City Cast Chicago
Chicago’s daily news podcast, fresh every weekday morning. 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. City Cast Chicago is a smart and delightful new way to connect with the city we share. Learn more and subscribe to our newsletter at chicago.citycast.fm. Named Best Podcast by Chicago Reader 2022
Episodes
December 9, 2025 • 38 mins
Residents of a soon-to-be foreclosed South Shore apartment complex, raided by federal agents in September, have asked a Cook County judge for more time and resources to move out. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran discuss how they got here. Plus, we’ve got tips for handling this season’s record-breaking snow, and how do you feel about robot food delivery?
Good news: Market Box
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December 8, 2025 • 32 mins
Former President Barack Obama announced last week that his long-awaited presidential center would officially open to the public in June 2026 — 11 years after the project was initially announced on the South Side. Host Jacoby Cochran talks with Sun-Times architecture critic Lee Bey about what took so long and his first impressions of the building and surrounding grounds in Jackson Park.
Good News: Chicago Public Library events
Wan...
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December 5, 2025 • 37 mins
While Chicago Public Schools are preparing for winter break, the search for the next permanent CEO is ongoing. Last month it was reported, the school board was interviewing finalists. Now it is unclear where exactly the school board’s process to name the next head of CPS is. Chalk Beat Chicago’s Reema Amin is here with the latest. Blockclub Chicago’s Investigative Editor Crystal Paul breaks down what happens to individuals in Illin...
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December 4, 2025 • 24 mins
Chicago is now fully in holiday mode, so we’re back with our holiday edition of the one-star review game! Host Jacoby Cochran quizzed Axios Chicago reporters Carrie Shepherd and Monica Eng last year. Can they guess these popular Chicago holiday attractions based on their one-star Yelp reviews?
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December 3, 2025 • 36 mins
Since the Michelin Guide arrived in Chicago back in 2010, only four restaurants have received three Michelin stars. There are only 14 restaurants in North America, and as of just last month, there is only one in Chicago. Chicago Tribune’s restaurant critic, Louisa Chu, tells host Jacoby Cochran which restaurants are recently Michelin-recommended, what she thinks makes a restaurant worthy, and her favorites in the city.
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December 2, 2025 • 24 mins
This weekend’s record-setting snowstorm also resulted in lots of flight cancellations and car accidents across the city. Plus, the winter overnight parking ban has gone into effect for more than 100 miles of main streets in Chicago. We’re also discussing the Bears better-than-expected season, the upcoming matchup with the Packers, and the sports bars you should have on your radar.
Where to find the City Warming Centers
Good News:...
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December 1, 2025 • 32 mins
Before we wrap up the year, we have your guide to December in Chicago. Digital marketing manager Jermaine Thomas is here with some tips for thriving in the cold. Hey Chicago newsletter editor Emmi Mack is bringing some holiday events to keep your calendar packed. And host Jacoby Cochran’s mind is on Chicago’s best new restaurants.
If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles t...
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November 26, 2025 • 46 mins
Join City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran alongside fellow hosts from Austin, DC, Denver, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh, Portland, Salt Lake, Seattle, and the Twin Cities for a special episode that’ll help you knock out your holiday shopping early and support small businesses around the country. From a handlebar mount (and app!) that’ll turn your phone into a bike cam, to a mustard-of-the-month subscription box...
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November 25, 2025 • 26 mins
Nine teenagers were shot, including one who was killed, during two separate incidents Friday night in the Loop following the Millennium Park annual Christmas tree lighting. Host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro are discussing reported details, the Mayor’s response over the weekend, and renewed conversation about snap curfews in Chicago. Cook County passes $10 billion budget with money for a permanent guaranteed income p...
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November 24, 2025 • 38 mins
On November 24, 2015, dashcam footage of a Chicago police officer shooting and killing 17-year-old Laquan McDonald was made public after months and months of protests and investigative reporting. The story of his murder and the subsequent attempts by local officials to bury it continues to cast a shadow over Chicago a decade later. We are joined by the Invisible Institute’s Jamie Kalven and The Triibe’s Tonia Hill. Together, we ref...
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November 21, 2025 • 36 mins
Earlier this week, the City Council Finance Committee voted 25-10 to reject the mayor’s budget proposal. Alders pushed back on a corporate head tax and borrowing for police settlements. The mayor said he would veto increases to garbage fees and grocery or property taxes. So what's next as the deadline to pass a budget draws closer? We ask The Tribune’s Jake Sheridan and WBEZ’s Mike Davis. Plus, five years after nationwide calls to ...
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November 20, 2025 • 29 mins
Since Operation Midway Blitz began in September, we have covered dozens of protests, hundreds of detainments, and growing violence from the federal government. But for unhoused Chicagoans detained by agents, what happens when there are no cameras and little record of their disappearance? The Chicago Reader’s Katie Prout has been working to track how many unhoused Chicagoans have been detained and what the city is doing to provide m...
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November 19, 2025 • 29 mins
We know Chicago is a food city, but what made dining here so special this year? The Infatuation’s Adrian Kane tells host Jacoby Cochran her favorite meal of the year, new restaurants that have become her favorites, and predictions for what dining in Chicago might look like in 2026.
Good News: You Can Grow Here exhibit (+35 Thanksgiving pie specials and 70 restaurants offering holiday meals)
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November 18, 2025 • 34 mins
Alders rejected Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposal to reinstate Chicago’s corporate head tax to raise roughly $100 million annually. Chicago previously had a head tax from 1973-2014, when then-Mayor Emanuel eliminated it. Now the proposal to reverse course remains one of the biggest hurdles to passing next year’s $16.6 billion budget. We’re discussing the support and opposition in the City Council. Plus, National Guard troops may be ...
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November 17, 2025 • 39 mins
The Chicago Board of Education recently voted to keep Chicago High School for the Arts open after talks of closing the public fine arts school. At the same time, the decision was made to close the public charter school EPIC Academy. Chalkbeat’s Bureau Chief Becky Vevea talks with host Jacoby Cochran about how the decision was made and what it means to close a school.
Good News: 12 x 12 Art Exhibition
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November 14, 2025 • 33 mins
Six people arrested while protesting outside the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Broadview processing facility were in federal court this week. They have all pleaded not guilty to federal conspiracy charges. We are discussing these and other ongoing legal challenges with The Trace’s Rita Oceguera and Suntimes’ Elvia Malagon. Plus, what’s next for the hotly debated affordable healthcare subsidies now that the government shutdown...
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November 13, 2025 • 34 mins
If you think New York and LA are the country’s only fashion hubs, think again. Local designers like Ron Louis have been repping Chicago on the street and on the runway. Louis sits down with host Jacoby Cochran to talk about the hallmarks of Chicago’s style, how he came to fashion, and some of the designers and shops he loves in the city.
Good News: Frankie Knuckles Festival & Supply Locale
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November 12, 2025 • 31 mins
In the last few weeks, we have talked about some iconic Chicago staples, whether it's a deep dive into the world of Vienna Beef or a shout-out to a 50-year-old sub sandwich. That got us thinking about all the other iconic Chicago sammies. Axios reporter Monica Eng and host Jacoby Cochran linked up earlier this year to rank eight Chicago sandwiches. From the sweetsteak to the jibarito to the Italian beef, which one is No. 1?
Good N...
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November 11, 2025 • 35 mins
After a weekend of raids across Little Village, federal agents gathered for a photo op Monday morning at the Bean in Millennium Park. Block Club Chicago reported that agents were seen joking about the operations that have gripped Chicago for two months. Plus, we are discussing how the government shutdown and the first snow of the season are combining to cause increased airport delays and Mr. Submarine's 50th anniversary ad campaign...
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November 10, 2025 • 28 mins
Millions across the state are still waiting for November SNAP benefits to be paid out as the government shutdown continues. Beyond this current crisis, others remain anxious about their future eligibility for food assistance once the federal government's new stricter work reporting requirements go into effect next year. All the while, Chicago’s food assistance organizations, food banks, and mutual aid groups are bracing for the ine...
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