City Cast Chicago

By 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 ... more

4.8

436436 ratings

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FAQs about City Cast Chicago:

How many episodes does City Cast Chicago have?

The podcast currently has 1,453 episodes available.

City Cast Chicago episodes:

February 20, 2026Pritzker Pausing Data Centers, Chicago’s Muddy Rain, and Backyard Chickens
In Wednesday’s State of the State address, Gov. JB Pritzker proposed to pause the state’s tax incentives for new data center construction amidst growing concerns of environmental hazards, water and power usage, and the future of AI. We break down the announcement with Invisible Institute Director of Public Strategy Maira Khwaja and Director of Data Trina Reynolds-Tyler. Plus, Chicago woke up to dusty, muddy cars and streets on Ash Wednesday, helpful voter guides released ahead of primary day, and we’re checking in on our favorite backyard chickens.
Good News: Soundtrack Sessions, Chicago Dyke March Community Iftar
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Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this Feb. 20 episode:
Chicago Board of Election Commissioners

Access Contemporary Music – Use promo code PIANO for 20% off

South By Southwest – Unlock a 10% discount on your Innovation Badge when you use code citycast10
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...more
37min
February 19, 2026Battle of the Bike Lanes, More Bears Drama, and So Many Holidays
A debate over bike lanes on Archer Avenue is launching municipal election season in Brighton Park, where a bike lane opponent has launched a campaign to replace the 12th Ward alderperson. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and producer Michelle Navarro break it down. Plus, they’re talking about the confluence of Lunar New Year, Ramadan, and Lent. We also hear from listeners about the Bears stadium drama.
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this Feb. 19 episode:
Chicago Board of Election Commissioners

Access Contemporary Music – Use promo code PIANO for 20% off

South By Southwest – Unlock a 10% discount on your Innovation Badge when you use code citycast10
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
...more
40min
February 18, 2026How Jesse Jackson Will Be Remembered. Plus, We’re Over Campaign Mailers
Today we’re remembering the legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson, who died Tuesday at 84. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea run down the highlights and controversies of Jackson’s career in Chicago. Plus, they’re breaking down the mayor’s veto of the hemp ban, and Simone shows off her political mailer haul.
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 Feb. 18 episode:
Chicago Board of Election Commissioners

Access Contemporary Music – Use promo code PIANO for 20% off

South By Southwest – Unlock a 10% discount on your Innovation Badge when you use code citycast10
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
...more
40min
February 17, 2026What We’re Watching in Springfield. Plus, Legal Weed’s Failing Grade in Illinois
In 2019, Illinois’ legal weed legislation was hailed as the “most equity-centric” cannabis law in the country. But in reality, those promises didn’t quite materialize. Chicago Reporter’s Sara Cooper joins host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea to talk about what the state got wrong about legal weed. Plus, they’re catching up on some legislation to watch in Springfield, including data center regulation and the latest in Bears stadium drama.
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this Feb. 17 episode:
Chicago Board of Election Commissioners

Access Contemporary Music — Use promo code PIANO for 20% off

Window Nation

South By Southwest — Unlock a 10% discount on your Innovation Badge when you use code citycast10
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
...more
39min
February 14, 2026 Your City Could Be Better: What Chicago Needs to Know About How the Twin Cities Organized
All eyes have been on the Twin Cities lately, including Chicagoans’. Operation Metro Surge is reportedly ending in Minnesota, with the withdrawal of immigration agents expected over the next week. Over the last two months, though, residents of the Twin Cities have organized a range of local collective action efforts including protests, mutual aid, and monitoring ICE — and they’ve done it quickly. In this inaugural episode of “Your City Could Be Better,” City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Twin Cities podcast host Sean McPherson about how his community self-organized, why these networks have been so successful, and what other cities can take away from Minnesotans’ response to Operation Metro Surge. Plus, we have a D.C. vs. Twin Cities face-off on local cultural norms.
We also mentioned this episode of City Cast Twin Cities.
Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!
We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter
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...more
33min
February 13, 2026Early Voting Begins, Don't Forget Judges, and D-Rose Joins United Center Project
Early voting for the March primary has officially begun. Host Jacoby Cochran, The Triibe’s Tonia Hill, and Injustice Watch’s Charles Preston are discussing important races to watch, including the 7th Congressional District, and helpful resources like the Injustice Watch judicial guide. Plus, Derrick Rose joins the new United Center development, and Caleb Williams heads to the NBA All-Star weekend.
Good News: Purple Box Videos
Don't miss City Cast's newest podcast "Your City Could Be Better." CEO and host David Plotz talks with City Cast hosts and producers across all 13 cities about what our cities are doing right and wrong.
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this Feb. 13 episode:
Chicago Board of Election Commissioners

Access Contemporary Music – Use promo code PIANO for 20% off

Window Nation

Chicago Architecture Center

South By Southwest – Unlock a 10% discount on your Innovation Badge when you use code citycast10
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
...more
38min
February 12, 2026The Best and Worst of Dating in Chicago
What’s the worst date you’ve ever been on? The question might trigger battlefield flashbacks, but on today’s podcast, we’re getting into it. Producer Michelle Navarro hit the streets to see what locals have to say about Chicago’s dating scene — and what advice they have for getting out there ahead of Valentine’s Day. Host Jacoby Cochran and newsletter editor Emmi Mack help break it all down.
Good News: “Jewels of Spring” and “Showers of Flowers”
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this Feb. 12 episode:
Chicago Board of Election Commissioners

Access Contemporary Music — use promo code PIANO for 20% off

Window Nation
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
...more
38min
February 11, 2026How Many Chicagoans Are Unhoused? Plus, Education Secretary Visits and Best Breakfast Sandwiches
Is the number of Chicagoans experiencing homelessness going up or down? Why was the U.S. Secretary of Education visiting the West Side last week? And what is the best breakfast sandwich in Chicago? Host Jacoby Cochran is diving into these questions and others with writer and professor Dr. Eve Ewing and freelance Journalist Samantha Smylie.
Good News: Plenty of Weekend Markets to Choose From

Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this Feb. 11 episode:
Chicago Board of Election Commissioners

Access Contemporary Music — use promo code PIANO for 20% off

Window Nation
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
...more
38min
February 10, 2026 Will Privacy Law Kill AI Data Centers? Plus, Top Prosecutor Responds to Mayor’s ICE Order
Will Illinois lawmakers weaken the state’s tough ⁠biometric privacy laws to court AI data centers⁠?
What did the county’s top prosecutor ⁠have to say about the mayor's executive order⁠ on ICE? What are the Bulls ⁠plans after overhauling the roster ⁠ahead of the trade deadline? These are just some of the questions executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran explore in today’s conversation.
Good News: ⁠Principal of the Year⁠
⁠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 ⁠daily newsletter⁠.
Follow us⁠ @citycastchicago⁠
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this Feb. 10 episode:
⁠Chicago Board of Election Commissioners⁠
⁠Access Contemporary Music⁠ – use promo code PIANO for 20% off
⁠Window Nation⁠
⁠Chicago Architecture Center⁠

⁠Become a member of City Cast Chicago⁠.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info ⁠HERE⁠
...more
38min
February 09, 2026Why Are American and United Beefing at O’Hare?
United and American are beefing over gate space at O’Hare. But what does this fight between corporations actually mean for Chicago travelers? City Cast contributor Leigh Giangreco recently reported on the subject for Chicago magazine, and she joins host Jacoby Cochran to break down “The Battle of O’Hare.”
If you enjoyed today's interview with Chicago Architecture Center's Senior Director of Public Engagement, Adam Rubin learn more here.
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this Feb. 9 episode:
Chicago Board of Election Commissioners

Access Contemporary Music – use promo code PIANO for 20% off

Window Nation
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
...more
32min

FAQs about City Cast Chicago:

How many episodes does City Cast Chicago have?

The podcast currently has 1,453 episodes available.

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