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 

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 24 episode:

• Steppenwolf Theatre
• Broadway In Chicago - Jekyll & Hyde
• Chicago Architecture Center - Open House
• Destination Madison

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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

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

• Steppenwolf Theatre
• Broadway In Chicago - Jekyll & Hyde
• Chicago Architecture Center - Open House
• Destination Madison

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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

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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

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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

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

• Steppenwolf Theatre
• Broadway In Chicago - Jekyll & Hyde
• Chicago Architecture Center - Open House
• Destination Madison

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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 

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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

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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: 

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 17 episode:

• Broadway in Chicago - Dirty Dancing
• Chicago Architecture Center - Open House
• Chicago Exhibition Weekend
• Kowalski

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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

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

• Broadway in Chicago - Dirty Dancing
• Chicago Architecture Center - Open House
• Chicago Exhibition Weekend
• Kowalski

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Over the weekend, White Sox minority owner Justin Ishbia released stadium renderings that confirmed the team is considering a move to the South Loop and also assisting Amtrak’s proposed facility relocation and expansion to Bridgeport. Neighborhood groups, local officials, and some fans have weighed in, calling it a double dose of devastating news for the community economically and environmentally. We are joined by Block Club Chicago’s Jame Nesbitt-Golden and Axios Chicago’s Justin Kaufmann to break down the latest details. Plus, we lay out our biggest concerns heading into the Bears' season opener, and talk traffic preparation for Mexican Independence Day celebrations.

Good News: Stevie Wonder Tour, Noname, Printers Row Lit Fest

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, September 11th episode:

Steppenwolf Theatre

Broadway in Chicago - Dirty Dancing

CAC Walking Tours

DCASE

AFSP Illinois

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As Big Marsh Park prepares to officially celebrate ten years on the South East side, the park has cut the ribbon on new bike features on the nearly 300-acre site. We are joined by contributors Al Scorch and PJ Walker to discuss the history and growing legacy of BMP. Plus, it's Self Care Awareness Month, and we’re recognizing over 40 years of The Oprah Winfrey Show.   

Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, September 10th episode:

Steppenwolf Theatre

Broadway in Chicago - Dirty Dancing

CAC Walking Tours

DCASE

AFSP Illinois

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