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City Cast Chicago

Latest episodes

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Jun 18, 2025 • 26min

The Ultimate Chicago Sandwich Ranking

Chicago has invented or popularized so many iconic foods that we can’t cover them all in one episode. So let’s just focus on the sandwiches. Axios reporter Monica Eng and host Jacoby Cochran are ranking eight iconic sandwiches. But from the sweetsteak to the jibarito to Italian beef, which one is no. 1? 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 June 18 episode: Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
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Jun 17, 2025 • 30min

ICE Seeks City Records, Chicago’s Newest Slogan, and Neighborhood Shoutouts

The City Clerk suspended the online CityKey application on Friday night after ICE subpoenaed three years of records for the ID program often used by immigrants. We discuss how the city responded and other ways the Trump administration is pressuring the city. Plus, we look at Choose Chicago’s newest slogan and hear from some City Cast Chicago Neighbors. Heads up! We're having our next members-only event June 25. Become a Neighbor today to get the invite. Good News: Salt Shed Juneteenth Freedom Market 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 June 17 episode: Babbel – Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 
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Jun 16, 2025 • 24min

How Mutual Aid Can Help Chicagoans

After a weekend of protests, you might be wondering about other ways to organize and get involved in your community. That’s why we’re revisiting our conversation from the fall with Maira Khwaja, a writer, reporter, and co-founder of Market Box Chicago. She talks with host Jacoby Cochran about the basics of mutual aid, where to find networks in Chicago, and why it can help you feel more connected to your neighbors. Groups mentioned: Chicago Community Jail Support Edgewater Mutual Aid Rogers Park Free Store Albany Park Mutual Aid The People’s Grab-N-Go Pilsen Solidarity Network Farm, Food, Familias Femme Defensa Lists from Borderless and Block Club Chicago 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 June 16 episode: Babbel — Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
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Jun 13, 2025 • 33min

ICE Raids and Protests Intensify, CTA Sounds Alarm, and Coyote Pups

The city preps for intensifying ICE raids and growing protests. CTA leadership continues to sound the alarm on potential service cuts. Uber blames tech errors for overcharging Chicagoans. Block Club Chicago’s Francia Garcia Hernandez and Manny Ramos are here to break down the biggest headlines from the week. Plus, we’ve got coyote pups in Graceland cemetery, a Bronzeville Juneteenth celebration, and the Puerto Rican festival continues.  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 our sponsors: Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 
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Jun 12, 2025 • 22min

School's Out! But CPS Budget Battle Heats Up

It’s the last day of class for Chicago Public Schools. But while most students and faculty are excited for summer break, the school board and district officials will be hammering out the budget, working with a new interim CEO, and lobbying the city for more funding. City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran sits down with Chalkbeat Chicago’s bureau chief Becky Vevea and reporter Samantha Smylie to discuss the biggest CPS stories heading into the summer. Good News: Open Stage Festival 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 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
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Jun 11, 2025 • 25min

What Is Your Favorite Cash-Only Bar in Chicago?

Summer is here, which means it’s a good time to make sure to carry a little cash. Whether you’re grabbing a paleta at the beach or ducking into an old dive bar, many Chicago spots remain cash-only, despite the trend toward cashless. Back in February, City Cast contributor Leigh Giangreco spoke with restaurant owners to learn why, and she told host Jacoby Cochran what she found. 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 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
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Jun 10, 2025 • 30min

Chicago Protests ICE, Future of The 78, and Best Summer City

Protests across the country opposing federal immigration operations are picking up nationally. In Chicago, a mass arrest Wednesday in the South Loop drew outrage from advocates, alders, and the mayor. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea break down some of the details. Plus, we discuss the Chicago Fire’s $650 million plan to move to The 78, and a ranking of the best “feel good summer cities.”  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 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
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Jun 9, 2025 • 26min

Why Are There So Many Shipwrecks in Lake Michigan?

We’ve spent the past few weeks talking about getting on the water this summer, from kayaking in the river to yacht parties to cruise ships at Navy Pier. But as we also think about water safety, it’s a good time to look at Chicago’s storied history of shipwrecks. Chicago Maritime Museum curator Madeline Crispell tells host Jacoby Cochran about some of the most infamous local wrecks and why the Great Lakes had so many. 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 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
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Jun 6, 2025 • 30min

Sexual Assault in CPD, Chicago is Sinking, and The Rink Turns 50!

A joint investigation into sexual assault within Chicago Police Department reviewed over 300 complaints accusing Chicago officers of sexual assault and misconduct and has created a first-of-its-kind analysis from those allegations. We talked with Maria Inés Zamudio and Dana Brozost-Kelleher, who led the investigation. Plus, a 51st case tied to disgraced CPD detective Reynaldo Guevara has been overturned, Chicago is sinking faster than most major cities, and our friends at The Triibe are celebrating their new West Side studio!  Good News: The Rink’s 50th Anniversary  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 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
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Jun 5, 2025 • 34min

Who Is Gangster Disciples Co-Founder Larry Hoover?

Larry Hoover, the infamous co-founder of the Black Gangster Disciples Nation, had his federal life sentence commuted last week. At 74, Hoover has remained incarcerated for the last 52 years. Lance Williams is a professor of urban community studies and author of “King David and Boss Daley: The Black Disciples, Mayor Daley and Chicago on the Edge.” He joins host Jacoby Cochran to discuss the life and legacy of Larry Hoover and what the commutation means. 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 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

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