City Cast Chicago

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     

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TimeLine Theatre - Home, I'm Darling

The Escape Game

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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.    

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TimeLine Theatre - Home, I'm Darling

The Escape Game

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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 

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 11 episode:

TimeLine Theatre - Home, I'm Darling

The Escape Game

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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

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TimeLine Theatre - Home, I'm Darling

The Escape Game

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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. 

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 9 episode:

TimeLine Theatre - Home, I'm Darling

The Escape Game

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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

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 6 episode:

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BIC - Jersey Boys

Paramount Theatre

City of Chicago

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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

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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

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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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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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