787 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 • 391 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. 

    CTA Investigation, Counting Migrant Students, and Bears Stadium Plans

    CTA Investigation, Counting Migrant Students, and Bears Stadium Plans

    Calls to oust CTA President Dorval Carter continue after a bus driver died behind the wheel after sitting unconscious for nearly an hour. Block Club Chicago’s Manny Ramos and Chalkbeat Chicago’s Samantha Smylie sat with host Jacoby Cochran to talk about what happened. They also discuss how Illinois and Chicago count migrant students, if Illinois lawmakers will extend the school closure moratorium, and the Bears stadium mock-ups. 

    Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. 
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    • 33 min
    Are These Chicago's Ugliest Buildings?

    Are These Chicago's Ugliest Buildings?

    We often hear about the Tribune Tower, the Chicago Cultural Center and of course the once-called Sears Tower, but do you ever wonder about the buildings that aren’t aesthetically pleasing to the eye? Tour guide Mike McMains from Tours with Mike designed the Ugly Buildings Tour to highlight the eyesores that hide behind and between Chicago’s famous skyscrapers and structures. Mike tells host Jacoby Cochran what makes a building ugly and his favorites. 

    Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. 
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    • 25 min
    Tasty Tips for Eating Less Meat in Chicago

    Tasty Tips for Eating Less Meat in Chicago

    With one week left in Earth Month, you might be thinking about ways to make more environmentally conscious choices. One option is to eat less meat. Luckily, Chicago has long been a hub for vegan and vegetarian restaurants. Soul Veg City in Chatham has been serving up vegan soul food for more than 40 years. Earlier this year, executive producer Simone Alicea talked with owners Lori Seay and Arel Brown about their favorite spots in the city and how to start small.

    Good News: Harold Washington Library Record Sale

    Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. 
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    • 16 min
    More Migrant Funds, Indie Bookstore Day, and Chicago Pests

    More Migrant Funds, Indie Bookstore Day, and Chicago Pests

    City Council approved $70 million Friday to care for new arrivals. That’s in addition to the $150 million allocated in this year’s budget. Executive producer Simone Alicea and producer Michelle Navarro discuss the latest. Plus, we’ve got picks for Independent Bookstore Day and we’re talking about the pest control business and why Chicago could be a great place to start one. 

    Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. 
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    • 20 min
    Will Chicago Be Ready for Record Rain and Floods?

    Will Chicago Be Ready for Record Rain and Floods?

    Chicago’s most threatening natural disaster is severe flooding, the Illinois Answers Project reports. Many residents are still recovering from last summer’s torrential rain storms that experts say are only getting more frequent. Reporters Meredith Newman and Alex Nitkin have been working on a series about how the city, county, and state have prepared (or not prepared) for these disasters. They talk with host Jacoby Cochran about why Chicago is so prone to floods, what can be done to mitigate damage, and why government agencies have struggled to coordinate on this problem.

    Some Good News: The Reader’s Best of Chicago party

    Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. 
    Follow us @citycastchicago
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    • 22 min
    Mass Shooting Vigil, Pride Parade Shrinks, and Sky Tickets Skyrocket

    Mass Shooting Vigil, Pride Parade Shrinks, and Sky Tickets Skyrocket

    The Back of the Yards neighborhood is still recovering from a mass shooting that took place over the weekend. WTTW’s Joanna Hernandez and freelance writer for the Windy City Times Jake Wittich discuss what happens next. They also tell host Jacoby Cochran about the latest news stories like Chicago Pride Parade downsizing and a Belmont Cragin pastor who opened his doors to a group of migrants, among them an artist.

    Good news: Chicago Social Butterflies, Sky’s New Natty Champ Duo, CineYouth Film Festival  

    Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. 
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    • 29 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
391 Ratings

391 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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