Schools' Fundraising, Chicago’s Plan for 78, and ‘Ferris Bueller’s’ Turns 40

Earlier this month, Advocate Health Care broke ground on a new hospital at the south end of the forthcoming 440-acre Quantum Shore Campus. The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park has already started construction at the former U.S. Steel South Works site. This $9 billion, 128-acre tech campus is backed by major public and private partners and is set to reshape the southeast side. A new multimedia investigative series, “Quantum Entanglements,” is peeling back the layers to discover how this highly speculative technology is already transforming the community. We are joined by cohosts Damon A. Williams and Daniel Kisslinger. Good News: Shedd Aquarium Action Days: Saturday at Calumet Beach  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 June 26 episode: Visit Bloomington Destination Madison Writers Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The Federal Communications Commission has ABC 7 Chicago and other local stations in its crosshairs as the FCC has ordered an accelerated review of several affiliate broadcast licenses. This is yet another anti-DEI political attack from the Trump administration. We’re discussing the ongoing fallout with contributors Yareni Murillo and PJ Walker. Plus, we’ve got iconic toys, ‘The Bear,’ and free coffee on the menu. 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 June 25 episode: Visit Bloomington Destination Madison Writers Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, who has been floated as a potential candidate for mayor, recently received $255,000 from a local union. This has sparked conversation about what the Secretary’s growing political war chest will be used for. Host Jacoby Cochran sits down with contributors Brandon Pope and Anna DeShawn to discuss. Plus, the city breaks ground on the Elise Malary Plaza, and we discuss pieces of art across Chicago we’d “borrow for life.” Good News: Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire 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, June 24 episode: Visit Bloomington Destination Madison Writers Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Principals, local school councils, and parent groups are getting increasingly creative with their fundraising. In 2025, Chicago schools spent nearly $52 million in independently sourced revenue. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss how individual schools are navigating tightening budgets. Plus, Mayor Brandon Johnson has submitted a $425 million plan for the 78, and ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ turns 40.  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 June 23 episode: Visit Bloomington Destination Madison Griffin MSI Writers Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Last week, the City Council voted to purchase the downtown Greyhound bus terminal. We discuss the details and what’s next for the critical transportation hub. Host Jacoby Cochran also asks contributors Al Scorch and Yareni Murillo, is Chicago in a friendship recession, and what spots should be open till 4 a.m.? Good News: The Moth: Beverly Arts Center 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 June 22 episode: Enjoy Illinois Broadway In Chicago Visit Bloomington Destination Madison TimeLine Theatre Writers Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

We’ve got more mayoral candidates ahead of February’s primary after former Ald. George Cardenas (12th) officially launched his campaign. Contributor Leigh Giangreco was at the announcement and tells us what separates Cardenas from others. Plus, PJ Walker is here with his best advice for attending Pride Fest this weekend — we’re also excited for the return of late-night jazz at the Green Mill.  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 Thursday, June 18 episode: Enjoy Illinois Griffin MSI Broadway In Chicago Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

A week before the Bears season kicks off, Soldier Field will be home to one of Chicago’s most controversial sons, Kanye West. The Bully tour touches down Sept. 3 and 4. Host Jacoby Cochran asks City Cast contributors Brandon Pope and Anna DeShawn, is Chicago over Kanye West and his most recent apology tour. Plus, Brave Space Alliance & Transformative Justice Law Project are hosting a name change clinic today. Ahead of the grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center this week, we’ve got some of our favorite museum exhibitions across the city, including the National Museum of Mexican Art, MCA, Haitian American Museum, Dusable Museum, MSI, Wrightwood 659, Blanc Gallery, Elephant Room Gallery, and Field Museum.  Good News: Dragon Boat Race  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 June 17 episode: Enjoy Illinois Griffin MSI Broadway In Chicago Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Across Chicago, neighbors are still navigating uprooted trees, power outages, and flooding following intense storms last week. Unfortunately, if the weather apps are to be trusted, we could see more thunderstorms and intense winds this week as well. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran survey the damage and discuss ongoing concerns around FEMA relief. Plus, Jacoby has neighborhood recs for Obama Center visitors, and we are hearing from listeners and readers.  Good News: Miyagi Records Juneteenth Celebration 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 June 16 episode: Enjoy Illinois Griffin MSI Broadway In Chicago Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

After years of trying, Illinois lawmakers have officially banned cellphones and other devices in classrooms. Gov. JB Pritzker, a vocal supporter of this legislation, says he will sign the bill. We break down the details with contributors Yareni Murillo and Adora Namigadde. Plus, are you feeling the World Cup energy, or wondering why Chicago, of all places, isn't a host city? And how early do fireworks start in your neighborhood?  City Cast Chicago: Where to World Cup in Chicago Block Club: Where To Watch And How To Celebrate In Chicago Good News: Tuesdays on the Terrace 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 June 15 episode: Enjoy Illinois Griffin MSI Broadway In Chicago Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Walgreens has shuttered two more South Side locations, including the Chatham location, after closing five in 2025. Ald. William Hall (6th) wants to launch the city’s first-ever Office of Pharmacy Access to create publicly owned alternatives. Block Club Chicago’s Atavia Reed and WBEZ’s Sarah Karp are here with details. Plus, we’re recapping Chicago Public Schools Supt. Macquline King’s congressional testimony in Washington this week.  Good News: Movies In The Parks, Chicago Music Legacy Tour, Simeon's First Play in Decade 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 Friday, June 12 episode: Visit Bloomington Friends of San Damiano Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE