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
Are you familiar with The Fly Honeys? What was once a multi-weekend, sold-out production for a decade is being tailored to Thalia Hall for Pride this weekend with its iconic showcase of "high-kicking dancers, singers, ass shakers, emcees, nightlife performers, celebrated DJs and headlining guest artists - all backed by a nine-piece band.” Host Jacoby Cochran speaks to two of the people behind The Fly Honeys, Mary Williamson and Shannon Matesky, about their new live performance and how it’s a celebration of all bodies.
Some Good News
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The political lore in Chicago used to be that if you didn’t know which judges to vote for, you should just pick the most Irish-sounding name. Really, there was a study that confirmed voters did this. But that's not an informed way to go to the polls. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to Maya Dukmasova and Charles Preston from Injustice Watch about the organization's Judicial Election Guide, and why it’s so important to really understand the candidates and the role they play in Cook County residents' lives.
Some Good News:
Where to get vaccines for kids under 5
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Trans activist "Mama Gloria" Allen died this week at the age of 76. To honor her memory, we're resharing our conversation with her from December.
In the early 1960s, Gloria Allen, aka Mama Gloria, was ridiculed by teachers and fellow students at Englewood High School for being a “sissy.” Allen said no one knew back then what being transgender meant. But she always knew she was a girl, and with the support of her mother, grandmother, and some neighbors, Allen was able to embrace who she really was. Living that authentic life is what helped her when she experienced traumatic sexual violence. “Mama Gloria,” streaming now on PBS, is a documentary of Allen’s life in Chicago, including attending “Sissy Balls” in the 1960s and starting a charm school for young people. Allen talked with host Jacoby Cochran about the continued fight for transgender rights.
Mama Gloria was a fixture at The Center on Halsted. Check out their website to find out more and get involved.
This conversation was first published December 16, 2021.
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On Sunday, hundreds gathered to march from Lincoln Square to Uptown to memorialize two young children, 2 year old Raphael “Rafi” Cardenas and 3 year old Elizabeth “Lily” Grace, who were killed in recent traffic accidents. The families, neighbors, and advocates are demanding the city do more to protect bikers and pedestrians and hold motorists accountable. Freelance journalist Taylor Moore and WTTW’s Joanna Hernandez join host Jacoby Cochran to talk about what can be done to create safer roads in Chicago. We also look at Joanna’s series ‘Turning Pain Into Purpose,’ the inequitable planting of trees in neighborhoods, and celebrate our favorite Art Institute lions!
Plus, Jacoby is everywhere this weekend! Catch him today on WBEZ's Nerdette and Reset and on WTTW's Chicago Tonight. You can also catch him Sunday at Schubas for Karaoke Storytellers and Monday at First Presbyterian for the "Reinventing Public Safety" forum.
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Harold’s is more than a chicken spot — It’s a Chicago institution. There are stories of NBA MVP Derrick Rose getting bottles of their famous mild sauce brought to his home. Kanye West set a music video at Harold’s. It’s even been name-dropped by a certain former U.S. president. But somehow, even with dozens of franchise locations, it’s been able to maintain a community feel and remains a must-try for anyone coming to the city (but newcomers be warned: you better know your order before you get to the counter). Shakeia Taylor recently wrote about Harold’s legacy for the Eater. She and journalist (and City Cast friend) Arionne Nettles talk with host Jacoby Cochran about the history of the iconic chicken joint, their orders, and where the best (and worst) locations are. Plus, we hear from a former Harold’s franchise owner.
In the newscast, we mentioned the lobbying efforts for the 2024 DNC to be held in Chicago. You can revisit our episode with City Cast Las Vegas — who’s also in the running — here.
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When the former ABLA Homes on the Near West Side were torn down in the 2000s, the city promised to build new housing. But 20 years later, most of the planned units haven’t been built and most families never returned. Earlier this year, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced a deal to develop the biggest plot of the former public housing complex, but it wasn’t for more housing. The land is set to be developed by the Chicago Fire, the city’s professional men’s soccer team, as a practice facility. ProPublica’s Mick Dumke has been investigating how this deal came together with “unusual urgency,” and he tells host Jacoby Cochran how it appears to be yet another broken promise in Chicago’s housing history.
A little bit of sad news: Trans icon and activist Gloria Allen, aka Mama Gloria, has died at the age of 76. We spoke with Mama Gloria in December.
We are giving away two tickets to Karaoke Storytellers at Schubas on Sunday. To win, text us at (773) 780-0246 with your name, email, and go-to karaoke song.
Learn more about the sponsor of this episode:
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Early voting is underway for the June 28 primary. But sometimes you’re looking at a list of names, and you don’t even know what they’re running for. Host Jacoby Cochran has often felt that way looking at the list of candidates for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District commissioners. What does the MWRD even do? To find out, we asked commissioner Kim Neely du Buclet, who is not up for election this year.
As Jacoby mentioned, there are six cooling areas in the city. You can find out more info here.
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In honor of the Chicago Tribune’s 175th anniversary, the paper recently put out a Chicago history quiz. (Happy birthday, Trib friends!) Of course, we wanted to put our knowledge to the test. So we asked producer Simone Alicea to pick the best questions for a little trivia competition. From architecture, to politics, to sports, host Jacoby Cochran and lead producer Carrie Shepherd face off to see who knows the most Chi history.
A little bit of news: Early voting starts today in all 50 wards.
On Wednesday, Jacoby will face off against Shermann "Dilla" Thomas at Chicago Write Club. Jacoby will be defending Chicago parks while Dilla argues for the beaches. Which do you prefer? Let us know at (773) 780-0246
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Happy Pride month! Host Jacoby Cochran is looking back at some key stories from the week with Chicago Reader co-publisher Tracy Baim and Block Club Chicago reporter Jake Wittich, who covers Lakeview, Lincoln park, and Old Town. They discuss Chicago’s new AIDS Garden, a Pride march at a North Center elementary school, and the Reader’sPride Issue. Tracy and Jake also make it clear while Pride is a month of celebration, we must continue to protect, uplift, and advocate for LGBTQ+ stories and lives all year round.
Catch Jacoby Wednesday evening at the Golden Dagger for Write Club Chicago. He’ll be facing off against Shermann “Dilla” Thomas debating Parks vs. Beaches. Jacoby is Team Parks. Which are you? Let us know at (773) 780-0246.
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Anyone who has ever walked by the Puerto Rican flag at Division and Western in Humboldt Park knows that Puerto Rican pride runs deep and strong in this city. The stretch known as the Paseo Boricua is the heart of the community. Starting Thursday, Fiestas Patronales Puertorriqueñas aka the Puerto Rican Festival returns including four days of celebration, a carnival, and a parade Saturday. Joshua Smyser-DeLeon grew up in the neighborhood and remembers attending the festival as a kid. He hosts “Paseo Podcast” where he explores all things Puerto Rico both here in Chicago and across the diaspora. Before Joshua joins the parade this weekend, he sat down with host Jacoby Cochran to talk about the history of Puerto Ricans in Chicago and the love he has for his culture and people.
Some Good News: Hyde Park Summer Fest is back
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