What Are Mental Health Courts? Plus, United Center Tax Break and Obama Center Gentrification
Mental health courts have proliferated in Illinois, but how effective are they? Grace Hauck with the Illinois Answers Project joins Justin Laurence with Crain’s and executive producer Simone Alicea to break it down. Plus, the United Center’s 1901 Project is poised for a big tax break, and housing protections near the Obama Center seem to have failed to keep neighbors in their homes. But at least we’ve got good news about pepper plants and the NBA draft.
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 May 15 episode:
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Is Chicago Really Over Ye? Plus, Best Summer Museum Exhibits
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 t...

Summer Storms Rock Chicago. Plus, Obama Center Neighborhood Guide
Across Chicago, neighbors are still navigating uprooted trees, power outages, and flooding following intense storms last week. Unfortunat...

Banning Cellphones in School. And Why Isn't Chicago Hosting World Cup?
After years of trying, Illinois lawmakers have officially banned cellphones and other devices in classrooms. Gov. JB Pritzker, a vocal su...

Should Chicago Open Public Pharmacies? Plus, CPS Defends Transgender Policies
Walgreens has shuttered two more South Side locations, including the Chatham location, after closing five in 2025. Ald. William Hall (6th...

Are Chicago Bike Lanes Actually Safe? Plus, Ann Sather Closure and Playing Hooky
Ann Sather’s last day on Belmont is June 28. City Cast Chicago contributor Adora Namigadde explains why the closure feels so significant....

Public Pools Open Next Week. Plus, Chicago’s New Women’s Sports Bar
Most of the city’s 77 public pools, 200 water features, and Chicago’s only inland beach are all opening next Friday. Plus, we’ve got more...

Red Line Weekend Detour and Ultimate Summer Guide
Red Line trains will be rerouted to elevated tracks for the third straight weekend due to maintenance work in the Loop subway. Executive...

Who's Running For Mayor? Plus, Bears Pick Hammond?!
Chicago’s mayoral election is nine months away. Last week, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza became the first major candidate to make t...

Why Chicago Libraries Got It All. Plus, Are The Bears Still Ours?
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 the...

How the City Is Helping Chicagoans Buy Houses and Read More Books
Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Department of Housing are launching a new $21 million housing program to provide down payment and closing a...


