Episodes

  • Can Chicago Prosecute ICE? Plus, CTA’s Interim Chief and Snow Plow Names

    Can Chicago Prosecute ICE? Plus, CTA’s Interim Chief and Snow Plow Names
    Feb 3 2026
    Mayor Brandon Johnson issued an executive order directing Chicago Police to investigate alleged crimes by federal immigration agents and refer them for potential prosecution. This is the mayor’s most pointed order yet, but does it actually have any teeth? Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea dig into it. Plus, they talk about a new interview with CTA’s interim chief and Chicago’s snowplow naming contest.Make sure you take our audience survey — and be entered to win a $100 gift card!Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Feb. 3 episode: League of Chicago Theatres Chicago Restaurant Week Paramount Theatre Museum of Contemporary Photography Chicago Architecture Center Become a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
  • Your Guide to February 2026 in Chicago

    Your Guide to February 2026 in Chicago
    Feb 2 2026
    It may be the shortest month of the year, but there’s still plenty going on in the city. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and producer Michelle Navarro are here with all the tips you need for February in Chicago. 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 February in Chicago, check out Hey Chicago’s take on what to do this month. If you enjoyed today's interview with Chicago Architecture Center's Senior Director of Public Engagement, Adam Rubin, learn more here. City Cast Chicago’s guide to February is made possible by our sponsors, League of Chicago Theatres, Chicago Restaurant Week, Paramount Theatre, Museum of Contemporary Photography, and Chicago Architecture Center. 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 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
    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
  • Bovino Out, Chi’s LGBTQ+ Affairs Director, and Benny’s New Number

    Bovino Out, Chi’s LGBTQ+ Affairs Director, and Benny’s New Number
    Jan 30 2026
    Chicagoans have been calling on the mayor’s office to better protect, prioritize, and coordinate resources and outreach for Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community. This month, Mayor Johnson officially announced Antonio King as the new Director of LGBTQ+ Affairs. We discussed how important this hire is with Windy City Times’ Jake Wittich and Crain’s Chicago’s Justin Laurence. Plus, we break down Greg Bovino’s demotion, closed-door negotiations about the city’s infamous parking meters, and Benny the Bull’s search for a new number. Good News: Equality Illinois Gala on Saturday, SoxFest Live, The New Edition Way Tour 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 Jan. 29 episode: Chicago Theater Week Steppenwolf Paramount Theatre Window Nation Chicago Restaurant Week Access Contemporary Music - use promo code PIANO for 20% off Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • Why Opioid Deaths Are Declining in Chicago. Plus, How to Use Narcan

    Why Opioid Deaths Are Declining in Chicago. Plus, How to Use Narcan
    Jan 29 2026
    In 2025, Cook County saw the fewest opioid overdose deaths in a decade. The West Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force has been at the forefront of that work. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea visit the task force’s new office near the Pulaski Green Line stop to learn more about their work, what’s driving these trends, and how to use an opioid reversal drug. 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 Jan. 29 episode: Chicago Theater Week Steppenwolf Paramount Theatre Window Nation Access Contemporary Music – use promo code PIANO for 20% off Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
  • Threats Facing Chicago Universities in 2026

    Threats Facing Chicago Universities in 2026
    Jan 28 2026
    The Trump administration continues to threaten Chicago colleges and universities with federal funding cuts and lawsuits. WBEZ higher education reporter Lisa Kurian Philip tells Jacoby Cochran the stories she's following this year, including Northwestern’s settlement, and what to know about student loans. 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 Jan. 28 episode: Chicago Theater Week Steppenwolf Paramount Theatre Window Nation Access Contemporary Music – use promo code PIANO for 20% off Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • Who’s Calling to Abolish ICE? Plus, What’s Actually in Chicago’s Hemp Ban

    Who’s Calling to Abolish ICE? Plus, What’s Actually in Chicago’s Hemp Ban
    Jan 27 2026
    Mayor Brandon Johnson is among the local leaders calling to abolish ICE after an immigration agent shot and killed Alex Pretti in Minneapolis over the weekend. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss how the call is gaining popularity. They also dive into Chicago’s new hemp ban and your contributions to things Chicagoans really say. Fill out this survey for a chance to win a $100 gift card! 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 Jan. 27 episode: Chicago Theater Week Steppenwolf Paramount Theatre Window Nation Access Contemporary Music – use promo code PIANO for 20% off Broadway in Chicago Chicago Restaurant Week Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
  • Why Doesn't Chicago Ever Have Any Money?

    Why Doesn't Chicago Ever Have Any Money?
    Jan 26 2026
    We are a few weeks into Chicago’s $16.6 billion spending plan, but the city is still in major debt. University of Chicago professor and director of the Center for Municipal Finance, Justin Marlowe, told host Jacoby Cochran to discuss why Chicago’s public institutions are all feeling financial pressure and where these structural deficits come from. Fill out this survey for a chance to win a $100 gift card! 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 Jan. 26 episode: Chicago Theater Week Steppenwolf Paramount Theatre Window Nation Access Contemporary Music – use promo code PIANO for 20% off Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
    Show More Show Less
    28 mins
  • Domestic Homicides Rising, CPS Enrollment Declines, and Extreme Cold Alert

    Domestic Homicides Rising, CPS Enrollment Declines, and Extreme Cold Alert
    Jan 23 2026
    Chicago’s domestic violence cases surged last year, even as overall violent crime dropped. BlockClub Chicago’s Mina Bloom, Borderless Magazine’s Katrina Pham, and host Jacoby Cochran are breaking down the latest numbers. Plus, Ald. Vazquez and Fuentes want clarity on Welcoming City violations, CPS enrollment declines continue, and Chicago is under an extreme cold watch. Good News: Femdot's Ramova Show, “Oh, Mary!” coming to Chicago, and $33 Million Community Development Grants 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 Jan. 23 episode: Chicago Theater Week Broadway in Chicago Window Nation Teatro Zinzanni Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins