City Cast Chicago

City Cast Chicago

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.

Episodes

April 25, 2025 39 mins
On the heels of a tough budget season, and with looming federal funding cuts, Mayor Branndon Johnson is hoping to get ahead of what is shaping up to be yet another grueling budget fight. On Monday, he signed an executive order launching a budget working group and a review of city spending. Alex Nitkin from the Illinois Answers Project explains how this could set the stage for difficult budget considerations like staffing and servic...
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The Kehrein Center for the Arts is hosting a soldout “The Listening Field” this Sunday, dedicated to sound healing, meditation, and rest on Chicago’s West Side. We are joined by event producers Kori Coleman, the founder and executive director of D-Composed, and poet, songwriter, and musician Jamila Woods. We discuss what sound healing looks like for them, ways to get started at home, and how they blend Chicago poetry and classical ...
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Word on social media is Chicago’s funniest food duo is filming a second season of their show. We’re of course talking about “Poochie & Pang (eat Chicago),” starring Poochie from The Wiener’s Circle and longtime food critic Kevin Pang. While we wait to see what they’re eating this season, we’re revisiting a conversation host Jacoby Cochran had with the pair last fall about their Chicago food hot takes and the burgers they ate in sea...
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As street festival organizers struggle with rising costs, a coalition is urging Chicagoans to donate at the gate this summer. Host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro discuss the hurdles facing the city’s (mostly) free street fests and the future of summertime Chi. Plus, new restaurant openings and how to get our new City Cast Chicago Neighbors mug.  Good news: The Moth in Chicago: GrandSLAM Want some more City Cast Chicag...
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Kat Abughazaleh has garnered national attention for announcing her campaign challenging U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky in Illinois’ 9th Congressional District. But how does a 26-year-old who’s lived in Chicago less than a year win over voters in a district that’s been represented by the same person for nearly three decades? Host Jacoby Cochran sits down with Abughazaleh to learn more about her vision for the district covering Chicago’s F...
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The City Council this week held discussions about the future of hemp regulations, the mayor’s affordable housing plan, updates to the city’s curfew for minors, and whether Jan. 6 insurrectionists should be banned from city work, among other things. We ask The Triibe’s Corli Jay and the Chicago Tribune’s Jake Sheridan what came of these City Council meetings. Good News: Expo Chicago 2025 Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then m...
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Losing a loved one to gun violence can be extremely isolating. But in Chicago, there are many ways communities come together to remember those who have been lost. Producer Michelle Navarro visited a healing vigil for survivors last weekend organized by Corniki Bornds, founder of the Help Understand Grief (HUG) support group. She talked with Bornds about why groups and events like this are important ahead of an upcoming memorial bas...
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The people have spoken. With nearly 90% of the vote, the audience has crowned the winner of our March Madness Ultimate Chicago food bracket as none other than the Chicago Hot Dog. The City Cast Chicago team (reacts to the results) and revisit an earlier conversation breaking down the Chicago dog’s origins, their favorite places to grab one, and if it deserves all the hype. Spots mentioned: Jim’s Original The Wieners Circle Maxwe...
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Will Mayor Johnson’s affordable housing plan make it through City Council this week? Do you need a Real ID before the May 7 deadline? What are some of Chicago’s biggest foods according to Block Club Chicago? Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran answer these questions and more. Good News: Jackson Park Cherry Blossoms Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. ...
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The fight to regulate hemp-derived products like delta-8 and delta-9 has split state lawmakers and Chicago’s City Council. While some alders have pursued an outright ban, others want either the city or state to regulate the products. We break down the different approaches and hear from Alds. Marty Quinn in the 13th Ward and Bennet Lawson in the 44th Ward. Good news: White Sox “Jackie Robinson Day” Want some more City Cast Chicago n...
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International students at several city and state universities have had their visas rescinded in recent weeks, the Chicago Defender is celebrating 120 years, and we're talking Chicago plays to see this weekend! Joining us from the Chicago Defender, publisher Dyanna Lewis and managing editor Tacuma Roeback. Good news: The Pillowman, Moulin Rouge, BUST Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicag...
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April 10, 2025 22 mins
Chicago loves Lake Michigan (just see how many times it comes up on our list of 1,000 things we love about Chicago), but just how integral is the lakefront to the city’s existence? A new special from WTTW’s Geoffrey Baer airing Monday examines how Chicago’s lakefront came to be and explores some of the most interesting stories in and around the water. He talks with executive producer Simone Alicea about the most interesting places ...
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Local Style Chips are a brand new homegrown snack paying homage to classic Chicago foods like the Italian beef, deep-dish pizza, and the Chicago hot dog. Host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro tested the new potato chips to find out if they’re any good, and they talked to Local Style founder Laura Gardner to learn why she thinks Chicago should take over the snack aisle. Plus, don’t forget to vote in the final round of ou...
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Jury selection began this in the bribery trial of state Sen. Emil Jones III. Jones is accused of agreeing to help a red light camera company alter legislation in exchange for $5,000 and a job for his legislative intern. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss what makes this corruption trial different from others in recent memory. Plus, they talk about large severance packages going to departing leaders of ...
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The list of the Trump administration’s impacts on higher education in Chicago is long. Students are worried about financial aid, their immigration status, whether their research will be funded, and the future of free speech on campus. Not to mention Congressional investigations into institutions like Northwestern University. WBEZ higher education reporter Lisa Kurian Philip and host Jacoby Cochran discuss the various threats facing...
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The Chicago Teachers Union has a tentative contract agreement. What’s in it and what comes next? Helping us break down the details, WBEZ assistant managing editor Kate Grossman and Injustice Watch investigative reporter Kelly Garcia. Plus we are discussing major challenges navigating the city’s immigration courts, yet another congressional investigation for Northwestern, and Little Village’s latest storefront, “The Tamale Lady.” Wa...
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April 3, 2025 23 mins
Now that it’s spring, some of us may take the time to tidy up our homes. Host Jacoby Cochran talked to Sandy Spatz, a professional organizer based in Chicago to give us advice on how to sort through our clutter and reorganize our lives.  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 Learn more ab...
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Thin crust or tavern-style pizza recently won our Chicago food bracket debate that we aired to honor the “1,000 Things We Love About Chicago” list. Last year, host Jacoby Cochran, producer Michelle Navarro, and City Cast marketing director Caroline Patton gave their favorite spots and engaged in the eternal debate about which pizza style is the authentic Chicago style. Listeners can still vote for their favorite classic Chicago foo...
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April 1, 2025 34 mins
April in Chicago means winter is finally over … right? The weather may not always seem like it, but it’s warm and sunny in the hearts of host Jacoby Cochran, digital creator Jenny LeFlore, aka Mama Fresh, and Gretagram newsletter writer Greta Johnsen. They’re here with the best events happening this month, tips for avoiding street sweeping tickets, and the bites they’re most looking forward to eating. If you're new here, welcome! W...
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March 31, 2025 27 mins
Peacekeeping is a proven way to maintain a safe and secure Chicago. Host Jacoby Cochran talked with Damien Morris, chief program officer of violence prevention at Breakthrough who works to build and sustain community relationships as a peacekeeper. Damien tells us what it’s like to connect with families who've been impacted by violence while trying to prevent other families from going through the same thing. Damien Morris was recen...
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