Stay ConnectedChicago’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
Principals, local school councils, and parent groups are getting increasingly creative with their fundraising. In 2025, Chicago schools spent nearly $52 million in independently sourced revenue. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss how individual schools are navigating tightening budgets. Plus, Mayor Brandon Johnson has submitted a $425 million plan for the 78, and ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ turns 40.
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Last week, the City Council voted to purchase the downtown Greyhound bus terminal. We discuss the details and what’s next for the critical transportation hub. Host Jacoby Cochran also asks contributors Al Scorch and Yareni Murillo, is Chicago in a friendship recession, and what spots should be open till 4 a.m.?
Good News: The Moth: Beverly Arts Center
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We’ve got more mayoral candidates ahead of February’s primary after former Ald. George Cardenas (12th) officially launched his campaign. Contributor Leigh Giangreco was at the announcement and tells us what separates Cardenas from others. Plus, PJ Walker is here with his best advice for attending Pride Fest this weekend — we’re also excited for the return of late-night jazz at the Green Mill.
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A week before the Bears season kicks off, Soldier Field will be home to one of Chicago’s most controversial sons, Kanye West. The Bully tour touches down Sept. 3 and 4. Host Jacoby Cochran asks City Cast contributors Brandon Pope and Anna DeShawn, is Chicago over Kanye West and his most recent apology tour. Plus, Brave Space Alliance & Transformative Justice Law Project are hosting a name change clinic today. Ahead of the grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center this week, we’ve got some of our favorite museum exhibitions across the city, including the National Museum of Mexican Art, MCA, Haitian American Museum, Dusable Museum, MSI, Wrightwood 659, Blanc Gallery, Elephant Room Gallery, and Field Museum.
Good News: Dragon Boat Race
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Across Chicago, neighbors are still navigating uprooted trees, power outages, and flooding following intense storms last week. Unfortunately, if the weather apps are to be trusted, we could see more thunderstorms and intense winds this week as well. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran survey the damage and discuss ongoing concerns around FEMA relief. Plus, Jacoby has neighborhood recs for Obama Center visitors, and we are hearing from listeners and readers.
Good News: Miyagi Records Juneteenth Celebration
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After years of trying, Illinois lawmakers have officially banned cellphones and other devices in classrooms. Gov. JB Pritzker, a vocal supporter of this legislation, says he will sign the bill. We break down the details with contributors Yareni Murillo and Adora Namigadde. Plus, are you feeling the World Cup energy, or wondering why Chicago, of all places, isn't a host city? And how early do fireworks start in your neighborhood?
City Cast Chicago: Where to World Cup in Chicago
Block Club: Where To Watch And How To Celebrate In Chicago
Good News: Tuesdays on the Terrace
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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 testimony in Washington this week.
Good News: Movies In The Parks, Chicago Music Legacy Tour, Simeon's First Play in Decade
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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 Chi.
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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 Fiesta & 90’s Night at the Zoo
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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: Sky vs Dream
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