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
Losing a loved one to gun violence can be extremely isolating. But in Chicago, there are many ways communities come together to remember those who have been lost. Producer Michelle Navarro visited a healing vigil for survivors last weekend organized by Corniki Bornds, founder of the Help Understand Grief (HUG) support group. She talked with Bornds about why groups and events like this are important ahead of an upcoming memorial basketball game for her son, who was shot and killed eight years ago.
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The people have spoken. With nearly 90% of the vote, the audience has crowned the winner of our March Madness Ultimate Chicago food bracket as none other than the Chicago Hot Dog. The City Cast Chicago team (reacts to the results) and revisit an earlier conversation breaking down the Chicago dog’s origins, their favorite places to grab one, and if it deserves all the hype.
Spots mentioned:
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Will Mayor Johnson’s affordable housing plan make it through City Council this week? Do you need a Real ID before the May 7 deadline? What are some of Chicago’s biggest foods according to Block Club Chicago? Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran answer these questions and more.
Good News: Jackson Park Cherry Blossoms
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The fight to regulate hemp-derived products like delta-8 and delta-9 has split state lawmakers and Chicago’s City Council. While some alders have pursued an outright ban, others want either the city or state to regulate the products. We break down the different approaches and hear from Alds. Marty Quinn in the 13th Ward and Bennet Lawson in the 44th Ward.
Good news: White Sox “Jackie Robinson Day”
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International students at several city and state universities have had their visas rescinded in recent weeks, the Chicago Defender is celebrating 120 years, and we're talking Chicago plays to see this weekend! Joining us from the Chicago Defender, publisher Dyanna Lewis and managing editor Tacuma Roeback.
Good news: The Pillowman, Moulin Rouge, BUST
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Chicago loves Lake Michigan (just see how many times it comes up on our list of 1,000 things we love about Chicago), but just how integral is the lakefront to the city’s existence? A new special from WTTW’s Geoffrey Baer airing Monday examines how Chicago’s lakefront came to be and explores some of the most interesting stories in and around the water. He talks with executive producer Simone Alicea about the most interesting places he has visited.
Good news: Creating Justice 2025
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Local Style Chips are a brand new homegrown snack paying homage to classic Chicago foods like the Italian beef, deep-dish pizza, and the Chicago hot dog. Host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro tested the new potato chips to find out if they’re any good, and they talked to Local Style founder Laura Gardner to learn why she thinks Chicago should take over the snack aisle.
Plus, don’t forget to vote in the final round of our Ultimate Chicago Food Bracket. Which food is most iconic: Paczki or the Chicago hot dog?
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Jury selection began this in the bribery trial of state Sen. Emil Jones III. Jones is accused of agreeing to help a red light camera company alter legislation in exchange for $5,000 and a job for his legislative intern. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss what makes this corruption trial different from others in recent memory. Plus, they talk about large severance packages going to departing leaders of the Chicago Housing Authority.
If 80 more people become City Cast Chicago members by the end of April, we’ll release a special members-only episode of the team reading our list of 1,000 things we love about Chicago.
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The list of the Trump administration’s impacts on higher education in Chicago is long. Students are worried about financial aid, their immigration status, whether their research will be funded, and the future of free speech on campus. Not to mention Congressional investigations into institutions like Northwestern University. WBEZ higher education reporter Lisa Kurian Philip and host Jacoby Cochran discuss the various threats facing Chicago-area colleges.
Good news: Al Scorch’s Big Fantastical Residency – April Birthday Party!
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The Chicago Teachers Union has a tentative contract agreement. What’s in it and what comes next? Helping us break down the details, WBEZ assistant managing editor Kate Grossman and Injustice Watch investigative reporter Kelly Garcia. Plus we are discussing major challenges navigating the city’s immigration courts, yet another congressional investigation for Northwestern, and Little Village’s latest storefront, “The Tamale Lady.”
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