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.

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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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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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Steppenwolf Theatre

Broadway in Chicago - Dirty Dancing

CAC Walking Tours

DCASE

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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.   

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Steppenwolf Theatre

Broadway in Chicago - Dirty Dancing

CAC Walking Tours

DCASE

AFSP Illinois

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A 2026 study has ranked Chicago as the ‘World’s Most Climate Resilient’ major city. After a summer of torrential storms, tornado warnings, and wildfire smoke, we ask contributors Anna DeShawn and Leigh Giangreco how much they are buying that headline. Plus, after years of pandemic recovery efforts, Loop restaurants seem to be bouncing back, and we’ve got even more recommendations for this weekend’s Printer’s Row Lit Fest. 

Check out the podcast on YouTube

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As Mayor Brandon Johnson prepares to make a big announcement about his “political future” on Sunday, Sept. 13, we visited City Hall for a one-on-one interview. Thanks to the City Cast Chicago audience, we had plenty of questions to ask spanning budget season, data centers, and more. 

By the way, did you know we’re on YouTube? Just saying, you might want to check out the video for this one.

Good News: El Grito, 79th St. Renaissance Festival, German American Oktoberfest  

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Former Loretto Hospital COO Anosh Ahmed was finally in federal court this week, where he pleaded not guilty to defrauding the safety-net hospital and federal government. Block Club Chicago’s Manny Ramos is here with the latest. Plus, Tatyana Najee joins the podcast to discuss her digital series exploring Chicago’s 50 alders. 

Good News: Midnight Circus

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Today we are joined by contributors Jill Hopkins and Leigh Giangreco to discuss the tragic mass shooting in Washington Park over the weekend, both Ye and North West performing in Chicago, and the upcoming Printers Row Lit Fest.

Good News: Fact Checking Training

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If you enjoyed today's interview with Angela Cummings, Executive Director, AFSP Illinois Chapter, learn more here.

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An immigration judge in Chicago ordered 6 children to be deported. We break down what children are facing in Chicago immigration courtrooms. Plus, how to not get finessed when looking for parking for a Sox Game, and the world record meetups we would like to see in the city.   

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If you enjoyed today's interview with the Program Director - Programming, Performing Arts of Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Carlos Cuauhtémoc Tortolero, learn more here.

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Paramount Theatre

Chicago Exhibition Week

AFSP Illinois

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September in Chicago is going to see us outside, come storms or heatwaves. Between Mexican Independence Day celebrations, Fall Theater Season, and the Bears’ home opener, we’ve got plenty to look forward to. Here’s your guide to getting the most out of the month. 

The Brown Line newsletter and events calendar are free at thebrownlinechi.com, and listeners can follow @thebrownlinechi on Instagram and TikTok. 

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