682 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 • 373 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. 

    Burke Trial Updates, Election Season Begins, and Holiday Pop-Ups

    Burke Trial Updates, Election Season Begins, and Holiday Pop-Ups

    The federal corruption trial of former Ald. Ed Burke is now in its fourth week. Multiple delays have slowed down the timeline but the judge is still hopeful the trial will wrap by Christmas. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran discuss the latest updates out of the courthouse. Plus, Illinois’ 2024 election season is officially underway as hopeful candidates for local, state, congressional and judicial races began filing their petitions Monday. 

    What holiday pop-ups are you excited for? 

    Good News: Lifeline Theatre’s 3rd Annual Adaptation Workshop & Showcase

    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

    • 21 min
    What Happens When a Chicagoan is Missing?

    What Happens When a Chicagoan is Missing?

    What happens when a person goes missing in Chicago? Trina Reynolds-Tyler with Invisible Institute and Sarah Conway with City Bureau are here to discuss “Missing in Chicago,” their two-year investigation into how Chicago police handle missing person cases. They highlight inadequate police data, testimonials from families who felt mistreated or dismissed by police, and a disproportionate impact on Black women and girls.

    Make sure you also check out their resources list and rights guide.

    Good News: Karaoke Storytellers on 11/30

    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

    • 31 min
    Why Does Chicago Love to Hate Malort?

    Why Does Chicago Love to Hate Malort?

    Many of us may have out-of-town visitors this week for the Thanksgiving holiday. And what better way to say “I’m thankful for you” than with the city’s favorite drink-slash-prank: Malört. Whether you actually like the bitter liquor or you just want to see your friends make a weird face, it’s become one of Chicago’s best inside jokes. Host Jacoby Cochran tried it for the first time this summer. We did a taste test and round of Malört trivia with executive producer Simone Alicea, marketing director Caroline Patton, and marketing coordinator Jermaine Thomas.

    Good News: Chicago Weekly Show Calendar

    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:
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    • 22 min
    Yellow Line Crash, Migrant Shelter Limits, and Holiday Travel Tips

    Yellow Line Crash, Migrant Shelter Limits, and Holiday Travel Tips

    Service on the Yellow Line from Howard to Skokie/Dempster was still suspended Monday after a train crashed into a city snowplow late last week, injuring nearly 40 riders. Investigators from the the National Transportation Safety Board are in town piecing together what happened. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran are breaking down the latest findings. Plus, we discuss Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 60 day limit at the city’s temporary migrant shelters and some quick holiday travel tips. 

    Check out these City Cast Chicago playlists to get you through tough traffic this holiday season.

    What are you thankful for this holiday season? You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246

    Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. 
    Follow us @citycastchicago
    Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    • 22 min
    Not Just Chicago: Juvenile Jails Across Illinois Fail Standards

    Not Just Chicago: Juvenile Jails Across Illinois Fail Standards

    Most of Illinois’ 16 juvenile detention centers fail to meet minimum compliance standards, according to recent reports from the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice. The audits show the facilities are overusing confinement and failing to provide adequate resources, including education, mental health services, and even proper clothing or bedding. Injustice Watch’s Kelly Garcia looked over the reports and tells host Jacoby Cochran what’s driving the problems, why transparency issues persist, and how officials are responding.

    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

    • 17 min
    New Top Doc, Johnson’s First Budget, and City of Lights

    New Top Doc, Johnson’s First Budget, and City of Lights

    After a three month search, Mayor Brandon Johnson has hired Dr. Olusimbo Ige to lead Chicago’s Public Health Department. This is one of Johnson’s biggest hirings, especially following the ousting of the former top doc. Crain’s Katherine Davis and City Bureau’s India Daniels are here to discuss why this move is so critical. Plus, the city’s $16 billion dollar budget was approved, Howard Brown health workers strike again, and there are plenty of opportunities to see Chicagoland’s holiday lights.

    Calendar for police district council meetings and follow along with the City Bureau Documenters

    Good News: Stay up to date with City Bureau events

    Chicagoland Light Shows: Chicago Botanic Gardens Lightscape, Lincoln Park ZooLights, Morton Arboretum Illumination, Magnificent Mile Lights Fest, Sparkle Light Fest

    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

    • 29 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
373 Ratings

373 Ratings

Professional friend ,

Start my mornings right

City Cast Chicago scratches the itch I have for the morning radio show without the mindless drivel. It’s a great show! I learn so much about my city every day.

sdimaria ,

Morning Routine Staple

Always start my morning listening to Jacoby & the team! This podcast keeps me up to date on all the city news & happenings is a great companion to their daily newsletter. The show outro's keep me laughing on the daily!

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!

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