City Cast Chicago

City Cast Chicago

Chicago’s daily news podcast, fresh every weekday at 6 a.m. 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—all in 15 minutes a day. It’s a smart and delightful new way to connect with the city we share. Learn more and subscribe to our morning newsletter at citycast.fm/chicago.

Episodes

Trump’s War on Chicago, COVID-19 Vaccines, and Walk on Milwaukee

September 9, 2025 • 35 mins
Yesterday, the Trump administration announced “Operation Midway Blitz,” the latest round of targeted immigration raids in Chicago, while continuing their threats to deploy National Guard troops to the city. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea also discuss COVID-19 vaccine updates, the likely replacement for Alderman Walter Burnett Jr., and the Sky’s recent suspension of all-star Angel Reese.    Good News: Engl...
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Could Data Centers Drain Lake Michigan?

September 8, 2025 • 21 mins
A new report shows the proliferation of data centers could deplete water sources around the Great Lakes. Helena Volzer, author of the report and senior water policy manager for the Great Lakes Alliance, tells host Jacoby Cochran why data centers use so much water and how that could affect one of the world’s largest drinking supplies. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  ...
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Federal Agents Moving In, Aldi Loses Self-Checkout, and Bears Delusion Begins

September 5, 2025 • 34 mins
For the last few weeks, the Trump administration has increased threats to send National Guard Troops to Chicago. Now we are getting word that the administration has notified the Naval Station Great Lakes, an hour north of Chicago, that it will serve as a command station for forthcoming ICE operations during Mexican Independence Day celebrations. Axios Chicago Reporters Monica Eng and Justin Kaufmann are here with the latest updates...
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How Does Chicago Respond to Crisis Calls?

September 4, 2025 • 31 mins
Four years ago, Chicago launched Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement (CARE) teams. Initially made up of police officers, paramedics, and mental health professionals, the goal was to deescalate emergency calls that involved mental health. But a new series shows results of the pilot have been mixed, with funding and bureaucracy issues, and that police continue to rely on force and involuntary hospitalizations. MindSite Chicago ...
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The Ultimate Guide to Chicago Farmers Markets

September 3, 2025 • 27 mins
Catching the end of farmers market season was near the top of our list in our September guide. That makes it a good time to revisit these advanced tips for Chicago farmers markets. Earlier in the season, host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and social media manager Rick Homuth discussed some common mistakes and how to make the most of the season. Good news: Taste of Chicago  Want some more City Cast Chicago news...
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Your Guide to September 2025 in Chicago

September 2, 2025 • 31 mins
It’s after Labor Day, which means for some of us it’s already fall while others are trying to hold on to summer. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and Chicago artist Al Scorch discuss what they are looking forward to in September, including Chicagohenge, the Bears’ return, and pumpkin spice offerings. Plus, they’re watching some big news stories. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack...
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Why 200 Students Don't Have Classrooms. Plus, Weed DUIs From Rogue Crime Lab

August 29, 2025 • 35 mins
Chicago Public Schools has yet to place about 200 students with disabilities in classrooms, despite it being the second week of school. While the district says it is working quickly to place students in cluster programs, we ask Chalkbeat Chicago education reporter Samantha Smylie how families are managing this waiting period. Plus, Injustice Watch senior reporter Maya Dukmasova walks us through her investigation into a former UIC c...
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How to Spot ICE in Chicago

August 28, 2025 • 35 mins
With the threat of the National Guard looming over the city, it’s important to remember immigration raids are still happening across Chicagoland. Host Jacoby Cochran talks with Diego Morales with the Pilsen Rapid Response Network about how organizers are responding and what Chicagoans should do if they encounter ICE operations. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follo...
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Should Chicagoans Bring Dogs Out to Eat?

August 27, 2025 • 27 mins
There’s still at least a few weeks left in patio season, which means there’s still time to meet some patio dogs. Bringing your dog to a restaurant patio or brewery has become a more common sight in Chicago, but what are the rules? City Cast contributor Leigh Giangreco talked with diners, dog owners, and restaurant workers in Roscoe Village to learn about pet etiquette at restaurants. Good news: Respect The Mic, Art Therapy  Want ...
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Military in Chicago? Plus, Reducing Traffic Deaths and Playing ‘Raddle’

August 26, 2025 • 32 mins
President Donald Trump is reiterating threats to send National Guard troops to Chicago. A new report indicates they could come as soon as September. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss how local leaders are responding. Plus, they discuss the city’s progress (or lack thereof) on its Vision Zero goals, and they play Raddle, a new locally-grown puzzle that may replace your Wordle habit. Want some more Cit...
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How Did The Plan For Transformation Change Chicago Forever?

August 25, 2025 • 37 mins
In 2000, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley unveiled the “Plan for Transformation,” a decade-long initiative that demolished Chicago’s public highrises, overhauled the city's public housing system, and displaced thousands of Chicagoans. Author Natalie Moore and investigative reporter Mick Dumke have both covered the legacy of the Plan for Transformation and tracked the city’s claims about its overall success. We ask them both, how succ...
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School is Back, Pritzker’s Spicy Reaction, and Chance’s New Album

August 22, 2025 • 34 mins
As Chicago Public Schools return for the 2025-2026 school year, major questions remain, like the future of the CPS budget gap, protections for immigrant students, and the relationship between the governor and district leaders. WBEZ Education reporter Sarah Karp and freelance journalist Brandon Pope are here to break down the pressing challenges facing CPS. Plus, the US attorney general increases threats towards Chicago, Chance drop...
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A History of House Music in Chicago

August 21, 2025 • 26 mins
The city’s House Music Festival and Conference is back, which means it’s time for a dance break. We’re revisiting a conversation we had in 2022 with the co-hosts of WNUR’s Vintage House Show, DJ Lori Branch and archivist Lauren Lowery, about the roots of house music, the legacy of the now-landmarked Warehouse, and modern reinterpretations of the genre. If you enjoyed today's interview with 2025 President of the Chicago Association...
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Is Chicago Still America’s Pizza Town?

August 20, 2025 • 21 mins
Steve Dolinsky made his name as ABC7’s “Hungry Hound” before retiring as NBC5’s “The Food Guy” earlier this year. This weekend, he’s bringing Pizza City Fest back to Chicago after a disastrous run two years ago. Dolinsky tells host Jacoby Cochran what’s new this year and hesitates to say if Chicago is still the country’s greatest pizza town. Plus, we get his takes on some other iconic Chicago foods. Want some more City Cast Chicag...
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Chicago Floods, Stadium Updates, and Legendary Cars for Auction

August 19, 2025 • 30 mins
Heavy rain over the weekend left thousands without power while streets, highways and basements continued to deal with flooding. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss an effort to install new flood detection systems across the city. Plus, we’re covering the latest stadium news for the Fire and Bears, and exploring Chicago's coolest car collection.  Good News: Chicago Sky and Chicago Stars  We’re doing ou...
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Why Is Chicago So Broke?

August 18, 2025 • 32 mins
Our city, our schools, and our transit system are all in a budget crisis. University of Chicago professor and director of the Center for Municipal Finance, Justin Marlowe, tells host Jacoby Cochran why Chicago’s public institutions are all feeling financial pressure and where these structural deficits come from. We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/...
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CPS Budget Proposal, Saving Uptown Theatre, and Meeting Chicago's Watermelon Man

August 15, 2025 • 36 mins
After growing concern and anxiety about how Chicago Public Schools would close a $700 million deficit before the end of August, we finally got our first look at the district’s 2026 budget proposal. We are breaking down the key points with author and professor Arionne Nettles and Block Club Chicago’s Atavia Reed. Plus, will the Uptown Theatre ever get new life? Why is Illinois lowering standardized testing requirements? And, where c...
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How to Have the Most Chicago Day Ever 

August 14, 2025 • 39 mins
We’re midway through August. School’s starting next week. Maybe you feel like summertime Chi is winding down. But not so fast, our host Jacoby Cochran and Hey Chicago newsletter editor Emmi Mack are describing their most Chicago day. Wanna see these spots on a map? Check out our list on Overlook. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can ...
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Would You Try Chicago Hot Dog–Flavored Chips?

August 13, 2025 • 26 mins
Local Style Chips is a homegrown snack that pays homage to classic Chicago foods, such as Italian beef, deep-dish pizza, and the Chicago hot dog. Earlier this year, host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro tested the potato chips when they started to hit Chicago shelves to find out if they’re any good. They talked to Local Style founder Laura Gardner to learn why she thinks Chicago should take over the snack aisle. Good N...
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Why Are Texas Dems In Illinois? Are Public Pools Closed? Is There A Man in the Bean?  

August 12, 2025 • 28 mins
Dozens of democratic legislators from Texas have been in Illinois protesting a GOP-led attempt to redistrict Texas’ Congressional map. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran discuss the latest. Plus, we’re reviewing the updated Chicago public pools calendar and the “Man in the Bean” viral campaign. Good News: XL Fest 25 We’re doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took...
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