City Cast Chicago

Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Housing are launching a new $21 million housing program to provide down payment and closing assistance to prospective homebuyers. Host Jacoby Cochran and contributors Jill Hopkins and PJ Walker discuss the details and ask if this is an effective, affordable housing solution. Plus, Summer at Chicago Public Library kicks off this week with celebrations at...

For almost two years, there have been questions about the future of Chicago’s downtown bus terminal. Flix, the parent company of Greyhound, has been on a month-to-month lease with the private owners since 2024, contributing to concerns about long-term access for the 500,000 riders it serves annually. Mayor Johnson has presented an ordinance to purchase the terminal for $19 million. Host Jacoby Coc...

What did lawmakers get done in Springfield? A $56 billion budget, a cellphone ban in schools, relief for those who lost SNAP benefits, and so much more. However, they didn’t pass a Bears stadium plan. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea break down lawmakers’ early morning sprint across the spring session finish line. Plus, school is out for CPS this week, and we’re dreaming up...

June is officially summertime Chi in our world, so we’re going to help you make the most of it. Host Jacoby Cochran is joined by contributors Leigh Giangreco and Anna DeShawn to talk about how to prepare for Pride Month, the Obama Center opening, and getting out on the water. They’ve also got some news stories to watch this month. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up fo...

This year, for the first time, Chicago will fully elect the 21-person school board. Candidates had to get their petitions in this week with signatures from their district in order to get on the Nov. 3 ballot. Chalkbeat Chicago’s Reema Amin and Injustice Watch’s Kelly Garcia are here to talk about 51 candidates who submitted their names. Plus, traffic court confusion is hurting immigrants, CPS has...

Mayor Brandon Johnson is in Vatican City this week to meet Chicago’s very own Pope Leo XIV for the first time. The two are expected to discuss their mutual disdain for the president, the state of Chicago baseball, and the Pope’s latest writings on the dangers of A.I. Adora Namigadde and Jill Hopkins are here to discuss the historic meeting. Plus, a 177-year-old beer halts production, and what Midw...

After multiple large gatherings of young people over the weekend, including at 57th St. Beach and North Ave Beach, Ald Brian Hopkins is preparing an ordinance he says would hold parents accountable for young people arrested at these events. Plus, Chicago is expanding its mental health response teams, and we what is your favorite Chicago beach? Good News: Maifest Want some more City Cast Chicago ne...

Earlier this month, CTA announced a new transit safety task force and made adjustments to 2025 ridership totals. With ongoing concerns about post-pandemic recovery and threats to federal funding, we discuss what these latest moves mean for CTA going forward. Plus, it’s National Inventors Month and contributors Leigh Giangreco and PJ Walker brought some of their favorite Chicago inventions.  Good N...

City Council reached a near-unanimous decision to pause the subminimum wage hike for tipped workers this week. When they voted to free the subminimum wage hike back in March, Mayor Brandon Johnson ultimately vetoed their decision. Johnson confirmed this week he will accept this compromise and not pursue another veto. WBEZ’s Susie An and Block Club Chicago’s Madison Savedra are here to discuss why...

City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson hosts this showdown where 12 City Cast reps, including City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran, compete head-to-head and debate which city is the best for a weekend trip this summer. From hot tub boats (exactly what they sound like) to epic outdoor summer festivals, our hosts are bringing the best of what their city has to offer this season. Can Jacoby beat...

Gov. JB Pritzker voiced support for a mega projects bill that incentivizes the Bears’ move to Arlington Heights, while shading Mayor Brandon Johnson, saying he has “no plan” to keep the Bears in Chicago. Johnson remains critical of the deal, calling it a burden on taxpayers. Meanwhile, Hammond, Indiana, is still in the race. We’re breaking down all the back and forth with Brandon Pope and Anna DeS...

Getting into Chicago Housing Authority units is hard enough, but the agency is also processing hundreds of relocation requests for current tenants facing health and safety issues. Executive producer Simone Alicea and creative producer Michelle Navarro discuss the challenges. They also find out which community area doesn’t have a library and discuss the reality TV-worthy drama of the piping plovers...

Chicago Public Schools are planning to cut teacher positions to minimize the $732 million budget deficit. Meanwhile, CPS CEO Macquline King has been subpoenaed by a congressional committee. Executive producer Simone Alicea, City Cast contributor Jill Hopkins, and creative producer Michelle Navarro discuss the latest, including the University of Chicago offering full tuition coverage for families w...

Mental health courts have proliferated in Illinois, but how effective are they? Grace Hauck with the Illinois Answers Project joins Justin Laurence with Crain’s and executive producer Simone Alicea to break it down. Plus,  the United Center’s 1901 Project is poised for a big tax break, and housing protections near the Obama Center seem to have failed to keep neighbors in their homes. But at least...

Lawmakers in Springfield are considering legislation that would make it easier for churches to build multifamily housing on land they own. Contributor Adora Namigadde explains the “Yes In God’s Backyard” movement. Plus, creative producer Emmi Mack traces the history of Jim’s Original in the Maxwell Street Area, and we’ve got recommendations for patio season. Good news: Lincoln Park Mayfest Learn m...

DNC officials are wrapping up a three-day visit as the city is a finalist to host the 2028 and 2032 conventions. We talked with contributors Brandon Pope and Anna DeShawn about the likelihood of Chicago hosting back-to-back conventions for the first time in 70 years. Plus, the DOJ is investigating three dozen Illinois school districts, and what are your favorite late-night eats in the city? Good N...

Are more regulations coming to the city’s scooters and ebikes? Following several fatal accidents involving minors, lawmakers have proposed a bill to add age and road restrictions for the state’s growing number of motorbikes, e-bikes, and scooters. Plus, Chicago is ranked one of the worst cities for mosquitoes, and what would you copy from other cities? Good News: Save Our SNAP Block Party Want som...

What sets Chicago brick apart? Why are bald eagles returning to Chicago? What would you wait in line for? City Cast Chicago contributors Leigh Giangreco and Al Scorch join us today to break it all down. Also, we hear a poem from YOU! 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: 77...

Why did Mayor Brandon Johnson go to Springfield? Will state police actually investigate the killing of Silverio Villegas González by ICE last year in Franklin Park? We’re answering these questions with Borderless Magazine’s Katrina Pham and WTTW’s Heather Cherone. Plus, eaglets have been spotted on the South Side, and Obama Presidential Center’s tickets are selling out fast. Want some more City Ca...

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! Earlier this year, we visited the Carole Robertson Center for Learning at their Albany Park site to talk to teachers and students about why after-school programs are critical to families across the city. On the center’s 50th anniversary, we wanted to revisit the conversation we had with these Chicago kids about what they want adults to know. Good news: Emmett and M...

In April, a federal judge ruled the Trump administration could not cut Medicare and Medicaid funding to hospitals providing gender-affirming care to minors. Host Jacoby Cochran, contributors Anna Deshawn and Brandon Pope discuss why Chicago hospitals have yet to reinstate their services for transgender youth. Plus, lawmakers want gun manufacturers to pay for gun violence, and Chicago’s summer fest...

A new report shines light on how immigrant families in Chicago continue to suffer months after the height of Operation Midway Blitz. Many families are struggling to find consistent work, are behind on rent, and are at risk of eviction. Host Jacoby Cochran and creative producer Michelle Navarro look over the report’s findings. Plus, it seems that May Day went down pretty smoothly for CPS, and we’ve...

May flowers are blooming all around us as summertime Chicago is on the horizon. We’ve got your guide to what’s happening in Chicago this month — rain or shine. Host Jacoby Cochran, creative producer Michelle Navarro, and audience development manager Chima Ikoro have events to look forward to, tips for May, and news stories to watch. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up...

Property tax bills remain a headache for thousands of Chicagoans, as tech issues continue to delay bill arrivals. We ask the Tribune’s A.D. Quig and Axios Chicago’s Monica Eng, who is to blame for this decade-long snafu. Plus, prosecutors weigh possible Midway Blitz investigations, Illinois farmers are struggling, and Unity Day 2026 is back in Englewood. Good News: 1920s Chinese jazz cafe, “Oh, Ma...

Earlier this year, the co-owner of the restaurant Warlord, Trevor Fleming, was arrested and charged with sharing explicit images of a woman without consent. We discuss what some employees have called a culture of abuse and the impact it has had on the restaurant since. Host Jacoby Cochran is joined by contributors Leigh Giangreco and Al Scorch. Plus, the DMV continues its modernization effort, and...