City Cast Chicago

Over the years, the Chicago Bulls have had some of the biggest names in basketball. And while players come and go, the brightest star at the United Center isn’t a player at all. Benny the Bull has danced, dunked, and flipped his way into the Mascot Hall of Fame. City Cast Chicago got to go behind the scenes with Benny to learn what it takes to hype the UC crowd 41 times a season. Some news: Early voting in all 50 wards opens today. Plus, the Lincoln Park and Garfield Park conservatories’ spring flower shows begin this week. 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

A new film studio in South Shore broke ground this week, and neighbors are excited for the possibilities. Meanwhile, as U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García paints himself as a progressive in the Feb. 28 mayor’s race, some organizers question his record. Host Jacoby Cochran, Triibe reporter Tonia Hill, and Block Club Chicago’s Maxwell Evans discuss those stories, plus how Chicago will spend federal funds to address houselessness, the plight of residents at a problem building in South Shore, and the opening of a restaurant in Hyde Park that’s set to feature robot servers and jerk chicken Pop-Tarts.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

We are back with another edition of Re:VIEWS, where we rewatch and break down some classic Chicago films. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we are enjoying the 1997 romantic comedy “Love Jones” starring Larenz Tate and Nia Long. Between the poetic plot, amazing soundtrack, and cast’s impeccable on-screen chemistry, it is without a doubt one of Chicago’s smoothest romance movies. Host Jacoby Cochran, producer Simone Alicea, and teacher and “Love Jones” expert Zephanie Battle talk about some their favorite scenes and argue why the film is so much more than a “Black Classic,” but a Classic, period! Vote for City Cast Chicago as best podcast and Hey Chicago as best newsletter in the Chicago Reader’s Best of Chicago under the City Life category.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

“Asians have long been ignored, fetishized or made the butt of the joke in America. We want to put that to rest.” That’s the mission of the new podcast, “Shoes Off: A Sexy Asians Podcast” from WBEZ. Host Jacoby Cochran sits down with hosts Susie An and Esther Yoon-Ji Kang to talk about how they decided on that title, upcoming guests, and what they learned about themselves making the podcast. Some news: Bid on jerseys, game balls, awards and more owned by Walter Payton at an auction this week. 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

Between retirements, resignations, and redistricting, at least 11 of Chicago’s 50 wards is getting a new alderperson. And there are a few incumbents facing big challenges in the municipal election. The City Cast team breaks down some key races across the city and talks about the issues facing City Council, from development to public safety to the environment.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

While cannabis has been legal in Illinois for a few years, until now there hasn’t been a place for medical patients to buy seeds to grow marijuana. MoneyTree Genetics in Irving Park opened in November as the country’s first brick-and-mortar cannabis seed shop, offering seeds and other services to individuals and cannabis businesses. Co-owner Tom Wilson explains how changes in federal and state law opened the door to this type of business and what it takes to grow weed at home.Some good news: The Garfield Park Conservatory is hosting cooking classes focused on Black culinary history. Email dslaughter@garfieldpark.org for an invite.Share your BEST and WORST date stories for an upcoming episode. You can leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicago

Mayor Lori Lightfoot hoped City Council would approve a proposed 15-year contract with utility giant ComEd this week, but alders had other plans. The deal has been sent down to committee and will be back up for a vote after the Feb. 28 election. Director of Audio Journalism at Northwestern Arionne Nettles and Chicago writer Heidi Stevens join host Jacoby Cochran to make sense of the political gamesmanship at work. The group also discusses the city’s expanded opioid response team, Illinois’ push for universal pre-k, the future of the Little Village Discount Mall, and some gooooodddd newsssss to get you through!!Remember: Vote City Cast Chicago for best podcast and best newsletter in the Chicago Reader’s Best of 2022 under the City Life category. 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

Whether it’s dancing all night, sipping on elaborate cocktails with a side of live music, or playing some board games before hitting the diner, Chicago offers plenty of late night options. WBEZ audience engagement manager Taylor Faye Nazon joins host Jacoby Cochran to talk about some of their favorite ways to enjoy Chicago’s nightlife!Some good news: Best of luck to Senn High School music teacher Trevor Nicholas, who's been nominated for a Grammy Music Educator award for the second year in a row..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

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