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
Budget season continues at City Hall with three days of hearings set to talk about public safety and police this week. Host Jacoby Cochran and lead producer Simone Alicea review some of the proposed changes to CPD’s nearly $2 billion budget. Plus, we are discussing Chicago’s classic candies and your favorite City Cast episodes.
Chicago Halloweek 2023 Schedule!
Chicago Reader’s “Best of 2023” Nominations Open Now:
Nominate City Cast Chicago for Best Podcast and Hey Chicago for Best Email Newsletter!
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsor(s) of this show:
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
The General Assembly’s six-day veto session kicks off Tuesday in Springfield. This is the time when lawmakers will discuss laws vetoed by the governor and other pressing issues that need to be addressed before January. Despite calls from Chicago leaders and residents, additional funding to help migrants is likely not on the agenda. But WTTW’s Amanda Vinicky tells host Jacoby Cochran that issues around guns, unionization, and the state’s biometric privacy law could come up.
Some good news: 2023 Triibe Guide
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
As the city decides on the locations of proposed “winterized base camps” for newly-arrived migrants, communities continue to protest plans in their neighborhoods. One St. Louis organization is suggesting bringing asylum-seekers there. To break down the details, we are joined by freelance journalist Crystal Paul and Northwestern professor and author Arionne Nettles. We are also looking at Cook County jail’s dropping population, the Chicago Department of Public Health’s decreased budget, and the disappearance of public basketball courts.
Hyde Park HBCU Homecoming Tap Take-Over at Daisy’s
Nominate City Cast Chicago as Best Podcast and Hey Chicago as Best Newsletter in the Chicago Reader's Best of 2023 under the City Life category.
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Halloween is less than two weeks away, and Chicago has plenty of opportunities to celebrate. From pumpkin carvings, to costume parties, to the classic trick-or-treating, you’d have to try hard not to find something to do on All Hallows' Eve. Host Jacoby Cochran breaks down the best activities this year with Jenny LeFlore, aka Mama Fresh. They discuss what makes the perfect spooky itinerary and the events they’re most excited to go to. Plus, the best Chicago-themed costumes you can try.
Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade on State street - October 21
The Rink - October 30 for local daycares
Jack’s Pumpkin Pop Up - September 21 - November 5
Frankenstein’s Mad Scientist Cocktail Lab
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Is deep-dish pizza really just for the tourists? That’s what some Chicagoans will tell you, while outsiders may mock the cheesy behemoth as a “casserole.” But real Chicagoans do love deep-dish. Host Jacoby Cochran talked with deep-dish fans and foes earlier this spring and got some recommendations of spots to check out.
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
A southwest suburban man has been charged with a hate crime in a stabbing that left a 6-year-old boy dead and his mother seriously injured. Police and relatives said they were targeted because they’re Muslim and because of the Israel-Hamas war. Lead Producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran are breaking down the latest details. Plus, the team discusses a recent trip to Bally’s temporary River North casino and welcomes our newest member, audio producer Michelle Navarro.
Some good news: Budget Happy Hour
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a million times. Chicagoans are frustrated with public transit. Common concerns include cleanliness, safety, and schedule accuracy. Unfortunately, while CTA says it is working hard to “meet the moment” and address rider concerns, the number of trains and buses running each day is still far below pre-pandemic numbers with some routes experiencing 30% cuts. The Chicago Tribune’s Sarah Freishtat has been digging into the numbers and she explains why public transit is struggling to rebound.
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsor(s) of this show:
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Earlier this week, Mayor Brandon Johnson gave his first-ever budget address at City Council. To help break down the details of his $16.6 billion budget proposal are WBEZ city hall reporter Mariah Woelfel and Axios reporter Carrie Shepherd. We are also looking at the highly anticipated start of former Ald. Ed Burke’s corruption trial, Metra’s 2024 budget proposal, and a Texas charity responsible for flying thousands of asylum-seekers to Chicago. Plus, Friday the 13th gets us into the Halloween spirit, and we’re checking out Chicago Architecture Center’s Open House.
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
With news of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s first-ever city budget proposal, the City Cast Chicago team thought it was time to revisit one of their favorite challenges: enjoying a fun, eventful day in Chi for under $50. Host Jacoby Cochran, lead producer Simone Alicea, marketing coordinator Jermaine Thomas, and former City Cast-er Carrie Shepherd discuss what their perfect Chicago days look like on a budget and decide who had the best day.
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsor(s) of this show:
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Chicago is home to dozens of culinary creations, and the jibarito is by far one of the best. Imagine a juicy steak sandwich with lettuce, tomato, garlic aioli, and instead of bread, two smashed and fried green plantains. Despite the mouthwatering description, host Jacoby Cochran had never tried the Puerto Rican masterpiece. So we grabbed three different sandwiches and made our way to Humboldt Park alongside local performer and community organizer Marisol “Pinqy Ring” Velez. We tasted the sandwiches, without knowing who made them, and decided who had Chicago’s best jibarito.
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsor(s) of this show:
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
