Stay ConnectedChicago’s daily news podcast, fresh every weekday morning. Host Jacoby Cochran brings you timely conversations with news and culture makers; activists and artists; bus drivers and students; those who love and hate this place. City Cast Chicago is a smart and delightful new way to connect with the city we share. Learn more and subscribe to our newsletter at chicago.citycast.fm.
Named Best Podcast by Chicago Reader 2022
The South Shore neighborhood is home to beautiful beaches, amazing architecture, and an ornate ballroom where the Obamas had their wedding reception. But despite these sights, writer and longtime South Shore resident Evan Moore says the neighborhood doesn’t get the recognition and investment it deserves. He tells host Jacoby Cochran about some of his favorite things to eat, see, and do in South Shore.
Places discussed:
“New Frontier, Same Old 9” Mural
For more on South Shore, go back and listen to our episodes about the Avalon Regal Theater and the Obama presidential center.
Plus check out South Shore events this weekend, from music at the cultural center and the Quarry to Halloween festivities.
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The term "cuffing season" refers to single people looking to couple up for cold weather cuddles, holiday parties, and visiting family now that the summer is over. City Cast contributor Leigh Giangreco went to the Logan Square Farmers Market, a popular meeting spot with a reputation for being "horny," to hear from people attending a singles event. Leigh tells host Jacoby Cochran how Chicagoans are pairing up this time of year.
Sunday is the last day of the season for the farmers market in Logan Square.
Some news:
Apply for mortgage assistance from the Illinois Housing Development Authority.
Help name one of the Shedd’s new sea otters
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As we get closer to Election Day, you’ve probably seen memes or posts wrongly decrying criminal justice reforms in Illinois as a “purge law.” Among other changes, the SAFE-T Act passed in 2021 abolishes cash bail. It goes into effect in January. Garien Gatewood with the Illinois Justice Project is here to fact-check the misinformation and explain what abolishing money bond really means.
A little bit of news: It's the last week to comment on the city's We Will Chicago plan.
Some good news: Catch some spooky stories with Jacoby Friday night at the University of Chicago. Hear campfire stories for children at NEIU Saturday.
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Fall is in full swing, but there’s still time to get outside before winter hits. Journalist and naturalist Zack Nauth compiled a list of 20 midwest hiking trails to visit this season all over the prairies, marshes, valleys, and forests near Chicago. Host Jacoby Cochran talks with Nauth about his top picks from that list, what to expect on the trails, and his favorite things about hiking.
Places discussed:
Cap Sauers Holding Nature Preserve
Franklin Creek State Natural Area
Salt Creek Woods Nature Preserve
Wolf Road Prairie Nature Preserve
News: Where to vote early in Chicago
Some good news: Fatimah Asghar at Harold Washington Library. Listen back to our episode with Asghar about writing for Disney's "Ms. Marvel."
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This episode sponsored by the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum. Check out their series of spooky events this month.
The city earmarked $1.2 billion for social services in the 2022 “Chicago Recovery” Budget. But according to WTTW, just $130 million has been spent this year on violence prevention, affordable housing, youth programs, mental health, and helping unhoused Chicagoans. WTTW politics reporter Heather Cherone tells host Jacoby Cochran why so little money has been spent. Plus, Nadia Hernandez, print managing editor for The DePaulia, DePaul University's student newspaper, talks about election season on campus and why students continue to lose faith in CTA. And stick around for rare birds, dorm plants, and new music rounding out this week’s Goooooddd Newwsss!
Good News:
WTTW Article “There's a Magic Stump in Central Illinois, and It'll Change the Way You Look at Farmland”
New Music: Aang by Pivot Gang
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Shortly before the neighborhood was named one of the coolest in the world by TimeOut, City Cast listener Cat Kliegle reached out to say Avondale is “like Logan Square’s slept-on sibling.” Cat takes host Jacoby Cochran right across the river to Clark Park to talk about how the historically Polish neighborhood has changed. Plus, she gives us her recommendations of things to eat, see, and do, including some recs for the Halloween season.
Learn more about Avondale's history as a Polish neighborhood by listening to our episode about Jackowo with Mary Visniewski and Joanna Marszalek.
Places discussed:
Bucket O’ Blood: Books and Records
Bric-a-Brac Records & Collectibles
Some Good News:
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For years, Chicago has grappled with what to do about monuments that fail to recognize the whole truth of the city’s history and memorialize seminal community leaders. The Chicago Monuments Project issued their recommendations this summer for what to do about monuments in the city that feature colonial history and white supremacy. The report included a call for new work. One of the projects receiving a $50k grant will monumentalize Latina history and leaders in Pilsen. Lead producer Carrie Shepherd talks with one of the artists and organizers leading the project—visual artist, photographer, and educator Diana Solís and Hinda Seif, associate professor of sociology and anthropology at the University of Illinois Springfield.
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With Election Day three weeks away, maybe you’re looking for some help making sense of everything that’s on the ballot, especially if you’ve been feeling disillusioned with politics. That’s where the comprehensive Girl, I Guess Progressive Voter Guide may come in. Every election, organizer Stephanie Skora looks at issues through a progressive lens, focusing on candidates and measures that support workers rights, social services, and environmental causes, and more. Skora joins host Jacoby Cochran to talk about her most important issues on the ballot and why it’s critical to participate.
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Eve Ewing’s “1919” has been adapted from the page to the stage this month at Steppenwolf Theatre, with upcoming performances at Chicago parks, juvenile detention centers, and other community spaces. The sociologist, professor, poet, and author chats with host Jacoby Cochran about her award-winning work. They talk everything from the history of the Chicago race riots to the release of her upcoming Marvel comic book in December.
Some Good News:
Catch Jacoby Cochran hosting for The Moth at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn for their “Grown”-themed event.
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This episode sponsored by the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum. Check out their series of spooky events this month.
Chicago’s new police oversight commission has been slow to hire staff, prompting tough questions from alders and organizers who’ve fought decades for civilian oversight. Host Jacoby Cochran talks about that and other stories from the week with Injustice Watch’s Charles Preston and Chicago Reader’s Kelly Garcia. They discuss Willie Wilson’s efforts to court Latinx voters, alders exploring more independence from the mayor, and Injustice Watch’s judicial voting guide. Plus, they share some good news and their fantasy Halloween costumes.
Some Good News:
Plans for reopening Memo's Hot Dogs in Pilsen are underway!
Fall Chicago Theater is in full swing.
Pullman Arts and Culture Fest is presenting a two-day festival this weekend in the Pullman and Roseland neighborhoods.
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