Best Chicago Transit Authority Podcasts (2025)

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STV's AI Partnership with the Chicago Transit Authority 41:13

Play Pause

18d ago41:13

41:13

The ITP team plays an infrastructure news-themed round of "What's the Word" and breaks down potholes, while guest Joe Marchiafava from STV discusses a pilot with the Chicago Transit Authority that uses AI-powered video analytics and edge computing to detect intrusions on rail tracks.By ITP

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Trump’s 2-Hour Call with Putin, and Why Iran Is Pushing Gender Transition Surgeries 16:10

17h ago16:10

16:10

Plus, your Friday news quiz. Here’s what we’re covering: After ‘Productive’ Call, Trump Plans Another Meeting With Putin by Zolan Kanno-Youngs Summit With Zelensky Opens Trump’s New Push for Ukraine Cease-Fire by Constant Méheut and Zolan Kanno-Youngs John Bolton Indicted Over Handling of Classified Information by Devlin Barrett, Glenn Thrush and M…

1
ICE Tear Gasses Neighborhoods, CTA Fare Hike, and Goodbye The Promontory 36:18

19h ago36:18

36:18

Another week, another violent encounter with ICE in a Chicago neighborhood, as federal agents targeted residents on the city’s Southeast Side earlier this week and unleashed more tear gas on protesters. We are breaking down what we know so far with Block Club Chicago’s Francia Garcia Hernandez and TV host Brandon Pope. Plus, CTA fares are expected …

1
Trump Authorizes Covert C.I.A. Action, and Hamas Starts Bloody Crackdown 9:26

1d ago9:26

9:26

Plus, where are all the pennies?! Here’s what we’re covering: Trump Administration Authorizes Covert C.I.A. Action in Venezuela by Julian E. Barnes and Tyler Pager Trump Considers Overhaul of Refugee System That Would Favor White People by Zolan Kanno-Youngs and Hamed Aleaziz How the Pentagon Is Blocking Out News Organizations by Erik Wemple Judge …

1
An Inside Look at Chicago’s Private Social Clubs 26:21

2d ago26:21

26:21

A few weeks ago, we did an episode about how to make friends in Chicago. But in addition to the many free or low-cost clubs and activities you can find around the city, private social clubs also seem to be gaining popularity. So host Jacoby Cochran is talking with Payton Turner, a creator who follows arts and culture and has been making videos abou…

1
Chicago’s Uprising Against ICE, and 80,000 Stolen Phones 10:17

3d ago10:17

10:17

Plus, there may be lead in your protein supplements. Here’s what we’re covering: ICE Is Cracking Down on Chicago. Some Chicagoans Are Fighting Back by Julie Bosman Trump Renews Threat to Cut ‘Democrat Programs’ During Shutdown by Tony Romm and Catie Edmondson Trump Dangles $20 Billion Lifeline for Argentina, With Strings Attached by Zolan Kanno-You…

1
How Chicago Does Tourism in the Trump Era 27:03

3d ago27:03

27:03

Despite President Donald Trump calling the city a “hellhole,” Chicago was named Best Big City in the country by Condé Nast Traveler for the ninth year in a row. Host Jacoby Cochran sat down with Choose Chicago’s CEO and president, Kristen Reynolds, to discuss what it’s like to market our city to tourists, particularly in a time when Chicago is cons…

1
JTA's NAVI Autonomous Vehicle Program 45:50

4d ago45:50

45:50

The ITP team brings back infrastructure-themed Two Truths and a Lie before Jacksonville Transportation Authority CEO Nat Ford discusses the city's NAVI autonomous vehicle pilot. Jacksonville's aging Skyway system was transformed into a 10-mile AV corridor while keeping safety and multimodal transportation access in mind.…

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What’s Next for Gaza, and an Ultimatum for Pentagon Reporters 10:58

4d ago10:58

10:58

Plus, France versus fast fashion. Here’s what we’re covering: Trump Takes a Victory Lap, but Avoids Questions About What’s Next by David E. Sanger and Erika Solomon Trump Ramps Up Trade War as Tariffs on Lumber and Furniture Kick In by Ana Swanson and Sydney Ember Several News Outlets Reject Pentagon’s Reporting Restrictions by Erik Wemple Coal Min…

1
Does Suing Trump Help Chicagoans? 30:23

4d ago30:23

30:23

Lawsuits against the Trump administration are coming down left and right in Chicago, leading to blocks against National Guard deployment and orders that ICE can’t tear-gas journalists and peaceful protesters. But the president has shown he’s looking to get around the law in any way he can, which has us wondering: Do these lawsuits even matter? Host…

1
All Hostages Released From Gaza, and Stocks Drop After Trump’s New Threat 9:46

5d ago9:46

9:46

Plus, what happened to beheaded Columbus statues. Here’s what we’re covering: Israel Says All Hostages Have Been Released in Swap: Live Updates by David M. Halbfinger, Aaron Boxerman, Natan Odenheimer, Isabel Kershner and Adam Rasgon Some Americans Are Starting to Feel the Impact of the Government Shutdown by Eileen Sullivan Asia Markets Fall After…

1
Trump’s Retribution Lands on Latest Target, and U.S. Troops Head to Israel 14:42

8d ago14:42

14:42

Plus, your Friday news quiz. Here’s what we’re covering: Aid Groups Prepare to Provide Quick Relief to Gaza Under Cease-Fire by Liam Stack, Rawan Sheikh Ahmad and Farnaz Fassihi U.S. to Send 200 Troops to Israel in Support Roles by Tyler Pager and Eric Schmitt A Closer Look at the Counts in the Letitia James Indictment by Jonah E. Bromwich María Co…

1
National Guard Ruling, Transit Deficit Shrinks, and Bears Seek Redemption 42:06

8d ago42:06

42:06

A judge has temporarily blocked National Guard deployment in Chicago. This comes as a federal judge ruled against ICE’s arrest tactics. We’re breaking down the latest updates with executive producer Simone Alicea and The Triibe’s Corli Jay. Plus, state lawmakers are back for the fall veto session next week, Bears seek Hail Mary redemption in DC, an…

1
A Breakthrough Hostage Deal, and an Arrest in Deadly L.A. Wildfire 9:25

9d ago9:25

9:25

Plus, Dolly Parton wants you to know she "ain't dead yet." Here’s what we’re covering: What We Know About the Hostage Deal Between Israel and Hamas by Francesca Regalado G.O.P. Blocks Bid to Halt Trump’s Attacks in the Caribbean Sea by Robert Jimison Before Trump Ordered in Troops, Federal Officers Called Portland Protests ‘Low Energy’ by Hamed Ale…

1
Are Chicago Pop-Up Restaurants Worth The Hype? 33:57

9d ago33:57

33:57

Think you already know the best restaurants in Chicago? What about the ones that operate inside other establishments? Chicago’s pop-up scene is legendary, but hard to track if you’re not in the know. That’s why host Jacoby Cochran is talking with Infatuation Chicago’s John Ringor, who’s been tracking pop-ups all summer. Want some more City Cast Chi…

1
Comey Goes to Court, and Gold Prices Hit Record High 10:13

10d ago10:13

10:13

Plus, how job applicants are tricking A.I. Here’s what we’re covering: Comey to Appear in Court in Case That Has Roiled Justice Department by Glenn Thrush Pressed on Justice Dept. Politicization, Bondi Goes on Attack by Glenn Thrush and Devlin Barrett Federal Workers Express Uncertainty During Government Shutdown by Ang Li White House Signals It Ma…

1
Will Chicago Ever Have Another Ford City Mall? 27:45

10d ago27:45

27:45

With all the focus on what the feds are doing in Chicago, let’s remember there are still local stories unfolding. Neighbors have been pushing for more information about what will happen to Ford City Mall on the Southwest Side. Bridge Industrial is seeking to buy the property to turn it into an industrial corridor. Host Jacoby Cochran talks with the…

1
Trump Considers Insurrection Act, and Flights Slow During Government Shutdown 11:40

11d ago11:40

11:40

By The New York Times

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The Power of Technology in Modern Construction with Trimble 55:34

11d ago55:34

55:34

By ITP

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What Will Happen to the Red Line Extension Now? 24:26

11d ago24:26

24:26

By City Cast

1
Supreme Court Starts Consequential Term, and Illinois Governor Warns of ‘Trump’s Invasion’ 9:20

12d ago9:20

9:20

Plus, when Silicon Valley comes to the farm. Here’s what we’re covering: Supreme Court Returns to Face Trump Tests of Presidential Power by Ann E. Marimow and Abbie VanSickle Judge Again Blocks Guard Deployment as Trump Expands His Targets by Shawn Hubler, Anna Griffin and Eric Schmitt Pritzker Says Federal Agents Are Trying to Make Chicago a ‘War …

1
Trump Authorizes National Guard in Chicago. Here’s What We Know 25:53

12d ago25:53

25:53

The White House confirmed it’s authorizing the deployment of 300 National Guard troops to Illinois against the wishes of Gov. JB Pritzker. The announcement came hours after a woman was shot and injured by immigration agents in Brighton Park. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea break down what we know so far. Resources mentioned…

1
Trump’s ‘Armed Conflict’ Against Cartels, and the Rise of Hyperrealistic A.I. Videos 14:56

15d ago14:56

14:56

Plus, your Friday news quiz. Here’s what we’re covering: Trump ‘Determined’ the U.S. Is Now in a War With Drug Cartels, Congress Is Told by Charlie Savage and Eric Schmitt Deepfakes, Insults and Job Cuts: A Government Shutdown Like No Other by Erica L. Green F.D.A. Approves Generic Abortion Pill as Opponents Push Trump for New Restrictions by Pam B…

1
What Can Chicago Officials Actually Do About ICE? Plus, Downtown in 20 Years 48:22

15d ago48:22

48:22

The federal government’s rhetoric and tactics have only intensified around Chicago since border patrol agents marched along Michigan Avenue over the weekend. The president again threatened to send the military to Chicago, and protesters in Broadview are facing charges. Executive producer Simone Alicea is going through it with Axios Chicago’s Justin…

1
Trump’s Shutdown Agenda, and a Wave of Mysterious Drones in Scandinavia 10:43

16d ago10:43

10:43

Plus, what Jane Goodall learned among the chimps. Here’s what we’re covering: White House Uses Shutdown to Maximize Pain and Punish Political Foes by Tony Romm Trump Administration Asks Colleges to Sign ‘Compact’ to Get Funding Preference by Michael C. Bender Supreme Court Allows Lisa Cook to Remain at Fed, for Now by Ann E. Marimow and Colby Smith…

1
What Are the Scariest Things in Chicago? 42:10

16d ago42:10

42:10

With spooky season officially here, we’re getting into the spirit by holding a tournament for the scariest things in Chicago. From haunted hotels to thrilling intersections to Chicago’s underworld (aka lower Wacker), the City Cast Chicago team will crown a winner. Disagree with our picks? Vote in the first round and prove us wrong. Good News: Beyon…

1
U.S. Shutdown Begins, and Trump Tells Military to Use U.S. Cities as ‘Training Grounds’ 11:24

17d ago11:24

11:24

Plus, Italian grandmothers’ secret weapon. Here’s what we’re covering: Shutdown Enters First Full Day With No Hint Either Side Will Give by Catie Edmondson How the Shutdown Is Affecting Federal Services and Workers by Elena Shao and Lazaro Gamio Trump and Hegseth Recount Familiar Partisan Complaints to Top Military Leaders by Helene Cooper, Eric Sc…

1
Your Guide to October 2025 in Chicago 39:58

17d ago39:58

39:58

October marks the holiday sprint to the end of the year. Hey Chicago newsletter editor Emmi Mack has everything you need for Halloween. Executive producer Simone Alicea has fall fun for the scaredy cats. And host Jacoby Cochran is reminding you to watch for street sweeping. Get more from City Cast Chicago when you become a City Cast Chicago Neighbo…

1
Poll Shows Big Drop in American Support for Israel, and YouTube Settles Trump Lawsuit 10:44

18d ago10:44

10:44

Plus, how live betting is changing the world of sports. Here’s what we’re covering: Trump and Netanyahu Tell Hamas to Accept Their Peace Plan, or Else by Luke Broadwater and Shawn McCreesh Americans’ Support for Israel Dramatically Declines, Times/Siena Poll Finds by Lisa Lerer and Ruth Igielnik Trump’s Meeting With Democrats Brought No Breakthroug…

1
Feds March Downtown. Plus, Are Chicago’s Bridges Falling Down? 40:02

18d ago40:02

40:02

Gov. JB Pritzker is warning federal troops may soon come to Chicago after dozens of federal immigration agents marched Sunday through downtown Chicago making arrests. The display followed another round of protests and tear gas at the Broadview ICE facility and what appeared to be a Border Patrol photo op on boats near Navy Pier. Host Jacoby Cochran…

1
A Government Shutdown Standoff, and Trump’s Plans for ‘War-Ravaged’ Portland 9:48

19d ago9:48

9:48

Plus, the next Super Bowl halftime show act is revealed. Here’s what we’re covering: Trump to Meet With Congressional Leaders as Shutdown Deadline Looms by Michael Gold Trump and Netanyahu to Discuss Plans for Postwar Gaza by Aaron Boxerman Trump Again Focuses on Portland as an Avatar of the Left by Anna Griffin What We Know About the Suspect in th…

1
Whose Property Taxes Are Going Up This Year in Chicago? 32:46

19d ago32:46

32:46

While property tax bills have been delayed, we do have a sense of who’s likely to see the biggest tax hikes in Chicago. Host Jacoby Cochran sits down with the Tribune’s A.D. Quig and Alex Nitkin with the Illinois Answers Project to talk about skyrocketing assessments on the South and West sides. Good News: Filpinx Get more from City Cast Chicago wh…

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A Norm-Shattering Indictment, and Amazon’s $2.5 Billion Settlement 15:55

22d ago15:55

15:55

Plus, your Friday news quiz. Here’s what we’re covering: Trump Gets the Retribution He Sought, and Shatters Norms in the Process by Alan Feuer, Jonah E. Bromwich and Maggie Haberman Trump Will Slap Tariffs on Imported Drugs, Trucks and Household Furnishings by Ana Swanson, Rebecca Robbins and Peter Eavis Hegseth Is Said to Have Summoned U.S. Milita…

1
Fences Go Up at ICE Facility, Fire Stadium Quickly Advances, and Are Dogs Coming to Restaurants? 38:50

22d ago38:50

38:50

Fences have gone up around the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing center in Broadview despite local officials’ opposition. Meanwhile, conflicting narratives are emerging about the fatal ICE shooting of Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez. Host Jacoby Cochran discusses the latest with Borderless magazine’s Katrina Pham and the Sun-Times’ Nad…

1
What to Know About the ICE Shooting, and a Rare Climate Pledge from China 8:57

23d ago8:57

8:57

Plus, how big was Jimmy Kimmel’s first night back? Here’s what we’re covering: What We Know About the Shooting at a Dallas ICE Facility by Pooja Salhotra White House Eyes New Round of Mass Layoffs if Government Shuts Down by Tony Romm China for First Time Promises to Reduce Its Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Somini Sengupta With Sobs and Doubts, Green…

1
How to Make Friends in Chicago 38:15

23d ago38:15

38:15

It can be hard to make new friends as an adult in a big city. That’s why City Cast Chicago executive producer (and resident transplant) Simone Alicea has created a step-by-step guide to making friends in Chicago. She discusses her tips with host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro to see if the Chicago natives agree. Good news: 7323 Chicag…

1
Trump’s Big Flip on Ukraine, and a Defiant Jimmy Kimmel 10:32

24d ago10:32

10:32

Plus, robot fight club. Here’s what we’re covering: Trump Cancels Meeting With Democrats as Shutdown Nears by Catie Edmondson ‘Your Countries Are Going to Hell’: Trump Airs His Grievances at the U.N. by Luke Broadwater In a Sudden Shift, Trump Says Ukraine Can Win the War With Russia by David E. Sanger Jimmy Kimmel, Somber but Defiant, Defends Free…

1
How to Have Fun in Chicago for Under $10 34:11

24d ago34:11

34:11

We’re all hunting for bargains right now. That’s why today we’re talking about the best food, activities, and gifts in the city for $10 or less. Some lists and resources: Infatuation’s list of $10 meals Hey Chicago’s lists of cheap eats downtown and free things in Chicago Laura Keene’s spreadsheet of $8 cocktails What else can you get for $10 (a mo…

1
Bentley Systems' OpenSite+: AI-Powered Site Design Software 1:03:34

25d ago1:03:34

1:03:34

The ITP team starts and ends the episode with a transit-themed over-under game and listener emails. For this week's interview, Gavin Jenkins talks with Bentley Systems’ Ian Rosam and Joey LouAllen about OpenSite+, a next-gen AI-powered tool for site engineering that reduces project timelines and boosts collaboration through data-centric, cloud-base…

1
Trump Targets Tylenol and Vaccines, and ABC Brings Kimmel Back 9:51

25d ago9:51

9:51

Plus, America’s new astronauts. Here’s what we’re covering: Trump Issues Warning Based on Unproven Link Between Tylenol and Autism by Azeen Ghorayshi Supreme Court Allows Trump to Fire F.T.C. Commissioner by Abbie VanSickle and Ann E. Marimow Jimmy Kimmel’s Show to Return to ABC on Tuesday Night by John Koblin, Brooks Barnes, Michael M. Grynbaum an…

1
Broadview ICE Facility Is Not Closing. Plus, Skip This AI Mural in Chicago 35:46

25d ago35:46

35:46

Protests continue at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in suburban Broadview after agents have deployed tear gas and pepper bullets over the last few days. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss the latest, including a report that ICE considered closing the facility, which federal officials denied. They…

1
The U.N.’s Future, and the ‘Hamburger Helper Economy’ 11:19

26d ago11:19

11:19

Plus, would you swim in the Chicago River? On Today’s Episode: U.N. Gathers Amid Its 80th Anniversary and a ‘Free Fall,’ by Farnaz Fassihi Britain, Australia, Canada and Portugal Recognize a Palestinian State, by Mark Landler At Kirk Service, an Extraordinary Fusion of Government and Christianity, by Elizabeth Dias Trump Demands That Bondi Move ‘No…

1
How Can Chicago Make it Easier to Own a Home? 32:55

26d ago32:55

32:55

Buying a home is one of the most effective ways of putting down roots in a neighborhood. But the cost of homeownership is prohibitively high for many Chicagoans, especially in gentrifying areas. Community land trusts like Here to Stay seek to shift that narrative on the Northwest Side. Here to Stay’s Lucy Gomez-Feliciano explains how this alternati…

1
F.C.C. Head Says Kimmel Not ‘the Last Shoe to Drop,’ and Musk Goes All In on A.I. 14:40

29d ago14:40

14:40

Plus, your Friday news quiz. On Today’s Episode: Trump Pressures Broadcasters Over Critical Coverage, Escalating Attack on Speech, by Zolan Kanno-Youngs Kennedy’s Advisory Panel Votes to Limit M.M.R.V. Vaccine for Children Under 4, by Apoorva Mandavilli Since Leaving Washington, Elon Musk Has Been All In on His A.I. Company, by Cade Metz, Kate Cong…

1
How Will Chicago Close $1B Budget Gap? Plus, Visit Austin’s New Grocery Store 39:59

29d ago39:59

39:59

Chicago is staring down a $1.15 billion budget gap. This week, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s budget task force released its official report, which includes nearly 90 policy suggestions. We are joined by city hall reporters A.D. Quig from the Tribune and Tonia Hill from the Triibe to discuss a city vacancy freeze, raising garbage fees, and a property tax …

1
“We Built it for Them” 50:51

30d ago50:51

50:51

This summer, CTA reopened four Red Line stations in Edgewater and Uptown—making Phase One of the Red Purple Modernization Project the LARGEST completed transit investment in CTA history. In this episode, Acting President Nora Leerhsen invited two members of the team who have been instrumental to RPM to share their stories about what it took to make…

1
Jimmy Kimmel Pulled Off Air ‘Indefinitely,’ and Former C.D.C. Head Issues Warning 10:56

30d ago10:56

10:56

Plus, smart glasses and even smarter headphones. On Today’s Episode: ABC Pulls Jimmy Kimmel Off Air for Charlie Kirk Comments After F.C.C. Pressure, by John Koblin, Michael M. Grynbaum and Brooks Barnes Kennedy’s Vaccine Committee to Vote on Hepatitis B and Covid Shots, by Apoorva Mandavilli 5 Takeaways From Ousted C.D.C. Director’s Hearing, by Chr…

1
Where Are Chicago’s Best Tacos? 33:36

30d ago33:36

33:36

Chicago takes its tacos very seriously. That’s why the City Cast Chicago team is rounding up their favorite spots. (And by the way, it’s not the first time.) Taqueria Chingon Don Pedro Carnitas Chicago Taco Authority Carnitas Uruapan Mother Prepper La Chaparrita El Tragon Taqueria Good news: Chicago Exhibition Weekend, Chicago Architecture Biennial…

1
Trump’s New Plan to Target Liberal Groups, and a Shouting Match in the Senate 10:52

1M ago10:52

10:52

Plus, Robert Redford’s legacy. On Today’s Episode: Kirk Killing Suspect Faces Aggravated Murder Charge, and Death Penalty, by Anna Griffin, Jack Healy, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs and Jacey Fortin Trump Invokes Kirk’s Killing in Justifying Measures to Silence Opponents, by Zolan Kanno-Youngs, Andrew Duehren, Kenneth P. Vogel and Katie Rogers Patel Pla…

1
Why Are You Sleeping On Chicago Theater? 30:25

1M ago30:25

30:25

Fall theater season is picking up across Chicago and host Jacoby Cochran is sharing a few of the shows he is most excited for. Plus, he is joined by Chicago actor Ronald Conner to get a behind the scenes look at Chicago's thriving theater scene. Big White Fog at Court Theater Rabbits in their pockets at Lifeline Theatre Veal at Red Orchid Theatre R…