Episodios

  • Mayor Walks Back ICE Order. Plus, West Side Hospital Closing

    Mayor Walks Back ICE Order. Plus, West Side Hospital Closing
    Mar 27 2026
    The Chicago Police Department has been under a federal consent decree, required to “change the way it trains, supervises and disciplines officers,” for seven years. Since it was introduced, CPD has reached ⁠full compliance with just 22%⁠ of mandates and has yet to implement a⁠ new system that tracks misconduct allegations⁠. We are joined by WTTW’s Heather Cherone and Block Club Chicago’s Manny Ramos. Plus, ⁠West Suburban Hospital⁠ is temporarily closing its doors today, Lincoln Park has a ⁠new baby rhino⁠, and Happy Birthday, Mama T! 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 March 27 episode: ⁠The Other Art Fair⁠ ⁠Become a member of City Cast Chicago⁠. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info ⁠HERE⁠
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    41 m
  • AI School Coming to Chicago and Delivery Robots Are Crashing Out

    AI School Coming to Chicago and Delivery Robots Are Crashing Out
    Mar 26 2026
    Alpha Academy, a private school that operates teacherless classrooms with AI-developed lesson plans and curricula, is coming to Chicago next fall. And we have questions and thoughts. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea break down the latest details. Plus, what’s going on with the delivery robots crashing into bus shelters, and is there anything we’d rather talk about than all things AI? 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 March 26 episode: The Other Art Fair Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
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    39 m
  • What’s ICE Actually Doing at O’Hare? Plus, Council Stalemate and Rat Quiz

    What’s ICE Actually Doing at O’Hare? Plus, Council Stalemate and Rat Quiz
    Mar 25 2026
    What is ICE actually doing at the airport? According to some reports, scrolling their phones and chatting with currently unpaid TSA agents. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea are talking about what this means for travelers and how to help TSA agents currently working unpaid due to the partial government shutdown. They also discuss the stalemate in City Council’s zoning committee, and Simone gives Jacoby a rat quiz.Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this March 25th episode:Access Contemporary MusicThe Other Art FairBecome a member of City Cast Chicago.Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
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    37 m
  • Big Joliet Data Center, What to See at C2E2, and Your Thoughts on Portillo’s

    Big Joliet Data Center, What to See at C2E2, and Your Thoughts on Portillo’s
    Mar 24 2026
    Joliet has approved a 795-acre data center project even as state lawmakers consider stricter regulations. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss Illinois’ great data center debate. They’ve also got tips for C2E2 this weekend, and you’ve got thoughts on Portillo’s, weather prep, and loose eggs. 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 March 24th episode: Access Contemporary Music The Other Art Fair Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
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    37 m
  • The Pritzker Machine, O’Hare Madness, and Loose Eggs

    The Pritzker Machine, O’Hare Madness, and Loose Eggs
    Mar 23 2026
    Even without facing a primary opponent, Gov. JB Pritzker seems to be coming out on top in Illinois politics. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and contributor Leigh Giangreco discuss Pritzker’s apparent new role as kingmaker. They also discuss expected delays at O’Hare and revisiting our favorite breakfast sandwiches — including Leigh’s flaming hot take on eggs. Learn more about the sponsors of this March 23rd episode: Access Contemporary Music The Other Art Fair 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 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
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    42 m
  • 'Your City Could Be Better': Could a Nevada Brothel Help Redefine Labor Standards Nationwide? — Presented By City Cast Chicago

    'Your City Could Be Better': Could a Nevada Brothel Help Redefine Labor Standards Nationwide? — Presented By City Cast Chicago
    Mar 22 2026
    The unionization efforts of sex workers in Nevada might have implications for gig workers in Chicago. At Sheri's Ranch, a legal brothel 45 minutes outside Las Vegas, some of the workers are seeking both recognition as employees and union representation. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with former City Cast Las Vegas podcast host, current contributor, and longtime Nevada attorney Dayvid Figler about why sex workers are considered independent contractors, what sparked this legal battle, and what happens if they win. Plus, what's different about neighborhoods in Las Vegas? Mentioned on the show: Could a Pahrump Brothel Union Set a New National Standard for Labor Laws? (City Cast Las Vegas) Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now! We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.
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    26 m
  • Freezing Tipped Wage Hikes, Encampment Evictions, and West Town Restaurant Week

    Freezing Tipped Wage Hikes, Encampment Evictions, and West Town Restaurant Week
    Mar 20 2026
    Back in 2023, Chicago’s city council voted to gradually raise the subminimum wage for tipped workers every July for five years until it matched the city’s full minimum wage in 2028. Now the city council has voted to freeze the annual increases. We are joined by the Tribune’s Jake Sheridan and the Reader’s Katie Prout to discuss Mayor Johnson’s plan to veto the vote. Plus, why did the city clear another encampment in Legion Park during the coldest week of the month, and how much did outside funding impact primary results? Good News: West Town Restaurant Week 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 March 20 episode: Access Contemporary Music Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
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    39 m
  • Surviving All Four Chicago Seasons In a Day

    Surviving All Four Chicago Seasons In a Day
    Mar 19 2026
    This March feels like Chicago can’t make up its mind about what season it is. It can go from low 60s and sunny to low 20s and snowing — sometimes in just a day. That’s why the City Cast Chicago team is giving their pro-tips to survive those Chi days when all four seasons come to play. 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 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
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    38 m