City Cast Chicago
Chicago’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
Sexual Assault Allegations at UChicago Frats. Plus, These Local Businesses Need Your Support
This episode mentions sexual assault, so please take care when listening.
Today we’re talking about two sexual violence allegations at University of Chicago fraternity houses. Plus, a string of robberies hitting local businesses on the South and North Sides. Contributors Yareni Murillo and PJ Walker break down the latest.
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Mass Shooting Attempt in Aurora. Plus, Will Illinois Step in for Gender-Affirming Care?
Today we’re talking about an attempted mass shooting at a Hindu Temple in Aurora and what Illinois is doing to keep gender-affirming care funded now that federal dollars have dried up. Host Jacoby Cochran discusses the latest with contributors Adora Namigadde and Anna DeShawn. Plus, should Chicago get a portal?
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...Who Is Billionaire Mega Donor Michael Sacks? Plus, What Questions Are on the Ballot?
Billionaire mega-donor Michael Sacks has been involved in Illinois politics and the state’s democratic party for decades. He has been an advisor, campaign donor, and critical ally to governors, mayors, state attorneys, and more. Now he is one of the lead opposition forces to the Chicago Teachers Union and Mayor Brandon Johnson. WBEZ’s Mariah Woelfel joins us with the latest. Plus, we’re going through the non-binding ballot questions Chicagoans will see when they vote.
Find your ward’s early voting location
Good News: Peak fall foliage, Jazz Happy Hour, Live Music with Charles Pr...
Pope Leo’s Cancer Diagnosis, Bears’ Hallmark Debut, and Soul Train Awards
Today we’re joined by contributors Jill Hopkins and Leigh Giangreco to discuss Pope Leo’s recent cancer diagnosis, Chicago’s newest Bears-themed rom-com, and the return of the Soul Train Awards.
Good News: Write Club
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If you enjoyed this interview with Kenya Merritt, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Commissioner, learn more here.
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What Happened at City Hall This Week? Plus, School Board Front Runner
Today we’re talking about what went down at this week’s city council meeting, including a $260 million police settlement, attempts to override a mayoral veto, and a vote on the Smart Streets program. Plus, school board presidential candidates met in a Chicago Public Media forum this week, and we’ve got love for the Westside Love Maps Project!
Good News: Write About Now Poetry, Vigil Against Violence, New Schools Poetry Slam
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Your Guide to Halloween & Día de Muertos in Chicago
There are two weeks left to go in October, which means the spooky season is almost over. But don’t worry, contributors Yareni Murillo and PJ Walker are here with great costume ideas, parties across the city, and the best spot to catch a horror movie or show.
Good News: Al Raby dedication.
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The Fat Cat Attracting Lincoln Park Rats. Plus, Northalsted’s Legacy Walk
For years, Lincoln Park neighbors have complained about one couple who has single-handedly contributed to the growing rat population in the community. Billionaires Barre and Barbara Seid, despite repeated fines and citations, continue to feed expensive nuts to the squirrels, pigeons, and rats in the park. We break down the Alderman’s response with contributors Al Scorch and Anna DeShawn. Plus, check out the newest plaques on Northalsted’s Legacy Walk and this weekend’s Open House Chicago itineraries.
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Why Is Chicago Losing Maternity Wards? Plus, Guide to Judicial Elections
Safety net hospitals in the Chicagoland area are in crisis. We have covered multiple closures, including West Suburban in Oak Park and Weiss Memorial in Uptown. Others have had to make hard decisions on which units to keep funding. Roseland Community Hospital announced that it will close its maternity unit by the end of the month. Leigh Giangreco is here with the latest updates. Plus, Dan Hinkel joins to discuss Injustice Watch’s Cook County judicial elections voter guide.
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OIG Reopens Dominguez Investigation. Plus, Michigan Ave Getting Bus Lane
Chicago Public Schools’ inspector general is reopening an investigation into school board presidential candidate Hilario Dominguez. He is facing allegations of inappropriate behavior while working with a minor at a Pilsen nonprofit. Fox Chicago reporter Brandon Pope and Axios Chicago’s Carrie Shepherd are here with the latest. Plus, Block 37 sold for $30 million, a bus lane coming to Michigan Avenue in the Loop, and who would you pick to throw out a playoff first pitch?
Good News: Poet Laureate Mayda del Valle workshop
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Will Supreme Court End Assault Weapons Ban? Plus, Chicago Named Best Big City… AGAIN
The Supreme Court is officially back for the fall term, and it has its hands full. The ACLU possibly has its busiest term ever, with plenty of civil liberties cases on the docket. The Supreme Court will decide the fate of Cook County’s 30-year ban on assault weapons. Plus, what happens when a neighborhood festival goes viral? Get ready for “Best Big City Day.”
Good News: Latina Expo
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Edgewater Rezoning Debate, John Prine Bday Celebration, and White Sox Tickets Skyrocket
Today we’re talking about an ongoing redevelopment debate in Edgewater, a birthday celebration for legendary songwriter John Prine, and the rising price of White Sox playoff tickets. Plus, it’s the start of our Fall Membership campaign, and we’ve got an amazing piece of merch for new City Cast Chicago neighbors!
Good News: Friday: Chicago Textile Fair, Healing Arts Chicago Summit, and Big Marsh 10th Anniversary
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What You Need to Know For School Board Elections
Over the next month, Chicagoans will vote in a historic school board election. For the first time, the now 20-seat board and the at-large president will be decided at the ballot box. WBEZ’s Sarah Karp and Chalk Beat Chicago’s Reema Amin are here with their Chicago School Board Voter Guide. We discuss the races we’re watching closely, the candidates for school board president, and where the campaign money is flowing in from.
Good News: Chicago Zine Fest
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Is Chicago's New Parking Deal Better? Plus, 2020 Time
Last week, the City Council voted to approve the sale of Chicago’s Parking meters to a New York-based investment firm. After months of back and forth, alders voted overwhelmingly in favor of the deal, arguing it means more revenue for Chicago over the remaining five decades. We are joined by contributors Brandon Pope and Jill Hopkins to break down the details. Plus, we’re taking a peek inside a COVID-era time capsule, previewing Día de Muertos celebrations at the National Museum of Mexican Art, and sharing the TV shows we can’t get enough of right now.
Why Did Wieners Circle Shade the Mayor? Plus, Soxtober Returns
Today we’re joined by Jessica Mordacq from Austin Weekly News/Forest Park Review and Block Club Chicago’s Patrick Filbin. We’re reacting to the Wieners Circle shading the mayor with their marquee, a new plan to close the life expectancy gap in Garfield Park, and the White Sox first playoff series win in 21 years! Plus, where to find Hebru Brantley’s Austin statue and Block Club Chicago’s weekend Block Party.
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Your Guide to October 2026 in Chicago
As we enter the home stretch of 2026, we’ve got your guide for October. We’re talking Sox hats, budget battles, early voting, apple orchards, and tips for the Chicago Marathon. Plus, we need your help sourcing the best spots for Halloween costumes.
Good news: SAUCED Night Market
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...Deadly Month For Cyclists. Plus, Best of the South Side
Chicago has over 70% more cycling accidents through September than this same period in 2021, including multiple fatal crashes involving speeding drivers. Contributors Yareni Murillo and Anna DeShawn are here to discuss what they believe must be done to stem these rising numbers. Plus, we are celebrating the newest inductees of Chicago’s LGBT Hall of Fame, and South Side Weekly’s Best of the South Side 2026.
Good News: Sunset Paddle
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Why Block Club Sued ICE
It took Block Club Chicago’s investigative reporter Mick Dumke 11 months to get one page of records from ICE about the clash between its agents and protestors outside of the Broadview detention center last year. The response had no records or reports of arrests or use of force. It only contained the agency’s own account of what happened. Mick joins host Jacoby Cochran to talk all things Freedom of Information Act and why records eventually came out through a lawsuit instead.
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Can Mayoral Candidates Double Dip? Plus, Ford City’s Future
Mayoral candidate Bill Quinlan’s lawsuit aims to block Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, and Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas from seeking reelection in their offices while running for mayor. Interim executive producer Michelle Navarro and contributors Jill Hopkins and Yareni Murillo break down the details. Plus, City Council approves plans for the Ford City Mall site and what we are looking forward to this October.
Good news: Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest
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How Chicago Latinos Are Changing Neighborhoods
Little Village was once known as the city's largest Latino neighborhood, but a new report found Belmont Cragin now has the largest Latino population. Block Club reporter Francia Garcia Hernandez tells host Jacoby Cochran how this happened and how other Chicago neighborhoods are changing.
Good news: Hexe
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Steppenwolf Th...Art Institute Returns Nazi-Looted Painting. Plus, Fourth Shedd Beluga Dies
The Art Institute of Chicago is returning a 113-year-old painting to the family of its original owner after an investigation revealed it was stolen and resold during Nazi occupation. We talk with contributor Leigh Giangreco and WTTW’s Joanna Hernandez about how Chicago’s world-class museums manage repatriation and allegations of stolen artifacts. Plus, a new report says younger Latinos are speaking less Spanish in the home, and we update our Beluga Watch 2026.
Good News: Beverly Art Walk, Norwood Park Walking Tour
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Why Are There Sukkahs in North Lawndale? Plus, Chicago’s Queer-Affirming Churches
Contributors Anna DeShawn and Adora Namigadde join us with picks from the Chicago Underground and International Film Festivals. Plus, we discuss E3 Radio’s 12th annual Purple Tie Affair, the Chicago Sukkah Design Festival, and Good Neighbor Week
Good News: Palestine Film Showcase
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Steppenwolf Theatre Broadway In Chicago - Je...Are Illinois’ County Jails in Crisis? Plus, Big Changes at MSI
Following a historic number of deaths in 2023, growing concerns over standards violations, and an investigation into ongoing unreporting, some Cook County Commissioners are calling for renewed independent oversight for the state’s largest county jail. Plus, Museum of Science and Industry announced multimillion-dollar renovations, Caleb Williams avoids serious injury, and it’s the first day of fall.
Good News: Chicago Filipino American Theatre Festival
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Where Are the Flock Cameras? Plus, Circus on the River
Today we’re talking about the rise of Flock automatic license plate reading cameras on college campuses, including at the University of Illinois Chicago. Contributors Liegh Giangreco and Al Scorch walk us through the growing controversy. Plus, we’ve got a floating riverboat circus unlike anything you’ve ever seen, and our favorite Chicago documentaries.
Good News: Bronzeville Trail Framework Plan Open House #2
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More Chicagoans Can’t Afford Food. Plus, Fall Storefront Theater
This year, Chicagoans have seen more grocery stores close on the South and West Sides, SNAP benefits stripped from tens of thousands of households, and food prices continue to rise. Sun-Times health reporter Elvia Malagon joins us to discuss how this is all contributing to an increasingly food-insecure Chicago. Plus, WBEZ’s arts and culture reporter Mike Davis is in the building with the must-see storefront productions during Chicago’s fall theater season.
The 2026 Hunger in Chicago Report
Good News: Celebrating Chaka Khan
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Who Owns the Word 'Dope'? Plus, Chicago's Divviest Summer Ever
Today we’re talking about a local historian’s fascinating copyright battle, the rise of microcinemas and film clubs, and the ‘Divvyfication’ of Chicago. We are joined by contributors Jill Hopkins and PJ Walker.
Shows: Pop Quiz Hot Show, I Said What I Said, Storyfest
Good News: Build Coffee Writing Workshop, The Kick Off Open Mic, Proud and Loud:
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<...Who’s Building Guerrilla Bus Benches in Ukrainian Village? Plus, Fall in the Air
A neighborhood group is building bus benches in Ukrainian Village. But will the city remove the unauthorized infrastructure? Executive producer Simone Alicea and contributors Yareni Murillo and Anna DeShawn discuss the need for benches and shelters. Plus, it’s Bisexual Visibility Week, and autumn is nearly here.
Good News: Rooted in Recovery
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Who’s All Running For Mayor? Plus, Live From Printers Row
Mayor Brandon Johnson has officially announced his campaign for a second term in office. He enters alongside more than a dozen challengers, including a Cook County board commissioner, secretary of state, county treasurer, and a congressperson. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran are running through the full list of candidates. Plus, we hear from City Cast Chicago readers and listeners, and have a special segment from our Printers Row Lit Fest panel.
Good News: See Jacoby Live at Storyfest
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City Expands Free Narcan. Plus, Best of Open House Chicago
Chicago’s Department of Public Health has worked diligently in recent years to expand access to free Naloxone/Narcan, the opioid overdose drug. You can find it at Chicago Public Library locations, in vending machines at various train stops, and recently in retrofitted newsboxes. We talk with contributors Jill Hopkins and Adora Namigadde about the city’s latest initiative to save lives. Plus, what is the Illinois End-of-Life Options Act, and what’s new at Open House Chicago?
Good News: Englewood Jazz Festival
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Could White Sox Really Leave Bridgeport? Plus, Mexican Independence Celebrations
Over the weekend, White Sox minority owner Justin Ishbia released stadium renderings that confirmed the team is considering a move to the South Loop and also assisting Amtrak’s proposed facility relocation and expansion to Bridgeport. Neighborhood groups, local officials, and some fans have weighed in, calling it a double dose of devastating news for the community economically and environmentally. We are joined by Block Club Chicago’s Jame Nesbitt-Golden and Axios Chicago’s Justin Kaufmann to break down the latest details. Plus, we lay out our biggest concerns heading into the Bears' season opener, and talk traffic preparation for Me...
Big Marsh Celebrates 10 Years. The Oprah Winfrey Show Celebrates 40.
As Big Marsh Park prepares to officially celebrate ten years on the South East side, the park has cut the ribbon on new bike features on the nearly 300-acre site. We are joined by contributors Al Scorch and PJ Walker to discuss the history and growing legacy of BMP. Plus, it's Self Care Awareness Month, and we’re recognizing over 40 years of The Oprah Winfrey Show.
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Steppenwolf Theatre
Broadway in Chicago - Dirty Dancing
CAC Walking Tours
DCASE...
Loop Restaurants Resurging, Chicago’s Climate Resilience, And Meet Us At Lit Fest
A 2026 study has ranked Chicago as the ‘World’s Most Climate Resilient’ major city. After a summer of torrential storms, tornado warnings, and wildfire smoke, we ask contributors Anna DeShawn and Leigh Giangreco how much they are buying that headline. Plus, after years of pandemic recovery efforts, Loop restaurants seem to be bouncing back, and we’ve got even more recommendations for this weekend’s Printer’s Row Lit Fest.
Check out the podcast on YouTube
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Mayor Johnson Answers Your Toughest Questions
As Mayor Brandon Johnson prepares to make a big announcement about his “political future” on Sunday, Sept. 13, we visited City Hall for a one-on-one interview. Thanks to the City Cast Chicago audience, we had plenty of questions to ask spanning budget season, data centers, and more.
By the way, did you know we’re on YouTube? Just saying, you might want to check out the video for this one.
Good News: El Grito, 79th St. Renaissance Festival, German American Oktoberfest
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Former Loretto Exec Finally In Court. Plus, Does Chicago Have an Alderman Problem?
Former Loretto Hospital COO Anosh Ahmed was finally in federal court this week, where he pleaded not guilty to defrauding the safety-net hospital and federal government. Block Club Chicago’s Manny Ramos is here with the latest. Plus, Tatyana Najee joins the podcast to discuss her digital series exploring Chicago’s 50 alders.
Good News: Midnight Circus
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Washington Park Mass Shooting, Ye & North in Chicago, and Printers Row Lit Quiz
Today we are joined by contributors Jill Hopkins and Leigh Giangreco to discuss the tragic mass shooting in Washington Park over the weekend, both Ye and North West performing in Chicago, and the upcoming Printers Row Lit Fest.
Good News: Fact Checking Training
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If you enjoyed today's interview with Angela Cummings, Executive Director, AFSP I...
Why Are Chicago Judges Deporting More Kids? Plus, Sox Parking Scam
An immigration judge in Chicago ordered 6 children to be deported. We break down what children are facing in Chicago immigration courtrooms. Plus, how to not get finessed when looking for parking for a Sox Game, and the world record meetups we would like to see in the city.
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If you enjoyed today's interview with the Program Director - Programming, Perf...
Your Guide to September 2026 in Chicago
September in Chicago is going to see us outside, come storms or heatwaves. Between Mexican Independence Day celebrations, Fall Theater Season, and the Bears’ home opener, we’ve got plenty to look forward to. Here’s your guide to getting the most out of the month.
The newsletter and events calendar are free at thebrownlinechi.com, and listeners can follow @thebrownlinechi on Instagram and TikTok.
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What’s In Mayor’s Latest Exec Order? Plus, Fall Exhibitions and Flavors
Last week, Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order barring companies with a recent history of workplace discrimination from receiving city contracts. It also requires city contractors to disclose past work done for other governments and law enforcement agencies, and creates a new procurement task force. We dive into the details with contributors Leigh Giangreco and Al Scorch. Plus, we’ve got great art exhibitions and fall flavors to check out this September.
Exhibitions: Between Memory and Becoming: Manifestations of Black Motherhood; Artist’s Flower Show: Pigments; If Emmett Till Lived: Freedom on American Ground; Where Memory Live...
The Property Tax Report: Late Bills, Data Center Incentives, and 40 Years of TIFs
Today we brought in the Tribune’s A.D. Quig and Illinois Answers Project’s Alex Nitkin to talk about all things property taxes. We discuss continued delays at the treasurer’s office and the growing tax burden on homeowners, the impact of 40 years of TIF districts, and massive tax breaks for Cook County data centers.
Good News: Chicago House Music Festival & Conference
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Field Museum to Return Sacred Objects. Plus, Chicago’s Best Fall Film Festivals
The Field Museum is in the process of repatriating 175 sacred objects to the Pulikla Tribe of Yurok People. Contributor Adora Namigadde digs into the museum’s efforts to return objects and remains to Native American tribes. Plus, contributor PJ Walker is previewing some of Chicago’s fall film fests, and executive producer Simone Alicea celebrates “Just Because” day.
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Downtown to O’Hare in 15 Minutes? Plus, Defunding Gender-Affirming Care and Chicago State Football
O’Hare International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. And for most Chicagoans, commute times to and from the airport can be wildly unpredictable. Now, a private company is proposing 15-minute express train rides from O’Hare to the Old Post Office. We discussed the plan and our dream 15-minute commutes with Brandon Pope and Anna DeShawn. Plus, what is the future of gender-affirming care funding, and is Chicago State University ready for their inaugural football season?
Good News: The Funktion
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