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

Did Mayor's ICE Order Actually Do Anything? Plus, 1,000 Teens Downtown

July 17, 2026 • 39 mins
Today, a City Council committee will question the details and effectiveness of the Mayor’s “ICE on Notice” executive order as ICE sightings and arrests are up in Chicago. Mayor Brandon Johnson signed it back in January, following months of Operation Midway Blitz, and with it directed the Chicago Police Department to “investigate federal immigration agents and refer evidence of suspected illegal activity to t...
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Harold’s Chicken Battle, Ford City Suitors, and Next Great Food Fest

July 16, 2026 • 35 mins
In January, longtime Harold’s Chicken Shack CEO Kristen Pierce-Sherrod passed away. Now, a legal battle between her five children and her widower will determine who owns the multimillion-dollar brand going forward. We dive into the drama with contributors PJ Walker and Yareni Murillo. Plus, we’ve got ideas for what should replace Ford City Mall and which iconic Chicago foods deserve their very own food festival.  ...
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Influential Priest Accused of Abuse, Beware Raw Lettuce, and All-Star Weekend

July 15, 2026 • 37 mins
The Rev. Michael Pfleger, the St. Sabina parish leader for 45 years, has been removed from his position as the Archdiocese of Chicago investigates another accusation of sexual assault against him. We break down the latest reporting with contributors Brandon Pope and Anna DeShawn. Plus, WNBA All-Star Weekend returns to Chicago next week, and we’ve got cyclosporiasis updates.  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then m...
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Tips For Second Heat Wave. Also, Can the Onion Make Infowars Funny?

July 14, 2026 • 38 mins
Another heat wave is hitting Chicago. Here's what to expect. Also on today's podcast, we talk to Onion executive editor Jordan LaFlure about the Chicago satire publication's new parody of Infowars. For years, Infowars spread all kinds of misinformation, most notably about the Sandy Hook School shooting that killed 20 children and six adults. Jones then lost a defamation suit, which led to his bankruptcy and, eventually, bidding on ...
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City’s Street Vendor Crackdown, Mayoral Quiz, and Belugas at Shedd

July 13, 2026 • 36 mins
Chicago is seeing a rise in enforcement against immigrant street vendors. Over the last few months the Street Vendors Association of Chicago has been sounding the alarm on a rise in citations, arrests, and number of carts that have been confiscated by Chicago police officers and city workers. We break down the latest with contributors Leigh Giangreco and Jill Hopkins. Plus, the Shedd Aquarium is welcoming even more beluga whales to...
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Is Chicago Still Broke? Plus, ICE Arrests Increasing

July 10, 2026 • 37 mins
What have we learned in the last week about the city’s financial position, and what does that mean for the growing field of mayoral candidates? Alex Nitkin with the Illinois Answers Project is here with the past, present, and future of Chicago’s fiscal health. Plus, contributor Yareni Murillo is sounding the alarm about an increase in ICE arrests in Chicago. And what happened to the city’s tree-planting efforts?&n...
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Mayor’s Transit and Public Health Picks. Plus, ‘Love Island’ Mania and Chicago’s Next Hit Show

July 9, 2026 • 36 mins
Today we’re talking about some new appointments coming out of the Johnson administration, including a new Public Health Commissioner and transit board members. We break down the nominations with executive producer Simone Alicea and contributor Yareni Murillo. Plus, where to watch “Love Island” in Chicago and our pitches for the next big Chicago-based TV series. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sur...
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Is Chuy Garcia Controlling Congressional Race? Plus, a Visit to Feld

July 8, 2026 • 34 mins
U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (4th) has been accused of thumbing the political scales in favor of his chosen successor. In November, Garcia dropped out of the race just before the candidacy submission deadline, leaving his chief of staff, Patty Garcia, as the only Democratic candidate on the ballot. Now, independents in the race say the elder statesman is creating even more campaign hurdles. We discuss the details with ...
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Why Massage Parlors Are Getting Raided in the 12th Ward

July 7, 2026 • 42 mins
Two illicit massage parlors on Archer Avenue were raided within weeks of each other — including one next door to 12th Ward Ald. Julia Ramirez’s office. Creative producer Michelle Navarro lives in the ward and has noticed the proliferation of sketchy-looking establishments in her neighborhood. She and host Jacoby Cochran ask Ramirez what’s happening at these “spas,” why there are so many in the area, an...
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Who Will Replace Retiring Police Chief? Plus, Chicago's New Gayborhood?

July 6, 2026 • 33 mins
The Chicago Police Department will be without a permanent police superintendent starting July 15, as current superintendent Larry Snelling announced his retirement late last week. We break down Snelling’s tenure and Mayor Brandon Johnson’s potential timeline with Araceli Gomez-Aldana and Leigh Giangreco. Plus, the number of same-sex couples on the Far Southeast Side is growing, and we’ve got even more good news fo...
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'Your City Could Be Better': The Ultimate USA Trivia Battle. How Much Do You Know? — Presented By City Cast Chicago

July 3, 2026 • 25 mins
See if your Chicago knowledge serves you well! In the first-ever Your City Could Be Better trivia episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz goes head to head with journalist and historian Alexandra Petri to see who knows more about U.S. history, geography, and celebrities ahead of the country’s semiquincentennial. Sean McPherson, trivia wiz and City Cast Twin Cities host, leads four riveting rounds of questions covering everything f...
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What Is a Tenant Bill of Rights? Plus, Cold Treats For the Heat

July 2, 2026 • 28 mins
This week, Mayor Brandon Johnson pitched the Protecting Renter’s Ordinance, which the city calls a “comprehensive modernization” of Chicago's 40-year-old residential landlord and tenant law. We break down the details with contributors Jill Hopkins and Leigh Giangreco. Plus, the Obama Presidential Center announces “The People’s Fourth,” and we’re talking go-to treats for those 90-degree days...
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Your Guide to July 2026 in Chicago

July 1, 2026 • 38 mins
As summer really takes off, the food fests, fireworks shows, and WNBA All Star Weekend have us really excited for July. Here’s your guide to getting the most out of the month. Also included: a breakdown of the mayoral petition process and ‘what’s in our bags.’  Good News: Pride South Side  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us ...
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Extreme Heat, Indiana Fireworks, and 'The Bear' Finale

June 30, 2026 • 36 mins
Extreme heat warnings, corn sweat, and potential thunderstorms could make this the most volatile weather week of the summer so far. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran have tips to beat the heat. Plus, thousands of Chicagoans will be making that annual trip to Northwest Indiana this week for fireworks, and thousands more will be bingeing the final season of “The Bear.” So, we went ahead and did both...
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Seriously, More Parking Meter Drama? Plus, More Mayoral Candidates

June 29, 2026 • 39 mins
Chicago’s infamous parking meters are up for sale. In a City Council committee meeting last week, alders got more insight into the mayor’s earlier bid to buy them back. We also heard from representatives of the prospective buyers. Host Jacoby Cochran is breaking down the contentious meeting with contributors Leigh Giangreco and Al Scorch. Plus, another day, another candidate for mayor, and y’all have got some corr...
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How Quantum Is Already Changing the South Side. Plus, Heat Wave Approaching

June 26, 2026 • 32 mins
Earlier this month, Advocate Health Care broke ground on a new hospital at the south end of the forthcoming 440-acre Quantum Shore Campus. The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park has already started construction at the former U.S. Steel South Works site. This $9 billion, 128-acre tech campus is backed by major public and private partners and is set to reshape the southeast side. A new multimedia investigative series, “...
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FCC Comes For ABC Chicago, The Bear is Back, and Get Free Coffee

June 25, 2026 • 38 mins
The Federal Communications Commission has ABC 7 Chicago and other local stations in its crosshairs as the FCC has ordered an accelerated review of several affiliate broadcast licenses. This is yet another anti-DEI political attack from the Trump administration. We’re discussing the ongoing fallout with contributors Yareni Murillo and PJ Walker. Plus, we’ve got iconic toys, ‘The Bear,’ and free coffee on the ...
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How Much To Run For Mayor? Plus, Elise Malary Plaza and City Hall Art Missing

June 24, 2026 • 37 mins
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, who has been floated as a potential candidate for mayor, recently received $255,000 from a local union. This has sparked conversation about what the Secretary’s growing political war chest will be used for. Host Jacoby Cochran sits down with contributors Brandon Pope and Anna DeShawn to discuss. Plus, the city breaks ground on the Elise Malary Plaza, and we discuss pieces of art across Ch...
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Schools' Fundraising, Chicago’s Plan for 78, and ‘Ferris Bueller’s’ Turns 40

June 23, 2026 • 35 mins
Principals, local school councils, and parent groups are getting increasingly creative with their fundraising. In 2025, Chicago schools spent nearly $52 million in independently sourced revenue. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss how individual schools are navigating tightening budgets. Plus, Mayor Brandon Johnson has submitted a $425 million plan for the 78, and ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off&r...
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City Will Buy Greyhound Terminal, Chicago's 'Friendship Recession,' and We Want 4 a.m. Tacos!

June 22, 2026 • 33 mins
Last week, the City Council voted to purchase the downtown Greyhound bus terminal. We discuss the details and what’s next for the critical transportation hub. Host Jacoby Cochran also asks contributors Al Scorch and Yareni Murillo, is Chicago in a friendship recession, and what spots should be open till 4 a.m.? Good News: The Moth: Beverly Arts Center Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our ...
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