City Cast Chicago

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.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 3 episode:

• Enjoy Illinois
• BIC - Jersey Boys
• Paramount Theatre
• City of Chicago

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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 in Hyde Park.

Good News: You Just Had to Be There

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 2 episode:

• Enjoy Illinois
• BIC - Jersey Boys
• Paramount Theatre
• City of Chicago

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It’s a new month, and that means a new guide! Creative producer Emmi Mack and The Brownline’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 on election night.

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If you enjoyed this interview with

Terry Mattson, CEO / President of Galena Country Tourism,learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 30 episode:

• Steppenwolf - Adirondack Chair Circle

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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 breaks ground after 40 years.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 29 episode:

• Steppenwolf - Adirondack Chair Circle

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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 break down the latest, including whether the Birth Equity Act is working.

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Steppenwolf - Adirondack Chair Circle

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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 powerful politicians. Plus, the Pope is cancer-free, the next Cook County assessor faces an uphill battle, and don’t forget about Water Reclamation districts.

Good news: Manual Cinema’s Frankenstein

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 27 episode:

• Steppenwolf - Adirondack Chair Circle

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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.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 26 episode:

• Steppenwolf - Adirondack Chair Circle

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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 debates between the mayor and City Council.

Good News: Mobb Deep x Talib Kweli, Tank and The Bangas

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 23 episode:

• Enjoy Illinois
• Destination Madison

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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.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 22 episode:

• Enjoy Illinois
• Destination Madison

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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?

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 21 episode:

• Enjoy Illinois
• Destination Madison

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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 through the non-binding ballot questions Chicagoans will see when they vote.

Find your ward’s early voting location

Good News: Peak fall foliage, Jazz Happy Hour, Live Music with Charles Pryor, After Hours Live Jazz

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 20 episode:

• Enjoy Illinois
• Destination Madison

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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

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If you enjoyed this interview with Kenya Merritt, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Commissioner,learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 19 episode:

• Enjoy Illinois
• Destination Madison
• DCASE

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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 Violence, New Schools Poetry Slam

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct.16 episode:

• Destination Madison
• Goodman Theatre

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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.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, October 15th episode:

Destination Madison

Goodman Theatre

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For years, Lincoln Park neighbors have complained about one couple who has single-handedly contributed to the growing rat populationin 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, check out the newest plaques on Northalsted’s Legacy Walk and this weekend’s Open House Chicago itineraries.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 14 episode:

• Destination Madison
• Goodman Theatre

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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 joins to discuss Injustice Watch’s Cook County judicial elections voter guide.

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If you enjoyed today's interview with the VP of Destination Branding & Development at Experience Champaign-Urbana, Terri Reifsteck,learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 13 episode:

• DCASE
• Destination Madison
• Goodman Theatre

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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 Avenue in the Loop, and who would you pick to throw out a playoff first pitch?

Good News: Poet Laureate Mayda del Valle workshop

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 9 episode:

• Chicago Architecture Center - Open House
• Chicago Plays

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The Supreme Court is officially back for the fall term, and it has its hands full. TheACLU 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

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 8 episode:

• Chicago Architecture Center - Open House
• Chicago Plays

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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 merchfor new City Cast Chicago neighbors!

Good News: Friday: Chicago Textile Fair, Healing Arts Chicago Summit, and Big Marsh 10th Anniversary

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 7 episode:

• Chicago Architecture Center - Open House
• Chicago Plays

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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 campaign money is flowing in from.

Good News: Chicago Zine Fest

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If you enjoyed this interview with Adam Rubin, Senior Director of Public Engagement at Chicago Architecture Center,learn more here

Learn more about the sponsors of this October 6th episode:

• Chicago Architecture Center - Open House
• Chicago Plays

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