City Cast Chicago

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. Learn more and subscribe to our newsletter at chicago.citycast.fm. Named Best Podcast by Chicago Reader 2022

Episodes

Domestic Homicides Rising, CPS Enrollment Declines, and Extreme Cold Alert

January 23, 2026 • 38 mins
Chicago’s domestic violence cases surged last year, even as overall violent crime dropped. BlockClub Chicago’s Mina Bloom, Borderless Magazine’s Katrina Pham, and host Jacoby Cochran are breaking down the latest numbers. Plus,  Ald. Vazquez and Fuentes want clarity on Welcoming City violations, CPS enrollment declines continue, and Chicago is under an extreme cold watch.  Good News: Femdot's Ramova Show, “Oh, Mary!” coming to Chic...
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Chicago Breweries to Help You End Dry January

January 22, 2026 • 23 mins
If you’re looking to quit Dry January right when it ends, or if you need a spot to hang out with non-Dry January friends, breweries are the perfect place. Chicagoland has one of the highest concentrations of breweries in the country. Executive producer Simone Alicea talked with Adam Drakulic, a local Brewery tour guide, in 2024 about Chicago’s brewing history and how to truly make the most of the craft beer scene. Spots mentioned:...
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Will Chicago Casino Actually Open This Year? Plus, Parking Meter Hopes Dashed

January 21, 2026 • 31 mins
Bally’s Chicago casino is seeking an extension on its construction deadline for its permanent site in River West. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss the latest news, including whether the city can buy back the parking meters after the infamous $1 billion deal that left Chicagoans feeling scammed. Plus, a look back at the Bears game and how this storybook season left the city feeling.  Want some more C...
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Do Chicagoans REALLY Say That?

January 20, 2026 • 43 mins
Our video about “slashies” (bars-slash-packaged goods stores) really got you all debating about what “real” Chicagoans call things. Host Jacoby Cochran, social media manager Rick Homuth, and executive producer Simone Alicea debate whether “slashie” is a real thing and the popularity (or perceived popularity) of other Chicago slang terms. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newslette...
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Trump Threatens Chicago ... Again. Plus, Time Out Market Closing

January 16, 2026 • 32 mins
Earlier this week, Trump was once again threatening to withhold funding from Chicago and other sanctuary cities with stated commitments to protecting immigrants. We sat down with TV host Brandon Pope and South Side Weekly’s Alma Campos to discuss whether these threats will withstand ongoing legal challenges. Plus, Venezuelans migrants feel left in limbo, Fulton Market's business rents are skyrocketing, and the MSI’s newest exhibits...
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What Do More Barnes & Nobles Mean for Indie Bookstores?

January 15, 2026 • 30 mins
Barnes & Noble, the last of the giant chain bookstores, is opening a massive flagship store downtown after the company’s Wicker Park location opened last year. Host Jacoby Cochran and host of “Happy To Be Here”, Greta Johnsen, discuss what this resurgence means for Chicago’s independent bookstores, where they get their books, and Greta’s picks from Chicago authors. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up...
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The Best Stuff Under $10 in Chicago

January 14, 2026 • 29 mins
Just because we are in the midst of Chicago winter doesn't mean you have to stay inside. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive director Simone Alicea, and producer Michelle Navarro talked last fall about all the food, drinks, and activities that cost 10 dollars or less. Some lists and resources: Infatuation’s list of $10 meals Hey Chicago’s lists of cheap eats downtown and free things in Chicago Laura Keene’s spreadsheet of $...
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CPS Abuse Investigation, Bears’ Playoff Magic, and Restaurant Week Preview

January 13, 2026 • 34 mins
Last week, the Chicago Public Schools’ Office of the Inspector General released its annual report, which included investigations into cases of pandemic relief fraud, financial mismanagement, and sexual abuse and misconduct. Producer Michelle Navarro and host Jacoby Cochran discuss the findings. Plus, we’re reliving the Bears' historic playoff comeback and talking about our favorite spots during Chicago Restaurant Week. Check out Pa...
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Biggest 2026 Primary Races to Watch in Chicago

January 12, 2026 • 47 mins
The 2026 Primary Elections are right around the corner. So we’re talking about the biggest races we’re watching, including the contest for U.S. Senate, the county board president’s race, and the future of property tax assessments. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran also break down historic retirements in their congressional districts. Good News: The Moth at The Den Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then...
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Is CPD Helping ICE? Plus, Will Bears Beat Packers?

January 9, 2026 • 36 mins
The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability held a meeting this week to hear testimony from Chicagoans about federal immigration enforcement over the past six months. We talk about the latest news with Block Club Chicago’s Francia Garcia Hernandez and The Triibe’s Corli Jay, including a teen curfew advancing in the City Council, an affordable housing initiative in North Lawndale, indoor farmers markets, and how yo...
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What Chicago Kids Want Adults to Know

January 8, 2026 • 31 mins
As the federal funding outlook for child care and educational programs looks more and more uncertain, we decided to visit the after-school program at Carole Robertson Center for Learning’s Albany Park site. As the center celebrates its 50th anniversary, host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro ask some of the kids in the program what they think Chicago adults should know, and they talk to staffers about why these programs ...
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What You Need to Know to Live in Chicago

January 7, 2026 • 31 mins
If your New Year’s goals involve being a better Chicagoan, then we think there are some things about the city you should know. That’s why we’re revisiting these essential Chicago rules from host Jacoby Cochran, Hey Chicago newsletter editor Emmi Mack, and social media manager Rick Homuth. This episode was first published Aug. 7, 2025 — and make sure you go back to part one. Good News: Douglass Park Creative Space and Crate Town op...
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State & Lake Closes, Bears Playoff Outlook, and City Budget Fallout

January 6, 2026 • 37 mins
We’re back to catch up on some of the biggest stories around the city! The State & Lake CTA station officially closed Monday for a three-year renovation. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss what the $444 million project means for commutes and budgets. We also discuss the Bears’ playoff outlook and recap what happened with the city budget (spoiler: no veto, and no shutdown). Plus, we’ve got some New Year...
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What U.S. Cities Will Be Talking About in 2026 (Including Chicago)

January 5, 2026 • 57 mins
Nobody understands a city’s pulse quite like a City Cast host — and that makes them the best predictors for 2026’s biggest local stories. City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran joins CEO David Plotz and the other 12 hosts from across the network to talk about the big changes coming to our cities, from political shifts to data centers. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our ⁠Hey Chicago newsletter⁠....
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Your Guide to January 2026 in Chicago

January 2, 2026 • 33 mins
Happy New Year! We’re getting 2026 started right with a guide to what’s happening in January, from how to celebrate Martin Luther King Day to how to make the most of Restaurant Week. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and social media manager Rick Homuth are here with all the tips you need. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the C...
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Are These the Best Chicago Movies of All Time?

December 30, 2025 • 44 mins
Holidays are a great time to catch up on movies, from summer blockbusters to nostalgic classics. Earlier this year, the City Cast Chicago team set a lofty goal: To put together a list of the best Chicago movies of all time. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, Hey Chicago newsletter editor Emmi Mack, and social media manager Rick Homuth came up with 12 films deserving of this honor. The List: Medium Cool (196...
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25 Years of the Plan for Transformation in Chicago

December 29, 2025 • 35 mins
As we look back on the year’s milestones, 2025 marks 25 years since Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley unveiled the Plan for Transformation. It was a decade-long initiative that demolished Chicago’s public high-rises, overhauled the city's public housing system, and displaced thousands of Chicagoans. Author Natalie Moore and investigative reporter Mick Dumke have tracked the city’s claims about its overall success. We spoke to them ear...
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Your Guide to O’Hare and Midway Airports

December 23, 2025 • 37 mins
Chicago’s airports are boasting another season of record travel. But what travelers really need to know is what to eat, where to find last-minute gifts, and general tips for navigating the busy travel season. That’s why host Jacoby Cochran is talking with Axios reporter Justin Kaufmann, who’s also been covering the massive renovations at O’Hare. Good News: ChiTown Drive-In Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to ...
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Is Chicago Building Stadiums All Wrong?

December 22, 2025 • 26 mins
The Bears are making threats again — this time saying they’re considering a move to Northwest Indiana after they hit a wall trying to reduce their property tax burden in Arlington Heights. It’s just another chapter in the ongoing back-and-forth, but with other Chicago teams vying for new stadium projects, we’re wondering: Is there a better way to do this? Host Jacoby Cochran talks with the Chicago Architecture Center’s Michael Wood...
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Bovino Back in Chicago, School Board Elections, and Students Love ‘The Wiz’

December 19, 2025 • 39 mins
After leaving Chicago a few weeks ago, Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino has returned with about 200 federal agents and camera equipment. We are joined by the Tribune’s Laura Rodriguez Presa who has been following this terror campaign since the beginning. Plus, Chalkbeat Chicago’s Samantha Smylie is here to discuss forthcoming school board elections, the search for the next CPS CEO, and a South Side production of ‘The Wiz.’Good Ne...
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