City Cast Chicago

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

Should Chicago Open Public Pharmacies? Plus, CPS Defends Transgender Policies

June 12, 2026 • 37 mins
Walgreens has shuttered two more South Side locations, including the Chatham location, after closing five in 2025. Ald. William Hall (6th) wants to launch the city’s first-ever Office of Pharmacy Access to create publicly owned alternatives. Block Club Chicago’s Atavia Reed and WBEZ’s Sarah Karp are here with details. Plus, we’re recapping Chicago Public Schools Supt. Macquline King’s congressional tes...
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Are Chicago Bike Lanes Actually Safe? Plus, Ann Sather Closure and Playing Hooky

June 11, 2026 • 39 mins
Ann Sather’s last day on Belmont is June 28. City Cast Chicago contributor Adora Namigadde explains why the closure feels so significant. Plus, contributor Leigh Giangreco reflects on Chicago bike safety after city transportation worker Riley O’Neil was killed while biking in Bridgeport. Plus, we’re talking about how we’d play hooky like Ferris Bueller and what we think is actually overhyped about summertime...
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Public Pools Open Next Week. Plus, Chicago’s New Women’s Sports Bar

June 10, 2026 • 36 mins
Most of the city’s 77 public pools, 200 water features, and Chicago’s only inland beach are all opening next Friday. Plus, we’ve got more events and organizations to visit during Pride and beyond, including Lipstick Lounge, Garden of Collective, and Level Sporting Club. We’re also sharing the best viral videos we’ve seen this month, like Young Roddo, Sidequesttre, and DJ Ca$h Era.Good News: Sox Crawl F...
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Red Line Weekend Detour and Ultimate Summer Guide

June 9, 2026 • 38 mins
Red Line trains will be rerouted to elevated tracks for the third straight weekend due to maintenance work in the Loop subway. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran have the details and their favorite events this weekend away from the Loop. Plus, we’ve got our Ultimate Summer Guide taped live last week at Switchyards in Logan Square with 77 Flavors’ Sara Faddah and Dario Durham.   Good News...
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Who's Running For Mayor? Plus, Bears Pick Hammond?!

June 8, 2026 • 40 mins
Chicago’s mayoral election is nine months away. Last week, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza became the first major candidate to make their campaign official. Host Jacoby Cochran, Brandon Pope, and Leigh Giangreco discuss Mendoza’s platform and other potential candidates. Plus, we react to news that the Bears are moving forward with a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana. Is this for real or just the latest round of stadiu...
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Why Chicago Libraries Got It All. Plus, Are The Bears Still Ours?

June 5, 2026 • 33 mins
Chicago is opening its 82nd public library branch in June, and loaning out books is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what these institutions offer residents. Host Jacoby Cochran talks with City Cast CEO David Plotz from Your City Could Be Better podcast about how Chicago’s libraries have evolved to meet community needs, from opening a food pantry inside a branch to turning student IDs into automatic library cards ...
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How the City Is Helping Chicagoans Buy Houses and Read More Books

June 4, 2026 • 35 mins
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Housing are launching a new $21 million housing program to provide down payment and closing assistance to prospective homebuyers. Host Jacoby Cochran and contributors Jill Hopkins and PJ Walker discuss the details and ask if this is an effective, affordable housing solution. Plus, Summer at Chicago Public Library kicks off this week with celebrations at the regional branches, and where ar...
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City Buying Greyhound Station. Plus, Chicago’s Lesbian Business Directory

June 3, 2026 • 34 mins
For almost two years, there have been questions about the future of Chicago’s downtown bus terminal. Flix, the parent company of Greyhound, has been on a month-to-month lease with the private owners since 2024, contributing to concerns about long-term access for the 500,000 riders it serves annually. Mayor Johnson has presented an ordinance to purchase the terminal for $19 million. Host Jacoby Cochran is joined by contributor...
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What Happened in Springfield? Plus, Dreaming of Summer Break

June 2, 2026 • 36 mins
What did lawmakers get done in Springfield? A $56 billion budget, a cellphone ban in schools, relief for those who lost SNAP benefits, and so much more. However, they didn’t pass a Bears stadium plan. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea break down lawmakers’ early morning sprint across the spring session finish line. Plus, school is out for CPS this week, and we’re dreaming up our ideal Chicag...
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Your Guide to June 2026 in Chicago

June 1, 2026 • 41 mins
June is officially summertime Chi in our world, so we’re going to help you make the most of it. Host Jacoby Cochran is joined by contributors Leigh Giangreco and Anna DeShawn to talk about how to prepare for Pride Month, the Obama Center opening, and getting out on the water. They’ve also got some news stories to watch this month. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter...
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School Board Hopefuls, Traffic Court Confusion, and Murakami Homers Again … And Again

May 29, 2026 • 39 mins
This year, for the first time, Chicago will fully elect the 21-person school board. Candidates had to get their petitions in this week with signatures from their district in order to get on the Nov. 3 ballot. Chalkbeat Chicago’s Reema Amin and Injustice Watch’s Kelly Garcia are here to talk about 51 candidates who submitted their names. Plus, traffic court confusion is hurting immigrants, CPS has critical budget concern...
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A Chicago Mayor and Pope Walk Into a Schlitz Bar…

May 28, 2026 • 30 mins
Mayor Brandon Johnson is in Vatican City this week to meet Chicago’s very own Pope Leo XIV for the first time. The two are expected to discuss their mutual disdain for the president, the state of Chicago baseball, and the Pope’s latest writings on the dangers of A.I. Adora Namigadde and Jill Hopkins are here to discuss the historic meeting. Plus, a 177-year-old beer halts production, and what Midwest brands still have y...
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WIll Parents Face Charges For Teen Trends? Plus, Chicago Expands CARE Teams

May 27, 2026 • 33 mins
After multiple large gatherings of young people over the weekend, including at 57th St. Beach and North Ave Beach, Ald Brian Hopkins is preparing an ordinance he says would hold parents accountable for young people arrested at these events. Plus, Chicago is expanding its mental health response teams, and we what is your favorite Chicago beach? Good News: Maifest Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for...
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Will CTA Safety Task Force Make a Difference? Plus, Chicago's Best Inventions

May 26, 2026 • 38 mins
Earlier this month, CTA announced a new transit safety task force and made adjustments to 2025 ridership totals. With ongoing concerns about post-pandemic recovery and threats to federal funding, we discuss what these latest moves mean for CTA going forward. Plus, it’s National Inventors Month and contributors Leigh Giangreco and PJ Walker brought some of their favorite Chicago inventions.  Good News: Chicago Sky Ticket...
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Tipped Wage Compromise, Lead Pipe Removal Lags, and Del Sur Expands

May 22, 2026 • 32 mins
City Council reached a near-unanimous decision to pause the subminimum wage hike for tipped workers this week. When they voted to free the subminimum wage hike back in March, Mayor Brandon Johnson ultimately vetoed their decision. Johnson confirmed this week he will accept this compromise and not pursue another veto. WBEZ’s Susie An and Block Club Chicago’s Madison Savedra are here to discuss why this ordinance is being...
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Who Wins Summer in the USA? Chicago Makes Its Case

May 21, 2026 • 54 mins
City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson hosts this showdown where 12 City Cast reps, including City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran, compete head-to-head and debate which city is the best for a weekend trip this summer. From hot tub boats (exactly what they sound like) to epic outdoor summer festivals, our hosts are bringing the best of what their city has to offer this season. Can Jacoby beat out his competitors from DC, Denver...
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Pritzker Disses Johnson … Again. Plus, New Northalsted Bar, and Chicago’s Favorite Rivalries

May 20, 2026 • 34 mins
Gov. JB Pritzker voiced support for a mega projects bill that incentivizes the Bears’ move to Arlington Heights, while shading Mayor Brandon Johnson, saying he has “no plan” to keep the Bears in Chicago. Johnson remains critical of the deal, calling it a burden on taxpayers. Meanwhile, Hammond, Indiana, is still in the race. We’re breaking down all the back and forth with Brandon Pope and Anna DeShawn. Plus,...
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Which Neighborhood Doesn’t Have a Library? Plus, CHA Wait Times and Plover Eggs

May 19, 2026 • 34 mins
Getting into Chicago Housing Authority units is hard enough, but the agency is also processing hundreds of relocation requests for current tenants facing health and safety issues. Executive producer Simone Alicea and creative producer Michelle Navarro discuss the challenges. They also find out which community area doesn’t have a library and discuss the reality TV-worthy drama of the piping plovers’ mating season. Plus, ...
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CPS to Cut Teachers, UChicago Covers Tuition, and Lolla Schedule Drops

May 18, 2026 • 38 mins
Chicago Public Schools are planning to cut teacher positions to minimize the $732 million budget deficit. Meanwhile, CPS CEO Macquline King has been subpoenaed by a congressional committee. Executive producer Simone Alicea, City Cast contributor Jill Hopkins, and creative producer Michelle Navarro discuss the latest, including the University of Chicago offering full tuition coverage for families with incomes below $250,000 a year....
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What Are Mental Health Courts? Plus, United Center Tax Break and Obama Center Gentrification

May 15, 2026 • 40 mins
Mental health courts have proliferated in Illinois, but how effective are they? Grace Hauck with the Illinois Answers Project joins Justin Laurence with Crain’s and executive producer Simone Alicea to break it down. Plus,  the United Center’s 1901 Project is poised for a big tax break, and housing protections near the Obama Center seem to have failed to keep neighbors in their homes. But at least we’ve got go...
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