City Cast Chicago

Today we’re talking about an attempted mass shooting at a Hindu Temple in Aurora and what Illinois is doing to keep gender-affirming care funded now that federal dollars have dried up. Host Jacoby Cochran discusses the latest with contributors Adora Namigadde and Anna DeShawn. Plus, should Chicago get a portal? Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newslett...

Billionaire mega-donor Michael Sacks has been involved in Illinois politics and the state’s democratic party for decades. He has been an advisor, campaign donor, and critical ally to governors, mayors, state attorneys, and more. Now he is one of the lead opposition forces to the Chicago Teachers Union and Mayor Brandon Johnson. WBEZ’s Mariah Woelfel joins us with the latest. Plus, we’re going thro...

Today we’re joined by contributors Jill Hopkins and Leigh Giangreco to discuss Pope Leo’s recent cancer diagnosis, Chicago’s newest Bears-themed rom-com, and the return of the Soul Train Awards.  Good News: Write Club 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...

Today we’re talking about what went down at this week’s city council meeting, including a $260 million police settlement, attempts to override a mayoral veto, and a vote on the Smart Streets program. Plus, school board presidential candidates met in a Chicago Public Media forum this week, and we’ve got love for the Westside Love Maps Project! Good News: Write About Now Poetry, Vigil Against Violen...

There are two weeks left to go in October, which means the spooky season is almost over. But don’t worry, contributors Yareni Murillo and PJ Walker are here with great costume ideas, parties across the city, and the best spot to catch a horror movie or show.  Good News: Al Raby dedication.  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  F...

For years, Lincoln Park neighbors have complained about one couple who has single-handedly contributed to the growing rat population in the community. Billionaires Barre and Barbara Seid, despite repeated fines and citations, continue to feed expensive nuts to the squirrels, pigeons, and rats in the park. We break down the Alderman’s response with contributors Al Scorch and Anna DeShawn. Plus, che...

Safety net hospitals in the Chicagoland area are in crisis. We have covered multiple closures, including West Suburban in Oak Park and Weiss Memorial in Uptown. Others have had to make hard decisions on which units to keep funding. Roseland Community Hospital announced that it will close its maternity unit by the end of the month. Leigh Giangreco is here with the latest updates. Plus, Dan Hinkel j...

Chicago Public Schools’ inspector general is reopening an investigation into school board presidential candidate Hilario Dominguez. He is facing allegations of inappropriate behavior while working with a minor at a Pilsen nonprofit. Fox Chicago reporter Brandon Pope and Axios Chicago’s Carrie Shepherd are here with the latest. Plus, Block 37 sold for $30 million, a bus lane coming to Michigan Aven...

The Supreme Court is officially back for the fall term, and it has its hands full. The ACLU possibly has its busiest term ever, with plenty of civil liberties cases on the docket. The Supreme Court will decide the fate of Cook County’s 30-year ban on assault weapons. Plus, what happens when a neighborhood festival goes viral? Get ready for “Best Big City Day.” Good News: Latina Expo Want some more...

Today we’re talking about an ongoing redevelopment debate in Edgewater, a birthday celebration for legendary songwriter John Prine, and the rising price of White Sox playoff tickets. Plus, it’s the start of our Fall Membership campaign, and we’ve got an amazing piece of merch for new City Cast Chicago neighbors! Good News: Friday:  Chicago Textile Fair, Healing Arts Chicago Summit, and Big Ma...

Over the next month, Chicagoans will vote in a historic school board election. For the first time, the now 20-seat board and the at-large president will be decided at the ballot box. WBEZ’s Sarah Karp and Chalk Beat Chicago’s Reema Amin are here with their Chicago School Board Voter Guide. We discuss the races we’re watching closely, the candidates for school board president, and where the campaig...

Last week, the City Council voted to approve the sale of Chicago’s Parking meters to a New York-based investment firm. After months of back and forth, alders voted overwhelmingly in favor of the deal, arguing it means more revenue for Chicago over the remaining five decades. We are joined by contributors Brandon Pope and Jill Hopkins to break down the details. Plus, we’re taking a peek inside a CO...

Today we’re joined by Jessica Mordacq from Austin Weekly News/Forest Park Review and Block Club Chicago’s Patrick Filbin. We’re reacting to the Wieners Circle shading the mayor with their marquee, a new plan to close the life expectancy gap in Garfield Park, and the White Sox first playoff series win in 21 years! Plus, where to find Hebru Brantley’s Austin statue and Block Club Chicago’s weekend B...

As we enter the home stretch of 2026, we’ve got your guide for October. We’re talking Sox hats, budget battles, early voting, apple orchards, and tips for the Chicago Marathon. Plus, we need your help sourcing the best spots for Halloween costumes. Good news: SAUCED Night Market  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @cityca...

Chicago has over 70% more cycling accidents through September than this same period in 2021, including multiple fatal crashes involving speeding drivers. Contributors Yareni Murillo and Anna DeShawn are here to discuss what they believe must be done to stem these rising numbers. Plus, we are celebrating the newest inductees of Chicago’s LGBT Hall of Fame, and South Side Weekly’s Best of the South...

It took Block Club Chicago’s investigative reporter Mick Dumke 11 months to get one page of records from ICE about the clash between its agents and protestors outside of the Broadview detention center last year. The response had no records or reports of arrests or use of force. It only contained the agency’s own account of what happened. Mick joins host Jacoby Cochran to talk all things Freedom of...

Mayoral candidate Bill Quinlan’s lawsuit aims to block Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, and Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas from seeking reelection in their offices while running for mayor. Interim executive producer Michelle Navarro and contributors Jill Hopkins and Yareni Murillo break down the details. Plus, City Council approves plans for the Ford City...

Little Village was once known as the city's largest Latino neighborhood, but a new report found Belmont Cragin now has the largest Latino population. Block Club reporter Francia Garcia Hernandez tells host Jacoby Cochran how this happened and how other Chicago neighborhoods are changing. Good news: Hexe  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter...

The Art Institute of Chicago is returning a 113-year-old painting to the family of its original owner after an investigation revealed it was stolen and resold during Nazi occupation. We talk with contributor Leigh Giangreco and WTTW’s Joanna Hernandez about how Chicago’s world-class museums manage repatriation and allegations of stolen artifacts. Plus, a new report says younger Latinos are speakin...

Contributors Anna DeShawn and Adora Namigadde join us with picks from the Chicago Underground and International Film Festivals. Plus, we discuss E3 Radio’s 12th annual Purple Tie Affair, the Chicago Sukkah Design Festival, and Good Neighbor Week  Good News: Palestine Film Showcase Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @cityc...

Following a historic number of deaths in 2023, growing concerns over standards violations, and an investigation into ongoing unreporting, some Cook County Commissioners are calling for renewed independent oversight for the state’s largest county jail. Plus, Museum of Science and Industry announced multimillion-dollar renovations, Caleb Williams avoids serious injury, and it’s the first day of fall...

Today we’re talking about the rise of Flock automatic license plate reading cameras on college campuses, including at the University of Illinois Chicago. Contributors Liegh Giangreco and Al Scorch walk us through the growing controversy. Plus, we’ve got a floating riverboat circus unlike anything you’ve ever seen, and our favorite Chicago documentaries.  Good News: Bronzeville Trail Framework...

This year, Chicagoans have seen more grocery stores close on the South and West Sides, SNAP benefits stripped from tens of thousands of households, and food prices continue to rise. Sun-Times health reporter Elvia Malagon joins us to discuss how this is all contributing to an increasingly food-insecure Chicago. Plus, WBEZ’s arts and culture reporter Mike Davis is in the building with the must-see...

Today we’re talking about a local historian’s fascinating copyright battle, the rise of microcinemas and film clubs, and the ‘Divvyfication’ of Chicago. We are joined by contributors Jill Hopkins and PJ Walker.  Shows: Pop Quiz Hot Show, I Said What I Said, Storyfest Good News: Build Coffee Writing Workshop, The Kick Off Open Mic, Proud and Loud:  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? T...

A neighborhood group is building bus benches in Ukrainian Village. But will the city remove the unauthorized infrastructure? Executive producer Simone Alicea and contributors Yareni Murillo and Anna DeShawn discuss the need for benches and shelters. Plus, it’s Bisexual Visibility Week, and autumn is nearly here. Good News: Rooted in Recovery Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to...