Hackers stole information for more than 700,000 Chicago Public Schools students late last year, the district said Friday. While officials say sensitive information like social security numbers were not affected, host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss why the hack is so troubling. They also go over the results of Illinois’ new flag poll, and we’re hearing from listeners! Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Foll...
Mar 11, 2025•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast After a near-collision at Midway just a couple weeks ago, and plane crashes in D.C. and Philly earlier this year, we know that anxieties around flying may be on the rise. That’s why we’re talking with DePaul professor Dr. Joe Schwieterman, an aviation expert and the author of “Terminal Town,” to find out if there’s really something going on here or if it’s just a lot of scary headlines. Good News: Celebrate 312 Day Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chic...
Mar 10, 2025•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast Mayor Brandon Johnson was on the hot seat Wednesday testifying before a Congressional hearing on sanctuary cities. How did he do? WBEZ’s Susie An and Block Club Chicago’s Madison Savedra are here with host Jacoby Cochran to grade his performance. Plus, the Highland Park shooting trial was cut short by a guilty plea, federal funding cuts are hitting researchers in Chicago, and one of the South Side’s last bowling alleys is in trouble. This is City Cast Chicago’s 1,000th episode! To celebrate, tel...
Mar 07, 2025•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast Spring break is around the corner, which means students and families in Chicago might be looking for things to do, and we might get some people in from out of town. City Cast senior roving producer Lizzie Goldsmith and newsletter editor Ava Wojnowski don’t live here, but they’ve got some ideas for what they want to do when they visit. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea are here to see how they might improve those itineraries. Good News: Las Locas Comedy tonight Want some mo...
Mar 06, 2025•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast Chicago goes hard on St. Patrick’s Day, and tickets are going fast for parties and bar crawls throughout the city. Social media creator Paige Serena is here to break down the best events and offer some tips for these marathon celebrations. Find out more about Paige’s R&B and Roulette event on March 9th, a River North crawl on March 15th, and other bar and restaurant specials around the city. Kevin White’s “The Red Room” series on March 28th Good News: Welcome to the Show on March 10th Want some ...
Mar 05, 2025•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast Mayor Brandon Johnson is in D.C. and he’ll be testifying Wednesday in front of a House oversight committee about Chicago’s welcoming city policies, aka sanctuary city laws. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran discuss their expectations heading into the Congressional hearing. Plus, who is replacing retiring Park District CEO Rosa Escareño and where is CTA adding additional bus service? Good News: Jazz and Gumbo Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up ...
Mar 04, 2025•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast The New York Stock Exchange Chicago, formerly the Chicago Stock Exchange, announced it’s relocating to Texas. This is just the latest blow in the long downfall of Chicago’s place as a financial epicenter. Host Jacoby Cochran talks with Chicago History Podcast host Tommy Henry about the stock exchange’s founding nearly 150 years ago, the rise of trading pits in Chicago, and what will be left of the history once the office relocates. Good News: Mardi Gras deals Want some more City Cast Chicago new...
Mar 03, 2025•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast In October, the Acero Charter School network sent shockwaves through their school communities when they announced they would be shutting down seven Latino-majority schools in Chicago. For families and students, it’s been a waiting game as they wonder if or when their schools will close and what their options are. Chalkbeat Chicago’s Samantha Smylie and Block Club Chicago’s Atavia Reed explain the Chicago Board of Education's Thursday vote to save some of the schools. Plus, Gov. JB Pritzker wants...
Feb 28, 2025•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Chicago’s birthday is coming up, spring is around the corner, and the city’s preparing to dye the river green — welcome to March in Chicago. Host Jacoby Cochran, contributor Leigh Giangreco, and digital marketing manager Jermaine Thomas are here with their tips for making the most of the month, including handling the weather, finding art shows for Women’s History Month, and going beyond green beer for St. Paddy’s Day. If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with e...
Feb 27, 2025•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast Are Chicago’s bakeries up to scratch when it comes to making Paczki? That’s what we wanted to find out, so last year we met up with journalist Joanna Marszałek to taste-test these traditional Polish pastries, which are a cross between a classic donut and brioche bun with a cream or fruit filling. With Paczki Day coming up next Tuesday, we’re bringing this episode back to help you find the city’s best Paczki, as well as learn more about the history of this holiday and why so many Chicagoans celeb...
Feb 26, 2025•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast Governor J.B. Pritzker has proposed a $55.2 billion state budget that includes no major tax increases. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran dive into the details. Plus, Chicago has less than two years to spend its remaining COVID relief money, and when one restaurant week ends another begins. Good News: Chicago Justice Gallery Film Screenings Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can als...
Feb 25, 2025•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast Chicago’s new partially elected school board has its second full meeting on Thursday. While the new members are still settling in, the board has big issues coming their way like approving a new contract with the teachers union and finding a new CPS CEO. Chalkbeat Chicago editor Becky Vevea talks with host Jacoby Cochran about the political lines forming and how this board is approaching their new jobs. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newslette...
Feb 24, 2025•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast Earlier this week at Federal Plaza, over a hundred people protested the Trump administration’s sudden mass firing of thousands of federal workers. The Triibe’s Corli Jay and the Sun-Times’ Mariah Rush are here to discuss the latest confusion as tens of thousands of Chicago area federal workers face uncertainty. Plus, we’re discussing how Black-owned bookstores are managing, Walgreens shuttering five South Side locations, and the future of Heartland Health Alliance. Want some more City Cast Chica...
Feb 21, 2025•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast Attacks on civil rights, economic anxiety, war abroad — the same things that worry Chicagoans today were also on people’s minds in the 1960s. That’s what emerges from Studs Terkel’s seminal oral history “Division Street: America.” The podcast “Division Street: Revisited” takes us back through those interviews and checks in with the subjects and their families 60 years later. Two of the show’s team members, Mary Schmich and Bill Healy, talk with host Jacoby Cochran about who Studs Terkel was and ...
Feb 20, 2025•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast Chicago Magazine recently put out a list of best new bars, and it included a Parisian-inspired bar in West Town, a spooky, horror-themed bar in Bridgeport, and a marble-clad bar in St. Regis Tower. The team pulled up on most of the list to see if the spots were worth the hype. 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 F...
Feb 19, 2025•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast If you love Chicago as much as we do, then you know there are some things Chicagoans are just supposed to know. We’re revisiting our conversation from the fall about essential rules for living in the city. Maybe they’ll inspire you to add to our list of 1,000 things we love about Chicago as we approach our 1,000th episode. 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 7...
Feb 18, 2025•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast Earlier this week, former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, once the most influential politician in the state, was found guilty of bribery, conspiracy, and other corruption charges following a four-month trial and two weeks of deliberation. We’ve got WCIU TV host Brandon Pope and Block Club Chicago’s Jamie Nesbit Golden reacting to this historic conviction, including the juror's split verdict. Plus, the city prepares to lose community clinics in Uptown and Englewood, Beyonce adds a third C...
Feb 14, 2025•31 min•Transcript available on Metacast Chicago Animal Care and Control is having its annual “Love is in the Air” adoption event which offers fee-waived adoptions. The municipal shelter cares for 400 to 500 animals daily and in 2024, they saw an increase in animal intake and euthanasia. Last year, host Jacoby Cochran talked to CACC public information officer Armando Tejeda, who told us how the largest municipal animal shelter in the Midwest cares for Chicago’s animals and how you can help. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then m...
Feb 13, 2025•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast More and more restaurants and bars are going cashless, meaning you must have a card or a phone to pay your bill. But many of Chicago’s most beloved spots are not only bucking the trend, they are committed to staying cash-ONLY. City Cast Contributor Leigh Giangreco spoke with restaurant owners to learn more. Good News: Crying at the Shed Film 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...
Feb 12, 2025•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast Episode Description: Months after the city ended its contract with gun detection technology ShotSpotter, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration is searching for its replacement. Host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro explain replacement requirements and technology the city is already testing out. Plus, we talk about the new neighborhood map reimagined by residents and what places we are looking to check out for Black Restaurant Week. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make su...
Feb 11, 2025•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast When an individual has bad credit, it might be harder to rent an apartment, buy a car, or get a loan. But what happens when a city or state has a low credit rating? After one agency downgraded Chicago’s rating and as the governor prepares to make his budget address next week, host Jacoby Cochran talks with DePaul University professor Amanda Kass about how municipal credit ratings work, why Chicago is close to “junk” status, and what it says about the city’s financial health. Want some more City ...
Feb 10, 2025•22 min•Transcript available on Metacast On Thursday, the Justice Department announced it is suing the city and state alleging “sanctuary laws” are impeding ICE investigations. Host Jacoby Cochran sits down with WTTW’s Amanda Vinicky and Heather Cherone to discuss the details of the lawsuit. Plus, Mayor Johnson is heading to Congress, women’s soccer reaches an investigation settlement, and Black restaurant week begins this weekend. Good News: 7th Annual Cultural Jam, Bridgeport Records Detroit Techno, Val’s Halla Pop Up Record Store Wa...
Feb 07, 2025•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast While gyms, yoga studios, and cycling classes might be packed at the beginning of the new year, by now it’s probably dropped off a little. Most of us can agree, It’s tough to work out and stay active, especially during the winter in Chicago. That’s why host Jacoby Cochran is talking with fitness director Seobia Rivers about her realistic guide to working out in the city. Looking for even more fitness options? Check out this guide on our website. Good news: Chicago Botanic Garden Orchid Show Want...
Feb 06, 2025•23 min•Transcript available on Metacast Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and whether you’re spending it on a date, with friends, or riding solo, we wanted to help out with some of the best places for a romantic dinner, themed cocktails, and mouthwatering desserts. Host Jacoby Cochran sits down with The Infatuation’s Adrian Kane and John Ringor who bring their favorite picks. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Good news: Lunar New Year Chinatown Parade & Argyle Lun...
Feb 05, 2025•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast Big concentrations of mergansers, a type of duck, were found dead along Chicago beaches this weekend. Advocates suspect it’s bird flu. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss what this means for the city’s birds and the price of eggs. Plus, Mayor Brandon Johnson is outlining his priorities for 2025. The first nine people who become members today will receive a tote bag! Good news: “From Chicago, With Love” at Lakeshore Design Lab Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Th...
Feb 04, 2025•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast Property tax bills are headed to mailboxes in Cook County. The 2024 first installment taxes are due March 4. That makes it a good time to revisit our conversation from the fall with the Tribune’s A.D. Quig and the Illinois Answers Project Alex Nitkin about property tax basics and why Chicago is always complaining about them. 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...
Feb 03, 2025•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast Chicago communities are grappling with the increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement presence. Chalkbeat Chicago’s Reema Amin and Chicago Tribune’s Laura Rodriguez Presa explain how ICE makes arrests and how schools are responding. Plus, they talk about how Chicago students’ test scores compare nationally and the reopening of Sikia, Englewoods’s culinary student–led restaurant, after five years. Apply to be Hey Chicago’s newsletter editor. We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listene...
Jan 31, 2025•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, Theatre Week — There’s still plenty to do in Chicago during the shortest month of the year. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and producer Michelle Navarro are here with your best tips for February including best date spots and where to donate or volunteer around the city. 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 tip...
Jan 30, 2025•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast Sure, Chicago has a lot of great bars. But every Chicagoan knows that the best parties happen in a basement, especially if you have a home bar like Theresa “Mama T” Ferrell. Mama T’s impressive home cocktail skills have been making the rounds on TikTok thanks to her son, City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran. That’s why we’re getting Mama T’s best basement cocktail tips. We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it’s onl...
Jan 29, 2025•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast Top federal officials were out in Chicago this weekend as agents began arresting immigrants, making good on the Trump administration’s promise of a crackdown. The operations came after a chaotic week of fear following the inauguration and days after federal agents showed up at an elementary school in Back of the Yards, sparking a lot of confusion. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran breakdown what happened at Hamline Elementary. Plus, is the third time the charm for NASCAR t...
Jan 28, 2025•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
