City Cast Chicago

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: Englewood Music Festival, Norwood Park Fall Festival, and Logan Vegan 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 9 episode: The Joffrey Ballet Steppenwolf Theatre Kidney Cancer Association Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation MUBI Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Helena Volzer, a Senior Water Policy Manager for the Great Lakes Alliance, dives into the intricate relationship between data centers and water depletion. She highlights the alarming water demands of these tech hubs and their potential impact on Lake Michigan, one of the world's largest drinking water sources. The conversation also tackles the urgent need for proactive water management strategies, community involvement, and sustainable practices to protect regional water resources amid escalating technological growth.

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. Plus, we are discussing the end of self-checkout at local ALDIs, Illinois’ new sports betting taxes, and the start of the Bears’ season.   Migra Watch training in Pilsen this Sunday. Good News: Printers Row Lit Fest, WBEZ Morning Lineup, Movies in the Park 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. 5 episode: Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation MUBI Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

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 bureau chief Josh McGhee and freelance investigative reporter Maggie Dougherty talk with host Jacoby Cochran about Chicago’s progress in crisis response. 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. 4 episode: Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

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? 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. 3 episode: Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

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 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 Association of Realtors, Window Nation, and MUBI. City Cast Chicago is also powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more about how to become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Reach us at chicago@citycast.fm

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 crime lab whose questionable forensic science led to multiple cannabis DUI convictions.   Good News: Bad Butter, Lurker at Music Box, Workers Over Billionaires 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 Aug. 29 episode: Overlook Maps Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation North Shore Center for the Performing Arts  Paramount Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

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.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 If you enjoyed today's interview with 2025 President of the Chicago Association of REALTORS®, Erika Villegas, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 28 episode: Overlook Maps Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation North Shore Center for the Performing Arts  Paramount Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

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 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 Aug. 27 episode: Overlook Maps Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation North Shore Center for the Performing Arts  Paramount Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

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 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 Aug. 26 episode: Overlook Maps Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation North Shore Center for the Performing Arts  Paramount Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE