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
Federal student loan payments start back up in October following a pandemic pause. This is a huge deal in Illinois where more than 1.5 million people applied for student loan forgiveness before President Joe Biden’s plan was blocked by the Supreme Court in June. We talked with WBEZ higher education reporter Lisa Philip following the court’s decision, and now she is back as loan interest accrues and payment due dates approach. Lisa tells us what we need to know, outlines the latest loan assistance and forgiveness options, and explains the broader economic impacts of student loan debt.
Some good news: The 6th Annual Destinos Theater Festival begins this week at theaters across the city.
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Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration is defending the decision to sign a one-year, nearly $30 million contract with controversial private security firm GardaWorld Federal Services for the construction and operation of Chicago’s migrant “base camps.” These are a network of tent encampments expected to house nearly 1,600 asylum seekers-currently living at police stations and airports. We sit down with South Side Weekly’s Alma Campos and Block Club Chicago’s Manny Ramos to break down some of the contract details and the firm’s past controversies. We are also discussing the push to end the subminimum wage for tipped workers, a sit down with three environmental justice organizers, and a soccer-packed weekend at Soldier Field.
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Today is Earth, Wind & Fire Day. Founded in Chicago by the late band leader Maurice White in 1969, the legendary group has sold over 100 million records worldwide, won every imaginable award, all while redefining multiple genres of music. In honor of their timeless sound and over 50 years of hits, we are joined by Clark Atlanta University professor Trenton Bailey, the author of “Do You Remember: Celebrating 50 Years of Earth Wind and Fire.”
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Matthew Cherry’s short film “Hair Love” won an Oscar and became a New York Times bestselling children’s book. Now the writer, director, and Chicago native is continuing the story in “Young Love,” a Max animated series premiering Thursday that stars Issa Rae and Kid Cudi. Host Jacoby Cochran sits down with Cherry to talk about how this story has resonated so deeply with him and why it needed to be set on the West Side.
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Last week, Fifth Ward Ald. Desmon Yancy introduced the South Shore Housing Preservation Ordinance to City Council. The measure would provide increased protections for longterm renters and homeowners who fear displacement as the Obama Presidential Center continues construction in Jackson Park. Lead Producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran look through the ordinance and discuss how the proposal could affect renters citywide . We are also going through some of your responses to our "alphabet dating" picks and preparing to say goodbye to summer.
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Budget season has officially begun! Mayor Brandon Johnson released his first budget forecast last week, kicking off his first budget process with a gap that was larger than previously predicted. WBEZ City Hall reporter Mariah Woelfel tells lead producer Simone Alicea what to watch out for and why it matters.
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Mayor Brandon Johnson has outlined a plan to relocate nearly 1,600 migrants and asylum-seekers from Chicago police stations to what he calls “winterized base camps” with tents similar to temporary shelters in New York City. Block Club Chicago’s Madison Savedra and Jamie Nesbitt Golden are here with the latest from City Hall. We are also talking about potential city-owned grocery stores, Riot Fest weekend in Douglass Park, and Mexican Independence Day celebrations.
Plus check out the Hip Hop Heritage Museum and Connect South Shore Arts Festival.
Who do you think had the best date ideas in our Chicago takes on "alphabet dating?" Vote in our poll.
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In a twist on the “alphabet dating” TikTok trend, host Jacoby Cochran and City Cast marketing coordinator Jermaine Thomas faced off last week to see who could come up with the best Chicago date ideas based on the letters in their first names. Now lead producer Simone Alicea and newsletter editor Sidney Madden are offering their picks whether you’re gearing up for cuffing season, celebrating a long-term relationship, or just looking for something fun to do with friends.
Check out Meeting of Styles in South Chicago and West Englewood through Sunday.
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Been seeing more monarch butterflies lately? Now is the time when Illinois’ state insect migrates south toward Mexico. Along the way, many will stop in a yard in Pilsen, where Claudia Galeno-Sanchez has created a garden of native plants to help the pollinators. We took a tour of her butterfly sanctuary last year, and she explains how the butterflies’ journey reminds her of her own immigration story.
Celebrate native plants and monarch butterflies this weekend at Celebración de los Árboles at Morton Arboretum and at the Festival de la Monarca in East Chicago, Indiana.
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Chicago Inspector General Deborah Witzburg reports police failed to accurately track 911 response times nearly half time. The lack of data makes it difficult to quantify disparities that South and West Siders say affect their neighborhoods. Lead producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran take a closer look at the report. We also have updates on WBBM’s Chicagoland Creature Championship and want to hear your questions about student loans.
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