

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

Jan 31, 2024 • 17min
What Happened to Englewood’s Restaurants?
Learn about the challenges faced by Englewood in opening full-service sit-down restaurants, including white flight, disinvestment, and red tape. Community members are determined to build restaurants despite the difficulties. Explore the history and struggles of Englewood, and the efforts to overcome barriers in opening businesses. Discover local favorites, support local businesses, and find out about upcoming events in Englewood's restaurant scene.

Jan 30, 2024 • 22min
Migrant Shelter Evictions Paused, Naming Chi’s New Animal, and Come See Us!
Migrants staying at city shelters will not be evicted this week as planned, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced Monday. Shelter stays have been extended at least through March. Meanwhile, the city is crunching the numbers on its annual count of people experiencing homelessness, which took place late last week. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea talk about what the announcement means and some of the shortcomings of the count. They also discuss names for Irving Park’s new eagle friend and City Cast Chicago’s pre-show event at Karaoke Storytellers on Sunday.Learn more about spotting bald eagles in Illinois.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: 773 780-0246Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Jan 29, 2024 • 33min
‘Guaranteed’: Meet John
“Guaranteed” is a podcast about what happens when regular people receive direct cash assistance, known as guaranteed income. It’s a show about the choices people make, the dreams they pursue, and the impossible things that become a little more possible when their money is guaranteed. We’re featuring this episode about John, a minister, grandfather, military veteran, and former Freedom Rider who lives on the West Side of Chicago and is a participant in the guaranteed income pilot run by the City of Chicago.“Guaranteed” is created by Respair Production & Media and Eve L. Ewing, with support from the Economic Security Project.In case you missed it, go back and listen to our episode with “Guaranteed” host Eve L. Ewing about how guaranteed income works and the different programs around Chicago.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: 773 780-0246

Jan 29, 2024 • 25min
What Guaranteed Income Can Do for Chicagoans
Host Eve L. Ewing discusses guaranteed income in Chicago, addressing misconceptions and sharing stories of those who have benefited. They reflect on the impact on children and discuss the future of the program in Chicago, including data collection and expansion. Guest introduction and event announcement included.

Jan 26, 2024 • 31min
Woodlawn Tenants’ Court Battle, Renewable Energy Lags, and One Trillion Cicadas
A court battle between Woodlawn tenants and the building owner over poor living conditions is discussed. Also, the podcast covers Illinois' struggle to achieve renewable energy goals and the anticipated emergence of a large number of cicadas. Favorite local restaurants and concerns about housing conditions for migrants are also talked about.

Jan 25, 2024 • 25min
7 Chicago Architecture Terms to Help You Sound Like an Expert
From the boat tours to next week’s film festival, why is Chicago always talking about architecture? “The history of Chicago and its people is written in its architecture,” says Sun-Times architecture critic Lee Bey. From bungalows to high-rises to the design styles that define our skyline, Bey gives host Jacoby Cochran a glossary of architecture terms to help us appreciate our buildings (or maybe just impress your next out-of-town visitor).Some good news: The Sit Down hosted by Shawnee DezWant 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: 773 780-0246Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Jan 24, 2024 • 31min
Who Makes Chicago’s Best Tacos?
There is a taco in Chicago for everyone. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and producer Michelle Navarro went out on their own taco tours to try some of the best tacos the city has to offer. They pick their favorites, and some of them may surprise you.Jacoby’s List:
Asian Cuisine Express
5 Rabanitos
Birrieria Zaragoza
Atotonilco
Simone’s List:
Don Bucio’s Taqueria
Huaraches Doña Chio
Taqueria el Asadero
Michelle’s List:
Carniceria Maribel
La Internacional Supermercado y Taqueria
La Casa Del Pueblo Taqueria
Good news: Get your tickets to Karaoke Storytellers on Feb. 4. Come early and meet the City Cast Chicago team!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: 773 780-0246Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Jan 23, 2024 • 20min
Migrant Shelter Evictions, Red Line Community Space, and City Cast Advice
Thousands of migrants and asylum-seekers who have been staying at city shelters are facing potential evictions next week because of a limit on shelter stays imposed by the Johnson administration. The looming deadline is leading to confusion and fear. Executive Producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran break down the latest details. Plus, CTA wants your help in transforming 10 blocks of public land under the Red Line tracks in Uptown and Edgewater.Do you need Chicago advice? Submit a question to Hey Chicago!Good News: Respect the Mic Open MicWant 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: 773 780-0246Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Jan 22, 2024 • 20min
Why Chicagoans Aren’t Recycling Enough
Less than 10% of Chicago’s waste is recycled, according to the city's Streets and Sanitation Department. That’s despite a goal to keep 50% of waste out of landfills by 2025 and as other cities boast even higher rates. Axios’ Monica Eng has been covering the city’s waste management struggles for years. She tells host Jacoby Cochran what’s driving Chicago’s abysmal recycling rates and offers some tips for all of us to do better.Learn more about the city’s new food scrap drop-off program.Some Good News: Chicago Documenters OrientationWant 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: 773 780-0246Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Jan 19, 2024 • 31min
Harvey Residents Boarded Up in Apartment. Plus, South Loop Sox?
Earlier this week as temperatures plummeted, the city activated its emergency operation plan, opening more warming centers and overnight shelters. Harvey World Herald founder Amethyst Davis and Sun-Times education reporter Nader Issa are here to discuss how local organizations are also stepping in to provide more support for unhoused Chicagoans. Plus, we are talking about a Harvey apartment complex that was boarded up with residents still inside, the White Sox exploring a new South Loop stadium, and why Metra lights their train tracks on fire.Good News: Latinxs for Palestine Storytelling Event and FundraiserWant 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: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices