The Pritzker Machine, O’Hare Madness, and Loose Eggs

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

The results are in! Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea break down who won and who lost on primary day in Illinois, including the closely watched Senate race, congressional contests, and county elections. 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

It’s primary election day! But did you know it’s also election day tomorrow? CPS families, teachers, students, and neighbors can cast a vote for their local school councils. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea are breaking down some county races, what LSCs do, and they’re planning their ideal Ravinia picnics. 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

Campaign fundraising, super PAC spending, and where candidates are getting their money has been hotly debated this election season. Senate candidate and U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi is the nation’s second-highest fundraising federal candidate. City Cast contributor Leigh Giangreco and Block Club Chicago’s Maxwell Evans dive into how the congressperson amassed such a massive bankroll. Plus, we check in on restoration efforts at Morgan Shoal on the South Side, and host Jacoby Cochran asks: Where would you host your political photo-op? Good News: Asian Pop Up Cinema 20th Year Anniversary 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