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
The Cubs are having a good season. They’ve got three all-stars, one of the best offenses in baseball, and are leading their division. While Cubs fans are rejoicing, host and lifelong Sox fan Jacoby Cochran has done his best to ignore the hype. But he just can’t any more. Jacoby and social media manager Rick Homuth head to Wrigley Field to hear directly from fans about why it’s worth making the trip.
Good News: White Sox ‘05 Reunion Weekend
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Chicago is known for classic food staples like a beef sandwich or the Chicago dog, but we also have access to a wide variety of international cuisines, sometimes just a neighborhood over. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to the Chicago Tribune’s Ahmed Ali Akbar and Louisa Chu about their favorite restaurants where the food and the ambiance make them feel like they are on vacation without leaving the city.
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After four people were killed and 14 others were wounded late Wednesday outside Artis Restaurant and Lounge, the local alder is pushing to revoke the River North spot’s business license. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss what happened and the pressure the venue is facing. They also discuss Chicago Public Schools’ ongoing financial trouble and they review “Ironheart” and “The Bear.”
Some good news: The African and Caribbean International Festival of Life will be back in Washington park this weekend, instead of South Loop.
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Perhaps you’ve seen them while driving on I-55, riding the Orange Line, or even watching that one Transformers movie – the Damen Silos have been an iconic southwest side structure for over a century. Despite being abandoned for the last 50 years, the once revolutionary grain elevators have been a key site for urban explorers, graffiti artists, and McKinley Park neighbors alike. Now the city has issued a demolition permit, and owners say it’ll take about six months. The City Cast Chicago team discusses neighbors’ demolition concerns, the ongoing preservation fight, and how we would redevelop the land.
Good News: Pilsen Community Books – It’s Not That Radical: Climate Action to Change the World
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Jacoby Cochran and all 12 other City Cast podcast hosts (from Austin, Boise, DC, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh, Portland, and Salt Lake City) compete head-to-head in a high-stakes showdown to answer the question that’s been burning up our company-wide Slack for weeks: which city is the best for a summer weekend trip? From naked bike rides to ‘the country’s best farmers market,’ pickle festivals to Elvis impersonators driving pink convertibles, our hosts are bringing the best of the best of what their city has to offer. Did your city win?
Take our interactive quiz to see which city best fits YOUR vibe!
Between Fourth of July weekend, Windy City Smokeout, and the number of cookouts we’re seeing at the park, it’s prime barbeque season in Chicago. Host Jacoby Cochran and Chicago magazine dining critic John Kessler talk about some of the city’s best spots to pick up BBQ, what makes Chicago’s style unique, and some tips for home pitmasters.
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Once the fireworks and NASCAR engines die down, there’s still going to be plenty to do in July in Chicago. That’s why host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and digital creator Paige Serena are here with their best monthly tips, including summer pop-ups to check out and new laws going into effect.
If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Chicago community.
For even more tips on how to make the most of June in Chicago, check out Hey Chicago’s take on what to do this month.
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Reach us at chicago@citycast.fm
Gov. JB Pritzker announced he’s running for a third term as governor. But that hasn’t exactly put a stop to presidential speculation. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea explain why and discuss how the 2026 election landscape is shaping up in Illinois. Plus, they cover a comprehensive ice cream map and offer some additional neighbor shoutouts.
Good news: Winnemac Park Fourth for All
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Last weekend’s Black Yacht Weekend brought thousands of visitors to the city and Lake Michigan for dozens of events in and out of the water. Unfortunately, between tragic accidents, oversold events, and mixed reviews, it’s hard to know if the weekend was a real success. WCIU TV host Brandon Pope and Block Club Chicago’s Maxwell Evans are here to recap. Plus, we’re discussing the future of two of the city’s largest shelters, exciting news for the first South Side birthing center, and Marvel’s Ironheart landing in Chicago!
Good News: Food Truck Festival, Art of Sole 2, Margarita Festival
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Summer is here, which means we’re outside — not just on the beach, but in the club, too. That’s why we’re revisiting our conversation from the fall with CaSera Heining, aka DJ Ca$h Era. As one of the busiest DJs in Chicago, Ca$h Era gives us the scoop on some of the best parties and spots, tips for building a set list, and when it’s okay to request a song from the booth.
Spots mentioned:
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