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
While Chicago’s beaches opened Memorial Day weekend, many of the city’s 49 outdoor pools and 28 indoor pools remain closed. Today, 37 of the Chicago Park District pools are scheduled to open. One of the reasons behind the delay is a lifeguard shortage. The parks says there are 384 vacant lifeguard positions out of 821 budgeted for 2022. Host Jacoby Cochran spoke with City Cast friend and Chicago historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas about his experience as a lifeguard growing up in Auburn Gresham and the importance of pools during these hot summer months.
See what pools will be open July 5 and where they're located in the city.
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We're off for the holiday, but we wanted to share this bonus episode from the Chicago History Podcast. We had host Tommy Henry on awhile aback to talk about the history of Bally's in the city, and today he's going to tell you about another iconic Chicago company.
The Sears tower (now Willis Tower) was once the tallest building in the world and is easily the most recognizable building in Chicago, but that building was not the first Sears Tower.
The Supreme Court is back in the headlines thanks to another recent decision, this time limiting the ability to enforce Miranda rights. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to Trina Reynolds Tyler, Director of Data at the Invisible Institute, and Maira Khwaja, Director of Public Strategy at the Invisible Institute, about the Supreme Court’s recent decisions, Candace Parker achieving yet another WNBA milestone, and more on this week’s news roundup.
Stories discussed:
Supreme Court guts 'Miranda' rights
South Side parents struggle to get their kids enrolled in Park District programs
The struggle for housing protections around Obama Center
Young people dream up a safer summer in Chicago
WNBA player Candace Parker reaches unprecedented milestone
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Some will say House music is having a “moment,” thanks to the release of Beyoncé’s new single, “Break My Soul,” as well as the new album from Drake “Honestly, Nevermind.” But for the DJs, pioneers, and lovers of all things House, they would say the sound has only sustained and expanded its influence. All this makes it a good time to remember: House music was born in Chicago's Black and brown LGBTQ communities. Host Jacoby Cochran speaks with the co-hosts of WNUR’s Vintage House Show, DJ Lori Branch and archivist Lauren Lowery, about the roots of house music and renewed interest in the movement.
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Voters in Illinois headed to the polls Tuesday to cast their ballots for Democratic and Republican nominees for local, state, and federal offices. The City Cast Chicago team recaps some of the key races including for Governor, Congress, and judges.
Helpful Links from the 2022 Primary Election:
Complete List of Winners from Illinois Board of Elections
City Cast Chicago's Primary Prep Playlist
Some Good News:
Chosen Few Picnic & Festival 2022
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In case you couldn’t tell from the heat, summertime Chi is here. That means along with the tourists descending on the Loop, you’re also hearing the sounds of street performers downtown. The artists on these corners have an on-the-ground view of the city center during its busiest season. Host Jacoby Cochran asked one of those performers, Andrew David, to take him into this world.
You can also catch Andrew tomorrow night at Impact House.
Some Good News:
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We knew it was coming. But on Friday, the country officially entered a post-Roe v. Wade world, where abortion is no longer a constitutional right. Illinois officials are reminding people that abortion remains legal here. But at a Friday rally just hours after the Supreme Court decision came down, demonstrators yelled, cried, and warned about troubles to come. We hear some of those voices, and we talk about what comes nexts for states like ours. Lead producer Carrie Shepherd talks with City Cast Pittsburgh’s Morgan Moody about an influx of abortion patients expected to come to Illinois and Pennsylvania, with surrounding states likely to restrict abortion even further.
A little bit of news: Primary election day is tomorrow. Here’s where to drop off mail ballots. And here’s a playlist of primary episodes to get you pumped for the voting booth.
Some good news: Win some prizes in the Chicago Public Library’s adult summer reading challenge.
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This episode was originally published on June 7, 2022.
The reversal of Roe v. Wade won’t end abortion — it will make access to safe abortion much more difficult. Before the Supreme Court’s landmark abortion rights decision women had to take dangerous measures to end a pregnancy. Seeing the need, a group of women based in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood created a service that provided everything from counseling to rides to appointments. You called a number, and you asked for Jane.
Laura Kaplan was part of the group, and she’s the author of “The Story of Jane: The Legendary Underground Feminist Abortion Service.” She spoke with lead producer Carrie Shepherd. “The Janes,” a new documentary featuring Kaplan and other former members, is now available on HBO.
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Summer officially started this week, and the City Cast Chicago team has put together a little summer bucket list to get you through the next few months. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to Chicago Tribune politics reporters Gregory Pratt and A.D. Quig about what they are planning to do this summer. Plus, billionaire Ken Griffin moving hedge fund Citadel to Miami, the Cook County assessor’s race, how CTA and the Parks are falling short with service right now, and the 50th anniversary of Title IX. Plus, moments of joy!
Moments of Joy
DanceAfrica Chicago: Roots
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In her new play “The Billboard,” journalist, author, and playwright Natalie Moore tells the story of a fictional abortion clinic in Englewood and its fight with a City Council candidate who puts up a billboard declaring “Abortion is genocide. The most dangerous place for a Black child is his mother’s womb.” The clinic decides to fight back by putting up its own sign. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to Natalie about her play, the expected overturning of Roe v. Wade, and more.
Check out our summer visitor's guide, and let us know what's on your must-do list. Call or text us at (773) 780-0246
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