

City Cast Chicago
City Cast
Chicago’s daily news podcast, fresh every weekday at 6 a.m. 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—all in 15 minutes a day. It’s a smart and delightful new way to connect with the city we share. Learn more and subscribe to our morning newsletter at citycast.fm/chicago.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 21, 2024 • 23min
What To Do In Chicago After Midnight
Between long speeches at the Democratic National Convention, late night show tapings, and tons of after-parties, you may find yourself out after midnight on a school night this week. So the City Cast Chicago team has put together a list of our favorite late-night spots to grab some food, drinks, and maybe a song.
Alynia Zushi & Karaoke Lounge in Bridgeport,
Baba’s (Ashburn, Greater Grand Crossing, Gresham)
Bar Siena in West Loop
Emporium (Logan Square, Westown, West Loop)
Galloping Ghost Arcade in Brookfield
Hidden Cove in Lincoln Square
Lawrence’s Fish and Shrimp in Chinatown
Le Nocturne in Uptown
Ricobene’s Bridgeport
Sidekicks in Irving Park
Stony Sub in Avalon Park
The Giant Penny Whistle in Pilsen
Warlord in Avondale
Yeowoosai in West Ridge
Good News: Firehouse Block Party for PeaceWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 21 episode:
Lincoln Park Zoo
Second City
Orthodontic Experts
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Aug 20, 2024 • 25min
Live from the DNC! Plus, Real or Onion Headlines?
The Democratic National Convention is officially underway in Chicago, and it’s all anyone can talk about. That’s why we recorded our episode from McCormick Place to check the vibes and see what this event is actually all about. Plus, to celebrate The Onion’s return to print, we’re playing a game: Real headline or Onion headline? Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 20 episode:
Lincoln Park Zoo
Second City
Orthodontic Experts
Revolution Brewing
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Aug 19, 2024 • 27min
A Chicagoan's Guide to the DNC
The Democratic National Convention starts today. Contributor Leigh Giangreco tells host Jacoby Cochran about road closures, transit changes, security protocols, and everything else Chicagoans should expect this week.Good News: Full Moon Jam at Foster Beach, She Safe We Safe in Chatham, and Crafter’s Circle in Portage ParkWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug 19 episode:
Lincoln Park Zoo
Second City
Orthodontic Experts
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Aug 16, 2024 • 32min
DNC Frustrations, Riot Fest Returns, and Bears’ Hope Rising
Tiffany Walden, editor-in-chief of The Triibe, and Corli Jay, a community investment reporter, join the discussion on frustrations surrounding the upcoming Democratic National Convention, focusing on security and transit issues facing West Side residents. They also touch on the return of Riot Fest to Douglass Park and the mixed community reactions. Additionally, the impact of youth peacekeeping initiatives on local crime and exciting developments from the Bears' camp—particularly the anticipation around rookie Caleb Williams—are explored.

Aug 15, 2024 • 34min
What We Want Chicago Visitors To Know
Every week in the summer, Chicago is packed with tourists, out-of-town family and friends, and suburbanites. Next week, the Democratic National Convention is expecting over 50,000 visitors from across the country. Host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro talk about where visitors should go, how to get around, what to do, and what not to do. Need the unwritten rules of CTA?Places mentioned:
Mario’s Italian Lemonade
Al’s Beef
Fatso’s Last Stand
Jim’s Original
Carniceria Maribel
Bordel
Brasero
The Loyalist
Bottom Lounge
Gino and Marty’s
Asian Cuisine Express
QXY Dumplings
Chi Cafe
Reggies
Cleo’s
Medici’s
MacArthur’s
Home of the Hoagy
Honey Bear Cafe
Red Hot Ranch
Things to do:
Tours with Mike
Chicago Mahogany
Youth Led Tours
Chicago Strolls
Black Ensemble Theater
Buddy Guy’s Legend
Zanies Comedy Club
Chibrations
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 15 episode:
Paramount Theatre - Save $5 with code CityCast.
Steppenwolf Theatre
Wastenot - use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month.
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Aug 14, 2024 • 20min
Our Love Letter to Uncle Remus: A Chi Institution
Food critic Keith Lee visited the city earlier this year and put the West Side chicken staple Uncle Remus at the bottom of Chicago’s chicken list. Last year, host Jacoby Cochran tried Uncle Remus in the Austin neighborhood for the first time with Justice Informed CEO, lifelong West Sider, and Uncle Remus evangelist Xavier Ramey to see what he’s been missing out on. Don’t miss our love letter to Harold’s.Some good news: Slo MoWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 14 episode:
Paramount Theatre - Save $5 with code CityCast.
Steppenwolf Theatre
Wastenot - use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Aug 13, 2024 • 28min
Festival Attendance, Parking Meter Costs, and Olympics Lookback
A week after we dug into the history of Chicago’s infamous parking meter deal, the Tribune reports how it could cost the city even more money. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea talk about some recent arbitration claims. Plus, they review the Olympics hype and discuss why attendance estimates matter at street fests.Some Good News: Fan Expo ChicagoWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 13 episode:
Paramount Theatre — Save $5 with code CityCast.
Steppenwolf Theatre
Wastenot — Use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month.
Revolution Brewing
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Aug 12, 2024 • 35min
Yet Another Reason Property Taxes Suck
Cook County homeowners just finished paying property taxes for last year, but some may be paying more than their fair share. That’s because the county assessor’s office has misclassified hundreds of properties, missing out on at least $444 million in value and unfairly shifting the tax burden, according to a new investigation by the Chicago Tribune and Illinois Answers project. Reporters A.D. Quig and Alex Nitkin explain how luxury homes end up getting taxed like vacant lots, what this means for individual tax bills, and why this matters for government financing.Some good news: Astronomy in the ParksIf you enjoyed today's interview with Revolution Brewing's Founder, Josh Deth, learn more here.Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 12 episode:
Paramount Theatre — Save $5 with code CityCast.
Steppenwolf Theatre
Wastenot — Use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month.
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Aug 9, 2024 • 26min
Migrant Work Struggles, Pritzker Wants Sheriff Out, and Rock Bottom Sox
As migrants struggle to get by without legal work authorization, a new investigation found day laborers face exploitation, physical assault, and arrests. City Bureau’s Sarah Conway and freelance investigative journalist Sebastian Hidalgo tell us about the investigation. Plus, we talk about Gov. JB Pritzker calling for the resignation of the Sangamon County sheriff following the killing of Sonya Massey, the Chicago Police Department’s portion of the DNC security funding, and the Sox’s broken losing streak and management shake-up. Good news: Former staffers from the Schuler Scholars program have put together an initiative to raise money for the students whose tuition coverage was taken away, a Chicago artist is showcasing work in Mexico, and the Bud Biliken Parade is Saturday.Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 9 episode:
Ravinia
Chicago Association of Realtors
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Aug 8, 2024 • 18min
A Chicago Bouncer's Secrets to Managing Long Lines
Going out at night in Chicago during the busiest season of the year is tough. You have to find the venue, figure out who the DJ is, how you’re getting back home — and then sometimes the hardest part is just getting through the line. That’s why we’re talking to the bouncer known as East Room Fatty. He works the door at the Logan Square venue now called Easy Does It, and he gives us the inside scoop on what bouncers want you to know before you get to the club or bar.Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 8 episode:
Ravinia
Chicago Association of Realtors
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE