City Cast Chicago: episodes
60 recent episodes from the show's feed. Back to the show
Giannoulias’ Photo Op Flop, LGBTQ Politicians Win Big, and Game Nights Gone Wild
Nov 11, 2026 · 37 min
Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has way more money than any other Chicago mayoral candidate — so why is he aligning himself with one of the City Council's most controversial alders? Contributors Anna DeShawn and Al Scorch break down his recent Northwest Side photo op, the Instagram backlash, and what it reveals about his policies, priorities, and campaign plans. Plus, we discuss the loc
Would Amtrak Move Reindustrialize Bridgeport? Plus, Bean Takeover
Nov 10, 2026 · 42 min
Two months ago, White Sox minority owner Justin Ishbia released mockups for a new ballpark he hopes to build in the South Loop. The plan assumes that Amtrak will relocate its current maintenance facility two miles south to Bridgeport and Chinatown. Now, after pushback from neighbors and local leaders, and amendments to the development, a new federal report finds the move would have “insignif
Chicago's Best New Restaurants of 2026. Plus, What's Next in 2027
Nov 9, 2026 · 41 min
The Infatuation just dropped its Best New Restaurants of 2026, and All Well, Bar Tutto, and others made the list. Adrian Kane and John Ringor talk about Chicago’s winners, from a Hawaiian lunch counter in a Loop parking garage to a $150 duck in Lincoln Park. Plus, what to expect in 2027. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow
Why Were Chicago Voters Waiting Hours? Plus, Roseland Hospital Files For Bankruptcy
Nov 6, 2026 · 33 min
Despite positive early signs, Chicago’s voter turnout may not surpass the 46% in the 2022 midterm election. NABJ’s Brandon Pope and Block Club Chicago’s Atavia Reed discuss what contributed to this year’s numbers. Plus, Roseland Community Hospital files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Black Harvest Film Festival is back for year 32, and Fat Peach Bakery is opening in Hyde Park. Good News: South Side H
Why Does Chicago Police Keep Going Over Budget? Plus, New Gunshot Detection Pilot
Nov 5, 2026 · 41 min
Since 2023, the Chicago Police Department has spent $520.5 million more than the City Council approved, and it's on track to go over budget for a sixth straight year. Homicides, meanwhile, are at a 60-year low. Today, WTTW’s Heather Cherone walks us through what Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 2027 budget actually means for the police department and why the city wants to borrow $481 million to settle misc
Here’s Who Won the Midterm Elections
Nov 4, 2026 · 39 min
The results are in! Host Jacoby Cochran and interim executive producer Michelle Navarro break down who won and who lost on Election Day in Illinois, including the closely watched school board race, congressional contests, and county elections. Good news: Golden Hour Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You c
It's Election Day! Plus, Taste Tossed 800 pounds of Unsafe Food
Nov 3, 2026 · 41 min
Today we’ve got your Election Day FAQ’s including where to register and vote, the most helpful voter guides, and which restaurants to maybe avoid during your midday lunch. Plus, we ask Michelle Navarro and Simone Alicea if Chicago’s summer festivals are littered with unsafe food. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastc
Why Lt. Gov Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought. Plus, a South Side Teen Lounge
Nov 2, 2026 · 34 min
Today we’re talking about the race for Illinois lieutenant governor and why it’s drawing more attention than ever. Also, what happens if Gov. JB Pritzker runs for president in 2028? Contributor Leigh Giangreco joins us for a deep dive on some of the candidates you might see on your ballot. Plus, Jill Hopkins gives us the 411 on The Parke, an upcoming teen lounge with a café and art gallery i
Your Guide to November 2026 in Chicago
Oct 30, 2026 · 41 min
It’s a new month, and that means a new guide! Creative producer Emmi Mack and The Brown Line’s Ghazala Irshad join us with what they’re looking forward to this month. From a free Bengali folk festival to “Mexodus”, to tips for planning your own bar crawl, we’ve got a jam-packed guide to November. Plus, the fight over arts funding in the 2027 budget, the school board race, and what we’re following
Who Wants to Be the Next Mayor of Chicago?
Oct 29, 2026 · 35 min
Monday was the deadline for candidates for mayor and City Council to submit their petitions to get on the 2027 ballot. Host Jacoby Cochran sits down with NABJ President Brandon Pope and WBEZ’s Sasha Ann-Simons to discuss how many people want to be mayor, which alders are running unopposed, and important election dates to remember. Plus, Soul Train is honoring a Chicago legend and DuSable Park brea
Do You Know Who Owns Your Building? Plus, Can Doula Care Really Cost Thousands?
Oct 28, 2026 · 37 min
We’re asking a question most Chicago renters probably can’t answer: who owns your building? Today we’re talking about the two competing renters’ rights ordinances sitting in City Council and why it’s almost impossible to find out who actually owns your apartment. Host Jacoby Cochran sits down with Illinois Answers Project reporter Alex Nitkin and WBEZ health reporter Kristen Schorsch to brea
Are Pritzker and Preckwinkle Shoo-Ins on Election Day?
Oct 27, 2026 · 43 min
We have covered school board elections, nonbinding ballot questions, and judicial retention elections ahead of election day next Tuesday. However, two big races we haven’t discussed are for governor and Cook County board president. Chicago Tribune’s AD Quig and Sun-Times’ Mitch Armentrout join us to break down why Gov. JB Pritzker and Board President Toni Preckwinkle are two of the state’s most po
Waymo in Chicago. Plus, Investing in Crisis Response
Oct 26, 2026 · 34 min
We’re still not done talking about Mayor Brandon Johnson’s budget proposal. Contributors Leigh Giangreco and Al Scorch discuss crisis assistance response in the city and a potential reopening of a mental health clinic. Plus, driverless cars in Chicago and best-of-all-time Halloween costumes. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Fo
What’s in the Mayor’s 2027 Budget Proposal?
Oct 23, 2026 · 38 min
Mayor Brandon Johnson unveiled his $17.6 billion budget proposal at City Hall this week. The mayor called it “Chicago’s Fair Share Budget,” after what Harold Washington named his 1986 budget 40 years ago. We are joined by City Hall reporters Brandon Pope and Jake Sheridan to dive into the details, including another attempt at a corporate head tax, new investments in the library and youth jobs, and
Sexual Assault Allegations at UChicago Frats. Plus, These Local Businesses Need Your Support
Oct 22, 2026 · 30 min
This episode mentions sexual assault, so please take care when listening. Today we’re talking about two sexual violence allegations at University of Chicago fraternity houses. Plus, a string of robberies hitting local businesses on the South and North Sides. Contributors Yareni Murillo and PJ Walker break down the latest. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign
Mass Shooting Attempt in Aurora. Plus, Will Illinois Step in for Gender-Affirming Care?
Oct 21, 2026 · 32 min
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 newslet
Who Is Billionaire Mega Donor Michael Sacks? Plus, What Questions Are on the Ballot?
Oct 20, 2026 · 42 min
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
Pope Leo’s Cancer Diagnosis, Bears’ Hallmark Debut, and Soul Train Awards
Oct 19, 2026 · 39 min
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
What Happened at City Hall This Week? Plus, School Board Front Runner
Oct 16, 2026 · 43 min
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 Viole
Your Guide to Halloween & Día de Muertos in Chicago
Oct 15, 2026 · 33 min
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.