City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with hosts from all 13 City Cast daily local podcast hubs to talk about what stories they’re watching in their hometowns that are likely to impact yours too. Listen in for how Jacoby Cochran's story stacks up against the rest. 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 sponsors of this July 5th episode...
Jul 05, 2024•52 min•Transcript available on Metacast Chicago might be the snack capital from big brands like Nabisco and Kellogg to local ones like Garrett Popcorn and Jays Chips. But which Chi snacks are worth packing for your July 4th road trip or cookout? We’re bringing back a conversation from the winter between host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro, where they break down the best snacks the city has to offer and the snacks unworthy of your hard-earned money. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our ...
Jul 03, 2024•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast NASCAR returns to Chicago this weekend. Last year’s race was marked by fierce debate, torrential rainstorms, and mixed economic returns. So how will this year’s event fare? Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea lay out their predictions. Plus, they rank their favorite Metra stops and discuss festival lessons from June. Good news: Pride South Side Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can ...
Jul 02, 2024•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Chicago community. The holiday week will keep us busy in Chicago, but what else is happening this month besides Fourth of July? We got you covered with fireworks tips, summer eats, and a festival calendar. For even more tips on how to make the most of July in Chicago, check out Hey Chicago’s take on what to do this month. If you enjoyed today's interview with Revolut...
Jul 01, 2024•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast In November, Chicagoans will go to the polls to elect members of the Chicago School Board for the first time. Filing week is over, and now we know a total of 47 candidates will be on the ballot across 10 districts. Chalkbeat Chicago’s Becky Vevea and WTTW’s Heather Cherone are in the building with everything we need to know before voting. Plus, we discuss former Ald. Ed Burke’s two-year prison sentence, City Council’s new revenue subcommittee, and first thoughts on ‘The Bear’ season 3. Good News...
Jun 28, 2024•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast The third season of the Emmy award-winning show “The Bear” returned this week, and Chicago is ready for it. Host Jacoby Cochran and correspondent Greta Johnsen are breaking down the storylines they’re most excited for this season as the rain and dental work keep them inside this weekend. Plus, we’re talking about interesting Sundance films in Chicago this weekend and books we’re reading. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @c...
Jun 27, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Chicago’s Food Truck Festival is ongoing all summer at Daley Plaza — you can catch the next one Friday. But despite this annual summer fest, Chicago’s food truck culture is severely lacking. Eater Chicago editor Ashok Selvam tells host Jacoby Cochran about why food trucks are so rare here and which ones you should check out if you can find them. If you enjoyed today's interview with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Events Program Director of Performing Arts, Mariam Thiam, learn more he...
Jun 26, 2024•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast Former Ald. Ed Burke was sentenced Monday to serve two years in prison and pay a $2 million fine. Burke was convicted on racketeering and bribery charges in December after he used his longtime power in City Council to enrich his business, intimidate his opponents, and uphold Chicago’s infamous political machine. We break down Burke’s sentence and what it could mean for future corruption trials. Plus, we discuss some new name changes coming to Chicago Public Schools and see what City Cast listene...
Jun 25, 2024•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast Earlier this month, President Joe Biden signed an executive order severely restricting asylum claims at the U.S.-Mexico border. As Chicago struggles to provide refuge for new arrivals, we ask Block Club Chicago’s Madison Savedra to break down Biden’s latest moves, the impact it could have on Chicago’s over 40,000 asylum seekers, and where the city is two years since buses first started arriving. Good News: Jean Deaux ‘Nowhere, Fast’ Tour at Lincoln Hall Want some more City Cast Chicago news? The...
Jun 24, 2024•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast Earlier this week, Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order establishing a reparations task force to create a Black reparations agenda. The task force will examine Chicago policies that have historically disenfranchised Black Chicagoans and suggest measures to address these systemic inequities. The Triibe’s Tonia Hill spoke with residents about how they believe reparations should look. We are also joined by Injustice Watch’s Carlos Ballesteros whose recent investigation into Cook County j...
Jun 21, 2024•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast Move over summer fests — we’re talking about summer pests. The longest day of the year is also set to be one of the hottest in Chicago, so host Jacoby Cochran and contributor Greta Johnsen talk about ways to beat the heat this weekend, play a game of “burden or delight,” and give us the definitive ranking of Chicago’s creepiest and crawliest pests from rats, to bedbugs, to mosquitoes. Take our survey and tell us which one is the worst. Weekend events: Intro to Embroidery Chinatown Dragon Boat Ra...
Jun 20, 2024•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast Chicago is likely to see temperatures in the 90s all week as a heat dome settles over the midwest. We’ve got the resources you need to stay cool. Plus, executive producer Simone Alicea gives producer Michelle Navarro a City Council quote quiz, and we discuss Chicago’s latest cute animal stories. Stories mentioned: “Resolution calling for Carter’s ouster from CTA gets sidetracked” “Alderman after retaliatory vote stall: ‘If you hit me with a bat, I’m going to shoot you with a gun’” “How much jail...
Jun 18, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast We are less than two weeks away from Chicago’s largest LGBTQ+ pride celebration when nearly one million people will make their way to the Northalsted neighborhood for the 53rd annual Pride Parade. However, with a shorter route and fewer participants, we’ve got everything you need to know before the parade kicks off. We are joined by Windy City Times writer and newsletter editor Jake Wittich, who also shares other Pride events to enjoy across the city. Good News: Chicago Public Pools Want some mo...
Jun 17, 2024•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast Riot Fest announced Wednesday that it is leaving Douglass Park for SeatGeek Stadium in suburban Bridgeview, blaming the Chicago Park District for the decision. The move comes after years of pushback from the community in North Lawndale despite support from the local alderperson. Riot Fest is Sept. 20-22, which also presents a challenge for the Chicago Red Stars who play at SeatGeek. We are joined by Block Club Chicago’s Jamie Nesbitt Golden and WCIU host Brandon Pope to break down the latest. Pl...
Jun 14, 2024•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast Thanks to the beer-loving folks over at Revolution Brewing we have been talking about neighborhood summer festivals all week long. But Chicago is also home to two of the biggest music festivals in the country: Pitchfork and Lollapalooza with 20,000 and 115,000 daily attendees respectively. With over 200 music acts between the two, we are trying to create the perfect single-day lineup for both festivals. Host Jacoby Cochran faces off against journalist and music festival enthusiast Katrina Pham. ...
Jun 13, 2024•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast It wouldn't be summer fest season if we didn't talk about some of Chicago's amazing food festivals. Host Jacoby Cochran is joined by Dario Durham, the co-host of 77 Flavors of Chicago, a podcast that takes you to the city’s neighborhoods to try the best food and drinks they’ve got. They discuss their perfect food fest lineup and favorite festival bites. Fests Mentioned: Sundays on State: June 16 and July 14 in the Loop Taste of Chicago Neighborhood Pop-Ups (Dates Vary) Juneteenth Village Fest: J...
Jun 12, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast While Chicagoans enjoy thousands of summer options every year, have you ever stopped and wondered just how much goes into making these block, neighborhood, and citywide festivals work? City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran sits down with Neal Heitz, director of event production for the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, to get a behind-the-scenes look into the business of summertime Chi. We’ll be talking summer fests all this week, sponsored by Revolution Brewing. Fests m...
Jun 11, 2024•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast Summer festival season is here! That’s why we’re bringing you a guide to the neighborhood fests you have to check out and how to make the most of them. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and producer Michelle Navarro pick their can’t-miss fests, talk summer planning, and give you tips to stay comfortable during long summer days. We’ll be talking summer fests all this week, sponsored by Revolution Brewing. Fests mentioned: Ravinia Summer Festival: June 7-Sep. 15 in Highland Pa...
Jun 10, 2024•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast Earlier this week law enforcement officials including Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling assured Chicagoans that CPD is prepared for the DNC. However, Inspector General Deborah Witzburg pushed back, explaining, “persistent concerns remain about whether Chicago police officers are prepared to lawfully police the massive protests.” Joining us to break down the latest updates are Chicago Reader news editor Shawn Mulcahy and Tribune sportswriter Shakeia Taylor. Plus, we discuss ...
Jun 07, 2024•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast Summertime Chi is always busy. So we want to make sure we’re keeping you up to date on the best things to do during these summer weekends. That’s why we’ve enlisted City Cast Chicago contributor Greta Johnsen to put us on the events to check out, talk about parks versus beaches, and get our summer reading list on lock. Events mentioned: Shout OUT: A Tribute to Gays in Gospel Music Pride Skate Party Blues Fest Puerto Rican Fest The Lost Kingdoms The Chicago Archaeopteryx Godzilla vs. Music Box Bo...
Jun 06, 2024•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast ‘Tis the season for patios, rooftops, and other outdoor dining opportunities in Chicago. The Infatuation’s Adrian Kane and John Ringor give host Jacoby a rundown of the city’s best alfresco dining spots from romantic patios to rooftops where you can actually avoid getting sunburned. Spots mentioned: Mott St Enoteca Roma Hopleaf Bar Soul and Smoke (Avondale) Kimski Rica Arepa Reggie’s Afro Joe’s Tetto Gene’s Sausage Shop Lonesome Rose (Logan Square) Bar Avec Taxim Open Outcry Brewing The Woodlawn...
Jun 05, 2024•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Last Thursday, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced that the Roseland Mental Health Clinic will reopen after 35 years. The city will also add mental health services to a Chicago Department of Public Health clinic in Pilsen in August and inside the Legler Regional Library in West Garfield Park. The City Cast Chicago team breaks down how this announcement delivers on the mayor’s campaign promises and some of the major challenges ahead. Plus we discuss a new initiative to increase remote work downtown a...
Jun 04, 2024•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast As Summertime Chi heats up, some neighborhoods will be hotter than others. And with those higher temps come bigger risks from extreme heat. Last year we talked with Tribune reporter Sarah Macaraeg, who investigated and mapped these disparities. She told us what she found and explained what the city could do to protect all Chi neighborhoods. Good News: Crosstown Classic at Wrigley Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastc...
Jun 03, 2024•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast Chicago Public Schools’ new funding formula moves away from enrollment-based funding to a needs-based approach that they say prioritizes the most vulnerable schools and students. But Chicago Sun-Times education reporter Nader Issa tells host Jacoby Cochran how individual school budgets are a mixed bag, with hundreds of schools expected to see staff and after-school program cuts next school year. We’re also joined by Injustice Watch’s Kelly Garcia to discuss Cook County’s plan to reduce the size ...
May 31, 2024•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Chicago community. Can you believe we’re almost halfway through the year? Since time seems to fly even faster in the summer, we’re here with tips to make the most of June in Chicago. We’re making our summer bucket lists, planning our festival season, and staying safe while swimming and boating. For even more tips on how to make the most of May in Chicago, check out H...
May 30, 2024•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Sick of expensive grocery store eggs and dreaming of ways to avoid them? Living in a big city, you might think there are a lot of rules about keeping chickens and other farm animals in your yard. But Chicago actually has some of the most permissive urban livestock laws on the books. Viviana Okakpu from Advocates for Urban Agriculture tells host Jacoby Cochran about what Chicagoans should know about having livestock in their backyard. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign ...
May 29, 2024•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast We at City Cast Chicago have spent a lot of time covering public housing, from the legacy of demolition, to private development on public housing land, to the Chicago Housing Authority’s decades-long waitlists. Now the head of CHA is under fire following investigations from Block Club Chicago into the agency’s scattered-site program. Host Jacoby Cochran talks with reporters Rachel Hinton and Mick Dumke about two properties that exemplify ongoing problems at the CHA. Good news: Peace Fest Englewo...
May 28, 2024•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast Earlier this week, City Council voted 34-14 on an ordinance aimed at keeping ShotSpotter, an attempt to reverse Mayor Brandon Johnson’s decision to end the city’s use of the highly controversial gunshot detection system in November. WTTW’s Brandis Friedman and freelance writer Reema Saleh tell Jacoby Cochran about the latest news, including why Illinois wants you to eat this invasive species, updates on cicadas, and how a group of West Siders are launching community gardens throughout their neig...
May 24, 2024•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast While National Mental Health Awareness Month is coming to an end, the Chicago Department of Public Health will be continuing its Healing Arts programming, which combines art and wellness. One program is the Audio Pharmacology Sound Spa, and it happens Mondays at the Englewood Mental Health Clinic. Creator Shannon Harris talks with host Jacoby Cochran about what audio pharmacology is, how the spa works, and why it’s worth giving a try. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign...
May 23, 2024•21 min•Transcript available on Metacast The days are getting warmer, making this the perfect time to get yourself something sweet and cold. Host Jacoby Cochran and the City Cast Chicago team pull up to Mario’s Italian Lemonade in Little Italy to try the iconic frozen dessert. From ice cream to snow cones, they discuss the best (and most overrated) frozen treats in Chicago. Spots mentioned: Fannie May Lickity Split Shawn Michlle’s Homemade Ice Cream Richard’s Super Premium Ice Cream Two Shades Cafe Amorino The Original Rainbow Cone JoJ...
May 22, 2024•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
