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
It’s National Small Business Week, and we are sharing love for some of our favorite neighborhood businesses. The city is also hosting webinars for current and prospective business owners all week, and pointing folks to the Shop Local website which has tons of resources. Plus, the Chicago Public Library has announced three new branches coming to Woodlawn, Back of the Yards, and Humboldt Park. Lead Producer Carrie Shepherd, producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran have the details and discuss all the great things to do at your local library.
Some of your pizza recs:
Other links mentioned:
Our Beverly Neighborhood Guide
Our Guide to Vegan Takes on Chi Classics
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Last week, Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx announced she will not be seeking a third term next year. Foxx was first elected in 2016 on a reformist agenda, supporting the end of cash bail, going after wrongful convictions, and expunging records for low level marijuana charges. However, she also faced constant criticism, with leaders blaming her office for spikes in crime. WBEZ criminal justice reporter Patrick Smith talks with host Jacoby Cochran about Foxx’s legacy.
Some good news: It’s farmers market season.
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More than 7,000 mostly Venezuelan asylum seekers have arrived to Chicago from other states since last fall, many of them sent here by bus, train, or plane with no access to shelter, food, or medication. The scramble among state and city officials to provide resources and financial support continues as new arrivals take shelter at O’Hare and in police stations. Host Jacoby Cochran is joined by WBEZ’s Susie An and Northwestern professor Arionne Nettles to talk about that as well as Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson’s plan for youth employment, financial aid struggles for college students, and problems at Urban Prep Academy. And of course they share some goooood newwwws, including a showcase from Deeply Rooted Dance and a happy birthday to our favorite podcast host.
Also be sure to check out Monica Eng’s James Beard-nominated profile of former Tribune food critic Paula Camp.
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Deep-dish pizza is polarizing for tourists, newbies, and longtime Chicagoans. It’s mockingly referred to as a casserole rather than pizza, but some love the thick, crusty base filled with gooey cheese and topped with sauce. Most Chicagoans will tell you it’s not their go-to and that “real” Chicagoans opt for thin crust, tavern-style pizza. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to some deep dish fans and foes and pushes back on what it even means to be a “real” Chicagoan. Plus, some spots to check out if you’re fan.
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Last year, Lucy Westlake became the youngest American woman to summit Mount Everest. She previously broke the world record for youngest female to climb to the highest points in all 50 states. She’s also climbed the highest points on four of the seven continents. Now Lucy is preparing to climb the second highest and “most savage” mountain in the world, K2 in Pakistan. We’re revisiting our conversation with Westlake who called City Cast producer Simone Alicea before and after climbing Mount Everest!
These conversations were originally published May 3 and May 19, 2022.
Some news: Check out Denim Day events from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at City College campuses to support survivors of sexual assault.
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The list of Park District summer programs was released Monday, so the competitive process of registration begins May 1. If you’ve been through the process or know anyone who has tried to sign a kid up for one of the many available programs, you know it is no walk in the park. We’ve got details for interested parents and guardians. Plus, we are breaking down the city’s latest efforts to recruit teen and adult lifeguards, and talking about some of our favorite parks to visit in the city.
Stories mentioned:
Chicago Parents Camp Out for After School Child Care
Former Lifeguards Say Beaches Were a Culture of Abuse
Public Pools Can Be Safe Havens…If They’re Open
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Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson was in Springfield last week to pitch his mayoral agenda to Illinois lawmakers, including increased state funding for schools, more tax revenues for Chicago, and improved access to youth employment. But how likely is Johnson to find allies at the state capitol for his plans? WTTW reporter Amanda Vinicky gives host Jacoby Cochran the latest on the legislative spring session.
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Both Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Alderman Ed Burke had their last meeting in City Council this week. Lightfoot was defeated in February, and Burke, the longest serving alderperson in Chicago history, is retiring after being indicted on corruption charges. In May, City Hall will look a lot different as more than a dozen new alders and mayor-elect Brandon Johnson are sworn in. So what does the change of guard mean for Chicago? WTTW’s Heather Cherone and Block Club Chicago’s Atavia Reed talk to host Jacoby Cochran about that, and also break down the continued fallout of Walmart abruptly leaving Chatham, the landmarking of Promontory Point, and the return of the Cherry Blossoms.
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Nearly 100 years ago this week, the “National Barn Dance” premiered on WLS Radio in Chicago. The show introduced country and western music to a national audience — yes, even before Nashville. Journalist Mark Guarino’s new book “Country and Midwestern: Chicago in the History of Country Music and the Folk Revival” goes deep into the city’s country music roots. Guarino talks with producer Simone Alicea about the creation of the country/western genre, the politics of Chicago’s folk scene, and how the city’s country and folk influences continue today.
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From shows to festivals to bars to shops, there are plenty of easy ways to empty out your wallet on a busy spring day. So how do you have fun in Chicago without breaking the bank? The City Cast team, including host Jacoby Cochran (South Side), lead producer Carrie Shepherd (Near West Side), producer Simone Alicea (North Side) and marketing coordinator Jermaine Thomas (South Loop), planned their perfect days under $50, and we decide who had the most fun. And trust us, we covered a lot of ground!
Some news: Families can now apply online for free preschool programs for the 2023-2024 school year. Check out this calendar for registration events.
Some good news: Check out the Redveil and Femdot show at Lincoln Hall and The Great Thinkaz Paper Route pop-up in River West.
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