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

Where the Black Panthers Worked in Chicago

February 23, 2026 • 17 mins
It’s the last week of Black History Month, so we’re bringing you some of our favorite episodes about Chicago’s contributions to Black history. In 2023, the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party was listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the culmination of a yearslong effort to landmark a collection of sites associated with the Black Panthers. About a year before they won that historical recognition, host Jacoby C...
Mark as Played

‘Your City Could Be Better’: What Chicago Needs To Know about Madison's Data Centers Fight

February 22, 2026 • 27 mins
Everyone’s talking about AI these days, including Chicagoans. And now, more data centers are popping up across the country, thanks in part to the AI revolution. But some cities are stemming the tide, including Madison, Wisconsin, who recently passed a one-year moratorium on new data center construction. City Cast CEO David Plotz feels strongly that this was the wrong choice! He’s sitting down with City Cast Madison podcast host Bia...
Mark as Played

Pritzker Pausing Data Centers, Chicago’s Muddy Rain, and Backyard Chickens

February 20, 2026 • 37 mins
In Wednesday’s State of the State address, Gov. JB Pritzker proposed to pause the state’s tax incentives for new data center construction amidst growing concerns of environmental hazards, water and power usage, and the future of AI. We break down the announcement with Invisible Institute Director of Public Strategy Maira Khwaja and Director of Data Trina Reynolds-Tyler. Plus, Chicago woke up to dusty, muddy cars and streets on Ash ...
Mark as Played

Battle of the Bike Lanes, More Bears Drama, and So Many Holidays

February 19, 2026 • 39 mins
A debate over bike lanes on Archer Avenue is launching municipal election season in Brighton Park, where a bike lane opponent has launched a campaign to replace the 12th Ward alderperson. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and producer Michelle Navarro break it down. Plus, they’re talking about the confluence of Lunar New Year, Ramadan, and Lent. We also hear from listeners about the Bears stadium drama. Want s...
Mark as Played

How Jesse Jackson Will Be Remembered. Plus, We’re Over Campaign Mailers

February 18, 2026 • 39 mins
Today we’re remembering the legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson, who died Tuesday at 84. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea run down the highlights and controversies of Jackson’s career in Chicago. Plus, they’re breaking down the mayor’s veto of the hemp ban, and Simone shows off her political mailer haul. Fill out this survey for a chance to win a $100 gift card! Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make su...
Mark as Played

What We’re Watching in Springfield. Plus, Legal Weed’s Failing Grade in Illinois

February 17, 2026 • 38 mins
In 2019, Illinois’ legal weed legislation was hailed as the “most equity-centric” cannabis law in the country. But in reality, those promises didn’t quite materialize. Chicago Reporter’s Sara Cooper joins host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea to talk about what the state got wrong about legal weed. Plus, they’re catching up on some legislation to watch in Springfield, including data center regulation and the late...
Mark as Played

Your City Could Be Better: What Chicago Needs to Know About How the Twin Cities Organized

February 14, 2026 • 32 mins
All eyes have been on the Twin Cities lately, including Chicagoans’. Operation Metro Surge is reportedly ending in Minnesota, with the withdrawal of immigration agents expected over the next week. Over the last two months, though, residents of the Twin Cities have organized a range of local collective action efforts including protests, mutual aid, and monitoring ICE — and they’ve done it quickly. In this inaugural episode of “Your ...
Mark as Played

Early Voting Begins, Don't Forget Judges, and D-Rose Joins United Center Project

February 13, 2026 • 37 mins
Early voting for the March primary has officially begun. Host Jacoby Cochran, The Triibe’s Tonia Hill, and Injustice Watch’s Charles Preston are discussing important races to watch, including the 7th Congressional District, and helpful resources like the Injustice Watch judicial guide. Plus, Derrick Rose joins the new United Center development, and Caleb Williams heads to the NBA All-Star weekend. Good News: Purple Box Videos Don...
Mark as Played

The Best and Worst of Dating in Chicago

February 12, 2026 • 37 mins
What’s the worst date you’ve ever been on? The question might trigger battlefield flashbacks, but on today’s podcast, we’re getting into it. Producer Michelle Navarro hit the streets to see what locals have to say about Chicago’s dating scene — and what advice they have for getting out there ahead of Valentine’s Day. Host Jacoby Cochran and newsletter editor Emmi Mack help break it all down.  Good News: “Jewels of Spring” and  “Sh...
Mark as Played

How Many Chicagoans Are Unhoused? Plus, Education Secretary Visits and Best Breakfast Sandwiches

February 11, 2026 • 37 mins
Is the number of Chicagoans experiencing homelessness going up or down? Why was the U.S. Secretary of Education visiting the West Side last week? And what is the best breakfast sandwich in Chicago? Host Jacoby Cochran is diving into these questions and others with writer and professor Dr. Eve Ewing and freelance Journalist Samantha Smylie. Good News: Plenty of Weekend Markets to Choose From Want some more City Cast Chicago news...
Mark as Played

Will Privacy Law Kill AI Data Centers? Plus, Top Prosecutor Responds to Mayor’s ICE Order

February 10, 2026 • 37 mins
Will Illinois lawmakers weaken the state’s tough ⁠biometric privacy laws to court AI data centers⁠?  What did the county’s top prosecutor ⁠have to say about the mayor's executive order⁠ on ICE? What are the Bulls ⁠plans after overhauling the roster ⁠ahead of the trade deadline? These are just some of the questions executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran explore in today’s conversation. Good News: ⁠Principal of th...
Mark as Played

Why Are American and United Beefing at O’Hare?

February 9, 2026 • 31 mins
United and American are beefing over gate space at O’Hare. But what does this fight between corporations actually mean for Chicago travelers? City Cast contributor Leigh Giangreco recently reported on the subject for Chicago magazine, and she joins host Jacoby Cochran to break down “The Battle of O’Hare.” If you enjoyed today's interview with Chicago Architecture Center's Senior Director of Public Engagement, Adam Rubin learn more...
Mark as Played

City College Pantry Opens, Black Restaurant Week, and Caviar McNuggets

February 6, 2026 • 31 mins
Last month, Legler Regional Library and the Greater Chicago Food Depository opened the city’s first food pantry inside a public library. This week, a new partnership between GCFD and City Colleges of Chicago opened Statesmen Market, a redesigned food pantry inside Kennedy-King College in Englewood. Freelance Journalist Chasity Cooper and Block Club Chicago’s Atavia Reed join us to break down all the details. Plus, Chicago Restauran...
Mark as Played

Marimar Martinez Testifies on Border Patrol Shooting. Plus, Closing Restaurants and Romantic Spots

February 5, 2026 • 38 mins
Months after she was shot by Border Patrol agents in Brighton Park, Marimar Martinez was in Washington, D.C. this week recounting her experience at a public forum. The Reader’s new editor-in-chief, Sarah Conway, tells host Jacoby Cochran about why the story is worth watching. They’re also joined by Kevin Pang, NBC5’s new “Food Guy,” who explains why so many Chicago restaurants have been closing. The panel is also wrapping up some o...
Mark as Played

Chicago's 24-Hour Restaurant Guide

February 4, 2026 • 24 mins
Whether it’s after a night out or a night shift, Chicago has a selection of 24-hour restaurants, no matter what corner of the city you are in. Last year, host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro discussed their favorite restaurants that offer 24-hour service. Good news: 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 le...
Mark as Played

Can Chicago Prosecute ICE? Plus, CTA’s Interim Chief and Snow Plow Names

February 3, 2026 • 36 mins
Mayor Brandon Johnson issued an executive order directing Chicago Police to investigate alleged crimes by federal immigration agents and refer them for potential prosecution. This is the mayor’s most pointed order yet, but does it actually have any teeth? Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea dig into it. Plus, they talk about a new interview with CTA’s interim chief and Chicago’s snowplow naming contest.Make sur...
Mark as Played

Your Guide to February 2026 in Chicago

February 2, 2026 • 39 mins
It may be the shortest month of the year, but there’s still plenty going on in the city. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and producer Michelle Navarro are here with all the tips you need for February in Chicago. 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. For even more tips on how to make the most of Fe...
Mark as Played

Bovino Out, Chi’s LGBTQ+ Affairs Director, and Benny’s New Number

January 30, 2026 • 33 mins
Chicagoans have been calling on the mayor’s office to better protect, prioritize, and coordinate resources and outreach for Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community. This month, Mayor Johnson officially announced Antonio King as the new Director of LGBTQ+ Affairs. We discussed how important this hire is with Windy City Times’ Jake Wittich and Crain’s Chicago’s Justin Laurence. Plus, we break down Greg Bovino’s demotion, closed-door negotiations ...
Mark as Played

Why Opioid Deaths Are Declining in Chicago. Plus, How to Use Narcan

January 29, 2026 • 39 mins
In 2025, Cook County saw the fewest opioid overdose deaths in a decade. The West Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force has been at the forefront of that work. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea visit the task force’s new office near the Pulaski Green Line stop to learn more about their work, what’s driving these trends, and how to use an opioid reversal drug. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to s...
Mark as Played

Threats Facing Chicago Universities in 2026

January 28, 2026 • 35 mins
The Trump administration continues to threaten Chicago colleges and universities with federal funding cuts and lawsuits. WBEZ higher education reporter Lisa Kurian Philip tells Jacoby Cochran the stories she's following this year, including Northwestern’s settlement, and what to know about student loans.  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago ...
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    Stuff You Should Know

    Stuff You Should Know

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Dateline NBC

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    Betrayal Season 5

    Betrayal Season 5

    Saskia Inwood woke up one morning, knowing her life would never be the same. The night before, she learned the unimaginable – that the husband she knew in the light of day was a different person after dark. This season unpacks Saskia’s discovery of her husband’s secret life and her fight to bring him to justice. Along the way, we expose a crime that is just coming to light. This is also a story about the myth of the “perfect victim:” who gets believed, who gets doubted, and why. We follow Saskia as she works to reclaim her body, her voice, and her life. If you would like to reach out to the Betrayal Team, email us at betrayalpod@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.

    The Dan Bongino Show

    The Dan Bongino Show

    The Dan Bongino Show delivers no-nonsense analysis of the day’s most important political and cultural stories. Hosted by the former Deputy Director of the FBI, former Secret Service agent, NYPD officer, and bestselling author Dan Bongino, the show cuts through media spin with facts, accountability, and unapologetic conviction. Whether it’s exposing government overreach, defending constitutional freedoms, or connecting the dots the mainstream media ignores, The Dan Bongino Show provides in-depth analysis of the issues shaping America today. Each episode features sharp commentary, deep dives into breaking news, and behind-the-scenes insight you won’t hear anywhere else. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dan-bongino-show/id965293227?mt=2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sftHO603JaFqpuQBEZReL?si=PBlx46DyS5KxCuCXMOrQvw Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/bongino?e9s=src_v1_sa%2Csrc_v4_sa_o

    The Bobby Bones Show

    The Bobby Bones Show

    Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

Explore

iHeart

Live Radio

Podcasts

Artist Radio

Exclusives

News

Features

Events

Contests

Photos

Information

About

Advertise

Blog

Brand Guidelines

Contest Guidelines

Subscription Offers

Jobs

Get the App

Automotive

Home

Wearables

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.