City Cast Chicago

The Federal Communications Commission has ABC 7 Chicago and other local stations in its crosshairs as the FCC has ordered an accelerated review of several affiliate broadcast licenses. This is yet another anti-DEI political attack from the Trump administration. We’re discussing the ongoing fallout with contributors Yareni Murillo and PJ Walker. Plus, we’ve got iconic toys, ‘The Bear,’ and free coffee on the menu. 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: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this June 25 episode: Visit Bloomington Destination Madison Writers Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Principals, local school councils, and parent groups are getting increasingly creative with their fundraising. In 2025, Chicago schools spent nearly $52 million in independently sourced revenue. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss how individual schools are navigating tightening budgets. Plus, Mayor Brandon Johnson has submitted a $425 million plan for the 78, and ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ turns 40. 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: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this June 23 episode: Visit Bloomington Destination Madison Griffin MSI Writers Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

We’ve got more mayoral candidates ahead of February’s primary after former Ald. George Cardenas (12th) officially launched his campaign. Contributor Leigh Giangreco was at the announcement and tells us what separates Cardenas from others. Plus, PJ Walker is here with his best advice for attending Pride Fest this weekend — we’re also excited for the return of late-night jazz at the Green Mill. 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: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, June 18 episode: Enjoy Illinois Griffin MSI Broadway In Chicago Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Across Chicago, neighbors are still navigating uprooted trees, power outages, and flooding following intense storms last week. Unfortunately, if the weather apps are to be trusted, we could see more thunderstorms and intense winds this week as well. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran survey the damage and discuss ongoing concerns around FEMA relief. Plus, Jacoby has neighborhood recs for Obama Center visitors, and we are hearing from listeners and readers. Good News: Miyagi Records Juneteenth Celebration 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: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this June 16 episode: Enjoy Illinois Griffin MSI Broadway In Chicago Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Walgreens has shuttered two more South Side locations, including the Chatham location, after closing five in 2025. Ald. William Hall (6th) wants to launch the city’s first-ever Office of Pharmacy Access to create publicly owned alternatives. Block Club Chicago’s Atavia Reed and WBEZ’s Sarah Karp are here with details. Plus, we’re recapping Chicago Public Schools Supt. Macquline King’s congressional testimony in Washington this week. Good News: Movies In The Parks, Chicago Music Legacy Tour, Simeon's First Play in Decade 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: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, June 12 episode: Visit Bloomington Friends of San Damiano Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Most of the city’s 77 public pools, 200 water features, and Chicago’s only inland beach are all opening next Friday. Plus, we’ve got more events and organizations to visit during Pride and beyond, including Lipstick Lounge, Garden of Collective, and Level Sporting Club. We’re also sharing the best viral videos we’ve seen this month, like Young Roddo, Sidequesttre, and DJ Ca$h Era.Good News: Sox Crawl Fiesta & 90’s Night at the Zoo 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: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this June 10 episode: Visit Bloomington Friends of San Damiano Chicago Public Library Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Chicago’s mayoral election is nine months away. Last week, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza became the first major candidate to make their campaign official. Host Jacoby Cochran, Brandon Pope, and Leigh Giangreco discuss Mendoza’s platform and other potential candidates. Plus, we react to news that the Bears are moving forward with a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana. Is this for real or just the latest round of stadium chicken? Good News: Annual Puerto Rican Festival 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: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, June 8 episode: Visit Bloomington Friends of San Damiano Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

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 the regional branches, and where are you taking your people when they visit this summer? Good News: TIP Fest Auditions 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: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this June 4 episode: Enjoy Illinois American Writers Museum Chicago Public Library Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

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 our ideal Chicago summer vacations. Good News: From Memory to Movement: Emmett at 85 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: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, June 2 episode: Enjoy Illinois American Writers Museum Chicago Public Library Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

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 critical budget concerns heading into the summer, and Murakami’s homers are fueling the white sox. Good News: Taste of Chicago 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: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this May 29 episode: North Shore Center for the Performing Arts Newberry Library Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

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 news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this May 27 episode: North Shore Center for the Performing Arts Newberry Library Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

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 this ordinance is being reversed just three years in. Plus, Illinois is getting millions for lead pipe removal, and changes are coming to Ravenwood’s popular Del Sur Bakery. Good News: South West Side Zine Library 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: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, May 22 episode: Enjoy Illinois Broadway In Chicago - Spamalot Newberry Library Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

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 DeShawn. Plus, El Bar is celebrating Chicago’s queer Latino community in Northalsted, and who doesn’t love a healthy crosstown rivalry? Good News: En La Vida newsletter, “Trench Baby Turned Farmer” release 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: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, May 20 episode: Enjoy Illinois Broadway In Chicago - Spamalot Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE