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
Host Jacoby Cochran and Chicago Show Calendar creator Caroline Patton come together to create their Summer 2025 Chicago Playlist, featuring some of their favorite albums, songs, and performances by Chicago artists this summer.
Good News: I Breathe Real Music
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Temperatures are rising, so it might be the perfect time to get yourself something sweet and cold. Host Jacoby Cochran and the City Cast Chicago team pulled up to Mario’s Italian Lemonade in Little Italy last summer to try the iconic frozen dessert. From ice cream to snow-cones, they discuss the best (and most overrated) frozen treats in Chicago.
Spots mentioned:
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Shortly after City Council passed legislation strengthening her office, Inspector General Deborah Witzburg announced she would not seek reappointment to a second term. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea talk about the sometimes contentious history of the Chicago inspector general’s office. They also discuss extreme heat heading our way and some Chicago movies you'd like to add to our list.
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NASCAR has announced it will not hold a street race in Chicago next year, but wants to keep the option open for 2027. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea have the latest. And since we’re a bunch of NASCAR skeptics, we’re also talking with NASCAR converts Dario Durham and Sara Faddah, co-hosts of 77 Flavors of Chicago and NASCAR converts. They explain why they think the race is worth keeping around.
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City Council has been debating whether to broadly expand accessory dwelling units, such as attic and basement units, granny flats, and coach houses. Supporters argue it can increase the affordable housing stock, while opponents believe it could reshape neighborhoods. Alders were unable to compromise and the ordinance stalled this week. We are discussing the ongoing debate with the Tribune’s Jake Sheridan and Chalkbeat Chicago’s Reema Amin. Plus, we are examining the latest round of CPS layoffs, the push to further regulate homeschooling in Illinois, and the retirement of a Chicago radio icon.
Good News: Tacos y Tamales, Humboldt Arboreal Society (DJs), Chicago Zine Fest
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We are smack dab in the middle of summer blockbuster season. That got the City Cast Chicago team thinking about some of the best Chicago movies of all time. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, Hey Chicago newsletter editor Emmi Mack, and social media manger Rick Homuth attempt to come up with the ultimate list of Chicago movies.
The List:
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Summertime Chi means dining al fresco. While we love our rooftops and patios, it’s also prime picnic season, and Chicago has takeout for that. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and producer and picnic expert Michelle Navarro offer their tips for picnic spots and what to pick up on the way there.
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The city’s longest tenured alder, Walter Burnett Jr., is stepping down at the end of the month after 30 years leading the 27th ward. While the Mayor will choose the replacement alder, Burnett Jr. is hopeful the seat will stay in his family. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran discuss Burnett Jr.’s legacy in the ward, his potential successor Walter Burnett III, and reports that the alder is on a shortlist to lead the Chicago Housing Authority. Plus, the city is way behind on lead pipe removals, and would you stay in Michael Jordan’s former Highland Park mansion turned Airbnb?
Good News: Build Coffee and Books Bookclub
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The sun is out and temps are rising again, which means crowded beaches, boat parties, and other water activities. That makes a good time to revisit some conversations about water safety. First, our 2023 chat with Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project co-founder Dave Benjamin on life-saving tips for Lake Michigan swimmers. Then we look back on our 2022 conversation with the Chicago Harbor Safety Committee’s Mike McElroy about rules for boating.
Good news: Karaoke Storytellers
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How will the federal spending bill impact SNAP recipients in Illinois? Why are some Chicago firefighters resisting a new policy change about when individuals can enter a burning building? Why are legislators tackling who can and can’t wear a mask in public? Have you noticed more lightning bugs this summer? We are answering all of these questions and more with the Chicago Reader’s Micco Caporale and Block Club Chicago’s Mack Liederman.
Good News: Passport Vibes Street Fest, South Side Home Movies Project 20th Anniversary, Barrio Arts Fest, Edgewater Greek Fest
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