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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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Last month, Legler Regional Library and the Greater Chicago Food Depository opened the city’s first food pantry inside a public library. This week, a new partnership between GCFD and City Colleges of Chicago opened Statesmen Market, a redesigned food pantry inside Kennedy-King College in Englewood. Freelance Journalist Chasity Cooper and Block Club Chicago’s Atavia Reed join us to break down all the details. Plus, Chicago Restaurant Week is ending, south side lounge culture is alive and well, and are you grabbing the new McNugget Caviar kit?
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Months after she was shot by Border Patrol agents in Brighton Park, Marimar Martinez was in Washington, D.C. this week recounting her experience at a public forum. The Reader’s new editor-in-chief, Sarah Conway, tells host Jacoby Cochran about why the story is worth watching. They’re also joined by Kevin Pang, NBC5’s new “Food Guy,” who explains why so many Chicago restaurants have been closing. The panel is also wrapping up some of the city’s most romantic spots ahead of Valentine’s Day.

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Whether it’s after a night out or a night shift, Chicago has a selection of 24-hour restaurants, no matter what corner of the city you are in. Last year, host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro discussed their favorite restaurants that offer 24-hour service.

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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.
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