City Cast Chicago

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.Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246

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. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246

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.Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246

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 FiresCity Cast Chicago: Fight Back Against Book BansWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246

After the success of “The Bear,” Chicago’s Italian beef sandwich is having a moment. Longtime food critic Kevin Pang has eaten his share of juicy sandwiches, but he wanted to know how to turn a good Italian beef into the best Italian beef. Pang sets out to answer this question in the latest episode of his podcast “Proof” from America’s Test Kitchen and he shares what he found.Some good news: Celebrate the five-year anniversary of Sleeping Village in Avondale.Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246

Dry January is a time of year to help us explore our relationships with alcohol. But Adriana Gaspar and Héctor Díaz, founders of In Good Spirits, facilitate sober experiences in Chicago year-round. They tell lead producer Carrie Shepherd about the community they’ve created and how to get involved.Some news: The Doomsday Clock has been set at 90 seconds until midnight. To learn what that means, check out our ep on the Doomsday Clock and its Chicago roots.Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246

The Chicago Tribune reported Friday that Congressman and mayoral candidate Jesús “Chuy” García is referenced in court filings in former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s corruption case. Incumbent Mayor Lori Lightfoot has been going after García’s ties to Madigan in an ad, but the City Cast Chicago team says the attack seems thin. Host Jacoby Cochran, lead producer Carrie Shepherd, and producer Simone Alicea catch you up on the latest election news, including a recap of Thursday’s mayoral debate and an overview of wards likely to see new alders. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246

Chicago’s Latinx population makes up the city’s second largest demographic, with the largest groups being of Mexican and Puerto Rican origin. And from City Council to Congress, we continue to see more Latinos represented in politics. With Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia in the race for mayor, there is a chance we will see the first Latino elected to the city’s top job. Dr. Wilfredo Cruz has tracked the rise of Latino power in politics in his new book “Latinos in Chicago: Quest for a Political Voice.” He joins host Jacoby Cochran to discuss this history.Some news: Public comment is open through 5 p.m. Wednesday on Chicago Public Schools’ 2023-24 schedule. And on Thursday, City Council candidates in four Southwest Side wards will be at a public forum at Curie High SchoolWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246

The Regional Transit Authority, which coordinates financing for CTA, Metra, and Pace, is predicting a $730 million budget gap beginning in 2026. The agency is looking for solutions, especially as ridership remains low. Host Jacoby Cochran, Block Club’s Jamie Nesbitt Golden, and WCIU’s Brandon Pope talk about the problems facing public transit, as well as big moves from the Bears, a proposed high school on the Near South Side, and the mayor’s race. Plus, we’ve got good news about lion cubs and Taylor Swift parties and attractions.Vote City Cast Chicago as Best Podcast and Best Newsletter in the Reader's Best of Chicago 2022, under the City Life category.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246