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Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch, the state’s first black speaker of the house, announced last week he will not seek another term as speaker, after an investigation earlier this summer revealed he mishandled sexual harassment allegations. We discussed the details and potential replacements with NABJ President Brandon Pope and WBEZ’s Lisa Kurian-Philip. Plus, how often does the University of Chicago expel students found responsible for sexual assault? Good News: Ceramic Bowl Sale & Soup Party      Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, November 13th episode: TimeLine Theatre - Home, I'm Darling The Escape Game 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 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Introducing Oprah’s Favorite Things: Caregivers Get the Surprise of a Lifetime from The Oprah Podcast. Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast In a special holiday episode Oprah brings back one of her legendary traditions with a live audience: ‘Oprah’s Favorite Things!’ Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the iconic list, Oprah surprises an unsuspecting audience full of caregivers with her must-have gifts for the season. From nurses, hospice workers, EMT’s, firefighters to parents caring for a child with special needs Oprah honors their stories and the compassion they show to others every day. Surprise guests join the celebration including New York Times bestselling author Allen Levi and a live holiday performance from multiple Grammy-winning artist Jacob Collier. Jacob will join Oprah live for her AHA! Show at Sphere in April 2027 in Las Vegas.  Oprah’s Favorite Things list includes little luxuries, cozy comforts, clever finds for friends, family, and everyone in between. All the items featured in this episode are available for purchase on the new ‘Oprah’s Favorite Things’ storefront on Amazon at Amazon.com/oprahsfavoritethings. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

During the midterm elections, 68% of Chicagoans voted in favor of the city developing a permanent space for large-scale music festivals and outdoor events akin to Highland Park’s Ravinia or Milwaukee's Maier Festival Park. We talk with Jill Hopkins and Adora Namigadde about the non-binding ballot measure introduced by 11th Ward Ald. Nicole Lee. Plus, the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center has reopened, Jill sat down with Pearl Jam’s Jeff Ament, and we’ve got our Karaoke go-tos.     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 Nov. 12 episode: TimeLine Theatre - Home, I'm Darling The Escape Game Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has way more money than any other Chicago mayoral candidate  — so why is he aligning himself with one of the City Council's most controversial alders? Contributors Anna DeShawn and Al Scorch break down his recent Northwest Side photo op, the Instagram backlash, and what it reveals about his policies, priorities, and campaign plans. Plus, we discuss the local LGBTQ+ tsunami in last week’s elections, and which holiday games can really test family bonds (and budgets!).  Good news: LGBTQ+ Business Directory - Queer News  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 Nov. 11 episode: TimeLine Theatre - Home, I'm Darling The Escape Game Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Two months ago, White Sox minority owner Justin Ishbia released mockups for a new ballpark he hopes to build in the South Loop. The plan assumes that Amtrak will relocate its current maintenance facility two miles south to Bridgeport and Chinatown. Now, after pushback from neighbors and local leaders, and amendments to the development, a new federal report finds the move would have  “insignificant” environmental impacts on the local community. We break down the details with contributor Yareni Murillo and interim executive producer Michelle Navarro. We also discuss a CTA incident that left a bus operator shaken and raise new questions about moving The Bean. Good news: Photo Scanning Workshop, Brady Reporting Launching 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 Nov. 10 episode: Enjoy Illinois  TimeLine Theatre - Home, I'm Darling The Escape Game Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The Infatuation just dropped its Best New Restaurants of 2026, and All Well, Bar Tutto, and others made the list. Adrian Kane and John Ringor talk about Chicago’s winners, from a Hawaiian lunch counter in a Loop parking garage to a $150 duck in Lincoln Park. Plus, what to expect in 2027.  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 Nov. 9 episode: TimeLine Theatre - Home, I'm Darling The Escape Game Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Despite positive early signs, Chicago’s voter turnout may not surpass the 46% in the 2022 midterm election. NABJ’s Brandon Pope and Block Club Chicago’s Atavia Reed discuss what contributed to this year’s numbers. Plus, Roseland Community Hospital files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Black Harvest Film Festival is back for year 32, and Fat Peach Bakery is opening in Hyde Park. Good News: South Side Health & Wellness Fest & Urban League Gala 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 Nov. 6 episode: Enjoy Illinois BIC - Jersey Boys Paramount Theatre City of Chicago Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Since 2023, the Chicago Police Department has spent $520.5 million more than the City Council approved, and it's on track to go over budget for a sixth straight year. Homicides, meanwhile, are at a 60-year low. Today, WTTW’s Heather Cherone walks us through what Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 2027 budget actually means for the police department and why the city wants to borrow $481 million to settle misconduct lawsuits. Plus, where the city stands on gunshot detection. Good news: Poet Laureate Mayda del Valle workshop 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 Nov. 5 episode: Enjoy Illinois BIC - Jersey Boys Paramount Theatre City of Chicago Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The results are in! Host Jacoby Cochran and interim executive producer Michelle Navarro break down who won and who lost on Election Day in Illinois, including the closely watched school board race, congressional contests, and county elections. Good news: Golden Hour 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 Nov. 4 episode: Enjoy Illinois BIC - Jersey Boys Paramount Theatre City of Chicago Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

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. 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 Nov. 3 episode: Enjoy Illinois BIC - Jersey Boys Paramount Theatre City of Chicago Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

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  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 Nov. 2 episode: Enjoy Illinois BIC - Jersey Boys Paramount Theatre City of Chicago Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

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.  Follow The Brown Line on Instagram and TikTok @TheBrownLineChi Subscribe to The Brown Line newsletter and events calendar 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 this interview with Terry Mattson, CEO / President of Galena Country Tourism, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 30 episode: Steppenwolf - Adirondack Chair Circle Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

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.  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 Oct. 29 episode: Steppenwolf - Adirondack Chair Circle Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

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.   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 Wednesday, October 28th episode: Steppenwolf - Adirondack Chair Circle Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

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  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 Oct. 27 episode: Steppenwolf - Adirondack Chair Circle Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE