City Cast Chicago

City Cast Chicago


Latest Episodes

Future of CPS, Retired Cops Not Returning, and This Election is Almost Over
March 31, 2023

Both mayoral candidates have touted their education bona fides ahead of Tuesday’s runoff election. But what are their plans for the future of Chicago Public Schools and how are they different? WBEZ City Hall reporter Mariah Woelfel and Triibe digital news

What Sox Fans Miss About Old Comiskey
March 30, 2023

Baseball is back in Chicago. The Cubs open their season at Wrigley Field today against the Milwaukee Brewers, and the White Sox are on the road in Houston before returning to Guaranteed Rate Field Monday. Before it was called Guaranteed Rate, Sox Park had

What It's Like Being a Young Republican in a Blue City
March 29, 2023

Democrats have run Chicago for decades, and the lead-up to the mayoral runoff on April 4 has often been about proving allegiance to the Democratic Party. Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson and his supporters call former Chicago Public Schools CEO Pa

Spring Flowers, Spring Art, and Springfield
March 28, 2023

Following the heat-exposure deaths of three seniors last year in Rogers Park, the state Senate passed a bill requiring air conditioning at state-funded affordable housing. That’s just one of many bills lawmakers have voted on so far this legislative sessi

Brandon Johnson Says Chicago Needs a Teacher at City Hall
March 27, 2023

Voters will choose Chicago’s new mayor next Tuesday, April 4. On the ballot are former CPS head Paul Vallas and former CPS teacher and union organizer Brandon Johnson. Johnson is currently Cook County Board Commissioner for the 1st District, which stretch

Chi’s Packed Summer Schedule, Smog Problems, and Spring is Here!
March 24, 2023

As summer festival lineups emerge, some Douglass Park neighbors are still protesting Riot Fest’s expected appearance on the West Side in September. Meanwhile, a packed summer schedule means Grant Park will only be open about four days this summer. Host Ja

Why Chicago's Flag Rules, and Illinois' Flag Doesn't
March 23, 2023

While the Chicago flag is seen everywhere from buildings to tattoos, Illinois’ state flag is less well-known. That’s probably because it’s just not very good, says “Good Flag, Bad Flag” author Ted Kaye. State lawmakers are exploring a flag redesign in hop

This Lawmaker Wants to Legalize Human Composting
March 22, 2023

Nobody likes to think about what happens to their bodies after they die, but it’s an important decision. A bill expected to see House vote in Springfield this week would give Illinoisans a new environmentally friendly option: natural organic reduction, al

Three Years of COVID. Plus, Incumbent Alders in Runoff
March 21, 2023

Three years ago today, Gov. JB Pritzker’s stay-at-home order went into effect as COVID-19 swept the world. Host Jacoby Cochran, lead producer Carrie Shepherd, and producer Simone Alicea talk about what’s changed since then, including the state of the city

How the ComEd Corruption Trial Affects All of Us
March 20, 2023

Week two of “ComEd Four” trial gets underway today. That’s the trial of four former executives and lobbyists who are accused of bribing lawmakers to pass legislation that was favorable to the utility giant. They are also connected to former Illinois House