Episodi

  • Pritzker Pausing Data Centers, Chicago’s Muddy Rain, and Backyard Chickens

    Pritzker Pausing Data Centers, Chicago’s Muddy Rain, and Backyard Chickens
    Feb 20 2026
    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 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. 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 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
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    37 min
  • Battle of the Bike Lanes, More Bears Drama, and So Many Holidays

    Battle of the Bike Lanes, More Bears Drama, and So Many Holidays
    Feb 19 2026
    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
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    39 min
  • How Jesse Jackson Will Be Remembered. Plus, We’re Over Campaign Mailers

    How Jesse Jackson Will Be Remembered. Plus, We’re Over Campaign Mailers
    Feb 18 2026
    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
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    40 min
  • What We’re Watching in Springfield. Plus, Legal Weed’s Failing Grade in Illinois

    What We’re Watching in Springfield. Plus, Legal Weed’s Failing Grade in Illinois
    Feb 17 2026
    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
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    39 min
  • Your City Could Be Better: What Chicago Needs to Know About How the Twin Cities Organized

    Your City Could Be Better: What Chicago Needs to Know About How the Twin Cities Organized
    Feb 14 2026
    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 Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.
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    32 min
  • Early Voting Begins, Don't Forget Judges, and D-Rose Joins United Center Project

    Early Voting Begins, Don't Forget Judges, and D-Rose Joins United Center Project
    Feb 13 2026
    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
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    38 min
  • The Best and Worst of Dating in Chicago

    The Best and Worst of Dating in Chicago
    Feb 12 2026
    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
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    37 min
  • How Many Chicagoans Are Unhoused? Plus, Education Secretary Visits and Best Breakfast Sandwiches

    How Many Chicagoans Are Unhoused? Plus, Education Secretary Visits and Best Breakfast Sandwiches
    Feb 11 2026
    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
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    37 min