City Cast Chicago

Here's what Chicago's talking about today.

Released: Daily

Why Block Club Sued ICE

32 minSep 29, 2026

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 the Broadview detention center last year. The response had no records or reports of arrests or use of force. It only contained the agency’s own account of what happened. Mick joins host Jacoby Cochran to talk all things Freedom of Information Act and why records eventually came out through a lawsuit instead.  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 Sept. 29 episode: Enjoy Illinois Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Kowalski Become a member of City Cast Chicago . Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  

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

29 minSep 28, 2026

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 seeking reelection in their offices while running for mayor. Interim executive producer Michelle Navarro and contributors Jill Hopkins and Yareni Murillo break down the details. Plus, City Council approves plans for the Ford City Mall site and what we are looking forward to this October.  Good news: Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest   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 Sept. 28 episode: Enjoy Illinois Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Kowalski Become a member of City Cast Chicago . Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  

How Chicago Latinos Are Changing Neighborhoods

29 minSep 25, 2026

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 Francia Garcia Hernandez tells host Jacoby Cochran how this happened and how other Chicago neighborhoods are changing. Good news: Hexe  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 Sept. 25 episode: Steppenwolf Theatre Broadway In Chicago - Jekyll & Hyde Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Destination Madison AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago . Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  

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

35 minSep 24, 2026

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 occupation. We talk with contributor Leigh Giangreco and WTTW’s Joanna Hernandez about how Chicago’s world-class museums manage repatriation and allegations of stolen artifacts . Plus, a new report says younger Latinos are speaking less Spanish in the home , and we update our Beluga Watch 2026 . Good News:  Beverly Art Walk , Norwood Park Walking Tour   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 Sept. 24 episode: Steppenwolf Theatre Broadway In Chicago - Jekyll & Hyde Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Destination Madison Become a member of City Cast Chicago . Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  

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

30 minSep 23, 2026

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 Purple Tie Affair , the Chicago Sukkah Design Festival , and Good Neighbor Week   Good News: Palestine Film Showcase 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 Sept. 23 episode: Steppenwolf Theatre Broadway In Chicago - Jekyll & Hyde Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Destination Madison Become a member of City Cast Chicago . Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  

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

32 minSep 22, 2026

Following a historic number of deaths in 2023, growing concerns over standards violations, and an investigation into ongoing unreporting , some Cook County Commissioners are calling for renewed independent oversight for the state’s largest county jail . Plus, Museum of Science and Industry announced multimillion-dollar renovations, Caleb Williams avoids serious injury , and it’s the first day of fall.   Good News: Chicago Filipino American Theatre 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 Sept. 22 episode: Steppenwolf Theatre Broadway In Chicago - Jekyll & Hyde Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Destination Madison AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago . Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  

Where Are the Flock Cameras? Plus, Circus on the River

32 minSep 21, 2026

Today we’re talking about the rise of Flock automatic license plate reading cameras on college campuses , including at the University of Illinois Chicago. Contributors Liegh Giangreco and Al Scorch walk us through the growing controversy. Plus, we’ve got a floating riverboat circus unlike anything you’ve ever seen, and our favorite Chicago documentaries.  Good News: Bronzeville Trail Framework Plan Open House #2 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 Sept. 21 episode: Steppenwolf Theatre Broadway In Chicago - Jekyll & Hyde Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Destination Madison Become a member of City Cast Chicago . Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  

More Chicagoans Can’t Afford Food. Plus, Fall Storefront Theater

32 minSep 18, 2026

This year, Chicagoans have seen more grocery stores close on the South and West Sides, SNAP benefits stripped from tens of thousands of households, and food prices continue to rise. Sun-Times health reporter Elvia Malagon joins us to discuss how this is all contributing to an increasingly food-insecure Chicago . Plus, WBEZ’s arts and culture reporter Mike Davis is in the building with the must-see storefront productions during Chicago’s fall theater season.   The 2026 Hunger in Chicago Report Good News: Celebrating Chaka Khan   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 Sept. 18 episode: Broadway in Chicago - Dirty Dancing Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Chicago Exhibition Weekend Kowalski AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago . Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  

Who Owns the Word 'Dope'? Plus, Chicago's Divviest Summer Ever

36 minSep 17, 2026

Today we’re talking about a local historian’s fascinating copyright battle , the rise of microcinemas and film clubs , and the ‘Divvyfication’ of Chicago . We are joined by contributors Jill Hopkins and PJ Walker.  Shows: Pop Quiz Hot Show , I Said What I Said , Storyfest Good News: Build Coffee Writing Workshop , The Kick Off Open Mic , Proud and Loud :  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 Sept. 17 episode: Broadway in Chicago - Dirty Dancing Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Chicago Exhibition Weekend Kowalski Become a member of City Cast Chicago . Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  

Who’s Building Guerrilla Bus Benches in Ukrainian Village? Plus, Fall in the Air

31 minSep 16, 2026

A neighborhood group is building bus benches in Ukrainian Village. But will the city remove the unauthorized infrastructure? Executive producer Simone Alicea and contributors Yareni Murillo and Anna DeShawn discuss the need for benches and shelters. Plus, it’s Bisexual Visibility Week , and autumn is nearly here. Good News: Rooted in Recovery 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 Sept. 16 episode: Broadway in Chicago - Dirty Dancing Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Chicago Exhibition Weekend Kowalski Become a member of City Cast Chicago . Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  

Who’s All Running For Mayor? Plus, Live From Printers Row

46 minSep 15, 2026

Mayor Brandon Johnson has officially announced his campaign for a second term in office. He enters alongside more than a dozen challengers , including a Cook County board commissioner, secretary of state, county treasurer, and a congressperson. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran are running through the full list of candidates. Plus, we hear from City Cast Chicago readers and listeners, and have a special segment from our Printers Row Lit Fest panel.  Good News: See Jacoby Live at Storyfest 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 If you enjoyed today's interview with Angela Cummings, Executive Director, AFSP Illinois Chapter, learn more here . Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 15 episode: Broadway in Chicago - Dirty Dancing Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Chicago Exhibition Weekend Kowalski AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago . Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  

City Expands Free Narcan. Plus, Best of Open House Chicago

30 minSep 14, 2026

Chicago’s Department of Public Health has worked diligently in recent years to expand access to free Naloxone/Narcan , the opioid overdose drug. You can find it at Chicago Public Library locations, in vending machines at various train stops, and recently in retrofitted newsboxes . We talk with contributors Jill Hopkins and Adora Namigadde about the city’s latest initiative to save lives. Plus, what is the Illinois End-of-Life Options Act , and what’s new at Open House Chicago ?  Good News: Englewood Jazz 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 Sept. 14 episode: Steppenwolf Theatre Broadway in Chicago - Dirty Dancing CAC Walking Tours Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Chicago Exhibition Weekend Kowalski Become a member of City Cast Chicago . Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  