

City Cast Chicago
City Cast
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 iss 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
Named Best Podcast by Chicago Reader 2022
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 10, 2025 • 42min
National Guard Ruling, Transit Deficit Shrinks, and Bears Seek Redemption
A judge has temporarily blocked National Guard deployment in Chicago. This comes as a federal judge ruled against ICE’s arrest tactics. We’re breaking down the latest updates with executive producer Simone Alicea and The Triibe’s Corli Jay. Plus, state lawmakers are back for the fall veto session next week, Bears seek Hail Mary redemption in DC, and Chatham welcomes a new wine bar to 75th street.
Good News: Slow and Low Lowrider Festival
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.
Follow us on social @citycastchicago
You can also text or leave us a voicemail at 773-780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 7 episode:
MUBI
Window Nation
TimeLine
First Ascent Climbing — City Cast listeners can buy one Day Pass and get one free
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Oct 9, 2025 • 34min
Are Chicago Pop-Up Restaurants Worth The Hype?
Think you already know the best restaurants in Chicago? What about the ones that operate inside other establishments? Chicago’s pop-up scene is legendary, but hard to track if you’re not in the know. That’s why host Jacoby Cochran is talking with Infatuation Chicago’s John Ringor, who’s been tracking pop-ups all summer.
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 leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 9 episode:
Window Nation
TimeLine
First Ascent Climbing – City Cast listeners can buy one Day Pass and get one free
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Oct 8, 2025 • 28min
Will Chicago Ever Have Another Ford City Mall?
With all the focus on what the feds are doing in Chicago, let’s remember there are still local stories unfolding. Neighbors have been pushing for more information about what will happen to Ford City Mall on the Southwest Side. Bridge Industrial is seeking to buy the property to turn it into an industrial corridor. Host Jacoby Cochran talks with the Sun-Times Lee Bey and Block Club’s Atavia Reed about the plans for the mall, the businesses that are still there, and what they’ll miss about this legendary third space.
Nominate us for the Reader’s “Best of Chicago” for “Best Podcast” and Hey Chicago for “Best Email Newsletter”
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 leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 8 episode:
Window Nation
TimeLine
First Ascent Climbing – City Cast listeners can buy one Day Pass and get one free
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Oct 7, 2025 • 24min
What Will Happen to the Red Line Extension Now?
The Trump administration has announced it’s withholding $2.1 billion in federal funds for Chicago transit projects, including the extension of the Red Line. The extension has been decades in the making. While local officials grapple with the future of the project, we’re revisiting a conversation we had in 2023, when it finally seemed like it was really happening. CTA’s TaNesheha Marshall and Andrea Reed with the Greater Roseland Chamber of Commerce explain why many on the Far South Side have pushed for the extension.
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 7 episode:
MUBI
Window Nation
TimeLine
First Ascent Climbing — City Cast listeners can buy one Day Pass and get one free
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Oct 6, 2025 • 26min
Trump Authorizes National Guard in Chicago. Here’s What We Know
The White House confirmed it’s authorizing the deployment of 300 National Guard troops to Illinois against the wishes of Gov. JB Pritzker. The announcement came hours after a woman was shot and injured by immigration agents in Brighton Park. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea break down what we know so far.
Resources mentioned:
ICIRR Hotline: 855-435-7693
ACLU Illinois
Tips for journalists
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 leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 6 episode:
Window Nation
TimeLine
First Ascent Climbing — City Cast listeners can buy one Day Pass and get one free
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Oct 3, 2025 • 48min
What Can Chicago Officials Actually Do About ICE? Plus, Downtown in 20 Years
The federal government’s rhetoric and tactics have only intensified around Chicago since border patrol agents marched along Michigan Avenue over the weekend. The president again threatened to send the military to Chicago, and protesters in Broadview are facing charges. Executive producer Simone Alicea is going through it with Axios Chicago’s Justin Kaufmann and Block Club’s Melody Mercado. They also discuss a plan for the future of downtown, the Bears seeking taxpayer money for a stadium in Arlington Heights, Bad Bunny in the Super Bowl, and Justin’s sketch comedy troupe.
Here’s the link to send any recordings of federal agents in Chicago to local journalists.
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 leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 3 episode:
Chicago Association of Realtors
Chicago Architecture Center
Window Nation
Steppenwolf Theatre
TimeLine
City Cast Neighbors – Through Oct. 3 when you sign up, you get this awesome tote that says Neighbors Make Chicago
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Oct 2, 2025 • 42min
What Are the Scariest Things in Chicago?
With spooky season officially here, we’re getting into the spirit by holding a tournament for the scariest things in Chicago. From haunted hotels to thrilling intersections to Chicago’s underworld (aka lower Wacker), the City Cast Chicago team will crown a winner. Disagree with our picks? Vote in the first round and prove us wrong.
Good News: Beyond the Screen
What’s not scary? Becoming a City Cast Chicago Neighbor! You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at https://membership.citycast.fm/
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 leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 2 episode:
Chicago Architecture Center
Window Nation
Steppenwolf Theatre
TimeLine
City Cast Neighbors – Through Oct. 3 when you sign up, you get this awesome tote that says Neighbors Make Chicago
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Oct 1, 2025 • 40min
Your Guide to October 2025 in Chicago
October marks the holiday sprint to the end of the year. Hey Chicago newsletter editor Emmi Mack has everything you need for Halloween. Executive producer Simone Alicea has fall fun for the scaredy cats. And host Jacoby Cochran is reminding you to watch for street sweeping.
Get more from City Cast Chicago when you become a City Cast Chicago Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events and more. Join now at https://membership.citycast.fm/
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 September in Chicago, check out Hey Chicago’s take on what to do this month.
City Cast Chicago’s guide to September is made possible by our sponsors, Chicago Architecture Center, Window Nation, Steppenwolf Theatre, TimeLine, and City Cast Neighbors (Through Oct. 3, when you sign up, you get this awesome tote that says “Neighbors Make Chicago”).
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Reach us at chicago@citycast.fm

Sep 30, 2025 • 40min
Feds March Downtown. Plus, Are Chicago’s Bridges Falling Down?
Gov. JB Pritzker is warning federal troops may soon come to Chicago after dozens of federal immigration agents marched Sunday through downtown Chicago making arrests. The display followed another round of protests and tear gas at the Broadview ICE facility and what appeared to be a Border Patrol photo op on boats near Navy Pier. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea go over the latest. Plus, they’re talking about Chicago’s historic bridges currently under construction and South Side Weekly’s Best of the South Side.
Good news: Pueblo Market
Get more from City Cast Chicago when you become a City Cast Chicago Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at https://membership.citycast.fm/
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 leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 30 episode:
Chicago Association of Realtors
Chicago Architecture Center
Window Nation
Steppenwolf Theatre
TimeLine
City Cast Neighbors – Through Oct. 3 when you sign up, you get this awesome tote that says Neighbors Make Chicago
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Sep 29, 2025 • 33min
Whose Property Taxes Are Going Up This Year in Chicago?
While property tax bills have been delayed, we do have a sense of who’s likely to see the biggest tax hikes in Chicago. Host Jacoby Cochran sits down with the Tribune’s A.D. Quig and Alex Nitkin with the Illinois Answers Project to talk about skyrocketing assessments on the South and West sides.
Good News: Filpinx
Get more from City Cast Chicago when you become a City Cast Chicago Neighbor. You’ll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members-only events and more. Join now at https://membership.citycast.fm/
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 leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 29 episode:
Chicago Association of Realtors
Chicago Architecture Center
Window Nation
Steppenwolf Theatre
TimeLine
City Cast Neighbors – Through Oct. 3 when you sign up you get this awesome tote that says Neighbors Make Chicago
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE