City Cast Chicago

Voters in Illinois headed to the polls Tuesday to cast their ballots for Democratic and Republican nominees for local, state, and federal offices. The City Cast Chicago team recaps some of the key races including for Governor, Congress, and judges.Helpful Links from the 2022 Primary Election:Complete List of Winners from Illinois Board of ElectionsCity Cast Chicago's Primary Prep PlaylistSome Good News:Chosen Few Picnic & Festival 2022Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

In case you couldn’t tell from the heat, summertime Chi is here. That means along with the tourists descending on the Loop, you’re also hearing the sounds of street performers downtown. The artists on these corners have an on-the-ground view of the city center during its busiest season. Host Jacoby Cochran asked one of those performers, Andrew David, to take him into this world.You can also catch Andrew tomorrow night at Impact House.Some Good News: Pride South SideFollow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

We knew it was coming. But on Friday, the country officially entered a post-Roe v. Wade world, where abortion is no longer a constitutional right. Illinois officials are reminding people that abortion remains legal here. But at a Friday rally just hours after the Supreme Court decision came down, demonstrators yelled, cried, and warned about troubles to come. We hear some of those voices, and we talk about what comes nexts for states like ours. Lead producer Carrie Shepherd talks with City Cast Pittsburgh’s Morgan Moody about an influx of abortion patients expected to come to Illinois and Pennsylvania, with surrounding states likely to restrict abortion even further.A little bit of news: Primary election day is tomorrow. Here’s where to drop off mail ballots. And here’s a playlist of primary episodes to get you pumped for the voting booth.Some good news: Win some prizes in the Chicago Public Library’s adult summer reading challenge.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

This episode was originally published on June 7, 2022.The reversal of Roe v. Wade won’t end abortion — it will make access to safe abortion much more difficult. Before the Supreme Court’s landmark abortion rights decision women had to take dangerous measures to end a pregnancy. Seeing the need, a group of women based in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood created a service that provided everything from counseling to rides to appointments. You called a number, and you asked for Jane.Laura Kaplan was part of the group, and she’s the author of “The Story of Jane: The Legendary Underground Feminist Abortion Service.” She spoke with lead producer Carrie Shepherd. “The Janes,” a new documentary featuring Kaplan and other former members, is now available on HBO.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm Call or Text Us: (773) 780-0246 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summer officially started this week, and the City Cast Chicago team has put together a little summer bucket list to get you through the next few months. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to Chicago Tribune politics reporters Gregory Pratt and A.D. Quig about what they are planning to do this summer. Plus, billionaire Ken Griffin moving hedge fund Citadel to Miami, the Cook County assessor’s race, how CTA and the Parks are falling short with service right now, and the 50th anniversary of Title IX. Plus, moments of joy!Moments of JoyAEW coming to ChicagoCelebrating House music DanceAfrica Chicago: RootsFollow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

In her new play “The Billboard,” journalist, author, and playwright Natalie Moore tells the story of a fictional abortion clinic in Englewood and its fight with a City Council candidate who puts up a billboard declaring “Abortion is genocide. The most dangerous place for a Black child is his mother’s womb.” The clinic decides to fight back by putting up its own sign. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to Natalie about her play, the expected overturning of Roe v. Wade, and more.Check out our summer visitor's guide, and let us know what's on your must-do list. Call or text us at (773) 780-0246Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246 

Are you familiar with The Fly Honeys? What was once a multi-weekend, sold-out production for a decade is being tailored to Thalia Hall for Pride this weekend with its iconic showcase of "high-kicking dancers, singers, ass shakers, emcees, nightlife performers, celebrated DJs and headlining guest artists - all backed by a nine-piece band.” Host Jacoby Cochran speaks to two of the people behind The Fly Honeys, Mary Williamson and Shannon Matesky, about their new live performance and how it’s a celebration of all bodies. Some Good NewsLogan Square Arts FestivalFollow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

The political lore in Chicago used to be that if you didn’t know which judges to vote for, you should just pick the most Irish-sounding name. Really, there was a study that confirmed voters did this. But that's not an informed way to go to the polls. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to Maya Dukmasova and Charles Preston from Injustice Watch about the organization's Judicial Election Guide, and why it’s so important to really understand the candidates and the role they play in Cook County residents' lives.Some Good News:Where to get vaccines for kids under 5Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Trans activist "Mama Gloria" Allen died this week at the age of 76. To honor her memory, we're resharing our conversation with her from December.In the early 1960s, Gloria Allen, aka Mama Gloria, was ridiculed by teachers and fellow students at Englewood High School for being a “sissy.” Allen said no one knew back then what being transgender meant. But she always knew she was a girl, and with the support of her mother, grandmother, and some neighbors, Allen was able to embrace who she really was. Living that authentic life is what helped her when she experienced traumatic sexual violence. “Mama Gloria,” streaming now on PBS, is a documentary of Allen’s life in Chicago, including attending “Sissy Balls” in the 1960s and starting a charm school for young people. Allen talked with host Jacoby Cochran about the continued fight for transgender rights.Mama Gloria was a fixture at The Center on Halsted. Check out their website to find out more and get involved.This conversation was first published December 16, 2021.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

On Sunday, hundreds gathered to march from Lincoln Square to Uptown to memorialize two young children, 2 year old Raphael “Rafi” Cardenas and 3 year old Elizabeth “Lily” Grace, who were killed in recent traffic accidents. The families, neighbors, and advocates are demanding the city do more to protect bikers and pedestrians and hold motorists accountable. Freelance journalist Taylor Moore and WTTW’s Joanna Hernandez join host Jacoby Cochran to talk about what can be done to create safer roads in Chicago. We also look at Joanna’s series ‘Turning Pain Into Purpose,’ the inequitable planting of trees in neighborhoods, and celebrate our favorite Art Institute lions!Plus, Jacoby is everywhere this weekend! Catch him today on WBEZ's Nerdette and Reset and on WTTW's Chicago Tonight. You can also catch him Sunday at Schubas for Karaoke Storytellers and Monday at First Presbyterian for the "Reinventing Public Safety" forum.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246