City Cast Chicago

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. 

Daily News
News Commentary
News
901
Blaming Gangs, Still Talkin' About Donda and So...
We look back at the week's news, and Shermann "Dilla" Thomas lays down some Chicago history
16 min
902
Chicago Children's Choir Back on Stage
The choir that unites kids from across the city can be seen in Chance the Rapper's latest concert film.
12 min
903
ICYMI: Jacoby's Mom and A Favorite Teacher
Host Jacoby Cochran’s mom lives in the same house his grandparents bought in in 1966.
11 min
904
How Was the First Day of School?
Monday was the first day of school for Chicago Public Schools, marking the third school year during the COVID-19 pandemic.
16 min
905
Why Bike Lessons Might Make You a Better Chicagoan
Chicago has been gaining a reputation for being a fairly good place for cyclists as the city adds new bike lanes, expands the Divvy bike share program, and offers free bike lessons.
12 min
906
Yeezy's in Town, Amazon Lowballs City, and Brow...
The Chicago stories that made us go, "huh," and the ones that brought us joy.
18 min
907
Watch the Black Women Leading a Movement
Filmmaker Ashley O’Shay spent more than four years following Janae Bonsu and Bella BAHHS.
13 min
908
Meet the Chicago Scientist Studying UFOs
In June, the U.S. military issued a report saying that out of 144 sightings of unidentified aerial phenomena, they were only able to explain one of them.
14 min
909
At ‘Refugee High’ Students and Teachers are Lik...
A teacher and student at Sullivan High School talk about the unique challenges of being a refugee student.
15 min
910
Students Find Their Place at 'Refugee High'
Sullivan High School in Rogers Park is home to hundreds of refugee students who speak more than 40 different languages.
14 min
911
School Questions, Essential Workers, and a Hot ...
City Cast Chicago producer Simone Alicea is in the host chair with Lead Producer Carrie Shepherd and City Bureau Deputy Editor Arionne Nettles.
15 min
912
ICYMI: Stephen Colbert’s Chicago Roots
The Late Show host found his comedic voice in Chicago, and recommends all performers start in this 'cultural capital.'
14 min
913
Shifting Demographics Means Shifting Political ...
13 min
914
A Chicago Teacher Feels COVID Deja Vu
A teacher tells us she’s feeling just as anxious as she did when the pandemic began.
13 min
915
Can Reasonable Doubt Get This Man Out of Prison?
James Allen has spent decades in prison based on suspicious evidence
9 min
916
Delta Spread, ShotSpotter Qs, and The Bud is Back
Chicago's top stories, under-hyped stories, and moments of joy of the week.
17 min
917
Want to Impact the City Budget? Fill Out This Form
Chicagoans tell city officials what they want in the annual budget, but whether those recommendations go into action remains to be seen.
12 min
918
Comedian Abby McEnany Says Chicago Improv Saved...
Abby McEnany has been on Chicago’s improv scene for more than 20 years but is new to the TV world.
12 min
919
Should Chicago End Its Contract with ShotSpotter?
ShotSpotter is a technology that’s meant to detect the sound of gunfire and deploy police to that location.
17 min
920
A Community Fridge in Englewood Was Just the Be...
Last year, Dion Dawson’s friend asked him what he wanted to do to help his Englewood community. Now, Dion’s Chicago Dream is running a community fridge that the organization keeps full of fresh produce and delivers groceries to families from Maywood to Evanston.
18 min
921
Mask Mandate(ish) Is Back, Bulls Could Be Good ...
Journalists Justin Kaufmann and Monica Eng break down the week’s news with Lead Producer Carrie Shepherd.
18 min
922
How to Move a 1000-Ton Historic Building
When historic preservationists heard the building could be demolished, they fought it. The compromise was to move the building 30 feet.
12 min
923
Teens Take Back the Block’s Story
Too many young people in Chicago see stories about their neighborhoods on the news that don’t reflect the neighborhood THEY know.
14 min
924
A Therapist’s Take on This Mental Health Moment
16 min
925
Cubs Fans Are Mad As Hell After Huge Trade
Cubs fans had a rough weekend.
16 min