City Cast Chicago

During a budget hearing last month, Department of Planning and Development Commissioner Maurice D. Cox said the city has 4,000 vacant lots that are clean and ready for sale. He also promised a more streamlined process in purchasing those lots. City Cast Chicago listener Makema Adkins has one of these city-owned lots behind her condo on the Near West Side, where she’s lived for over a decade. In 2020, she started the process of buying the lot to build a bigger home for her growing family, but it was going frustratingly slow. We revisit our August conversation with Makema about why she thinks the city should make it easier for residents like her to build on these lots. We also get an update on where she is with her new home. Parts of this episode were originally published Aug. 1, 2022.Makema texted us with her question, and you can too! Reach out or leave a voicemail at (773) 780-0246. Some news: Today is the last day to request a mail-in ballot. And applications are now open to replace George Cardenas as 12th Ward alderperson.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Last year around this time we asked, “Are these Bulls for real?” That’s because the team had one of its best starts in years, exciting new players, and a newfound intensity on the court. Heading into this season, following a first round exit in the playoffs and a quiet off season, many are wondering what the team’s ceiling is this year. Host Jacoby Cochran sits down with ESPN NBA reporter Jamal Collier and asks about his early predictions for the Chicago Bulls.Some news: Englewood Nature Trail community meeting Thursday.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

In addition to statewide and congressional races, candidates for Cook County offices are on the ballot this election, including Cook County board president and board commissioners. But voters may not be as familiar with what those elected officials actually do. WBEZ politics reporter Kristen Schorsch explains how one of the largest counties in the U.S. spends its $8 billion budget and which races are especially interesting this year. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Re-watching a classic film as an adult, after living for decades in the city where it's set, can bring out very different reactions than the first time you watched it. The original "Candyman" came out in 1992, and is about the urban legend of the man with a hook arm, covered in bees who haunted the Cabrini Green public housing buildings. Host Jacoby Cochran and lead producer Carrie Shepherd rewatched the film for Halloween to see if it’s still as terrifying, how Chicago looks different now, and what the film gets right and wrong about the city.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

TimeOut Chicago editor Emma Krupp’s job is to bring readers events that cater to a range of interests, neighborhoods, and lifestyles. Of course, Halloween weekend is a stacked calendar. Emma tells producer Simone Alicea some of the events she recommends. FamiliesArts in the Dark ParadeLogan Square Halloween ParadeChicago Park District eventsChicago Public Library eventsParty ProcrastinatorsSaints and Sinners at ROOF on theWitSlash Dance at IO GodfreyBlack Rose Halloween Party at AdalinaPilsen Brew-Ja CrawlSober Celebrations:Film screenings at Davis Theater, Doc Films, and Music Box TheatreScary:Haunted Halloween Ball at Congress HotelBasement of the Dead Haunted HouseDungeons of DoomPlus, check out our guide to Chicago-themed costumes, including some last-minute options.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

The South Shore neighborhood is home to beautiful beaches, amazing architecture, and an ornate ballroom where the Obamas had their wedding reception. But despite these sights, writer and longtime South Shore resident Evan Moore says the neighborhood doesn’t get the recognition and investment it deserves. He tells host Jacoby Cochran about some of his favorite things to eat, see, and do in South Shore.Places discussed:63rd Street BeachStony Island Arts BankSouth Shore Cultural CenterRainbow BeachJackson Park HighlandsLocal Market FoodsAvalon Regal TheatreL&G Family RestaurantSlab BBQSouth Shore BrewItalian Fiesta“New Frontier, Same Old 9” MuralSurf’s UpFor more on South Shore, go back and listen to our episodes about the Avalon Regal Theater and the Obama presidential center.Plus check out South Shore events this weekend, from music at the cultural center and the Quarry to Halloween festivities.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

The term "cuffing season" refers to single people looking to couple up for cold weather cuddles, holiday parties, and visiting family now that the summer is over. City Cast contributor Leigh Giangreco went to the Logan Square Farmers Market, a popular meeting spot with a reputation for being "horny," to hear from people attending a singles event. Leigh tells host Jacoby Cochran how Chicagoans are pairing up this time of year.Sunday is the last day of the season for the farmers market in Logan Square.Some news: Apply for mortgage assistance from the Illinois Housing Development Authority.Help name one of the Shedd’s new sea ottersFollow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

As we get closer to Election Day, you’ve probably seen memes or posts wrongly decrying criminal justice reforms in Illinois as a “purge law.” Among other changes, the SAFE-T Act passed in 2021 abolishes cash bail. It goes into effect in January. Garien Gatewood with the Illinois Justice Project is here to fact-check the misinformation and explain what abolishing money bond really means.A little bit of news: It's the last week to comment on the city's We Will Chicago plan.Some good news: Catch some spooky stories with Jacoby Friday night at the University of Chicago. Hear campfire stories for children at NEIU Saturday.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Fall is in full swing, but there’s still time to get outside before winter hits. Journalist and naturalist Zack Nauth compiled a list of 20 midwest hiking trails to visit this season all over the prairies, marshes, valleys, and forests near Chicago. Host Jacoby Cochran talks with Nauth about his top picks from that list, what to expect on the trails, and his favorite things about hiking.Places discussed:Cap Sauers Holding Nature PreserveSag Valley Trail SystemSwallow Cliff WoodsLakewood Forest PreservesBig Marsh Franklin Creek State Natural AreaNachusa GrasslandsSalt Creek Woods Nature Preserve Wolf Road Prairie Nature PreserveIllinois and Michigan CanalNews: Where to vote early in ChicagoSome good news: Fatimah Asghar at Harold Washington Library. Listen back to our episode with Asghar about writing for Disney's "Ms. Marvel."Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246This episode sponsored by the Jane Addams Hull-House Museum. Check out their series of spooky events this month.

The city earmarked $1.2 billion for social services in the 2022 “Chicago Recovery” Budget. But according to WTTW, just $130 million has been spent this year on violence prevention, affordable housing, youth programs, mental health, and helping unhoused Chicagoans. WTTW politics reporter Heather Cherone tells host Jacoby Cochran why so little money has been spent. Plus, Nadia Hernandez, print managing editor for The DePaulia, DePaul University's student newspaper, talks about election season on campus and why students continue to lose faith in CTA. And stick around for rare birds, dorm plants, and new music rounding out this week’s Goooooddd Newwsss! Good News: The Magic StumpWTTW Article “There's a Magic Stump in Central Illinois, and It'll Change the Way You Look at Farmland”New Music: Aang by Pivot Gang Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246