

City Cast Chicago
City Cast
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
Named Best Podcast by Chicago Reader 2022
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 20, 2024 • 29min
The Surprises (and Snoozes) on Primary Day
Voters headed to the polls yesterday to cast their ballots for Democratic and Republican nominees for local, state, and federal offices. The City Cast Chicago team recaps some of the key races including president, Congress, and Cook County state’s attorney. Some Good News: The Newberry Library’s Writers on Writing seriesWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Mar 19, 2024 • 26min
It’s Election Day! Plus, Migrant Evictions and Bears' Next QB
It’s primary election day! Between tonight and early tomorrow we will hopefully know the results of some key congressional races, some highly contested county races, and the fate of Bring Chicago Home. We’re reminding you of some of the key races we’re watching. Plus, the city has started evicting migrants from shelters, and it seems the Bears have made their quarterback decision. Good news: Chicago Show CalWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Mar 18, 2024 • 22min
Why Do Chicagoans Have to Complain to Get Things Done?
From rats in the alley to problem landlords, the first thing you’ll often hear is, “Call 311.” But while complaining may help get your problem solved, is it really the best way for the city to provide services? A new advisory from the inspector general’s office suggests Chicago could do better. Inspector General Deborah Witzburg sits down with host Jacoby Cochran to talk about how Chicago could improve its services, what the inspector general’s office does, and if it makes a difference in what she calls the city’s “deficit of legitimacy.”Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Mar 15, 2024 • 29min
Measles Outbreak, Rental Assistance Cliff, and Supreme Court on Referendum
There have been 10 confirmed measles cases reported at the Pilsen migrant shelter on Halsted Ave. City and state officials are working to isolate individuals and notify those who have been exposed to the virus. Borderless Magazine’s Katrina Pham and Block Club Chicago’s Jamie Nesbitt Golden join host Jacoby Cochran to break down the latest. Plus, we discuss the Illinois Supreme Court’s decision not to hear a challenge to the Bring Chicago home referendum, a landmark apartment complex in Bronzeville, and the latest grand openings at Shop L1 in Washington Park.Note: At the time this conversation was recorded, there were eight measles cases confirmed at the shelter. Health officials reported two more cases Thursday night.Good News: Karaoke and Coffee at Rizal CenterPitchfork and Ravinia Festival lineups announcedWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about our sponsors:
Read and Run Chicago: The Cora Tozzi Historical Mystery Series in Lemont
Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Entrepreneur Certificate Program
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Mar 14, 2024 • 17min
Why Does Chicago Dye the River Green?
On Saturday, the city will dye the Chicago River green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. The tradition has been going on for decades, but how much do we really know about how and why Chicago turns the river green every year? Executive producer Simone Alicea quizzes host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro.Some good news: Pi(e) Day DealsWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about our sponsors:
Read and Run Chicago: The Cora Tozzi Historical Mystery Series in Lemont
Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Entrepreneur Certificate Program
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Mar 13, 2024 • 17min
Is the Sweet Steak Sandwich Chicago's Most Underrated Classic?
Some classic Chicago foods, from deep-dish to jibaritos to Italian beef to paczki, can be found all over the city — or at least you can find several spots. But there’s one classic sandwich that you can really only find at one spot these days. Morgan Park’s Home of the Hoagy has been serving up sandwiches since 1969, including the sweet steak. The sandwich holds a special place for South Siders. Host Jacoby Cochran takes producer Michelle Navarro to try her first sweet steak and talks about how it was a childhood staple, what makes it “a meal on a bun” and why it's worth the wait. Good news: The Rooted and Radical Youth Poetry FestivalWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Mar 12, 2024 • 27min
Congressional Rematch, School Board Election Plan, and Fantasy Fest Lineup
Last week, the Illinois House passed a Senate bill finalizing a plan for Chicago to elect 10 members of a 21-person school board in November. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran explain what you need to know. We also discuss U.S. Rep. Danny Davis’s tough and crowded primary race in the 7th Congressional District. Plus, who would have to perform at Lollapalooza for us to buy a ticket?Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about our sponsors:Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Mar 11, 2024 • 22min
How to Find an Apartment in Chicago
Learn how to navigate the competitive rental market in Chicago with tips from real estate broker Andy Svalesen. Discover insights on rising rental prices, neighborhood variations, and the impact of property taxes. Find out how to choose the ideal Chicago neighborhood and hunt for apartments effectively in a high-demand market.

Mar 8, 2024 • 32min
Tax Referendum is Back, Migrant Shelter Complaints, and Students Open Farm
Votes for the Bring Chicago Home referendum will be counted. Earlier this week, an appellate court judge reversed a lower court ruling on the tax referendum that will increase a one-time tax on property sales over $1 million dollars to fund resources for unhoused Chicagoans. Host Jacoby Cochran, WBEZ’s Adriana Cardona-Maguigad, and Sun Times’ Tom Schuba discuss what the decision means for voters. Plus, complaints at the city’s migrant shelters are mounting, a controversial cop is running to be a judge, and students are growing fresh produce in Altgeld Gardens.Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Mar 7, 2024 • 24min
How to Celebrate Your Birthday in Chicago
Chicago celebrated its 187th birthday this week! And City Cast Chicago’s third birthday is coming up too. That got us thinking about great ways to celebrate your birthday in Chicago. Producer Michelle Navarro is here with recommendations. Plus, she takes us to McKinley Park for a Chicago birthday party.Recommended spots:
Uncle Julio’s
La Catedral Cafe
Green Mill
Oooh wee! It is!
Cleo’s
Bath House Chicago
Smyth
Omakase Yume
Ever
Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
Le Nocturne
Demera
The Giant Penny Whistle
Headquaters Beercade
Good news: 22nd Chicago Flamenco FestivalWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE


