766 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 • 386 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. 

    How to Buy a Bike in Chicago

    How to Buy a Bike in Chicago

    Spring is here which means biking in the city is looking a lot more enjoyable. Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, shopping for a bike can be stressful with all the choices the city has to offer. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to Liam Ouweleen from The Recyclery, a bike repair co-op in Rogers Park to learn the ins and outs of bike shopping, tips on where to go, and the basics on how to care for it. 
    A few places to get a bike:

    Working Bikes

    West Town Bikes

    Uptown Bikes

    Blackstone Bicycle Works


    Good news: Spring Trans Health and Wellness Summit

    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

    • 18 min
    This is Ramadan in Chicago

    This is Ramadan in Chicago

    We’re about halfway through Ramadan — the Muslim holy month marked by charity, spiritual reflection, and daily fasting. With some 350,000 Muslims estimated to call Chicago and Illinois home, we visited the Muslim Community Center in Old Irving Park for a community iftar. Iftar refers to the evening meal when fasts are broken each day. Host Jacoby Cochran talks with lifelong member Amjad Quadri about what the mosque is serving up and how Ramadan is about more than fasting.
    Other events to check out:

    CAIR Taste of Ramadan March 28

    IMAN community iftar April 3


    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

    • 23 min
    State’s Attorney’s Race Continues, CPS Funding Changes, and Honeymoon in the Burbs

    State’s Attorney’s Race Continues, CPS Funding Changes, and Honeymoon in the Burbs

    It’s been a week, but the election is not over yet. As of this recording, just over 2000 votes separate the candidates for Cook County State’s Attorney. The race between Eileen O’Neill Burke and Clayton Harris III remains too close to call as more mail-in ballots are counted. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran discuss how both candidates have responded to the tightening race. Plus, we look at Mayor Johnson’s latest funding pushes and budget-friendly honeymoon options near Chicago.  

    Good news: Respect the Mic 

    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

    • 25 min
    Why Does Chicago Have So Many Lead Pipes?

    Why Does Chicago Have So Many Lead Pipes?

    A new study shows that more than two-thirds of kids under 6 in Chicago might be exposed to lead-contaminated water. That could be because the city has nearly 400,000 lead water service lines, the most of any city in the country. Axios’ Monica Eng has been closely following Chicago’s lead pipe removal efforts. In one of our very first episodes, she told us how the city ended up with so many lead lines. We’re revisiting that conversation, and Monica returns with an update on what’s happened since.
    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

    • 21 min
    Outstanding Election Questions, DNC Protests, and Lollapalooza Chicago Turns 20

    Outstanding Election Questions, DNC Protests, and Lollapalooza Chicago Turns 20

    With thousands of ballots still being counted, the fate of the highly contested Bring Chicago Home tax referendum remains unclear. As of Thursday afternoon, the referendum has about 20,000 more no votes and is seemingly headed towards defeat. Freelance writer Natalie Christan-Frazier and Block Club Chicago’s Melody Mercado join host Jacoby Cochran to discuss what this result could mean for the mayor’s progressive agenda moving forward. Plus, we are looking at U.S. Rep. Danny Davis’ latest election win, the city's denial of DNC protests permits, and how Lollapalooza is celebrating 20 years in Chicago. 
    Where to Find Chicago's Best Coffee Shops

    Good News: “We Are The Culture: Black Chicago’s Influence on Everything”

    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

    • 30 min
    Is Chicago the Sneaker (ahem Gym Shoe) Capital?

    Is Chicago the Sneaker (ahem Gym Shoe) Capital?

    March Madness means basketball is on the brain, which makes it a good time to revisit how the sport has influenced fashion. While the Fighting Illini men’s and women’s teams play in Champaign today, we’re heading back to Sneakerhead University in the Loop. Host Jacoby Cochran and former City Caster Carrie Shepherd met up with creator Shay Belvin last year to learn why she started the exhibition that showcases sneaker culture. 

    Good news: Moth GRANDslam Championship

    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

    • 18 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
386 Ratings

386 Ratings

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!

CobyCochran ,

CityCastSuperFan

Just wanted to clear up an earlier comment. The entire 4 person Chicago team lives and works in Chicago. 3/4 were born and raised in Chicago!

Top Podcasts In News

The Daily
The New York Times
Up First
NPR
The Ben Shapiro Show
The Daily Wire
Pod Save America
Crooked Media
The Megyn Kelly Show
SiriusXM
The Dan Bongino Show
Cumulus Podcast Network | Dan Bongino

You Might Also Like

The Rundown | Chicago News
WBEZ Chicago
Curious City
WBEZ Chicago
Crain's Daily Gist
Crain's Chicago Business
The Weeds
Vox
Up First
NPR
Consider This from NPR
NPR