City Cast Chicago

Today is Muhammad Ali Day in Illinois. Chicago author Jonathan Eig wrote the 2017 biography “Ali: A Life” and prompted Ken Burns to make a documentary about the legendary boxer. Eig tells host Jacoby Cochran that Chicago was integral to Ali’s story as the place he was introduced to the Nation of Islam and where he met his second wife and had children. Eig says Ali’s story is as relevant today as ever.This conversation was originally published Sep. 16, 2021.Some Good News:The Moth StorySLAM at Fitzgeralds NightclubFollow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Mayor Lori Lightfoot's reelection team may have violated Chicago’s ethics ordinance and federal law when her campaign sent emails to CPS staff asking them to encourage students to volunteer with the campaign. Plus, there was a lot of action in Springfield this week as new legislators were inaugurated following an eventful lame duck session that saw the passage of new labor protections and an assault weapons ban. WTTW’s Amanda Vinicky and Illinois Answers Project reporter Alex Nitkin talk about those stories as well as ongoing railroad expansion in Englewood, Lunar New Year events, and bald eagles wintering in Illinois.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

In City Cast Chicago’s occasional series, “Re: VIEWS” we invite guests to re-watch a Chicago film and dissect elements like “Best line” or “Best shot of the city.” Host Jacoby Cochran talks about the classic 1993 movie “The Fugitive” with one of its super fans — journalist and author Natalie Moore — about why she watches it any time it’s on TV and how it creates a full picture of the city.Some good news: Check out the CSO's "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in Concert"Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Some educators in Illinois are challenging the way reading is traditionally taught in schools. They say a more evidence-based approach would get more kids reading at grade level. Cassie Walker Burke is an editor at WBEZ and recently reported on how Illinois, including Chicago Public schools, could change the way they teach reading. She talks with host Jacoby Cochran about how reading is taught in Illinois and why some students might be falling behind. Some good news: Catch a week of storytelling at the Fillet of Solo festival in Rogers Park starting Friday. Plus, catch Jacoby’s solo show “Lessons from Granny” on Sunday.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

In addition to cough drops, toilet paper, and pantyhose, your future Walgreens shopping list could include a checkup with a doctor. The Deerfield-based drugstore chain has invested billions of dollars over the past few years to add primary care clinics to some of its stores, with a goal of reaching 1,000 by 2027. Crain’s reporter Katherine Davis has been covering Walgreens’ health care transformation, and she tells host Jacoby Cochran about some of the hurdles the company faces.Some news: Check out these upcoming mayoral candidate forums ahead of the Feb. 28 election. Plus, the ABC7 Great Chicago Blood Drive, the largest Red Cross blood drive in the country, runs Wednesday and Thursday at seven locations. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Chicago’s restaurant industry is still bouncing back after the pandemic forced closures, supply chain issues, and worker shortages. Eater Chicago follows the closings, openings, and all issues happening on the food scene. Editor Ashok Selvam and host Jacoby Cochran share trends to watch in 2023 for dining.Some good news: Jacoby is hosting his first solo storytelling show on Sunday. Get tickets here.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

As city officials try to provide for the nearly 4,000 migrants that have arrived in Chicago since August, some Woodlawn residents are opposing a planned shelter in their neighborhood. Host Jacoby Cochran, lead producer Carrie Shepherd, and producer Simone Alicea talk about that story as well as CPS losing track of some students, potential hikes to gas bills, and record opioid deaths in Cook County. And of course, the team shares some gooood newwwws to get you through, including the search for Chicago’s inaugural poet laureate.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Pilsen is known as one of the city’s largest Mexican neighborhoods, but Healthy Hood founder Tanya Lozano explains it wasn’t always that way. Her grandparents were among the first Mexican families to move to the area in the 1960s. Tanya shares some of the history with host Jacoby Cochran, along with her favorite things to eat, see, and do in Pilsen.Tanya’s Recs:La casa del puebloFrida RoomLa LunaPilsen YardsS.K.Y.Yvolina’s TamalesNational Museum of Mexican ArtResurrection ProjectBenito Juarez School/ParkFollow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

State legislators are in Springfield this week. One issue that may be on the docket is gun control. Rep. Bob Morgan from the 58th District introduced the “Protect Illinois Communities Act” in December. The bill would prevent the future sale of what’s commonly known as “assault weapons,” as well as large-capacity magazines, and would change age requirements for obtaining guns. Morgan represents suburban Highland Park where a shooter killed seven people during a parade last summer. Rep. Bob Morgan tells host Jacoby Cochran what the bill means for future, and current, gun ownership in Illinois.Some Good News:The 36th Annual Young Playwrights FestivalFollow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Whether it’s working out more, exploring the city, or finding ways to get more involved, we’ve all got goals and desires for the new year. But how do you make realistic resolutions and stick to them? Compass Health Center counselor Carrie Overbey shares some tips on building good habits. Plus, maybe you can find some inspiration from listeners, friends, and other Chicagoans who shared their resolutions with us.Some news: What new laws are going into effect in Illinois? Here’s a list.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246