City Cast Chicago

As summer festival lineups emerge, some Douglass Park neighbors are still protesting Riot Fest’s expected appearance on the West Side in September. Meanwhile, a packed summer schedule means Grant Park will only be open about four days this summer. Host Jacoby Cochran is joined by Tribune music writer Britt Julious and Kelly Garcia with Injustice Watch to talk about what they love about summer fests and some of the problems they pose. They also talk about smog in Chicago, allegations of inhumane treatment at Cook County’s juvenile detention center, and some gooooood news to get you through. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While the Chicago flag is seen everywhere from buildings to tattoos, Illinois’ state flag is less well-known. That’s probably because it’s just not very good, says “Good Flag, Bad Flag” author Ted Kaye. State lawmakers are exploring a flag redesign in hopes more people will fly it. While those recommendations wouldn’t come until next year, Kaye tells host Jacoby Cochran why we should care what our flag looks like and what makes a good one. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nobody likes to think about what happens to their bodies after they die, but it’s an important decision. A bill expected to see House vote in Springfield this week would give Illinoisans a new environmentally friendly option: natural organic reduction, also known as “human composting.” Chicago state Rep. Kelly Cassidy is sponsoring the bill and tells producer Simone Alicea about how it works and why she put it in her own will. Some news: llinois lawmakers have until July 1 to draw a new district map for Chicago’s forthcoming elected school board. Offer public comment by drawing your very own map for consideration. Lineups for Lollapalooza and Pitchfork are out now. Check out "The Love Jones Experience" at the Quarry Event Center in South Shore tomorrow night, and go back to listen to our episode about why "Love Jones" belongs in rom-com canon. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Three years ago today, Gov. JB Pritzker’s stay-at-home order went into effect as COVID-19 swept the world. Host Jacoby Cochran, lead producer Carrie Shepherd, and producer Simone Alicea talk about what’s changed since then, including the state of the city’s businesses. Plus, with early voting now open, the team looks at some aldermanic runoffs to watch. Mayoral candidates Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas take the debate stage tonight at 7p.m. on WGN. There’s also a forum Thursday in Austin.  Some good news: Catch Jacoby at Gman Tavern tonight for “Write Club” at 7 p.m. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Week two of “ComEd Four” trial gets underway today. That’s the trial of four former executives and lobbyists who are accused of bribing lawmakers to pass legislation that was favorable to the utility giant. They are also connected to former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, who was considered for decades as the most powerful politician in the state. But the trial should also be of interest to homeowners, renters — anyone who gets an electricity bill — because the alleged corruption affected rates. WBEZ politics reporter Dave McKinney tells host Jacoby Cochran what we’ve learned so far and why this trial matters.  Some Good News: The Gene Siskel Film Center is celebrating composer John Williams this week. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are joined by the Chicago Reader’s Social Justice Reporter Debbie-Marie Brown and from the Illinois Answer's Project & Better Government Association, Alex Nitkin. Alongside host Jacoby Cochran, the group is talking about some key stories including fire safety in buildings across the city, union efforts at Berlin Nightclub, and the push for City Council to be more independent from the mayor’s office. Plus, we’ve got books, bands, and concert lineups for our goooooddd newssssss!!!  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Beyonce, Metallica, Drake, Taylor Swift, and others will play Chicago’s biggest arenas and stadiums at hefty prices this Summer. But luckily for Chicagoans, every single day we’ve got artists playing at some of the coolest venues all around the city that won’t break the bank. City Cast’s Caroline Patton runs Chicago Show Calendar which she updates weekly with the latest music shows happening. She talks to host Jacoby Cochran about her list of best music venues in Chicago.  Shows to Check Out Soon: "Mike" @ Lincoln Hall: March 18th @ 7pm "The Roots" @ The Salt Shed: March 18th @ 7pm "Questlove DJ Set" @ The Salt Shed: March 18th @ 10pm "Betty Who" & "Shea Couleé" @ The Riviera: March 21 @ 730pm "J.I.D" & "Smino" @ The Aragon: March 21 @ 630pm City Cast Chicago's interview with Chicago Dept. of Transportation Commissioner Gia Biagi. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you think you could solve a murder just by looking at a miniature re-creation of the crime scene? Frances Glessner Lee thought so. The Chicago heiress is known as the “mother of forensic science” for developing the tool that taught law enforcement how to investigate the scenes of unexplained deaths. The historic Glessner House in South Loop, where Lee’s family lived from 1887–1937, now has a life-sized version of one of her miniatures on display, free to view on Fridays and Saturdays through April 14. Producer Simone Alicea visited Glessner House last year and talked with executive director Bill Tyre. This conversation was originally published March 24, 2022. Good News: C2E2 is March 31–April 2! Listen to our episode visiting C2E2’s return to McCormick Place in! Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It can feel like it’s all mayor’s race all the time as we head into the April 4 runoff election, but there’s plenty of other Chicago news to keep an eye on. Oral arguments begin today in the Illinois Supreme Court over the fate of cashless bail. Also in court today are the “ComEd Four,” as the state’s biggest corruption trial in a decade gets underway. And as we dream of warmer days, details are emerging about how downtown will look different this summer because of the NASCAR races set for July. Host Jacoby Cochran, lead producer Carrie Shepherd, and producer Simone Alicea break down what you need to know this week. Binge all episodes and subscribe You Didn’t See Nothin' on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ahead of the April 4th runoff, mayoral candidates Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson have made education a major part of their platforms. Johnson is a former public school teacher and organizer with the Chicago Teachers Union. Vallas is a former head of Chicago Public Schools. So it makes sense they’re dipping into those roles as they make the pitch to lead the 4th largest school district in the U.S. at a time when enrollments are dropping and achievement gaps are widening. Longtime education reporters Sarah Karp from WBEZ and Becky Vevea from Chalkbeat join host Jacoby Cochran to break down the candidates’ records on the most pressing issues. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mayoral Candidates Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas had their first televised debate this week ahead of the April 4th runoff. CEO of Justice Informed Xavier Ramey and Crain’s reporter Corli Jay tell host Jacoby Cochran their reactions to the candidates’ performances and different visions for Chicago. We also breaking down the ongoing protest of the Chicago Fire’s proposed $80 million dollar soccer facility on CHA land, the importance of supporting women in trades, and Chicago fashion designer Joe Freshgoods has opened a new store on the West Side—in a high school. More Info: First debate in the runoff election. Housing Advocates demand meeting with mayoral candidates to stop Chicago Fire leasing public housing land. Fleshing out the numbers behind the rise of Black and Latinè homeownership rates since 2020. Carhartt "For the Love of Labor" program grants organization $255,000 to invest in women in skilled trades. FOIA Fest is this Saturday, the Chicago Headline Club signature training event. Joe Freshgoods opens store inside Michele Clark High School to reward good grades and doing community service work. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780 0246 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most people around the world are familiar with Chicago’s classic foods—Chicago-style hot dogs, deep dish or tavern style pizzas, and Italian beefs. But fewer people are familiar with sweet steaks, Jibaritos, and Akutagawa. Food writers Monica Eng and David Hammond want to change that with their new book “Made in Chicago: Stories Behind 30 Great Hometown Bites.” They join host Jacoby Cochran to to share a little history, recipes, and places to grab some of the best Chicago foods! Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the last 20 years, Simeon Career Academy High School basketball has been one of the city’s most dominant sports programs. The team has produced dozens of high school, college, and NBA standouts, including Derrick Rose and Jabari Parker. Coach Robert Smith has led the Simeon Wolverines to eight city league titles and six IHSA state championships, including four in a row from 2009-2013. Chicago Tribune reporter Colleen Kane covered Simeon’s 2013 “like a pro team.” She went back recently and talked to some of those players now—10 years later—as this year’s Simeon squad heads back downstate to compete for another championship this weekend. Vote By Mail Application! Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Geoffrey Baer has been showing off Chicago’s architecture and natural beauty for decades. First as a docent for the Chicago Architecture Center, and then as the host at WTTW. Baer is out with a new special premiering tonight called “The Most Beautiful Places in Chicago” He tells host Jacoby Cochran what makes a place beautiful to him, and which spots he learned about making this special. "The Most Beautiful Places in Chicago" premieres Tuesday, March 7, on WTTW, Channel 11. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Next week, City Council is set to consider ordinances that would crack down on drivers parked in bus and bike lanes downtown and that would require the city to make safety improvements when it resurfaces roads. Making our streets safer and more accessible is going to be a huge task for the next mayor. CDOT Commissioner Gia Biagi tells host Jacoby Cochran what the city is doing now and what she hopes to see in the future.  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown announced Wednesday he’s resigning effective March 16. Both mayoral runoff contenders Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson said on the campaign trail they would have replaced Brown if elected. Host Jacoby Cochran talks with lead producer Carrie Shepherd and producer Simone Alicea about other city agencies with vulnerable leaders, as well as how Tuesday’s election broke down by ward, local referenda with overwhelming support, and more people living in the Loop. Plus, the team shares some good news about beautiful places in Chicago and a local show to look forward to. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Starting Saturday, the Ukrainian National Museum will host workshops on how to write pysanky, also known as Ukrainian Easter eggs. The centuries old practice involves using beeswax, dyes, and real eggs to create elaborate works of art with deep meaning. Host Jacoby Cochran spoke with master pysanky writer Anna Chychula last year about the history of the art form and its cultural significance.  This conversation was originally published April 13, 2022. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

City Cast Chicago is in you feed a little later this morning, so we could bring you the most up-to-date results of the 2023 municipal election. No mayoral candidate passed the 50% threshold needed to secure the seat, so we’re headed to a runoff in April. Some aldermanic races will also be decided then, but we have more on the two mayoral candidates who are moving forward and results from ward races that have been decided.  For more results, check out our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As you head to the polls today, we want to offer a little respite from all the political coverage. And what better way to chill out than with a little Chi music? The latest “Sense of Place” series from NPR’s “World Cafe” is all about Chicago. Over the 13-part series, hosts Raina Douris and Stephen Kallao talk about the city’s historic role in genres like gospel and industrial, and interview emerging local artists. They talk with producer Simone Alicea about how community and a DIY attitude make Chicago different from other big music cities. Save Chicago's Free Museum Days in Your Calendar! Jacoby's story "Rich City Skater" will play on the Moth Radio Hour on WBEZ 91.5 Thursday at 9pm and multiple times Saturday. Find out when it plays on your local radio station here! Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Looking to advertise on City Cast Chicago? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at chicago.citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tomorrow, voters will choose who will run the city as they cast ballots for mayor and City Council. But aside from candidates’ plans and positions, we wanted to know why Chicago’s government has looked the same for the last century, with 50 alders representing 50 wards. William Howell is director of the Center for Effective Government at University of Chicago. He talks with host Jacoby Cochran about the trade-offs in our current system and why Chicagoans should care. Check out the center’s series with Crain’s about Chicago’s government “One City, 50 Wards.” Some news: The city treasurer’s office is hosting a virtual tax prep conversation at noon today. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices