Your Guide to October 2026 in Chicago

Mayor Brandon Johnson unveiled his $17.6 billion budget proposal at City Hall this week. The mayor called it “Chicago’s Fair Share Budget,” after what Harold Washington named his 1986 budget 40 years ago. We are joined by City Hall reporters Brandon Pope and Jake Sheridan to dive into the details, including another attempt at a corporate head tax, new investments in the library and youth jobs, and debates between the mayor and City Council.   Good News:  Mobb Deep x Talib Kweli, Tank and The Bangas  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 Oct. 23 episode: Enjoy Illinois Destination Madison Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

This episode mentions sexual assault, so please take care when listening.  Today we’re talking about two sexual violence allegations at University of Chicago fraternity houses. Plus, a string of robberies hitting local businesses on the South and North Sides. Contributors Yareni Murillo and PJ Walker break down the latest.  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 Oct. 22 episode: Enjoy Illinois Destination Madison Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Today we’re talking about an attempted mass shooting at a Hindu Temple in Aurora and what Illinois is doing to keep gender-affirming care funded now that federal dollars have dried up. Host Jacoby Cochran discusses the latest with contributors Adora Namigadde and Anna DeShawn. Plus, should Chicago get a portal? 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 Oct. 21 episode: Enjoy Illinois Destination Madison Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Billionaire mega-donor Michael Sacks has been involved in Illinois politics and the state’s democratic party for decades. He has been an advisor, campaign donor, and critical ally to governors, mayors, state attorneys, and more. Now he is one of the lead opposition forces to the Chicago Teachers Union and Mayor Brandon Johnson. WBEZ’s Mariah Woelfel joins us with the latest. Plus, we’re going through the non-binding ballot questions Chicagoans will see when they vote.  Find your ward’s early voting location  Good News: Peak fall foliage, Jazz Happy Hour, Live Music with Charles Pryor, After Hours Live Jazz 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 Oct. 20 episode: Enjoy Illinois Destination Madison Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Today we’re joined by contributors Jill Hopkins and Leigh Giangreco to discuss Pope Leo’s recent cancer diagnosis, Chicago’s newest Bears-themed rom-com, and the return of the Soul Train Awards.  Good News: Write Club 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 If you enjoyed this interview with Kenya Merritt, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Commissioner, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 19 episode: Enjoy Illinois Destination Madison DCASE Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Today we’re talking about what went down at this week’s city council meeting, including a $260 million police settlement, attempts to override a mayoral veto, and a vote on the Smart Streets program. Plus, school board presidential candidates met in a Chicago Public Media forum this week, and we’ve got love for the Westside Love Maps Project! Good News: Write About Now Poetry, Vigil Against Violence, New Schools Poetry Slam 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 Oct.16 episode: Destination Madison Goodman Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

There are two weeks left to go in October, which means the spooky season is almost over. But don’t worry, contributors Yareni Murillo and PJ Walker are here with great costume ideas, parties across the city, and the best spot to catch a horror movie or show.  Good News: Al Raby dedication.  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, October 15th episode: Destination Madison Goodman Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

For years, Lincoln Park neighbors have complained about one couple who has single-handedly contributed to the growing rat population in the community. Billionaires Barre and Barbara Seid, despite repeated fines and citations, continue to feed expensive nuts to the squirrels, pigeons, and rats in the park. We break down the Alderman’s response with contributors Al Scorch and Anna DeShawn. Plus, check out the newest plaques on Northalsted’s Legacy Walk and this weekend’s Open House Chicago itineraries.   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 Oct. 14 episode: Destination Madison Goodman Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Safety net hospitals in the Chicagoland area are in crisis. We have covered multiple closures, including West Suburban in Oak Park and Weiss Memorial in Uptown. Others have had to make hard decisions on which units to keep funding. Roseland Community Hospital announced that it will close its maternity unit by the end of the month. Leigh Giangreco is here with the latest updates. Plus, Dan Hinkel joins to discuss Injustice Watch’s Cook County judicial elections voter guide. 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 Join City Cast Chicago Neighbors today for a free gift! If you enjoyed today's interview with the VP of Destination Branding & Development at Experience Champaign-Urbana, Terri Reifsteck, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 13 episode: DCASE Destination Madison Goodman Theatre Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Chicago Public Schools’ inspector general is reopening an investigation into school board presidential candidate Hilario Dominguez. He is facing allegations of inappropriate behavior while working with a minor at a Pilsen nonprofit. Fox Chicago reporter Brandon Pope and Axios Chicago’s Carrie Shepherd are here with the latest. Plus, Block 37 sold for $30 million, a bus lane coming to Michigan Avenue in the Loop, and who would you pick to throw out a playoff first pitch? Good News: Poet Laureate Mayda del Valle workshop 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 Join City Cast Chicago Neighbors today for a free gift! Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 9 episode: Chicago Architecture Center - Open House Chicago Plays Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE