City Cast Chicago logo
Display Ad: Children play near Chicago's Cloud Gate. "Big plans. Coming right up." with pizza graphic on left; "Enjoy Illinois. Meet in the middle." on right.
May 13, 2025

 School Board Pushback, Popemania Continues, and Plover Pair Returns

City Cast Chicago

 School Board Pushback, Popemania Continues, and Plover Pair Returns

00:00:00
View all City Cast Chicago episodes

Dozens of Chicago alderpeople and school board members are pushing the board to uphold a resolution demanding that the next Chicago Public Schools CEO hold a state superintendent’s license, as Mayor Brandon Johnson reportedly points to his chief of staff to become the school district’s interim chief executive. Host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro discuss the internal fight to pick the next leader of Chicago public schools. Plus, we talk about our favorite Popemania memes and check in on Chicago’s piping plover neighbors.

Good News: Crosstown Classic and Sky Season Opener 

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 the sponsors of this May 13 episode:

Become a member of City Cast Chicago.

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Chicago

Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
April 14

Will CPS Close on May Day? Plus, Silver Room Block Party Returns

CPS CEO Macquline King says schools will remain open on May 1, as members of the CTU and Chicago School Board have voiced support for can...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
April 13

West Ridge YMCA For Sale, Indie Concerts Archive, and Chicago’s Worst Trades

Chicago YMCA locations have fallen on hard times in recent decades. After the West Ridge location closed in 2021, neighbors fought to sav...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
April 10

South Side Birthing Center, 75th Street Welcomes Visitors, and Chicago’s ‘81 Club’

Just in time for Black Doula Day, the kick off to Black Maternal Health Week, the Chicago South Side Birthing Center broke ground this we...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
April 9

Broadview Protesters Face Trial, Farmers Market Prices Rise, and Where to Karaoke in Chicago

The trial against the Broadview Four, a group of high-profile protesters arrested and charged with conspiracy back in September, is set t...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
April 8

Why Can’t the Sky Keep Stars? Plus, The Hideout’s New Ownership

Earlier this week, the ⁠Chicago Sky traded All-Star forward Angel Reese⁠ to the Atlanta Dream for two future first-round picks. Following...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
April 7

What to Do on Route 66 in Chicago

In April 1926, Route 66 received its iconic number. The so-called Mother Road takes you all the way to California, but it begins in Chica...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
April 6

Mayor Johnson vs CHA Board, Buses to O’Hare, and Hawks Miss Playoffs… Again

At the end of March, Chicago’s Housing Authority board voted 7-2 to appoint a new CEO. CHA has been without a permanent CEO since former...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
April 5

'Your City Could Be Better': Denver’s Bet on a Women’s Soccer Stadium — Presented By City Cast Chicago

While both Chicago and Denver have a professional Women's Soccer team (go Stars!), Denver is only the second city in the U.S. to build a...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
April 3

What Went Down At The Jeffs? Plus, Was Midway Blitz Martial Law?

Chicagoans are still asking if the feds will return to the city after Operation Midway blitz. WBEZ’s Curious City recently tackled whethe...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art
April 2

Accessing Immigration Courts, Regulating Prediction Markets, and Ranking Chicago Burgers

Why are immigration court watchers in Chicago struggling to observe virtual hearings? Will Illinois regulate rapidly growing prediction m...

City Cast Chicago podcast episode art