

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 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
Named Best Podcast by Chicago Reader 2022
Episodes
Mentioned books

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

Sep 26, 2025 • 39min
Fences Go Up at ICE Facility, Fire Stadium Quickly Advances, and Are Dogs Coming to Restaurants?
Fences have gone up around the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing center in Broadview despite local officials’ opposition. Meanwhile, conflicting narratives are emerging about the fatal ICE shooting of Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez. Host Jacoby Cochran discusses the latest with Borderless magazine’s Katrina Pham and the Sun-Times’ Nader Issa. They also discuss the possibility of allowing dogs into restaurants, the rapid momentum of a new Fire Stadium, and the Leo High School boys choir’s appearance in the finals of “America’s Got Talent.”
Good News: How One Dreamer Found Her Voice
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. 26 episode:
Chicago Association of Realtors
The Newberry
Window Nation – Get an extra 10% off the original offer until end of September
MUBI
City Cast Neighbors – Now through Oct. 3 when you sign up you get this awesome tote that says Neighbors Make Chicago
Huel – Try Huel with 15% OFF for New Customers today using my code CHICAGO
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Sep 25, 2025 • 38min
How to Make Friends in Chicago
It can be hard to make new friends as an adult in a big city. That’s why City Cast Chicago executive producer (and resident transplant) Simone Alicea has created a step-by-step guide to making friends in Chicago. She discusses her tips with host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro to see if the Chicago natives agree.
Good news: 7323 Chicago Fish Fry
One possible way to make more friends in Chicago? Become a City Cast Chicago Neighbor! In addition to perks like ad-free listening, you’ll also get invitations to members-only events to meet fellow Neighbors. 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. 25 episode:
Chicago Association of Realtors
The Newberry
Window Nation – Get an extra 10% off the original offer until end of September
City Cast Neighbors – Now through Oct. 3 when you sign up you get this awesome tote that says Neighbors Make Chicago
Huel – Try Huel with 15% OFF for New Customers today using my code CHICAGO
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Sep 24, 2025 • 34min
How to Have Fun in Chicago for Under $10
We’re all hunting for bargains right now. That’s why today we’re talking about the best food, activities, and gifts in the city for $10 or less.
Some lists and resources:
Infatuation’s list of $10 meals
Hey Chicago’s lists of cheap eats downtown and free things in Chicago
Laura Keene’s spreadsheet of $8 cocktails
What else can you get for $10 (a month)? The perks of being a City Cast Chicago Neighbor! When you become a member, you’ll have access to 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. 24 episode:
Chicago Association of Realtors
The Newberry
Window Nation – Get an extra 10% off the original offer until end of September
City Cast Neighbors – Now through Oct. 3 when you sign up you get this awesome tote that says Neighbors Make Chicago
Huel – Try Huel with 15% OFF for New Customers today using my code CHICAGO
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE


