Episodes

  • West Ridge YMCA For Sale, Indie Concerts Archive, and Chicago’s Worst Trades

    West Ridge YMCA For Sale, Indie Concerts Archive, and Chicago’s Worst Trades
    Apr 13 2026
    Chicago YMCA locations have fallen on hard times in recent decades. After the West Ridge location closed in 2021, neighbors fought to save it. Now, the property is on the market. We discuss the latest details with Veronica Arreola and Jill Hopkins. Plus, a 40-year collection of Chicago concert recordings is going digital, and y’all had thoughts about Chicago’s worst sports trades and bus “flights.” Good News: 42nd annual Latino Film 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 Monday, April 13 episode: Window Nation Paramount Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
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    37 mins
  • South Side Birthing Center, 75th Street Welcomes Visitors, and Chicago’s ‘81 Club’

    South Side Birthing Center, 75th Street Welcomes Visitors, and Chicago’s ‘81 Club’
    Apr 10 2026
    Just in time for Black Doula Day, the kick off to Black Maternal Health Week, the Chicago South Side Birthing Center broke ground this week in South Chicago. The new maternal and reproductive health care center is expected to assist in over 220 births annually once it opens in late 2027. Block Club Chicago’s Atavia Reed and Francia Garcia Hernandez are here with the latest details. Plus, the state’s attorney office won’t drop a murder charge in a case advocates say is self-defense, Chicago wants more students at the library, and Spend in the Black brings thousands to 75th street. 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 April 10 episode: Enjoy Illinois Window Nation Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
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    32 mins
  • Broadview Protesters Face Trial, Farmers Market Prices Rise, and Where to Karaoke in Chicago

    Broadview Protesters Face Trial, Farmers Market Prices Rise, and Where to Karaoke in Chicago
    Apr 9 2026
    The trial against the Broadview Four, a group of high-profile protesters arrested and charged with conspiracy back in September, is set to begin in May. This week a federal judge ruled there was no evidence that the Trump administration was politically influencing the case. We’re sitting down with freelance journalist Corli Jay and contributor Leigh Giangreco. Plus, farmers market vendors are managing rising costs, and we want to know your go to karaoke song.Good News: Poetry of Place and Resistance and Bilingual Poetry WorkshopWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this April 9 episode: Enjoy Illinois Window Nation Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
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    33 mins
  • Why Can’t the Sky Keep Stars? Plus, The Hideout’s New Ownership

    Why Can’t the Sky Keep Stars? Plus, The Hideout’s New Ownership
    Apr 8 2026
    Earlier this week, the ⁠Chicago Sky traded All-Star forward Angel Reese⁠ to the Atlanta Dream for two future first-round picks. Following the departure of yet another star player, fans are wondering if Chicago is losing its chance to be a marquee WNBA destination. City Cast Chicago contributor Brandon Pope and musician Al Scorch join us today to discuss. Plus, 90-year-old venue ⁠The Hideout has a new owner⁠, Jackson Park’s ⁠cherry blossoms are blooming⁠, and we’ve got new music for you! Chicago Music: ⁠Charles Joseph Smith⁠, ⁠Rami Gabriel⁠, ⁠Heavy Crownz⁠, ⁠Ravyn Lanae⁠, ⁠Al Scorch’s Big Fantastical Residency⁠ If you enjoyed today's interview with The Other Art Fair, Global Fair Director, Nicole Garton, ⁠learn more here⁠. 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 April 8 episode: ⁠Enjoy Illinois⁠ ⁠Window Nation⁠ ⁠Become a member of City Cast Chicago⁠. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info ⁠HERE⁠
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    44 mins
  • What to Do on Route 66 in Chicago

    What to Do on Route 66 in Chicago
    Apr 7 2026
    In April 1926, Route 66 received its iconic number. The so-called Mother Road takes you all the way to California, but it begins in Chicago. (Now at Navy Pier!) In celebration of 100 years, we’re revisiting our little road trip from last year. Host Jacoby Cochran hopped in the car with Dario Durham and Sara Faddah, hosts of 77 Flavors, to drive the Chicago leg of old Route 66. Along the way, they pointed out favorite attractions, spots to eat, and saw the city from a new perspective. Good News: Karaoke Storytellers 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 April 7 episode: Enjoy Illinois Window Nation Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.
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    30 mins
  • Mayor Johnson vs CHA Board, Buses to O’Hare, and Hawks Miss Playoffs… Again

    Mayor Johnson vs CHA Board, Buses to O’Hare, and Hawks Miss Playoffs… Again
    Apr 6 2026
    At the end of March, Chicago’s Housing Authority board voted 7-2 to appoint a new CEO. CHA has been without a permanent CEO since former leader Tracy Scott resigned in November, 2024. Mayor Brandon Johnson may legally challenge this decision after replacing the board chair and arguing the selection violated state law. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran are breaking down the latest details. Plus, American Airlines is offering bus connections from regional airports to O'Hare, and the Blackhawks extend their playoff drought to six seasons. Good News: ‘safronia’ at Lyric Opera If you enjoyed today's interview with Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau President/CEO, Cory M. Jobe, supporting Enjoy Illinois, learn more here. 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 April 6 episode: Enjoy Illinois Window Nation Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
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    41 mins
  • 'Your City Could Be Better': Denver’s Bet on a Women’s Soccer Stadium — Presented By City Cast Chicago

    'Your City Could Be Better': Denver’s Bet on a Women’s Soccer Stadium — Presented By City Cast Chicago
    Apr 5 2026
    While both Chicago and Denver have a professional Women's Soccer team (go Stars!), Denver is only the second city in the U.S. to build a stadium specifically for women’s soccer. Will betting on women’s sports drive Denver’s economy or will Denverites be left paying the price for another stadium? City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Denver podcast host Bree Davies about why Denver has invested so much into having sports downtown, how Denver has capitalized on repurposing old industrial spaces, and how bad traffic gets when all your sports are downtown. Plus, is it better to have a Mayor with or without aims for a greater political office? Mentioned on the show: The $tadium Game: Inside the lucrative world of Colorado’s pro sports stadiums [⁠The Denver Post⁠] Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? ⁠Email David now! ⁠ We’re also on Instagram: ⁠@yourcitycouldbebetter⁠ Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? ⁠Check out our options⁠.
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    28 mins
  • What Went Down At The Jeffs? Plus, Was Midway Blitz Martial Law?

    What Went Down At The Jeffs? Plus, Was Midway Blitz Martial Law?
    Apr 3 2026
    Chicagoans are still asking if the feds will return to the city after Operation Midway blitz. WBEZ’s Curious City recently tackled whether the federal presence here constituted martial law. We are joined by WBEZ’s Erin Allen and Mike Davis. Plus, boos rain down at the Jeffs, and an international student’s attempt to run every Chicago street hits a major roadblock. 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 April 3 episode: The Other Art Fair Steppenwolf Theatre Window Nation Chicago Architecture Center Walking Tours Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
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    30 mins