City Cast Chicago

What have we learned in the last week about the city’s financial position, and what does that mean for the growing field of mayoral candidates? Alex Nitkin with the Illinois Answers Project is here with the past, present, and future of Chicago’s fiscal health. Plus, contributor Yareni Murillo is sounding the alarm about an increase in ICE arrests in Chicago. And what happened to the city’s tree-pl...

Today we’re talking about some new appointments coming out of the Johnson administration, including a new Public Health Commissioner and transit board members. We break down the nominations with executive producer Simone Alicea and contributor Yareni Murillo. Plus, where to watch “Love Island” in Chicago and our pitches for the next big Chicago-based TV series. Want some more City Cast Chicago new...

U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (4th) has been accused of thumbing the political scales in favor of his chosen successor. In November, Garcia dropped out of the race just before the candidacy submission deadline, leaving his chief of staff, Patty Garcia, as the only Democratic candidate on the ballot. Now, independents in the race say the elder statesman is creating even more campaign hurdles. We di...

Two illicit massage parlors on Archer Avenue were raided within weeks of each other — including one next door to 12th Ward Ald. Julia Ramirez’s office. Creative producer Michelle Navarro lives in the ward and has noticed the proliferation of sketchy-looking establishments in her neighborhood. She and host Jacoby Cochran ask Ramirez what’s happening at these “spas,” why there are so many in the are...

The Chicago Police Department will be without a permanent police superintendent starting July 15, as current superintendent Larry Snelling announced his retirement late last week. We break down Snelling’s tenure and Mayor Brandon Johnson’s potential timeline with Araceli Gomez-Aldana and Leigh Giangreco. Plus, the number of same-sex couples on the Far Southeast Side is growing, and we’ve got even...

See if your Chicago knowledge serves you well! In the first-ever Your City Could Be Better trivia episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz goes head to head with journalist and historian Alexandra Petri to see who knows more about U.S. history, geography, and celebrities ahead of the country’s semiquincentennial. Sean McPherson, trivia wiz and City Cast Twin Cities host, leads four riveting rounds of qu...

This week, Mayor Brandon Johnson pitched the Protecting Renter’s Ordinance, which the city calls a “comprehensive modernization” of Chicago's 40-year-old residential landlord and tenant law. We break down the details with contributors Jill Hopkins and Leigh Giangreco. Plus, the Obama Presidential Center announces “The People’s Fourth,” and we’re talking go-to treats for those 90-degree days.  Good...

As summer really takes off, the food fests, fireworks shows, and WNBA All Star Weekend have us really excited for July. Here’s your guide to getting the most out of the month. Also included: a breakdown of the mayoral petition process and ‘what’s in our bags.’  Good News: Pride South Side  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @cityca...

Extreme heat warnings, corn sweat, and potential thunderstorms could make this the most volatile weather week of the summer so far. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran have tips to beat the heat. Plus, thousands of Chicagoans will be making that annual trip to Northwest Indiana this week for fireworks, and thousands more will be bingeing the final season of “The Bear.” So, we...

Chicago’s infamous parking meters are up for sale. In a City Council committee meeting last week, alders got more insight into the mayor’s earlier bid to buy them back. We also heard from representatives of the prospective buyers. Host Jacoby Cochran is breaking down the contentious meeting with contributors Leigh Giangreco and Al Scorch. Plus, another day, another candidate for mayor, and y’all h...

Earlier this month, Advocate Health Care broke ground on a new hospital at the south end of the forthcoming 440-acre Quantum Shore Campus. The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park has already started construction at the former U.S. Steel South Works site. This $9 billion, 128-acre tech campus is backed by major public and private partners and is set to reshape the southeast side. A new multi...

The Federal Communications Commission has ABC 7 Chicago and other local stations in its crosshairs as the FCC has ordered an accelerated review of several affiliate broadcast licenses. This is yet another anti-DEI political attack from the Trump administration. We’re discussing the ongoing fallout with contributors Yareni Murillo and PJ Walker. Plus, we’ve got iconic toys, ‘The Bear,’ and free cof...

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, who has been floated as a potential candidate for mayor, recently received $255,000 from a local union. This has sparked conversation about what the Secretary’s growing political war chest will be used for. Host Jacoby Cochran sits down with contributors Brandon Pope and Anna DeShawn to discuss. Plus, the city breaks ground on the Elise Malary Plaza, and we di...

Principals, local school councils, and parent groups are getting increasingly creative with their fundraising. In 2025, Chicago schools spent nearly $52 million in independently sourced revenue. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss how individual schools are navigating tightening budgets. Plus, Mayor Brandon Johnson has submitted a $425 million plan for the 78, and ‘Fer...

Last week, the City Council voted to purchase the downtown Greyhound bus terminal. We discuss the details and what’s next for the critical transportation hub. Host Jacoby Cochran also asks contributors Al Scorch and Yareni Murillo, is Chicago in a friendship recession, and what spots should be open till 4 a.m.? Good News: The Moth: Beverly Arts Center Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then ma...

We’ve got more mayoral candidates ahead of February’s primary after former Ald. George Cardenas (12th) officially launched his campaign. Contributor Leigh Giangreco was at the announcement and tells us what separates Cardenas from others. Plus, PJ Walker is here with his best advice for attending Pride Fest this weekend — we’re also excited for the return of late-night jazz at the Green Mill.  Wan...

A week before the Bears season kicks off, Soldier Field will be home to one of Chicago’s most controversial sons, Kanye West. The Bully tour touches down Sept. 3 and 4. Host Jacoby Cochran asks City Cast contributors Brandon Pope and Anna DeShawn, is Chicago over Kanye West and his most recent apology tour. Plus, Brave Space Alliance & Transformative Justice Law Project are hosting a name change c...

Across Chicago, neighbors are still navigating uprooted trees, power outages, and flooding following intense storms last week. Unfortunately, if the weather apps are to be trusted, we could see more thunderstorms and intense winds this week as well. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran survey the damage and discuss ongoing concerns around FEMA relief. Plus, Jacoby has neighborh...

After years of trying, Illinois lawmakers have officially banned cellphones and other devices in classrooms. Gov. JB Pritzker, a vocal supporter of this legislation, says he will sign the bill. We break down the details with contributors Yareni Murillo and Adora Namigadde. Plus, are you feeling the World Cup energy, or wondering why Chicago, of all places, isn't a host city? And how early do firew...

Walgreens has shuttered two more South Side locations, including the Chatham location, after closing five in 2025. Ald. William Hall (6th) wants to launch the city’s first-ever Office of Pharmacy Access to create publicly owned alternatives. Block Club Chicago’s Atavia Reed and WBEZ’s Sarah Karp are here with details. Plus, we’re recapping Chicago Public Schools Supt. Macquline King’s congressiona...

Ann Sather’s last day on Belmont is June 28. City Cast Chicago contributor Adora Namigadde explains why the closure feels so significant. Plus, contributor Leigh Giangreco reflects on Chicago bike safety after city transportation worker Riley O’Neil was killed while biking in Bridgeport. Plus, we’re talking about how we’d play hooky like Ferris Bueller and what we think is actually overhyped about...

Most of the city’s 77 public pools, 200 water features, and Chicago’s only inland beach are all opening next Friday. Plus, we’ve got more events and organizations to visit during Pride and beyond, including Lipstick Lounge, Garden of Collective, and Level Sporting Club. We’re also sharing the best viral videos we’ve seen this month, like Young Roddo, Sidequesttre, and DJ Ca$h Era. Good News: Sox C...

Red Line trains will be rerouted to elevated tracks for the third straight weekend due to maintenance work in the Loop subway. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran have the details and their favorite events this weekend away from the Loop. Plus, we’ve got our Ultimate Summer Guide taped live last week at Switchyards in Logan Square with 77 Flavors’ Sara Faddah and Dario Durham....

Chicago’s mayoral election is nine months away. Last week, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza became the first major candidate to make their campaign official. Host Jacoby Cochran, Brandon Pope, and Leigh Giangreco discuss Mendoza’s platform and other potential candidates. Plus, we react to news that the Bears are moving forward with a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana. Is this for real or just the...

Chicago is opening its 82nd public library branch in June, and loaning out books is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what these institutions offer residents. Host Jacoby Cochran talks with City Cast CEO David Plotz from Your City Could Be Better podcast about how Chicago’s libraries have evolved to meet community needs, from opening a food pantry inside a branch to turning student IDs...