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 director of Illinois’ Department of Children and Family Services, Marc Smith, has announced he will resign at the end of the year. Throughout Smith’s four and a half years, the agency has faced increased scrutiny for inadequate care, poor transparency, and inappropriate child placements. Lead producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran look back on Smith’s tenure and discuss what’s ahead for the next department leader. We are also breaking down what you need to know about fall vaccines, FEMA flood relief, and local assistance. And we're enjoying a really cool podcast milestone!
The 59th Chicago International Film Festival begins Wednesday night
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Despite complaints from riders about unreliable service, CTA President Dorval Carter’s pay has only climbed during his eight years on the job. The Tribune’s A.D. Quig and writer Evan Moore talk with host Jacoby Cochran about Carter’s tenure, get into the numbers of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s plan to tax high-end real estate sales, and discuss the future of Chicago’s soccer fandom after one of the sport’s biggest stars missed an appearance at Soldier Field. Plus, we show some love to the businesses on 75th Street, Chicago’s role in hip-hop, and a 104-year-old skydiver.
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Despite a new report showing the city’s arts organizations are still hurting from the pandemic, there is still plenty of theater to check out this fall. Chicago Reader theater and dance editor Kerry Reid is back with host Jacoby Cochran to talk about shows you have to check out and give an update on how the theater scene is recovering.
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A lot of Chicagoans will always know the Macy’s on State Street simply as Marshall Field’s. That’s because the department store and others like it played a huge role in shaping the city and American shopping habits at large. Ahead of the Elmhurst History Museum’s “Lost Chicagoland Department Stores” exhibit opening Friday, author and curator Leslie Goddard tells host Jacoby Cochran what the history can tell us about the future of Chicago retail.
Good News: Final Weekend of the Asian Pop-Up Cinema at AMC New City in Old Town
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Chicago schools that implemented restorative justice practices a decade ago have seen big reductions in suspensions and student arrests, a recent study from the University of Chicago found. Host Jacoby Cochran and lead producer Simone Alicea discuss how changes in CPS’ approach to discipline impacts students. They also hear your thoughts on camping versus glamping and dissect the New York Times’ latest “36 Hours in Chicago” travel guide.
Some good news: Latin Restaurant Week
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Less than 10% of Chicago’s waste is recycled, according to a recent Tribune report. Meanwhile, other cities boast rates of 70% or more. Axios’ Monica Eng has been covering the city’s waste management struggles for years. She tells host Jacoby Cochran what’s driving Chicago’s abysmal recycling rates and offers some tips for all of us to do better.
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Chicago has paid $178 million to resolve wrongful conviction lawsuits since 2019, according to WTTW. Now the city faces yet another suit from Lee Harris, who spent 30 years in prison for a crime he claims police officers coerced him into confessing to. The Triibe’s Tonia Hill and the new cohost of WBEZ’s The Rundown, Adora Namigadde, are here with the latest. We’re also discussing the need for more midwives at area hospitals, improved reading scores in Chicago Public Schools, and we’re celebrating hip-hop’s 50th anniversary and Chicago’s place in the genre.
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It’s the final day of our Fall Getaway Guide. This week we’ve pitched road trips in every direction and autumnal stops off the Metra. But it wouldn’t be a fall trip without some time in nature, so we’re talking camping, glamping, and hitting the hiking trails. We are joined by Chevy Linear and Kam Stanton, the couple behind the popular TikTok account Black People Outside, to get some tips on how to prepare and where to go.
Are you more of a camper or a glamper? Take our poll, and we’ll talk about it on the show.
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We’re back with the second day of our Fall Getaway Guide. Yesterday we gave you all the tips and tricks for the best road trips near Chicagoland, but you don’t need a car to have some fall fun! That’s right, we’re talking about one of Chicago’s most underrated getaway options: day trips on the train! Host Jacoby Cochran is joined by Allison Yates, the founder of Read & Run Chicago and contributor to a TimeOut article on the best day trips by Metra!
Allison also mentioned the book Chicago Transit Hikes by Lindsay Welbers.
For more car-free trips including treks on the Amtrak, South Shore Line, and the Greyhound, head to our website: chicago.citycast.fm.
This is the second of three parts of our Fall Getaway Guide. Tomorrow, we’re talking camping, glamping, and getting outdoors.
Some good news: Chicago’s Inaugural Exhibition Weekend starts Friday!
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It’s officially fall, and the City Cast team is going road tripping! Host Jacoby Cochran, lead producer Simone Alicea, newsletter editor Sidney Madden, and marketing coordinator Jermaine Thomas each picked a direction and gave us their best road trip ideas. Whether you’re in it for the leaf peeping, tasty treats, a little fright, or a cozy vibe, we’ve got getaways for you!
This is the first of three parts of our Fall Getaway Guide. Tomorrow, we find the best trips you can take without a car. And on Thursday we’ll tell you everything you need to know about camping and getting outdoors.
Some Good News: Destroy Your Art at Music Box Theatre
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