Free Daily Podcast Summary
City Cast Chicago: Daily Summaries Delivered
by City Cast
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. Named Best Podcast by Chicago Reader 2022
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 2 days ago35 min
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 Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 18 episode: Broadway in Chicago - Dirty Dancing Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Chicago Exhibition Weekend Kowalski AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
- 3 days ago39 min
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: Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 17 episode: Broadway in Chicago - Dirty Dancing Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Chicago Exhibition Weekend Kowalski Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
- 4 days ago34 min
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 Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 16 episode: Broadway in Chicago - Dirty Dancing Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Chicago Exhibition Weekend Kowalski Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
- 5 days ago49 min
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 Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 If you enjoyed today's interview with Angela Cummings, Executive Director, AFSP Illinois Chapter, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 15 episode: Broadway in Chicago - Dirty Dancing Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Chicago Exhibition Weekend Kowalski AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
- 6 days ago34 min
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 Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 14 episode: Steppenwolf Theatre Broadway in Chicago - Dirty Dancing CAC Walking Tours Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Chicago Exhibition Weekend Kowalski Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
- 1 weeks ago39 min
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 Mexican Independence Day celebrations. Good News: Stevie Wonder Tour, Noname, Printers Row Lit Fest Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, September 11th episode: Steppenwolf Theatre Broadway in Chicago - Dirty Dancing CAC Walking Tours DCASE AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
- 1 weeks ago39 min
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. Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, September 10th episode: Steppenwolf Theatre Broadway in Chicago - Dirty Dancing CAC Walking Tours DCASE AFSP Illinois Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
- 1 weeks ago37 min
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 Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 9 episode: Steppenwolf Theatre Broadway in Chicago - Dirty Dancing CAC Walking Tours DCASE AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
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About 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. Named Best Podcast by Chicago Reader 2022
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