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
Twenty percent of Chicagoans identify as Mexican, according to a new UIC Great Cities institute report. We break down their findings with WBEZ’s Araceli Gomez Aldana and WTTW’s Joanna Hernandez. Plus, we are discussing National Voter Registration Day, the forthcoming Little Village Starbucks, and Vocalo’s Summer Finale concert at Millennium Park
Good News: World Dumpling Fest, Pilsen Community Books, Real Ones Show
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Illinois is hosting a state flag design contest. That’s because the Illinois flag is forgettable at best, according to “Good Flag, Bad Flag” author Ted Kaye. Last year, he told host Jacoby Cochran what would make our state flag better.
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If you enjoyed today's interview with Revolution Brewing's Director of Communications, John Carruthers, learn more here.
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The “Starbucks effect” is when property and home values rise after the second-largest restaurant chain in the world opens a new location. As Little Village prepares for a new Starbucks by the end of the week, residents and community activists are voicing their concerns. Chicago Tribune reporter Laura Rodriguez Presa tells host Jacoby Cochran how it could impact the city’s largest and most recognizable Mexican immigrant community.
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If you enjoyed today's interview with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Events Performing Arts Programmer, Carlos Cuauhtemoc Tortolero, learn more here.
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On Thursday, the city will release more information about efforts to combine Chicago’s existing homeless shelter system with the system for new arrivals. The public’s first look at the initial details of the plan comes after the city closed a Gold Coast homeless shelter used during the Democratic National Convention and announced the upcoming closure of three migrant shelters. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea break down what we know so far. Plus, we’ve got tips for enjoying tonight’s Harvest blood supermoon and this weekend’s festivals. We also announce the winner of our “most Chicago” thing bracket.
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Chicago’s Greyhound bus terminal could close as early as this week, despite transit advocates pushing the city to save the terminal before its lease ends in October. Nearly 500,000 riders rely on the terminal each year. Block Club Chicago reporter Quinn Myers explains how we got here and why Chicago could become the biggest city in the Northern Hemisphere without an intercity bus terminal.
Good News: What’s Funny Comedy Festival
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In August, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced a 2025 budget gap of $985 million dollars. He said Chicago would have to make sacrifices and find creative solutions. He left no options off the table including property tax hikes. This week the Johnson administration implemented a hiring freeze. WTTW’s Heather Cherone and Sun-Times’ Mariah Rush help us understand why the budget hole is so large and what potential solutions are available. Plus, we are discussing an environmental ruling against Trump Tower, a record $50 million police misconduct decision, and ongoing concerns with Save A Lot store operator Yellow Banana.
Good News: Brookfield Zoo Helping Preserve Endangered Bird & Englewood Music Festival.
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If you enjoyed today's interview with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Events Performing Arts Programmer, Carlos Cuauhtemoc Tortolero, learn more here.
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All summer long we have been telling you to buy local: in our walking guides, at farmers markets, and street festivals. But aren’t some things — like sex toys — more comfortable to buy online? Well, executive producer Simone Alicea talks to Early to Bed owner Searah Deysach about why it still might be better to shop local in this case, especially as September is Sexual Health Awareness Month.
As you might have already guessed, we’re talking about sex. So, this interview touches on some explicit topics.
Good News: Southeast: A City Within A City screening
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We’ve talked wine, we’ve talked beer — now it’s time to talk about the best cocktails in Chicago. From unique artisanal offerings to happy hours to drinks that won’t break the bank, Infatuation Chicago’s John Ringor is talking with Jacoby Cochran about where to find the best cocktails.
Good News: Universal Soul Circus
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Paul La Schiazza, the former head of AT&T Illinois, is expected to be in court this morning for the start of his long awaited criminal trial. La Schiazza is charged with bribing ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan for favorable legislation. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran explain what this means for Madigan’s upcoming trial. Plus, we are discussing the final round of our Chicago icon bracket and running down this weekend’s festival lineup.
Good News: Chicago Humanities Festival
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On paper, Chicago has strong protections for renters if landlords fail to maintain proper living conditions. Tenants can withhold rent, report problems to the city, or sue their landlords. But an Injustice Watch investigation shows in practice, tenants face an uphill battle even when buildings have repeated documented violations. Senior reporters Alejandra Cancino and Maya Dukmasova explain how the legal system is set up to protect landlords.
Good News: Chicago Underground Film Festival
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