City Cast Chicago

Earlier this week, the Department of Homeland Security launched “Operation Midway Blitz,” a surge in immigration raids across Chicago and Illinois. WTTW anchor Joanna Hernandez tells us the timing of this campaign alongside Mexican Independence Day celebrations is purposeful and a repeat of history for Chicago. Injustice Watch reporter Kelly Garcia also joins us with a new investigation into the head of Cook County’s juvenile detention center and the results of Cook County’s chief judge election. Good News: Pullman Food Truck 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 leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 12 episode: The Joffrey Ballet Steppenwolf Theatre Kidney Cancer Association Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation MUBI Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

While there could be many factors as to why crime is down in Chicago, advocates say community violence prevention is doing a lot of groundwork. Host Jacoby Cochran talked with Damien Morris, chief program officer of violence prevention at Breakthrough, who works to build and sustain community relationships as a peacekeeper. Damien tells us what it’s like to connect with families who've been impacted by violence while trying to prevent other families from going through the same thing. Damien Morris was featured in a documentary for WTTW’s FIRSTHAND: Peacekeepers series earlier this year.  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 Sept. 11 episode: The Joffrey Ballet Steppenwolf Theatre Kidney Cancer Association Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

There’s been a whole lot of talk about crime in Chicago lately. The president claims that crime is rampant in Chicago, while the mayor and the governor counter that the data indicate violent crime is at historic lows. But then you have an alderman openly questioning the data. Host Jacoby Cochran sits down with Patrick Smith, co-host of WBEZ’s new morning show Say More. Smith has spent years covering crime and public safety in the city and is here to break down how crime is tracked in Chicago and how the numbers match up (or don’t) with public perception. Good News: Urban Birding 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 leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 10 episode: The Joffrey Ballet Steppenwolf Theatre Kidney Cancer Association Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Yesterday, the Trump administration announced “Operation Midway Blitz,” the latest round of targeted immigration raids in Chicago, while continuing their threats to deploy National Guard troops to the city. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea also discuss COVID-19 vaccine updates, the likely replacement for Alderman Walter Burnett Jr., and the Sky’s recent suspension of all-star Angel Reese.    Good News: Englewood Music Festival, Norwood Park Fall Festival, and Logan Vegan 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 leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 9 episode: The Joffrey Ballet Steppenwolf Theatre Kidney Cancer Association Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation MUBI Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

A new report shows the proliferation of data centers could deplete water sources around the Great Lakes. Helena Volzer, author of the report and senior water policy manager for the Great Lakes Alliance, tells host Jacoby Cochran why data centers use so much water and how that could affect one of the world’s largest drinking supplies. 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 Sept. 8 episode: The Joffrey Ballet Steppenwolf Theatre Kidney Cancer Association Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

For the last few weeks, the Trump administration has increased threats to send National Guard Troops to Chicago. Now we are getting word that the administration has notified the Naval Station Great Lakes, an hour north of Chicago, that it will serve as a command station for forthcoming ICE operations during Mexican Independence Day celebrations. Axios Chicago Reporters Monica Eng and Justin Kaufmann are here with the latest updates. Plus, we are discussing the end of self-checkout at local ALDIs, Illinois’ new sports betting taxes, and the start of the Bears’ season.   Migra Watch training in Pilsen this Sunday. Good News: Printers Row Lit Fest, WBEZ Morning Lineup, Movies in the Park 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 Sept. 5 episode: Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation MUBI Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Four years ago, Chicago launched Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement (CARE) teams. Initially made up of police officers, paramedics, and mental health professionals, the goal was to deescalate emergency calls that involved mental health. But a new series shows results of the pilot have been mixed, with funding and bureaucracy issues, and that police continue to rely on force and involuntary hospitalizations. MindSite Chicago bureau chief Josh McGhee and freelance investigative reporter Maggie Dougherty talk with host Jacoby Cochran about Chicago’s progress in crisis response. 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 Sept. 4 episode: Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Catching the end of farmers market season was near the top of our list in our September guide. That makes it a good time to revisit these advanced tips for Chicago farmers markets. Earlier in the season, host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and social media manager Rick Homuth discussed some common mistakes and how to make the most of the season. Good news: Taste of Chicago  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 Sept. 3 episode: Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

It’s after Labor Day, which means for some of us it’s already fall while others are trying to hold on to summer. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and Chicago artist Al Scorch discuss what they are looking forward to in September, including Chicagohenge, the Bears’ return, and pumpkin spice offerings. Plus, they’re watching some big news stories. 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 tips on how to make the most of September in Chicago, check out Hey Chicago’s take on what to do this month. City Cast Chicago’s guide to September is made possible by our sponsors, Chicago Association of Realtors, Window Nation, and MUBI. City Cast Chicago is also powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more about how to become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Reach us at chicago@citycast.fm

Chicago Public Schools has yet to place about 200 students with disabilities in classrooms, despite it being the second week of school. While the district says it is working quickly to place students in cluster programs, we ask Chalkbeat Chicago education reporter Samantha Smylie how families are managing this waiting period. Plus, Injustice Watch senior reporter Maya Dukmasova walks us through her investigation into a former UIC crime lab whose questionable forensic science led to multiple cannabis DUI convictions.   Good News: Bad Butter, Lurker at Music Box, Workers Over Billionaires 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 Aug. 29 episode: Overlook Maps Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation North Shore Center for the Performing Arts  Paramount Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

With the threat of the National Guard looming over the city, it’s important to remember immigration raids are still happening across Chicagoland. Host Jacoby Cochran talks with Diego Morales with the Pilsen Rapid Response Network about how organizers are responding and what Chicagoans should do if they encounter ICE operations. 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 If you enjoyed today's interview with 2025 President of the Chicago Association of REALTORS®, Erika Villegas, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 28 episode: Overlook Maps Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation North Shore Center for the Performing Arts  Paramount Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

There’s still at least a few weeks left in patio season, which means there’s still time to meet some patio dogs. Bringing your dog to a restaurant patio or brewery has become a more common sight in Chicago, but what are the rules? City Cast contributor Leigh Giangreco talked with diners, dog owners, and restaurant workers in Roscoe Village to learn about pet etiquette at restaurants. Good news: Respect The Mic, Art Therapy  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 Aug. 27 episode: Overlook Maps Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation North Shore Center for the Performing Arts  Paramount Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

President Donald Trump is reiterating threats to send National Guard troops to Chicago. A new report indicates they could come as soon as September. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss how local leaders are responding. Plus, they discuss the city’s progress (or lack thereof) on its Vision Zero goals, and they play Raddle, a new locally-grown puzzle that may replace your Wordle habit. 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 Aug. 26 episode: Overlook Maps Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation North Shore Center for the Performing Arts  Paramount Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

In 2000, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley unveiled the “Plan for Transformation,” a decade-long initiative that demolished Chicago’s public highrises, overhauled the city's public housing system, and displaced thousands of Chicagoans. Author Natalie Moore and investigative reporter Mick Dumke have both covered the legacy of the Plan for Transformation and tracked the city’s claims about its overall success. We ask them both, how successful was the ‘Plan for Transformation, and how many of its lofty promises have gone unrealized to this day.   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 Aug. 25 episode: Overlook Maps Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation North Shore Center for the Performing Arts  Paramount Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

As Chicago Public Schools return for the 2025-2026 school year, major questions remain, like the future of the CPS budget gap, protections for immigrant students, and the relationship between the governor and district leaders. WBEZ Education reporter Sarah Karp and freelance journalist Brandon Pope are here to break down the pressing challenges facing CPS. Plus, the US attorney general increases threats towards Chicago, Chance drops his latest album Star Line, and we’ve got more pizza love to share. Good News: Bulls Fest, Creative Mornings Chicago 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 Aug. 22 episode: Overlook Maps Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation Broadway in Chicago Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE