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
Mayor Brandon Johnson gave his highly anticipated budget address last week. The headline has been the city’s $1.19 billion budget deficit. Now we’ve got our first look at how City Hall wants to balance the budget. WTTW’s Heather Cherone walks us through the biggest proposed tax hikes, spending cuts, and the political climate heading into budget negotiations.
Good News: Bulls Home Opener
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Another week, another violent encounter with ICE in a Chicago neighborhood, as federal agents targeted residents on the city’s Southeast Side earlier this week and unleashed more tear gas on protesters. We are breaking down what we know so far with Block Club Chicago’s Francia Garcia Hernandez and TV host Brandon Pope. Plus, CTA fares are expected to jump next year, Chicago is expanding free composting, and we’ve got our favorite picks at the Chicago International Film Festival.
Nominate City Cast Chicago as best podcast and Hey Chicago as best email newsletter in the Reader’s Best of 2025.
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A few weeks ago, we did an episode about how to make friends in Chicago. But in addition to the many free or low-cost clubs and activities you can find around the city, private social clubs also seem to be gaining popularity. So host Jacoby Cochran is talking with Payton Turner, a creator who follows arts and culture and has been making videos about Chicago’s social clubs. She explains why she joined Soho House, what it took to get in, and what to know about some of the other clubs.
Nominate City Cast Chicago as best podcast and Hey Chicago as best email newsletter in the Reader’s Best of 2025.
Good News: Ear Taxi Festival and Chicago Fridge Opera
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Despite President Donald Trump calling the city a “hellhole,” Chicago was named Best Big City in the country by Condé Nast Traveler for the ninth year in a row. Host Jacoby Cochran sat down with Choose Chicago’s CEO and president, Kristen Reynolds, to discuss what it’s like to market our city to tourists, particularly in a time when Chicago is constantly in the national spotlight.
Good News: Destinos Chicago International Latino Theater Festival
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Lawsuits against the Trump administration are coming down left and right in Chicago, leading to blocks against National Guard deployment and orders that ICE can’t tear-gas journalists and peaceful protesters. But the president has shown he’s looking to get around the law in any way he can, which has us wondering: Do these lawsuits even matter? Host Jacoby Cochran talks with ACLU-Illinois’ Ed Yohnka about the efficacy of legal challenges and how to put their know-your-rights guides into practice.
Good News: Chicago International Film Festival
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A judge has temporarily blocked National Guard deployment in Chicago. This comes as a federal judge ruled against ICE’s arrest tactics. We’re breaking down the latest updates with executive producer Simone Alicea and The Triibe’s Corli Jay. Plus, state lawmakers are back for the fall veto session next week, Bears seek Hail Mary redemption in DC, and Chatham welcomes a new wine bar to 75th street.
Good News: Slow and Low Lowrider Festival
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Think you already know the best restaurants in Chicago? What about the ones that operate inside other establishments? Chicago’s pop-up scene is legendary, but hard to track if you’re not in the know. That’s why host Jacoby Cochran is talking with Infatuation Chicago’s John Ringor, who’s been tracking pop-ups all summer.
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With all the focus on what the feds are doing in Chicago, let’s remember there are still local stories unfolding. Neighbors have been pushing for more information about what will happen to Ford City Mall on the Southwest Side. Bridge Industrial is seeking to buy the property to turn it into an industrial corridor. Host Jacoby Cochran talks with the Sun-Times Lee Bey and Block Club’s Atavia Reed about the plans for the mall, the businesses that are still there, and what they’ll miss about this legendary third space.
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The Trump administration has announced it’s withholding $2.1 billion in federal funds for Chicago transit projects, including the extension of the Red Line. The extension has been decades in the making. While local officials grapple with the future of the project, we’re revisiting a conversation we had in 2023, when it finally seemed like it was really happening. CTA’s TaNesheha Marshall and Andrea Reed with the Greater Roseland Chamber of Commerce explain why many on the Far South Side have pushed for the extension.
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The White House confirmed it’s authorizing the deployment of 300 National Guard troops to Illinois against the wishes of Gov. JB Pritzker. The announcement came hours after a woman was shot and injured by immigration agents in Brighton Park. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea break down what we know so far.
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