- 32 minutes 30 secondsTipped Wage Compromise, Lead Pipe Removal Lags, and Del Sur Expands
City Council reached a near-unanimous decision to pause the subminimum wage hike for tipped workers this week. When they voted to free the subminimum wage hike back in March, Mayor Brandon Johnson ultimately vetoed their decision. Johnson confirmed this week he will accept this compromise and not pursue another veto. WBEZ’s Susie An and Block Club Chicago’s Madison Savedra are here to discuss why this ordinance is being reversed just three years in. Plus, Illinois is getting millions for lead pipe removal, and changes are coming to Ravenwood’s popular Del Sur Bakery.
Good News: South West Side Zine Library
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22 May 2026, 8:00 am - 54 minutes 16 secondsWho Wins Summer in the USA? Chicago Makes Its Case
City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson hosts this showdown where 12 City Cast reps, including City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran, compete head-to-head and debate which city is the best for a weekend trip this summer. From hot tub boats (exactly what they sound like) to epic outdoor summer festivals, our hosts are bringing the best of what their city has to offer this season. Can Jacoby beat out his competitors from DC, Denver, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh, Portland, Salt Lake, Seattle, and the Twin Cities?
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21 May 2026, 8:00 am - 34 minutes 28 secondsPritzker Disses Johnson … Again. Plus, New Northalsted Bar, and Chicago’s Favorite Rivalries
Gov. JB Pritzker voiced support for a mega projects bill that incentivizes the Bears’ move to Arlington Heights, while shading Mayor Brandon Johnson, saying he has “no plan” to keep the Bears in Chicago. Johnson remains critical of the deal, calling it a burden on taxpayers. Meanwhile, Hammond, Indiana, is still in the race. We’re breaking down all the back and forth with Brandon Pope and Anna DeShawn. Plus, El Bar is celebrating Chicago’s queer Latino community in Northalsted, and who doesn’t love a healthy crosstown rivalry?
Good News: En La Vida newsletter, “Trench Baby Turned Farmer” release
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20 May 2026, 8:00 am - 34 minutes 59 secondsWhich Neighborhood Doesn’t Have a Library? Plus, CHA Wait Times and Plover Eggs
Getting into Chicago Housing Authority units is hard enough, but the agency is also processing hundreds of relocation requests for current tenants facing health and safety issues. Executive producer Simone Alicea and creative producer Michelle Navarro discuss the challenges. They also find out which community area doesn’t have a library and discuss the reality TV-worthy drama of the piping plovers’ mating season. Plus, a surprise cameo from host Jacoby Cochran!
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19 May 2026, 8:00 am - 38 minutes 32 secondsCPS to Cut Teachers, UChicago Covers Tuition, and Lolla Schedule Drops
Chicago Public Schools are planning to cut teacher positions to minimize the $732 million budget deficit. Meanwhile, CPS CEO Macquline King has been subpoenaed by a congressional committee.
Executive producer Simone Alicea, City Cast contributor Jill Hopkins, and creative producer Michelle Navarro discuss the latest, including the University of Chicago offering full tuition coverage for families with incomes below $250,000 a year. Plus, we discuss Lollapalooza’s day-by-day schedule and the last time we thought Lolla was worth the ticket cost.
Good news: Eel in the Chicago River
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18 May 2026, 8:00 am - 40 minutes 8 secondsWhat Are Mental Health Courts? Plus, United Center Tax Break and Obama Center Gentrification
Mental health courts have proliferated in Illinois, but how effective are they? Grace Hauck with the Illinois Answers Project joins Justin Laurence with Crain’s and executive producer Simone Alicea to break it down. Plus, the United Center’s 1901 Project is poised for a big tax break, and housing protections near the Obama Center seem to have failed to keep neighbors in their homes. But at least we’ve got good news about pepper plants and the NBA draft.
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15 May 2026, 8:00 am - 36 minutes 27 secondsChurches Build Housing, Maxwell Street’s Loss, and It’s Patio Season!
Lawmakers in Springfield are considering legislation that would make it easier for churches to build multifamily housing on land they own. Contributor Adora Namigadde explains the “Yes In God’s Backyard” movement. Plus, creative producer Emmi Mack traces the history of Jim’s Original in the Maxwell Street Area, and we’ve got recommendations for patio season.
Good news: Lincoln Park Mayfest
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14 May 2026, 8:00 am - 35 minutes 19 secondsThe DNC in Chicago ... Again?! Plus, Best Late-Night Bites
DNC officials are wrapping up a three-day visit as the city is a finalist to host the 2028 and 2032 conventions. We talked with contributors Brandon Pope and Anna DeShawn about the likelihood of Chicago hosting back-to-back conventions for the first time in 70 years. Plus, the DOJ is investigating three dozen Illinois school districts, and what are your favorite late-night eats in the city?
Good News: Crosstown Classic
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13 May 2026, 8:00 am - 38 minutes 42 secondsAre Chicago’s Scooters Safe? Plus, How Bad Will Mosquito Season Be?
Are more regulations coming to the city’s scooters and ebikes? Following several fatal accidents involving minors, lawmakers have proposed a bill to add age and road restrictions for the state’s growing number of motorbikes, e-bikes, and scooters. Plus, Chicago is ranked one of the worst cities for mosquitoes, and what would you copy from other cities?
Good News: Save Our SNAP Block Party
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If you enjoyed today's interview with Director at Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau, Scott Dahl, supporting Enjoy Illinois, learn more here.
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12 May 2026, 8:00 am - 37 minutes 10 secondsA Rare, All Good News Episode
What sets Chicago brick apart? Why are bald eagles returning to Chicago? What would you wait in line for? City Cast Chicago contributors Leigh Giangreco and Al Scorch join us today to break it all down. Also, we hear a poem from YOU!
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11 May 2026, 8:00 am - 42 minutes 16 secondsWhy Is Mayor Johnson In Springfield? Plus, Chicago's First Baby Eagles in a Century
Why did Mayor Brandon Johnson go to Springfield? Will state police actually investigate the killing of Silverio Villegas González by ICE last year in Franklin Park? We’re answering these questions with Borderless Magazine’s Katrina Pham and WTTW’s Heather Cherone. Plus, eaglets have been spotted on the South Side, and Obama Presidential Center’s tickets are selling out fast.
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8 May 2026, 8:00 am - More Episodes? Get the App