City Cast Chicago

Latest Episodes:

What Hip-Hop Blogs Get Wrong—and Right—about Chicago Nov 10, 2022

Show notes

Election season can mean commercials and speeches full of fearmongering around crime, stereotypes about the South and West sides, and calling Chicago a hellhole. But it doesn’t just happen when there's an election. Freelance journalist Mark Braboy recently wrote for The Triibe about the growth of online hip-hop and culture blogs, and how Chicago misinformation has become some of their bread and butter.

Call or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Here’s What Happened on Election Night Nov 09, 2022

Show notes

Voters in Illinois headed to the polls Tuesday to cast their ballots for local, state, and federal offices in midterm elections. The City Cast Chicago team recaps some key races including those for governor, Congress, and the state Supreme Court.

Call or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Abortion Rights, Justice Reform at Stake in AG and Supreme Court Races Nov 08, 2022

Show notes

As we await election results tonight, our eyes are likely to get pulled to big congressional, legislative, and gubernatorial races. But you’ll also want to keep an eye on the Illinois Supreme Court, where Democrats’ decades-long majority is at stake, and the attorney general’s race. From public safety to access to abortion, these offices have a lot of influence. WBEZ criminal justice reporter Shannon Heffernan breaks down the AG’s race, while Injustice Watch editor Jonah Newman explains how two suburban Supreme Court races could affect the state.

Polls close tonight at 7 p.m. Check for your polling place.

Call or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Obama’s Chief Speechwriter on the ‘Battle for America’ Nov 07, 2022

Show notes

Few people probably remember that in 2015, the Supreme Court’s decisions on same sex marriage and the Affordable Care Act, as well as the racist shooting rampage that killed nine African Americans at a Charleston church all happened within 10 days. Cody Keenan remembers. He was former President Barack Obama’s chief speechwriter, which meant he had to craft the right words for Obama to deliver. In his new book, “Grace: President Obama and Ten Days in the Battle for America,” Keenan details his struggle to write speeches about those events and outlines how he collaborated with the country’s first Black president.

Remember, Election Day is tomorrow. Find your polling place or nearest drop box.

Call or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

CTA Accountability, Midterm Prep, and Chi Transplant Advice Nov 04, 2022

Show notes

It’s the last weekend before midterm elections, so of course we’ve got big names making the rounds. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are in Illinois, following visits this week from former president and first lady Barack and Michelle Obama. But it’s not just elections in the news: CTA president Dorval Carter said this week he will appear before the City Council after skipping a hearing in September. The City Cast Chicago podcast team talks about accountability at the transit agency, the latest on grocery mergers, and big changes for the Bears. Plus, host Jacoby Cochran, lead producer Carrie Shepherd, and producer Simone Alicea offer some advice for people new to Chicago.

Call or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

So You Want to Build a House on a Vacant Lot? Nov 03, 2022

Show notes

During a budget hearing last month, Department of Planning and Development Commissioner Maurice D. Cox said the city has 4,000 vacant lots that are clean and ready for sale. He also promised a more streamlined process in purchasing those lots. City Cast Chicago listener Makema Adkins has one of these city-owned lots behind her condo on the Near West Side, where she’s lived for over a decade. In 2020, she started the process of buying the lot to build a bigger home for her growing family, but it was going frustratingly slow. We revisit our August conversation with Makema about why she thinks the city should make it easier for residents like her to build on these lots. We also get an update on where she is with her new home.

Parts of this episode were originally published Aug. 1, 2022.

Makema texted us with her question, and you can too! Reach out or leave a voicemail at (773) 780-0246.

Some news: Today is the last day to request a mail-in ballot. And applications are now open to replace George Cardenas as 12th Ward alderperson.

Call or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Can This Bulls Team Actually Win the Championship? Nov 02, 2022

Show notes

Last year around this time we asked, “Are these Bulls for real?” That’s because the team had one of its best starts in years, exciting new players, and a newfound intensity on the court. Heading into this season, following a first round exit in the playoffs and a quiet off season, many are wondering what the team’s ceiling is this year. Host Jacoby Cochran sits down with ESPN NBA reporter Jamal Collier and asks about his early predictions for the Chicago Bulls.

Some news: Englewood Nature Trail community meeting Thursday.

Call or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

What Does Cook County Do with its $8 Billion Budget? Nov 01, 2022

Show notes

In addition to statewide and congressional races, candidates for Cook County offices are on the ballot this election, including Cook County board president and board commissioners. But voters may not be as familiar with what those elected officials actually do. WBEZ politics reporter Kristen Schorsch explains how one of the largest counties in the U.S. spends its $8 billion budget and which races are especially interesting this year.

Call or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

'Candyman' Has Been Scaring Chicago for 30 Years Oct 31, 2022

Show notes

Re-watching a classic film as an adult, after living for decades in the city where it's set, can bring out very different reactions than the first time you watched it. The original "Candyman" came out in 1992, and is about the urban legend of the man with a hook arm, covered in bees who haunted the Cabrini Green public housing buildings. Host Jacoby Cochran and lead producer Carrie Shepherd rewatched the film for Halloween to see if it’s still as terrifying, how Chicago looks different now, and what the film gets right and wrong about the city.

Call or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Your Last-Minute Halloween Guide Oct 28, 2022

Show notes

TimeOut Chicago editor Emma Krupp’s job is to bring readers events that cater to a range of interests, neighborhoods, and lifestyles. Of course, Halloween weekend is a stacked calendar. Emma tells producer Simone Alicea some of the events she recommends.

Families

Arts in the Dark Parade

Logan Square Halloween Parade

Chicago Park District events

Chicago Public Library events

Party Procrastinators

Saints and Sinners at ROOF on theWit

Slash Dance at IO Godfrey

Black Rose Halloween Party at Adalina

Pilsen Brew-Ja Crawl

Sober Celebrations:

Film screenings at Davis Theater, Doc Films, and Music Box Theatre