City Cast Chicago

Harold’s is more than a chicken spot — It’s a Chicago institution. There are stories of NBA MVP Derrick Rose getting bottles of their famous mild sauce brought to his home. Kanye West set a music video at Harold’s. It’s even been name-dropped by a certain former U.S. president. But somehow, even with dozens of franchise locations, it’s been able to maintain a community feel and remains a must-try for anyone coming to the city (but newcomers be warned: you better know your order before you get to the counter). Shakeia Taylor recently wrote about Harold’s legacy for the Eater. She and journalist (and City Cast friend) Arionne Nettles talk with host Jacoby Cochran about the history of the iconic chicken joint, their orders, and where the best (and worst) locations are. Plus, we hear from a former Harold’s franchise owner.In the newscast, we mentioned the lobbying efforts for the 2024 DNC to be held in Chicago. You can revisit our episode with City Cast Las Vegas — who’s also in the running — here.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

When the former ABLA Homes on the Near West Side were torn down in the 2000s, the city promised to build new housing. But 20 years later, most of the planned units haven’t been built and most families never returned. Earlier this year, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced a deal to develop the biggest plot of the former public housing complex, but it wasn’t for more housing. The land is set to be developed by the Chicago Fire, the city’s professional men’s soccer team, as a practice facility. ProPublica’s Mick Dumke has been investigating how this deal came together with “unusual urgency,” and he tells host Jacoby Cochran how it appears to be yet another broken promise in Chicago’s housing history. A little bit of sad news: Trans icon and activist Gloria Allen, aka Mama Gloria, has died at the age of 76. We spoke with Mama Gloria in December.We are giving away two tickets to Karaoke Storytellers at Schubas on Sunday. To win, text us at (773) 780-0246 with your name, email, and go-to karaoke song.Learn more about the sponsor of this episode:Don’t Tell ComedyFollow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Early voting is underway for the June 28 primary. But sometimes you’re looking at a list of names, and you don’t even know what they’re running for. Host Jacoby Cochran has often felt that way looking at the list of candidates for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District commissioners. What does the MWRD even do? To find out, we asked commissioner Kim Neely du Buclet, who is not up for election this year.As Jacoby mentioned, there are six cooling areas in the city. You can find out more info here.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

In honor of the Chicago Tribune’s 175th anniversary, the paper recently put out a Chicago history quiz. (Happy birthday, Trib friends!) Of course, we wanted to put our knowledge to the test. So we asked producer Simone Alicea to pick the best questions for a little trivia competition. From architecture, to politics, to sports, host Jacoby Cochran and lead producer Carrie Shepherd face off to see who knows the most Chi history.A little bit of news: Early voting starts today in all 50 wards.On Wednesday, Jacoby will face off against Shermann "Dilla" Thomas at Chicago Write Club. Jacoby will be defending Chicago parks while Dilla argues for the beaches. Which do you prefer? Let us know at (773) 780-0246Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Happy Pride month! Host Jacoby Cochran is looking back at some key stories from the week with Chicago Reader co-publisher Tracy Baim and Block Club Chicago reporter Jake Wittich, who covers Lakeview, Lincoln park, and Old Town. They discuss Chicago’s new AIDS Garden, a Pride march at a North Center elementary school, and the Reader’s Pride Issue. Tracy and Jake also make it clear while Pride is a month of celebration, we must continue to protect, uplift, and advocate for LGBTQ+ stories and lives all year round. Catch Jacoby Wednesday evening at the Golden Dagger for Write Club Chicago. He’ll be facing off against Shermann “Dilla” Thomas debating Parks vs. Beaches. Jacoby is Team Parks. Which are you? Let us know at (773) 780-0246.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Anyone who has ever walked by the Puerto Rican flag at Division and Western in Humboldt Park knows that Puerto Rican pride runs deep and strong in this city. The stretch known as the Paseo Boricua is the heart of the community. Starting Thursday, Fiestas Patronales Puertorriqueñas aka the Puerto Rican Festival returns including four days of celebration, a carnival, and a parade Saturday. Joshua Smyser-DeLeon grew up in the neighborhood and remembers attending the festival as a kid. He hosts “Paseo Podcast” where he explores all things Puerto Rico both here in Chicago and across the diaspora. Before Joshua joins the parade this weekend, he sat down with host Jacoby Cochran to talk about the history of Puerto Ricans in Chicago and the love he has for his culture and people. Some Good News: Hyde Park Summer Fest is backFollow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Whether you’re for or against, a casino is coming to Chicago. The mayor and City Council have both approved a proposal from Bally’s to build a casino at the old Tribune publishing site in River West. Pending approval from the Illinois Gaming Board, the city’s first casino is projected to begin operating by 2026. Chicago leaders say the casino will be good for the city — especially for filling city coffers — but what do neighbors think?River West resident Sean Cogan tells Jacoby why he’s excited about the casino, and Streeterville resident Darren Monroe in explains why he thinks it’s a bad idea.Some Good News:Puerto Rican Festival in Humboldt Park starts Thursday. The four day fest will feature a carnival, food and drinks, live music, a Domino tournament and, of course, the parade Saturday at 2 p.m.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

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, premieres Tuesday on HBO.Some good news: See the pod team at Chi Hack Night at 7 p.m. tonight in person and online.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

A tweet by 20th Ward Ald. Jeanette Taylor went viral last week. Taylor tweeted: “I first applied for an affordable housing voucher in 1993….Today in 2022 I finally got a letter telling me I made it to the top of the waiting list. I have no words.” Taylor talks to host Jacoby Cochran about how she thinks the Chicago Housing Authority is failing people in Chicago looking for affordable housing and what needs to change.Taylor’s Accountable Housing and Transparency OrdinanceHow to apply for CHA housingSome good news: Pride Arts Summer Film FestFollow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Every song has a story — that’s the idea behind Karaoke Storytellers. Performers get up, tell a story, and then sing a song related to that story. The event is hosted by host Jacoby Cochran. At the April event, we heard stories about finding love, finding yourself, and finding your home. Today, we’re telling you some of those stories. The next Karaoke Storytellers is on June 19 at Schuba's Tavern. Check back here for a chance to win tickets!Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246