Chicago is opening its 82nd public library branch in June, and loaning out books is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what these institutions offer residents. Host Jacoby Cochran talks with City Cast CEO David Plotz from Your City Could Be Better podcast about how Chicago’s libraries have evolved to meet community needs, from opening a food pantry inside a branch to turning student IDs into automatic library cards — and how they could be even better. Plus, are the Chicago Bears still the Chicago Bears if they move to Indiana?

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Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Housing are launching a new $21 million housing program to provide down payment and closing assistance to prospective homebuyers. Host Jacoby Cochran and contributors Jill Hopkins and PJ Walker discuss the details and ask if this is an effective, affordable housing solution. Plus, Summer at Chicago Public Library kicks off this week with celebrations at the regional branches, and where are you taking your people when they visit this summer?

Good News: TIP Fest Auditions

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For almost two years, there have been questions about the future of Chicago’s downtown bus terminal. Flix, the parent company of Greyhound, has been on a month-to-month lease with the private owners since 2024, contributing to concerns about long-term access for the 500,000 riders it serves annually. Mayor Johnson has presented an ordinance to purchase the terminal for $19 million. Host Jacoby Cochran is joined by contributors Anna DeShawn and Brandon Pope to discuss the details. Plus, check out Anna’s new and growing Chicagoland lesbian business directory and the Movies in the Park summer schedule.

Good News: Rooftop Cinema Club and Millennium Park Movies 

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What did lawmakers get done in Springfield? A $56 billion budget, a cellphone ban in schools, relief for those who lost SNAP benefits, and so much more. However, they didn’t pass a Bears stadium plan. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea break down lawmakers’ early morning sprint across the spring session finish line. Plus, school is out for CPS this week, and we’re dreaming up our ideal Chicago summer vacations.

Good News: From Memory to Movement: Emmett at 85

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June is officially summertime Chi in our world, so we’re going to help you make the most of it. Host Jacoby Cochran is joined by contributors Leigh Giangreco and Anna DeShawn to talk about how to prepare for Pride Month, the Obama Center opening, and getting out on the water. They’ve also got some news stories to watch this month.

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This year, for the first time, Chicago will fully elect the 21-person school board. Candidates had to get their petitions in this week with signatures from their district in order to get on the Nov. 3 ballot. Chalkbeat Chicago’s Reema Amin and Injustice Watch’s Kelly Garcia are here to talk about 51 candidates who submitted their names. Plus, traffic court confusion is hurting immigrants, CPS has critical budget concerns heading into the summer, and Murakami’s homers are fueling the white sox.

Good News: Taste of Chicago

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Mayor Brandon Johnson is in Vatican City this week to meet Chicago’s very own Pope Leo XIV for the first time. The two are expected to discuss their mutual disdain for the president, the state of Chicago baseball, and the Pope’s latest writings on the dangers of A.I. Adora Namigadde and Jill Hopkins are here to discuss the historic meeting. Plus, a 177-year-old beer halts production, and what Midwest brands still have your heart?

Good News: 5th Annual Windy City Hot Dog Fest, Still Finally Over It Tour, Tool Library Repair Fair

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After multiple large gatherings of young people over the weekend, including at 57th St. Beach and North Ave Beach, Ald Brian Hopkins is preparing an ordinance he says would hold parents accountable for young people arrested at these events. Plus, Chicago is expanding its mental health response teams, and we what is your favorite Chicago beach?

Good News: Maifest

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Earlier this month, CTA announced a new transit safety task force and made adjustments to 2025 ridership totals. With ongoing concerns about post-pandemic recovery and threats to federal funding, we discuss what these latest moves mean for CTA going forward. Plus, it’s National Inventors Month and contributors Leigh Giangreco and PJ Walker brought some of their favorite Chicago inventions. 

Good News: Chicago Sky Tickets

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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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