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 fourth season of “The Bear” drops today on Hulu. Not only has the show about an Italian-beef stand-turned-fancy restaurant garnered awards year after year, but it has also become a fixture of Chicago discourse. But be honest … are we kind of over it? Newsletter editor Emmi Mack and social media manager Rick Homuth are certainly skeptical, but host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea are still fans. They offer their hot takes and season four predictions.
Good news: The Spades Table
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Chicago’s extreme heat warning has finally ended after record temperatures for June. The City Cast Chicago team recaps the weekend and also discusses the 30-year anniversary of Chicago’s deadliest heat wave. Plus, Mayor Johnson vetoes snap curfew ordinance, and Montrose Beach welcomes newest piping plovers!
Good News: Respect the Mic
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Summer in Chicago means more street festivals, more time by the water, and the return of 16-inch softball leagues across the city. Host Jacoby Cochran recently joined the KUP Media Softball League at Mozart Park. The City Cast team recently caught a game and learned more about this nearly 140-year-old Chicago pastime from Axios reporter and league member Justin Kaufmann.
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City Cast hosts are on the pulse of what’s happening in our communities. So Jacoby Cochran and all 12 other hosts sat down with City Cast CEO David Plotz to talk about creative local problem solving that might work in your hometown too and to commiserate about stressors affecting most of our cities, from unaffordable housing to bike lanes.
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Chicago has invented or popularized so many iconic foods that we can’t cover them all in one episode. So let’s just focus on the sandwiches. Axios reporter Monica Eng and host Jacoby Cochran are ranking eight iconic sandwiches. But from the sweetsteak to the jibarito to Italian beef, which one is no. 1?
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The City Clerk suspended the online CityKey application on Friday night after ICE subpoenaed three years of records for the ID program often used by immigrants. We discuss how the city responded and other ways the Trump administration is pressuring the city. Plus, we look at Choose Chicago’s newest slogan and hear from some City Cast Chicago Neighbors.
Heads up! We're having our next members-only event June 25. Become a Neighbor today to get the invite.
Good News: Salt Shed Juneteenth Freedom Market
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After a weekend of protests, you might be wondering about other ways to organize and get involved in your community. That’s why we’re revisiting our conversation from the fall with Maira Khwaja, a writer, reporter, and co-founder of Market Box Chicago. She talks with host Jacoby Cochran about the basics of mutual aid, where to find networks in Chicago, and why it can help you feel more connected to your neighbors.
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The city preps for intensifying ICE raids and growing protests. CTA leadership continues to sound the alarm on potential service cuts. Uber blames tech errors for overcharging Chicagoans. Block Club Chicago’s Francia Garcia Hernandez and Manny Ramos are here to break down the biggest headlines from the week. Plus, we’ve got coyote pups in Graceland cemetery, a Bronzeville Juneteenth celebration, and the Puerto Rican festival continues.
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It’s the last day of class for Chicago Public Schools. But while most students and faculty are excited for summer break, the school board and district officials will be hammering out the budget, working with a new interim CEO, and lobbying the city for more funding. City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran sits down with Chalkbeat Chicago’s bureau chief Becky Vevea and reporter Samantha Smylie to discuss the biggest CPS stories heading into the summer.
Good News: Open Stage Festival
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Summer is here, which means it’s a good time to make sure to carry a little cash. Whether you’re grabbing a paleta at the beach or ducking into an old dive bar, many Chicago spots remain cash-only, despite the trend toward cashless. Back in February, City Cast contributor Leigh Giangreco spoke with restaurant owners to learn why, and she told host Jacoby Cochran what she found.
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