- 41 minutes 6 secondsIt's Election Day! Plus, Taste Tossed 800 pounds of Unsafe Food
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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3 November 2026, 9:00 am - 34 minutes 27 secondsWhy Lt. Gov Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought. Plus, a South Side Teen Lounge
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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2 November 2026, 9:00 am - 41 minutes 26 secondsYour Guide to November 2026 in Chicago
It’s a new month, and that means a new guide! Creative producer Emmi Mack and The Brown Line’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.
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30 October 2026, 8:00 am - 34 minutes 49 secondsWho Wants to Be the Next Mayor of Chicago?
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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29 October 2026, 8:00 am - 36 minutes 49 secondsDo You Know Who Owns Your Building? Plus, Can Doula Care Really Cost Thousands?
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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28 October 2026, 8:00 am - 42 minutes 34 secondsAre Pritzker and Preckwinkle Shoo-Ins on Election Day?
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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27 October 2026, 8:00 am - 34 minutes 14 secondsWaymo in Chicago. Plus, Investing in Crisis Response
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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26 October 2026, 8:00 am - 38 minutes 24 secondsWhat’s in the Mayor’s 2027 Budget Proposal?
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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23 October 2026, 8:00 am - 29 minutes 49 secondsSexual Assault Allegations at UChicago Frats. Plus, These Local Businesses Need Your Support
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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22 October 2026, 8:00 am - 32 minutes 4 secondsMass Shooting Attempt in Aurora. Plus, Will Illinois Step in for Gender-Affirming Care?
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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21 October 2026, 8:00 am - 42 minutes 7 secondsWho Is Billionaire Mega Donor Michael Sacks? Plus, What Questions Are on the Ballot?
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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