Paying School Board, NASCAR Traffic Plan, and New Chicago Reads
Chicago’s first school board elections take place this November. But now that we have a district map, election plan, and potential candidates are gathering signatures, one big question remains: Will school board members eventually be paid for their service? Currently, state law prohibits paying board members, but host Jacoby Cochran asks professor Arionne Nettles and Tribune’s Gregory Royal Pratt if Illinois should reconsider this in order to create a more diverse and inclusive candidate pool. Plus, we are looking ahead at NASCAR’s July street race, Mayor Johnson’s plan to convert downtown offices into apartments, initiatives to make Ramadan more eco-friendly, and two new Chicago books to read this spring!
Books you should check out:
- The City is Up for Grabs: How Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot Led and Lost a City in Crisis is available now.
- We Are The Culture: Black Chicago’s Influence on Everything is available for pre-order, out April 16.
Our episode where we attended iftar at the Muslim Community Center.
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about our sponsor:
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Mass Shooting Attempt in Aurora. Plus, Will Illinois Step in for Gender-Affirming Care?
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...

Who Is Billionaire Mega Donor Michael Sacks? Plus, What Questions Are on the Ballot?
Billionaire mega-donor Michael Sacks has been involved in Illinois politics and the state’s democratic party for decades. He has been an...

Pope Leo’s Cancer Diagnosis, Bears’ Hallmark Debut, and Soul Train Awards
Today we’re joined by contributors Jill Hopkins and Leigh Giangreco to discuss Pope Leo’s recent cancer diagnosis, Chicago’s newest Bears...

What Happened at City Hall This Week? Plus, School Board Front Runner
Today we’re talking about what went down at this week’s city council meeting, including a $260 million police settlement, attempts to ove...

Your Guide to Halloween & Día de Muertos in Chicago
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...

The Fat Cat Attracting Lincoln Park Rats. Plus, Northalsted’s Legacy Walk
For years, Lincoln Park neighbors have complained about one couple who has single-handedly contributed to the growing rat population in t...

Why Is Chicago Losing Maternity Wards? Plus, Guide to Judicial Elections
Safety net hospitals in the Chicagoland area are in crisis. We have covered multiple closures, including West Suburban in Oak Park and We...

OIG Reopens Dominguez Investigation. Plus, Michigan Ave Getting Bus Lane
Chicago Public Schools’ inspector general is reopening an investigation into school board presidential candidate Hilario Dominguez. He is...

Will Supreme Court End Assault Weapons Ban? Plus, Chicago Named Best Big City… AGAIN
The Supreme Court is officially back for the fall term, and it has its hands full. The ACLU possibly has its busiest term ever, with plen...

Edgewater Rezoning Debate, John Prine Bday Celebration, and White Sox Tickets Skyrocket
Today we’re talking about an ongoing redevelopment debate in Edgewater, a birthday celebration for legendary songwriter John Prine, and t...


