboard Metra for Quick, Cheap Fall Day Trips

    We’re back with the second day of our Fall Getaway Guide. Yesterday we gave you all the tips and tricks for the best road trips near Chicagoland, but you don’t need a car to have some fall fun! That’s right, we’re talking about one of Chicago’s most underrated getaway options: day trips on the train! Host Jacoby Cochran is joined by Allison Yates, the founder of Read & Run Chicago and contributor to a TimeOut article on the best day trips by Metra!

    Allison also mentioned the book Chicago Transit Hikes by Lindsay Welbers.

    For more car-free trips including treks on the Amtrak, South Shore Line, and the Greyhound, head to our website: chicago.citycast.fm.

    This is the second of three parts of our Fall Getaway Guide. Tomorrow, we’re talking camping, glamping, and getting outdoors.

    Some good news: Chicago’s Inaugural Exhibition Weekend starts Friday!

    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

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

    • 19 min
    There's a Perfect Fall Road Trip in Every Direction from Chicago

    There's a Perfect Fall Road Trip in Every Direction from Chicago

    It’s officially fall, and the City Cast team is going road tripping! Host Jacoby Cochran, lead producer Simone Alicea, newsletter editor Sidney Madden, and marketing coordinator Jermaine Thomas each picked a direction and gave us their best road trip ideas. Whether you’re in it for the leaf peeping, tasty treats, a little fright, or a cozy vibe, we’ve got getaways for you!

    This is the first of three parts of our Fall Getaway Guide. Tomorrow, we find the best trips you can take without a car. And on Thursday we’ll tell you everything you need to know about camping and getting outdoors.

    Some Good News: Destroy Your Art at Music Box Theatre

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

    • 28 min
    Why Student Loan Repayments Scare The Hell Out of Us

    Why Student Loan Repayments Scare The Hell Out of Us

    Federal student loan payments start back up in October following a pandemic pause. This is a huge deal in Illinois where more than 1.5 million people applied for student loan forgiveness before President Joe Biden’s plan was blocked by the Supreme Court in June. We talked with WBEZ higher education reporter Lisa Philip following the court’s decision, and now she is back as loan interest accrues and payment due dates approach. Lisa tells us what we need to know, outlines the latest loan assistance and forgiveness options, and explains the broader economic impacts of student loan debt. 

    Some good news: The 6th Annual Destinos Theater Festival begins this week at theaters across the city.

    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 sponsor(s) of this show:

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

    • 23 min
    Migrant 'Base Camps,' Future of Tipping, and Soccer at Soldier Field

    Migrant 'Base Camps,' Future of Tipping, and Soccer at Soldier Field

    Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration is defending the decision to sign a one-year, nearly $30 million contract with controversial private security firm GardaWorld Federal Services for the construction and operation of Chicago’s migrant “base camps.” These are a network of tent encampments expected to house nearly 1,600 asylum seekers-currently living at police stations and airports. We sit down with South Side Weekly’s Alma Campos and Block Club Chicago’s Manny Ramos to break down some of the contract details and the firm’s past controversies. We are also discussing the push to end the subminimum wage for tipped workers, a sit down with three environmental justice organizers, and a soccer-packed weekend at Soldier Field.

    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

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

    • 25 min
    'Do You Remember' Why It's Earth, Wind & Fire Day?

    'Do You Remember' Why It's Earth, Wind & Fire Day?

    Today is Earth, Wind & Fire Day. Founded in Chicago by the late band leader Maurice White in 1969, the legendary group has sold over 100 million records worldwide, won every imaginable award, all while redefining multiple genres of music. In honor of their timeless sound and over 50 years of hits, we are joined by Clark Atlanta University professor Trenton Bailey, the author of “Do You Remember: Celebrating 50 Years of Earth Wind and Fire.” 

    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 sponsor(s) of this show:

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

    • 15 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
366 Ratings

366 Ratings

VIGuy67 ,

A taste of home

I just wanted to give a shout-out to Jacoby on this podcast! As a born & raised South Sider now living in the Caribbean, I’m glad to have stumbled onto this show. I’m enjoying the mix of issues and 🎼Good News🎵! All the best!

hobbieunicorn ,

Best Chicago Daily Podcast. Period.

CityCast Chicago delivers the news Chicagoans need to know with a love & respect for the Soul of Chicago in a way that no other podcast comes close.

XarifaBedford ,

Informative, Fresh, Inspiring

Great little daily slice of information with enjoyable conversations and no nonsense. So great to be able to dive into deep issues or lighthearted fare with the clarity and warm enthusiasm of the hosts. Love Jacoby’s voice! Keep it up!!!

Top Podcasts In News

The New York Times
NPR
The Daily Wire
Strike Force Five
SiriusXM
Cumulus Podcast Network | Dan Bongino

You Might Also Like

WBEZ Chicago
WBEZ Chicago
Crain's Chicago Business
City Cast
NPR
NPR