City Cast Chicago

Host Jacoby Cochran always says when he pictures Chicago, the first neighborhood that pops in his head is Auburn Gresham. Growing up, visiting granny, and attending elementary school in the neighborhood cemented his love early. He joins Simone Alicea at the Auburn Park Lagoon for a stroll down memory lane. They also discuss some of his favorite things to do, see, and eat in Auburn Gresham.Jacoby's List:Auburn Park LagoonFoster ParkDan Ryan WoodsGreat Wall of ChicagoMLK Entertainment CenterExclusiveGolden Tropical WorldHarold’s Jerk VillaEat & RunThe Hoagie PlaceMaxwell’sCookie’s Cocktail LoungeSome good news: Citywide Karaoke CompetitionFollow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Chicago Reader theater and dance editor Kerry Reid tells host Jacoby Cochran about plays she’s most excited about for fall.Kerry's Picks:The Twenty-Sided Tavern at Broadway PlayhouseTrouble in Mind at TimeLine TheatreThe Locusts from the Gift Theatre at Theater WitJacoby's Picks:1919 at SteppenwolfEnough to Let the Light In from Teatro Vista at SteppenwolfThe Wizards at APO Cultural CenterBlue Heaven at Black Ensemble TheaterFollow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

In 2022, Chicago celebrated the centennial birthday of the city’s first Black mayor, Harold Washington. Washington died in 1987 at the start of his second term. His historic election was propelled by a coalition of Black, brown, and progressive voters who saw Washington as the start of a new reform government. In April, host Jacoby Cochran talked about Washington’s life and legacy with Laura Washington, a columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times, ABC-7, and one-time press secretary for Harold Washington (no relation). With the new documentary about “Punch 9 for Harold Washington” slated to open at AMC theaters Friday, we revisit our conversation with Laura. This conversation was originally published on April 18, 2022.A little bit of news: Check here for road closures around Grant Park leading up to this weekend’s marathon.RSVP for the Indigenous Peoples Day Fest!Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Anyone who’s had a headache probably doesn’t think too hard before popping a Tylenol or other pain pill. But in late September 1982, the country was gripped with panic as taking a Tylenol could suddenly be deadly. That’s after six people in the northwest suburbs and one person in the city died after taking tainted pills. It led to a nationwide recall, waves of false tips, and copycat killers. “Unsealed: The Tylenol Murders,” a new podcast and print series from the Chicago Tribune and At Will Media, explores the decades-long saga and uncovers new details. Chicago Tribune investigative reporters Christy Gutowski and Stacy St. Clair reported the series and co-host the podcast. Stacy tells host Jacoby Cochran how a tip to her and her colleagues could bring some closure to this case. 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, including nighttime ghost tours.

Host Jacoby Cochran, lead producer Carrie Shepherd, and producer Simone Alicea break down the top stories of the week, highlight some news that needs more attention, and share their good news. Stories include the a new Chinatown high school moving forward despite pushback from the community, a Depaul student scamming residents at a Rogers Park encampment, carless streets, and a mayoral endorsement. Plus, some good news! Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Since Roe v. Wade was overturned this summer, Latinas have faced an influx of Spanish-language misinformation and disinformation about abortion. Confusion over state abortion laws, including in Illinois, has enabled this misinformation to spread, especially on social media. Host Jacoby Cochran speaks to Dr. Melissa Simon, OB-GYN at Northwestern Medicine and director of the Center for Health Equity Transformation, about why Latinas are being targeted and what we can do to combat this misinformation. Come to the City Cast Chicago Happy Hour Thursday, Sept. 29, at 6 p.m. at Midwest Coast Brewing. Drinks on us!Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

StreetWise is celebrating its 30th anniversary, which is no small feat when you factor in the pandemic and inflation. The weekly magazine’s vendors are fixtures in our communities, and some of them have been doing it since the beginning. We hear from a few of them, and lead producer Carrie Shepherd talks with StreetWise Executive Director Julie Youngquist about the origins of the magazine and how it works to help people in need.StreetWise’s 30th anniversary celebration is at 5:30 p.m. Friday at Galleria Marchetti.This episode was originally published July 6, 2022. Join us Thursday from 6–7:30 p.m. at Midwest Coast Brewing for a City Cast Chicago happy hour! Drinks on us!Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

From the park, to neighborhood theaters, to giant arenas, you can catch professional wrestling matches in Chicago just about every weekend. Local independent wrestling star Colt Cabana and former referee and wrestling historian Phil Wills tell us about Chicago’s role in wrestling history, what they love about it, and what it takes to become a pro wrestler.Some good news: Andersonville Arts WeekendJoin us Thursday from 6–7:30 p.m. at Midwest Coast Brewing for a City Cast Chicago happy hour! Meet the team and fellow City Cast listeners while enjoying free drinks!

Between 2016 and 2021, Chicago tested 24,000 homes for lead levels in the water. According to a recent Guardian report, 1 in 20 homes exceeded federal limits. However, the city has never done a full analysis of the data and fewer than 200 of Chicago’s 400,000 lead pipes have been removed under Mayor Lori Lightfoot. So we have to ask: Are officials taking this problem seriously? Host Jacoby Cochran talks with freelance journalist Taylor Moore, who co-reported the story. Profiting from poison: how the US lead industry knowingly created a water crisisRevealed: the ‘shocking’ levels of toxic lead in Chicago tap waterThis Thursday, Sept 29th we are hosting a happy hour from 6-7:30 p.m. at Midwest Coast Brewing. You can meet the team, grab some swag, and have drinks on us!Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Municipal elections are around the corner and over a dozen alders are not seeking reelection, have already left office, or are running for Mayor. City Council will look very different soon and The Triibe explores what that means for City Council’s Black Caucus and the future of progressive politics at City Hall. Speaking of progressive, Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s reelection campaign hit BET this week, and the mayor argued her first term has largely been a progressive success. We asked Triibe’s cofounders Tiffany Walden and Morgan Elise Johnson about the Mayor’s record and if they believe her claims hold up. Plus, you don’t want to miss this week’s good news, Morgan and Tiffany share their Best Day of Summer. (Spoiler: it involves Beyonce and Diana Ross!)Other Stories Discussed:What’s going on with the Invest South/West ProgramWhat’s Next for Austin’s Iconic Pink HouseGood News: Chicago Gourmet FestivalCongrats to the winner of our Summer Bucket List Challenge, Annie A., who completed all 21 items! To celebrate, we'll be hosting a happy hour from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sep. 29, at Midwest Coast Brewery. You can meet the team, grab some swag, and have a beer on us!Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246