City Cast Chicago

Who Is Billionaire Mega Donor Michael Sacks? Plus, What Questions Are on the Ballot?

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 crit

Pope Leo’s Cancer Diagnosis, Bears’ Hallmark Debut, and Soul Train Awards

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 o

What Happened at City Hall This Week? Plus, School Board Front Runner

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

Your Guide to Halloween & Día de Muertos in Chicago

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 co

The Fat Cat Attracting Lincoln Park Rats. Plus, Northalsted’s Legacy Walk

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

Why Is Chicago Losing Maternity Wards? Plus, Guide to Judicial Elections

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 ha

OIG Reopens Dominguez Investigation. Plus, Michigan Ave Getting Bus Lane

Chicago Public Schools’ inspector general is reopening an investigation into school board presidential candidate Hilario Dominguez. He is facing allegations of inappropri

Will Supreme Court End Assault Weapons Ban? Plus, Chicago Named Best Big City… AGAIN

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 th

Edgewater Rezoning Debate, John Prine Bday Celebration, and White Sox Tickets Skyrocket

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 play

What You Need to Know For School Board Elections

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

Is Chicago's New Parking Deal Better? Plus, 2020 Time

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 overwh

Why Did Wieners Circle Shade the Mayor? Plus, Soxtober Returns

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

Your Guide to October 2026 in Chicago

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 Mar

Deadly Month For Cyclists. Plus, Best of the South Side

Chicago has over 70% more cycling accidents through September than this same period in 2021, including multiple fatal crashes involving speeding drivers. Contributors Yar

Why Block Club Sued ICE

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

Can Mayoral Candidates Double Dip? Plus, Ford City’s Future

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

How Chicago Latinos Are Changing Neighborhoods

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

Art Institute Returns Nazi-Looted Painting. Plus, Fourth Shedd Beluga Dies

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

Why Are There Sukkahs in North Lawndale? Plus, Chicago’s Queer-Affirming Churches

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 Pu

Are Illinois’ County Jails in Crisis? Plus, Big Changes at MSI

Following a historic number of deaths in 2023, growing concerns over standards violations, and an investigation into ongoing unreporting, some Cook County Commissioners a