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
October 22, 2026 • 29 mins
This episode mentions sexual assault, so please take care when listening.
Today we’re talking about two sexual violence allegations at University of Chicago fraternity houses. Plus, a string of robberies hitting local businesses on the South and North Sides. Contributors Yareni Murillo and PJ Walker break down the latest.
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.&...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
October 21, 2026 • 32 mins
Today we’re talking about an attempted mass shooting at a Hindu Temple in Aurora and what Illinois is doing to keep gender-affirming care funded now that federal dollars have dried up. Host Jacoby Cochran discusses the latest with contributors Adora Namigadde and Anna DeShawn. Plus, should Chicago get a portal?
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.
Follow us @cityca...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
October 20, 2026 • 42 mins
Billionaire mega-donor Michael Sacks has been involved in Illinois politics and the state’s democratic party for decades. He has been an advisor, campaign donor, and critical ally to governors, mayors, state attorneys, and more. Now he is one of the lead opposition forces to the Chicago Teachers Union and Mayor Brandon Johnson. WBEZ’s Mariah Woelfel joins us with the latest. Plus, we’re going through the non-bindi...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
October 19, 2026 • 39 mins
Today we’re joined by contributors Jill Hopkins and Leigh Giangreco to discuss Pope Leo’s recent cancer diagnosis, Chicago’s newest Bears-themed rom-com, and the return of the Soul Train Awards.
Good News: Write Club
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
If you...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
October 16, 2026 • 43 mins
Today we’re talking about what went down at this week’s city council meeting, including a $260 million police settlement, attempts to override a mayoral veto, and a vote on the Smart Streets program. Plus, school board presidential candidates met in a Chicago Public Media forum this week, and we’ve got love for the Westside Love Maps Project!
Good News: Write About Now Poetry, Vigil Against Violence, New Schools ...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
October 15, 2026 • 32 mins
There are two weeks left to go in October, which means the spooky season is almost over. But don’t worry, contributors Yareni Murillo and PJ Walker are here with great costume ideas, parties across the city, and the best spot to catch a horror movie or show.
Good News: Al Raby dedication.
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchic...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
October 14, 2026 • 39 mins
For years, Lincoln Park neighbors have complained about one couple who has single-handedly contributed to the growing rat population in the community. Billionaires Barre and Barbara Seid, despite repeated fines and citations, continue to feed expensive nuts to the squirrels, pigeons, and rats in the park. We break down the Alderman’s response with contributors Al Scorch and Anna DeShawn. Plus, check out the newest plaques on ...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
October 13, 2026 • 34 mins
Safety net hospitals in the Chicagoland area are in crisis. We have covered multiple closures, including West Suburban in Oak Park and Weiss Memorial in Uptown. Others have had to make hard decisions on which units to keep funding. Roseland Community Hospital announced that it will close its maternity unit by the end of the month. Leigh Giangreco is here with the latest updates. Plus, Dan Hinkel joins to discuss Injustice Watch&rsq...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
October 9, 2026 • 37 mins
Chicago Public Schools’ inspector general is reopening an investigation into school board presidential candidate Hilario Dominguez. He is facing allegations of inappropriate behavior while working with a minor at a Pilsen nonprofit. Fox Chicago reporter Brandon Pope and Axios Chicago’s Carrie Shepherd are here with the latest. Plus, Block 37 sold for $30 million, a bus lane coming to Michigan Avenue in the Loop, and who...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
October 8, 2026 • 35 mins
The Supreme Court is officially back for the fall term, and it has its hands full. The ACLU possibly has its busiest term ever, with plenty of civil liberties cases on the docket. The Supreme Court will decide the fate of Cook County’s 30-year ban on assault weapons. Plus, what happens when a neighborhood festival goes viral? Get ready for “Best Big City Day.”
Good News: Latina Expo
Want some more City Cast Chic...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
October 7, 2026 • 36 mins
Today we’re talking about an ongoing redevelopment debate in Edgewater, a birthday celebration for legendary songwriter John Prine, and the rising price of White Sox playoff tickets. Plus, it’s the start of our Fall Membership campaign, and we’ve got an amazing piece of merch for new City Cast Chicago neighbors!
Good News: Friday: Chicago Textile Fair, Healing Arts Chicago Summit, and Big Marsh 10th Anniver...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
October 6, 2026 • 44 mins
Over the next month, Chicagoans will vote in a historic school board election. For the first time, the now 20-seat board and the at-large president will be decided at the ballot box. WBEZ’s Sarah Karp and Chalk Beat Chicago’s Reema Amin are here with their Chicago School Board Voter Guide. We discuss the races we’re watching closely, the candidates for school board president, and where the campaign money is flowin...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
October 5, 2026 • 38 mins
Last week, the City Council voted to approve the sale of Chicago’s Parking meters to a New York-based investment firm. After months of back and forth, alders voted overwhelmingly in favor of the deal, arguing it means more revenue for Chicago over the remaining five decades. We are joined by contributors Brandon Pope and Jill Hopkins to break down the details. Plus, we’re taking a peek inside a COVID-era time capsule, p...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
October 2, 2026 • 32 mins
Today we’re joined by Jessica Mordacq from Austin Weekly News/Forest Park Review and Block Club Chicago’s Patrick Filbin. We’re reacting to the Wieners Circle shading the mayor with their marquee, a new plan to close the life expectancy gap in Garfield Park, and the White Sox first playoff series win in 21 years! Plus, where to find Hebru Brantley’s Austin statue and Block Club Chicago’s weekend Block ...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
October 1, 2026 • 36 mins
As we enter the home stretch of 2026, we’ve got your guide for October. We’re talking Sox hats, budget battles, early voting, apple orchards, and tips for the Chicago Marathon. Plus, we need your help sourcing the best spots for Halloween costumes.
Good news: SAUCED Night Market
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can a...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
September 30, 2026 • 39 mins
Chicago has over 70% more cycling accidents through September than this same period in 2021, including multiple fatal crashes involving speeding drivers. Contributors Yareni Murillo and Anna DeShawn are here to discuss what they believe must be done to stem these rising numbers. Plus, we are celebrating the newest inductees of Chicago’s LGBT Hall of Fame, and South Side Weekly’s Best of the South Side 2026.
Good ...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
September 29, 2026 • 35 mins
It took Block Club Chicago’s investigative reporter Mick Dumke 11 months to get one page of records from ICE about the clash between its agents and protestors outside of the Broadview detention center last year. The response had no records or reports of arrests or use of force. It only contained the agency’s own account of what happened. Mick joins host Jacoby Cochran to talk all things Freedom of Information Act and wh...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
September 28, 2026 • 32 mins
Mayoral candidate Bill Quinlan’s lawsuit aims to block Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, and Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas from seeking reelection in their offices while running for mayor. Interim executive producer Michelle Navarro and contributors Jill Hopkins and Yareni Murillo break down the details. Plus, City Council approves plans for the Ford City Mall site and what we are loo...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
September 25, 2026 • 32 mins
Little Village was once known as the city's largest Latino neighborhood, but a new report found Belmont Cragin now has the largest Latino population. Block Club reporter Francia Garcia Hernandez tells host Jacoby Cochran how this happened and how other Chicago neighborhoods are changing.
Good news: Hexe
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchica...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
September 24, 2026 • 38 mins
The Art Institute of Chicago is returning a 113-year-old painting to the family of its original owner after an investigation revealed it was stolen and resold during Nazi occupation. We talk with contributor Leigh Giangreco and WTTW’s Joanna Hernandez about how Chicago’s world-class museums manage repatriation and allegations of stolen artifacts. Plus, a new report says younger Latinos are speaking less Spanish in the h...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.