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
While federal agencies track flood risk across the country, FEMA maps may paint an incomplete picture of the risk in Cook County. Heat risks are also rising for Chicagoans, and community groups are trying to fill a gap in resources. Block Club Chicago’s Mina Bloom and WBEZ’s Patrick Smith are with lead producer Simone Alicea to break down those stories, plus catching up on a fatal shooting of a 9-year-old in Portage Park, Simone Biles’ return to competitive gymnastics, and a Humboldt Park roller skating club.
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
The first day of school is coming up, but there is still plenty to do for kids in Chicago. Jenny LeFlore aka Mama Fresh says the August gap between the end of summer camps and the start of classes can be especially difficult for parents. As a mother and influencer, Jenny helps connect families with activities and resources. She joins us to share her own personal events list.
Garfield Park Conservatory Wild Wednesdays
Fun runs — Stan’s on Aug 19
Summer Concerts in Millennium Park by Broadway Chicago
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
For the last 94 years, the Bud Billiken Parade has been Chicago’s ultimate back to school bat signal. It’s the largest Black parade in the country and every year features notable politicians, local celebrities, and dozens of community organizations. Last year, host Jacoby Cochran talked to Shermann “Dilla” Thomas about the history of the Bud and Shkunna Stewart about her family’s history dancing in the parade.
Some news: Have your at-home COVID 19 tests expired?
Stop by Chicago’s Largest Mural Festival!
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
Chicago’s Department of Public Health warns that COVID cases and hospitalizations have been going up in recent weeks. Lead producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran break down the numbers and look ahead to forthcoming vaccines. Plus, we asked Hey Chicago readers if other City Cast cities have a Midwestern feel, and we debate which Chicagoland animal stole our hearts this summer.
Why Chicago Fell in Love with Piping Plovers
Today’s Chicago Night Out In the Parks Schedule
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
Local TV and film actors held another rally downtown last week as they strike along with writers, shutting down production in Chicago. Freelance TV and film critic and The Spool editor-in-chief Clint Worthington has been talking with actors, writers, and tradespeople about how the strike is unfolding here. He tells lead producer Simone Alicea what’s happening in Chicago’s film industry and what viewers can expect on this side of the screen.
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
Northwestern University has struggled to manage the fallout from the hazing scandal rocking its athletic department as lawsuits continue to emerge. Meanwhile, what can Chicago leaders learn from other cities and states that have enacted tax hikes on high-end real estate sales like the one under consideration in City Council? Crain’s reporter Leigh Giangreco and Alex Nitkin with Illinois Answers project are here to break down those stories plus new laws signed by Gov. JB Pritzker, a virus hitting Chicago’s bunnies, and some nearby camping getaways.
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
The vast majority of Chicago’s dog parks are on the North Side. But among all of the city’s equity issues, why should we pay attention to this one? To find out, lead producer Simone Alicea talked with 13th Ward Ald. Marty Quinn about the push to open two dog parks this summer in Garfield Ridge and West Lawn. She also visits the new Wentwoof Dog Park hear what dog owners think.
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
The rent is due, new college students are setting out into the world, and now is a great time to get your finances in order before the reality of fall kicks in. That’s why we’re revisiting some budgeting tips we got in April from NerdWallet writer Kimberly Palmer. Host Jacoby Cochran, lead producer Simone Alicea, and former City Caster and Axios Chicago writer Carrie Shepherd examine their own financial habits and learn some best practices.
Some news: Chicago Department of Transportation Commissioner Gia Biagi announced she’s resigning. Check out our interview with Biagi from March.
Check out “In My Granny’s Garden” at parks across Chicago starting this week.
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
Mayor Brandon Johnson and his allies in City Council want to put the Bring Chicago Home ordinance on the March 2024 ballot. The measure would increase Chicago’s real estate transfer tax, a one-time tax paid when a property is sold, on properties over $1 million to fund efforts to fight homelessness. Lead producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran break down the yearslong push to get Bring Chicago Home passed. Plus, we hear your tips and tricks for airport pickup and we’ve got thoughts on Chicago’s hip-hop GOAT.
Some news: This is the last week to enjoy Chicago Shakespeare in the Park!
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
Mayor Brandon Johnson wants to create an exploratory committee on reparations for descendants of Black formerly enslaved people who have resided in Chicago. His predecessor also convened a reparations subcommittee, but the group rarely met. Meanwhile, Evanston managed to pass a reparations ordinance nearly four years ago. We’re talking with Robin Rue Simmons, the former alderperson who led the charge in the north suburb about how the program works and what Chicago can learn.
Some news: The Cook County Forest Preserve annual photo contest submissions open tomorrow until Aug. 15.
We’re hiring a full time Audio Producer to join our amazing Chicago Team to make this podcast! Apply by Aug. 11.
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
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
