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
Thursday is the deadline to apply to run for your local school council. The councils help drive big decisions across Chicago’s schools like approving how funds are allocated and evaluating and selecting principals. They’re also one of the main ways students, parents, and neighbors can get involved. That’s why we’re revisiting our conversation from the fall with Chalkbeat Chicago editor Becky Vevea to learn about why having robust LSCs is important.
Some Good News: Apply to be a Chicago Public Library maker-in-residence
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After weeks of back and forth in City Council and months of street protests, Chicago became the largest city in the country to pass a resolution calling for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza. Chalkbeat Chicago’s Samantha Smylie and The Triibe’s Tonia Hill are here to discuss the tense scene at City Hall this week and the dozens of student walkouts in support of the resolution. We are also discussing the Illinois Board of Education’s $11 billion budget proposal, the future of free pre-k in Chicago Public Schools, and the abrupt closure of Chatham’s movie theater. Plus, we’ve got some coupon tips and birthday wishes!
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Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, Mardis Gras, Lunar New Year — It may be the shortest month of the year, but there’s still plenty to do in Chicago this month. The City Cast Chicago team has your guide to February including how to enjoy warmer-than-usual weather, Black History Month events, how to celebrate (or not celebrate) Valentine’s Day, and some local Leap Day trivia.
Events mentioned:
Black History Month Story Trails at Dan Ryan Woods
Black History Month at DuSable Museum
Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition
Chicago Public Library Black History Month events
Cockroach Naming at Brookfield Zoo
Crying at the Shed film series
Free Wednesday Evenings at Adler Planetarium
Dungeons and Dragons at The Raven Room
The Orchid Show of Wonders at Chicago Botanic Garden
Some Good news: Big Kid Show at Dorian’s
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For the last four years, the Englewood neighborhood has been without a full-service sit-down restaurant. Why? Partly because of the pandemic, but the story goes back decades and includes white flight, disinvestment, and red tape. Block Club Chicago reporter Atavia Reed tells host Jacoby Cochran that despite these challenges, community members remain more motivated than ever to build restaurants in Englewood.
Some Good News: Check the R.A.G.E Englewood Events Calendar
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Migrants staying at city shelters will not be evicted this week as planned, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced Monday. Shelter stays have been extended at least through March. Meanwhile, the city is crunching the numbers on its annual count of people experiencing homelessness, which took place late last week. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea talk about what the announcement means and some of the shortcomings of the count. They also discuss names for Irving Park’s new eagle friend and City Cast Chicago’s pre-show event at Karaoke Storytellers on Sunday.
Learn more about spotting bald eagles in Illinois.
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“Guaranteed” is a podcast about what happens when regular people receive direct cash assistance, known as guaranteed income. It’s a show about the choices people make, the dreams they pursue, and the impossible things that become a little more possible when their money is guaranteed. We’re featuring this episode about John, a minister, grandfather, military veteran, and former Freedom Rider who lives on the West Side of Chicago and is a participant in the guaranteed income pilot run by the City of Chicago.
“Guaranteed” is created by Respair Production & Media and Eve L. Ewing, with support from the Economic Security Project.
In case you missed it, go back and listen to our episode with “Guaranteed” host Eve L. Ewing about how guaranteed income works and the different programs around Chicago.
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Between inflation, rising rents, and a tepid job market, Chicagoans are feeling the economic pinch right now. But what if you got some cash every month with no strings attached? “Guaranteed” is a podcast series that follows participants in various guaranteed income pilots around Chicagoland. “Guaranteed” host Eve L. Ewing tells host Jacoby Cochran what guaranteed income is, how it works, and shares the stories of some of the people who have received payments from these programs.
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An emergency hearing was called last week after a Woodlawn apartment unit housing Venezuelan migrants was found to be unlivable. Tenants of the building have been locked in a monthslong court battle with the building owner over allegations of pest infestation, plumbing and electrical issues, and undrinkable tap water. Injustice Watch’s Alejandra Cancino and WTTW’s Amanda Vinicky are here to break down the latest details. Plus, we discuss Gov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson’s back-and-forth on migrant shelters, Illinois falling behind on renewable energy goals, and a cicada emergence 221 years in the making.
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From the boat tours to next week’s film festival, why is Chicago always talking about architecture? “The history of Chicago and its people is written in its architecture,” says Sun-Times architecture critic Lee Bey. From bungalows to high-rises to the design styles that define our skyline, Bey gives host Jacoby Cochran a glossary of architecture terms to help us appreciate our buildings (or maybe just impress your next out-of-town visitor).
Some good news: The Sit Down hosted by Shawnee Dez
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There is a taco in Chicago for everyone. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and producer Michelle Navarro went out on their own taco tours to try some of the best tacos the city has to offer. They pick their favorites, and some of them may surprise you.
Jacoby’s List:
Simone’s List:
Michelle’s List:
Good news: Get your tickets to Karaoke Storytellers on Feb. 4. Come early and meet the City Cast Chicago team!
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