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
Just in time for Black Doula Day, the kick off to Black Maternal Health Week, the Chicago South Side Birthing Center broke ground this week in South Chicago. The new maternal and reproductive health care center is expected to assist in over 220 births annually once it opens in late 2027. Block Club Chicago’s Atavia Reed and Francia Garcia Hernandez are here with the latest details. Plus, the state’s attorney office won’t drop a murder charge in a case advocates say is self-defense, Chicago wants more students at the library, and Spend in the Black brings thousands to 75th street.
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The trial against the Broadview Four, a group of high-profile protesters arrested and charged with conspiracy back in September, is set to begin in May. This week a federal judge ruled there was no evidence that the Trump administration was politically influencing the case. We’re sitting down with freelance journalist Corli Jay and contributor Leigh Giangreco. Plus, farmers market vendors are managing rising costs, and we want to know your go to karaoke song.
Good News: Poetry of Place and Resistance and Bilingual Poetry Workshop
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Earlier this week, the Chicago Sky traded All-Star forward Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream for two future first-round picks. Following the departure of yet another star player, fans are wondering if Chicago is losing its chance to be a marquee WNBA destination. City Cast Chicago contributor Brandon Pope and musician Al Scorch join us today to discuss. Plus, 90-year-old venue The Hideout has a new owner, Jackson Park’s cherry blossoms are blooming, and we’ve got new music for you!
Chicago Music: Charles Joseph Smith, Rami Gabriel, Heavy Crownz, Ravyn Lanae, Al Scorch’s Big Fantastical Residency
If you enjoyed today's interview with The Other Art Fair, Global Fair Director, Nicole Garton, learn more here.
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In April 1926, Route 66 received its iconic number. The so-called Mother Road takes you all the way to California, but it begins in Chicago. (Now at Navy Pier!) In celebration of 100 years, we’re revisiting our little road trip from last year. Host Jacoby Cochran hopped in the car with Dario Durham and Sara Faddah, hosts of 77 Flavors, to drive the Chicago leg of old Route 66. Along the way, they pointed out favorite attractions, spots to eat, and saw the city from a new perspective.
Good News: Karaoke Storytellers
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At the end of March, Chicago’s Housing Authority board voted 7-2 to appoint a new CEO. CHA has been without a permanent CEO since former leader Tracy Scott resigned in November, 2024. Mayor Brandon Johnson may legally challenge this decision after replacing the board chair and arguing the selection violated state law. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran are breaking down the latest details. Plus, American Airlines is offering bus connections from regional airports to O'Hare, and the Blackhawks extend their playoff drought to six seasons.
Good News: ‘safronia’ at Lyric Opera
If you enjoyed today's interview with Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau President/CEO, Cory M. Jobe, supporting Enjoy Illinois, learn more here.
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While both Chicago and Denver have a professional Women's Soccer team (go Stars!), Denver is only the second city in the U.S. to build a stadium specifically for women’s soccer. Will betting on women’s sports drive Denver’s economy or will Denverites be left paying the price for another stadium? City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Denver podcast host Bree Davies about why Denver has invested so much into having sports downtown, how Denver has capitalized on repurposing old industrial spaces, and how bad traffic gets when all your sports are downtown. Plus, is it better to have a Mayor with or without aims for a greater political office?
Mentioned on the show:
The $tadium Game: Inside the lucrative world of Colorado’s pro sports stadiums [The Denver Post]
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Chicagoans are still asking if the feds will return to the city after Operation Midway blitz. WBEZ’s Curious City recently tackled whether the federal presence here constituted martial law. We are joined by WBEZ’s Erin Allen and Mike Davis. Plus, boos rain down at the Jeffs, and an international student’s attempt to run every Chicago street hits a major roadblock.
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Why are immigration court watchers in Chicago struggling to observe virtual hearings? Will Illinois regulate rapidly growing prediction markets? And what are the best burgers in the city? Executive producer Simone Alicea, contributor Leigh Giangreco, and host Jacoby Cochran dive into these stories.
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April showers are here, but luckily we’ve got your guide to what’s happening in Chicago this month — rain or shine. Host Jacoby Cochran is with executive producer Simone Alicea and City Cast Chicago contributor Brandon Pope have events to look forward to, tips for April, and news stories to watch.
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Chicago has a new working group looking into proactive rental inspections and creating a registry of apartment owners. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea explain how we got here and how the moves could help renters. Plus, the Fighting Illini are in the Final Four, and y’all have thoughts on AI and robots.
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