New Top Doc, Johnson’s First Budget, and City of Lights
After a three month search, Mayor Brandon Johnson has hired Dr. Olusimbo Ige to lead Chicago’s Public Health Department. This is one of Johnson’s biggest hirings, especially following the ousting of the former top doc. Crain’s Katherine Davis and City Bureau’s India Daniels are here to discuss why this move is so critical. Plus, the city’s $16 billion dollar budget was approved, Howard Brown health workers strike again, and there are plenty of opportunities to see Chicagoland’s holiday lights.
Calendar for police district council meetings and follow along with the City Bureau Documenters
Good News: Stay up to date with City Bureau events
Chicagoland Light Shows: Chicago Botanic Gardens Lightscape, Lincoln Park ZooLights, Morton Arboretum Illumination, Magnificent Mile Lights Fest, Sparkle Light Fest
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Public Pools Open Next Week. Plus, Chicago’s New Women’s Sports Bar
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...
Red Line Weekend Detour and Ultimate Summer Guide
Red Line trains will be rerouted to elevated tracks for the third straight weekend due to maintenance work in the Loop subway. Executive...
Who's Running For Mayor? Plus, Bears Pick Hammond?!
Chicago’s mayoral election is nine months away. Last week, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza became the first major candidate to make t...
Why Chicago Libraries Got It All. Plus, Are The Bears Still Ours?
Chicago is opening its 82nd public library branch in June, and loaning out books is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what the...
How the City Is Helping Chicagoans Buy Houses and Read More Books
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Housing are launching a new $21 million housing program to provide down payment and closing a...
City Buying Greyhound Station. Plus, Chicago’s Lesbian Business Directory
For almost two years, there have been questions about the future of Chicago’s downtown bus terminal. Flix, the parent company of Greyhoun...
What Happened in Springfield? Plus, Dreaming of Summer Break
What did lawmakers get done in Springfield? A $56 billion budget, a cellphone ban in schools, relief for those who lost SNAP benefits, an...
Your Guide to June 2026 in Chicago
June is officially summertime Chi in our world, so we’re going to help you make the most of it. Host Jacoby Cochran is joined by contribu...
School Board Hopefuls, Traffic Court Confusion, and Murakami Homers Again … And Again
This year, for the first time, Chicago will fully elect the 21-person school board. Candidates had to get their petitions in this week wi...
A Chicago Mayor and Pope Walk Into a Schlitz Bar…
Mayor Brandon Johnson is in Vatican City this week to meet Chicago’s very own Pope Leo XIV for the first time. The two are expected to di...