City Cast Chicago

The Chicago Police Department has been under a federal consent decree, required to “change the way it trains, supervises and disciplines officers,” for seven years. Since it was introduced, CPD has reached ⁠full compliance with just 22%⁠ of mandates and has yet to implement a⁠ new system that tracks misconduct allegations⁠. We are joined by WTTW’s Heather Cherone and Block Club Chicago’s Manny Ram...

Alpha Academy, a private school that operates teacherless classrooms with AI-developed lesson plans and curricula, is coming to Chicago next fall. And we have questions and thoughts. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea break down the latest details. Plus, what’s going on with the delivery robots crashing into bus shelters, and is there anything we’d rather talk about than all...

What is ICE actually doing at the airport? According to some reports, scrolling their phones and chatting with currently unpaid TSA agents. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea are talking about what this means for travelers and how to help TSA agents currently working unpaid due to the partial government shutdown. They also discuss the stalemate in City Council’s zoning commit...

Joliet has approved a 795-acre data center project even as state lawmakers consider stricter regulations. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss Illinois’ great data center debate. They’ve also got tips for C2E2 this weekend, and you’ve got thoughts on Portillo’s, weather prep, and loose eggs. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily...

Even without facing a primary opponent, Gov. JB Pritzker seems to be coming out on top in Illinois politics. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and contributor Leigh Giangreco discuss Pritzker’s apparent new role as kingmaker. They also discuss expected delays at O’Hare and revisiting our favorite breakfast sandwiches — including Leigh’s flaming hot take on eggs. Learn more abo...

The unionization efforts of sex workers in Nevada might have implications for gig workers in Chicago. At Sheri's Ranch, a legal brothel 45 minutes outside Las Vegas, some of the workers are seeking both recognition as employees and union representation. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with former City Cast Las Vegas podcast host, current contributor, and longtime Nevada attorney Dayvid Figler abou...

Back in 2023, Chicago’s city council voted to gradually raise the subminimum wage for tipped workers every July for five years until it matched the city’s full minimum wage in 2028. Now the city council has voted to freeze the annual increases. We are joined by the Tribune’s Jake Sheridan and the Reader’s Katie Prout to discuss Mayor Johnson’s plan to veto the vote. Plus, why did the city clear an...

This March feels like Chicago can’t make up its mind about what season it is. It can go from low 60s and sunny to low 20s and snowing — sometimes in just a day. That’s why the City Cast Chicago team is giving their pro-tips to survive those Chi days when all four seasons come to play. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchic...

The results are in! Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea break down who won and who lost on primary day in Illinois, including the closely watched Senate race, congressional contests, and county elections. 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: 773 780-0...

It’s primary election day! But did you know it’s also election day tomorrow? CPS families, teachers, students, and neighbors can cast a vote for their local school councils. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea are breaking down some county races, what LSCs do, and they’re planning their ideal Ravinia picnics. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for...

Campaign fundraising, super PAC spending, and where candidates are getting their money has been hotly debated this election season. Senate candidate and U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi is the nation’s second-highest fundraising federal candidate. City Cast contributor Leigh Giangreco and Block Club Chicago’s Maxwell Evans dive into how the congressperson amassed such a massive bankroll. Plus, we che...

Chicagoans are concerned about police accountability, especially with the increased presence of federal troops in many cities. DC Council in Washington recently passed emergency legislation requiring local police to release body-worn camera footage of incidents involving federal forces they patrol with, and to collect the names of federal officers who make arrests. It’s a big shift in local policy...

Primary election day is Tuesday. Of the many races we’re watching, we’re diving a little deeper into the open race for the 7th Congressional District. Jessica Mordacq with Austin Weekly News and Forest Park Review has been profiling the candidates. She joins host Jacoby Cochran and freelance reporter Brandon Pope to talk about what she’s learned, plus the new CTA safety plan, what’s happening for...

Acting head of Chicago Animal Care and Control, Susan Cappello, has been leading the department for three years and is Mayor Brandon Johnson’s pick for the permanent role. But her appointment has been met with vehement opposition from shelter volunteers and others in the animal care community. Ahead of an expected confirmation vote next week, host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alice...

Why is Chance the Rapper and his former manager facing off in court? How are the city’s independent music venues performing financially? What Chicago music are you listening to currently? We’ve got freelance music journalist Britt Julious and co-founder of Real Ones Ben Moskow with us to break down these questions. Good News: Andersonville Restaurant Week Want some more City Cast Chicago news? The...

Once again, Illinois lawmakers are weighing whether to allow school districts to pay board members. Remember, Chicagoans will elect the entire CPS school board in November for the first time. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea weigh in on the debate. Plus, the entire City Cast Chicago team joins to discuss the Portillo’s national expansion and Simone’s first-ever visit to the...

Which companies, super PACs, and industries are pumping the most money into our local elections? What sites made Preservation Chicago’s “Most Endangered Buildings” list? Host Jacoby Cochran is joined by executive producer Simone Alicea and contributor Leigh Giangreco to discuss, including what some of their favorite springtime parks across the city. Good News: Poet Laureate Celebration and Rooted...

Homelessness is one of the major issues that cities like Chicago are trying to solve. The state of Utah is planning to build a 16-acre homeless campus on the outskirts of Salt Lake City, where unhoused people with mental illnesses or addiction issues could be sheltered and in some cases involuntarily committed. This controversial idea is the brainchild of conservative think tanks, and it’s one tha...

How close is the school board to selecting a permanent CPS CEO? Will the Aspira Charter network remain open through the school year? How are students reacting to ongoing DEI rollbacks across the University of Illinois system? Host Jacoby Cochran is joined by Chalkbeat Chicago’s Reema Amin and Chicago Reader’s Devyn-Marshall Brown to answer these questions and more. Plus, have you checked out the C...

Earlier this week, the Chicago Fire officially broke ground on the city’s first new stadium development in over 30 years. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss how neighbors are responding and the timeline for the 78 megadevelopment. Plus, they’re looking at proposed People’s Gas rate hikes and some of Chicago’s most iconic neon signs (and why there are fewer of them the...

A Northwest Side charter network, an iconic South Side cleaners, and a North Side art museum all announced closures in recent weeks. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran dive into the details. Plus, attack ads are picking up in primary races, and Amazon delivery drones are coming to Chicago’s south suburbs. Good News: Women in Dance Festival, Farmdega at Monday coffee, 312 All...

There has been a lot of headlines in recent months about crime on the CTA following high profile incidents in late 2025, ongoing tension with the feds over the presence of cops on public transit, and an overall feeling that even after improvements in hirings and wait times, CTA still has a lot to do concerning rider experience and safety. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran ar...

March in Chicago means heading to the voting booth, dying the river green, and trying to stay optimistic about spring weather. Host Jacoby Cochran is joined by newsletter editor Emmi Mack and creator Paige Serena to talk about St. Patrick’s Day plans, even more restaurant weeks, and where to find pepper-and-egg sandwiches during Lent. Good News: Thalia Hall Free for All Want some more City Cast Ch...

A lot of cities, including Chicago, are trying to figure out how best to revitalize downtown. It's an issue that's especially top of mind for Pittsburgh, who is hosting the NFL Draft in April. To solve the problem of vacant properties and empty storefronts, the city is trying out a new rent abatement program. So, City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Pittsburgh podcast host Megan Harris a...

Why are fewer than half of the county judicial races in this year’s primary elections uncontested? Where are Rev. Jackson’s homegoing services being held in Chicago? What’s going on with that fleet of Waymo cars parked in a downtown parking garage? We’re answering these questions and more with freelance writer Natalie Christian-Frazier and Block Club Chicago’s Jamie Nesbitt Golden. Plus, we are sh...