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
“Asians have long been ignored, fetishized or made the butt of the joke in America. We want to put that to rest.” That’s the mission of the new podcast, “Shoes Off: A Sexy Asians Podcast” from WBEZ. Host Jacoby Cochran sits down with hosts Susie An and Esther Yoon-Ji Kang to talk about how they decided on that title, upcoming guests, and what they learned about themselves making the podcast.
Some news: Bid on jerseys, game balls, awards and more owned by Walter Payton at an auction this week.
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Between retirements, resignations, and redistricting, at least 11 of Chicago’s 50 wards is getting a new alderperson. And there are a few incumbents facing big challenges in the municipal election. The City Cast team breaks down some key races across the city and talks about the issues facing City Council, from development to public safety to the environment.
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While cannabis has been legal in Illinois for a few years, until now there hasn’t been a place for medical patients to buy seeds to grow marijuana. MoneyTree Genetics in Irving Park opened in November as the country’s first brick-and-mortar cannabis seed shop, offering seeds and other services to individuals and cannabis businesses. Co-owner Tom Wilson explains how changes in federal and state law opened the door to this type of business and what it takes to grow weed at home.
Some good news: The Garfield Park Conservatory is hosting cooking classes focused on Black culinary history. Email dslaughter@garfieldpark.org for an invite.
Share your BEST and WORST date stories for an upcoming episode. You can leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
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Mayor Lori Lightfoot hoped City Council would approve a proposed 15-year contract with utility giant ComEd this week, but alders had other plans. The deal has been sent down to committee and will be back up for a vote after the Feb. 28 election. Director of Audio Journalism at Northwestern Arionne Nettles and Chicago writer Heidi Stevens join host Jacoby Cochran to make sense of the political gamesmanship at work. The group also discusses the city’s expanded opioid response team, Illinois’ push for universal pre-k, the future of the Little Village Discount Mall, and some gooooodddd newsssss to get you through!!
Remember: Vote City Cast Chicago for best podcast and best newsletter in the Chicago Reader’s Best of 2022 under the City Life category.
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Whether it’s dancing all night, sipping on elaborate cocktails with a side of live music, or playing some board games before hitting the diner, Chicago offers plenty of late night options. WBEZ audience engagement manager Taylor Faye Nazon joins host Jacoby Cochran to talk about some of their favorite ways to enjoy Chicago’s nightlife!
Some good news: Best of luck to Senn High School music teacher Trevor Nicholas, who's been nominated for a Grammy Music Educator award for the second year in a row..
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In 1961, Abraham Bolden became the first Black Secret Service agent to serve on a presidential detail. Bolden says when he left Chicago for D.C., it was like going from “heaven to hell,” and he faced constant racism from other agents. He says he also heard other agents say they wouldn’t protect President John F. Kennedy if there was an attempt on his life because they despised Kennedy’s work on integration. Bolden spoke up about the agents, but ended up setting off a 50-year fight for justice. City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran spoke with Bolden last year, not long after President Joe Biden granted Bolden clemency.
This conversation was originally published May 25, 2022.
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Each week leading up to the municipal election on Feb. 28, City Cast Chicago is digging into where mayoral and aldermanic candidates stand on the city’s most pressing issues. This week, we look at their plans (or lack thereof) for education in the country’s fourth largest school district. Chalkbeat Chicago recently posed questions to the nine mayoral candidates about declining enrollment, the district’s problems running special education, the city’s relationship with the teachers’ union, and more. Chalkbeat Chicago bureau chief Becky Vevea joins lead producer Carrie Shepherd and host Jacoby Cochran.
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The Fraternal Order of Police has been endorsing candidates and spending money in February’s municipal elections. But the union is also hosting its own election next week. The FOP president represents about 10,000 officers, making the union leader one of Chicago’s most prominent public voice. WBEZ criminal justice reporter Chip Mitchell tells host Jacoby Cochran about the two men vying for the job, the FOP’s relationship with city leaders, and how the union is positioning itself this election.
Correction: An earlier version of this episode incorrectly stated the dates of the union election. FOP members will start voting on Feb. 9, and votes will be counted on March 3.
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Today, we're bringing you a podcast by our friends over at America’s Test Kitchen called "Proof." Each episode, host Kevin Pang tags along with a reporter as they unearth stories about the history, humanity, and unexpected moments about the foods we love.
In this episode of "Proof," host Kevin Pang is the reporter, and he takes on the challenge of creating the world’s greatest Italian beef sandwich, inspired by the hit TV show, "The Bear."
You can listen to Proof wherever you get your podcasts. Enjoy!
This week, Mayor Lori Lightfoot cut the ribbon on a controversial police and firefighter training facility on the West Side. Officials say the 34-acre, $170 million site is needed to modernize the city’s first response service, while opponents have called it a poor investment of city resources in an already under-resourced community. Freelancer Siri Chilukuri, producer Simone Alicea, and host Jacoby Cochran are breaking down this story and more including an ethics probe into the mayor’s reelection campaign, a recent fire in the Kenwood neighborhood, and a wrongful termination lawsuit against CTA. We’ve also got some great book-based good news for you!
Better Government Association and Chicago Tribune Investigation: The Failures Before the Fires
City Cast Chicago: Fight Back Against Book Bans
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