City Cast Chicago

Chicago's Best New Restaurants of 2026. Plus, What's Next in 2027

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

Why Were Chicago Voters Waiting Hours? Plus, Roseland Hospital Files For Bankruptcy

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 discu

Why Does Chicago Police Keep Going Over Budget? Plus, New Gunshot Detection Pilot

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. Hom

Here’s Who Won the Midterm Elections

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

It's Election Day! Plus, Taste Tossed 800 pounds of Unsafe Food

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

Why Lt. Gov Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought. Plus, a South Side Teen Lounge

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 presid

Your Guide to November 2026 in Chicago

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. Fro

Who Wants to Be the Next Mayor of Chicago?

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 B

Do You Know Who Owns Your Building? Plus, Can Doula Care Really Cost Thousands?

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

Are Pritzker and Preckwinkle Shoo-Ins on Election Day?

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’

Waymo in Chicago. Plus, Investing in Crisis Response

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

What’s in the Mayor’s 2027 Budget Proposal?

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 n

Sexual Assault Allegations at UChicago Frats. Plus, These Local Businesses Need Your Support

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

Mass Shooting Attempt in Aurora. Plus, Will Illinois Step in for Gender-Affirming Care?

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

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