City Cast Chicago

With Election Day three weeks away, maybe you’re looking for some help making sense of everything that’s on the ballot, especially if you’ve been feeling disillusioned with politics. That’s where the comprehensive Girl, I Guess Progressive Voter Guide may come in. Every election, organizer Stephanie Skora looks at issues through a progressive lens, focusing on candidates and measures that support workers rights, social services, and environmental causes, and more. Skora joins host Jacoby Cochran to talk about her most important issues on the ballot and why it’s critical to participate.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Eve Ewing’s “1919” has been adapted from the page to the stage this month at Steppenwolf Theatre, with upcoming performances at Chicago parks, juvenile detention centers, and other community spaces. The sociologist, professor, poet, and author chats with host Jacoby Cochran about her award-winning work. They talk everything from the history of the Chicago race riots to the release of her upcoming Marvel comic book in December.Some Good News:Catch Jacoby Cochran hosting for The Moth at FitzGerald’s in Berwyn for their “Grown”-themed event. 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.

Chicago’s new police oversight commission has been slow to hire staff, prompting tough questions from alders and organizers who’ve fought decades for civilian oversight. Host Jacoby Cochran talks about that and other stories from the week with Injustice Watch’s Charles Preston and Chicago Reader’s Kelly Garcia. They discuss Willie Wilson’s efforts to court Latinx voters, alders exploring more independence from the mayor, and Injustice Watch’s judicial voting guide. Plus, they share some good news and their fantasy Halloween costumes. Some Good News:Plans for reopening Memo's Hot Dogs in Pilsen are underway! Fall Chicago Theater is in full swing.Pullman Arts and Culture Fest is presenting a two-day festival this weekend in the Pullman and Roseland neighborhoods. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

The 58th annual Chicago International Film Festival kicked off this week with screenings in venues all over the city — even virtually, in people’s living rooms. The event spans 12 days and spotlights more than 90 features and 60 shorts, from big budget films to international indies to documentaries to, of course, local filmmakers. Reporter Leigh Giangreco is writing all about the festival this year. She talks with host Jacoby Cochran about a few key films with ties to Chicago. Films We Discussed:A Compassionate Spy, directed by Steve JamesThe Year Between, directed by Alex HellerCall Jane, directed by Phyllis NagyKing of Kings: Chasing Edward Jones, directed by Harriet Marin JonesGlass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, directed by Rian JohnsonDevotion, directed by J.D. Dillard58th Chicago International Film Festival GuideQuick correction: Jacoby and Leigh misidentified the magazine that currently features Jonathan Majors on the cover. It's Men's Health magazine. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

For years, Illinois’ Black Panther Party worked in neighborhoods across Chicago in places like churches, high schools, and theaters. Leila Wills is the executive director of the Historical Preservation Society of the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party, and she’s leading the effort to officially landmark some of the spots across Illinois and Chicago where the party was active. Host Jacoby Cochran talks with Leila about these landmarks, the importance of restoring them, putting history into context – and her personal connection as the daughter of Illinois Black Panther Party members.  Event: “Meet the Illinois Chapter of the Black Panther Party” at the Chicago History Museum on Thursday, October 13 at 7:00 p.mHosted by Chuck D of Public EnemySome Good News: Elevate Chicago Dance 2022Follow 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.

This Saturday, thousands of people will descend on Navy Pier for Slow and Low: Chicago Lowrider Festival. The exhibition will feature hundreds of custom cars, bikes, and other vehicles along with Mexican art and dance displays. Photographer and festival curator Edward “Magic” Calderon tells host Jacoby Cochran how lowrider culture is about more than the cars.A little bit of news: Early voting has officially started. Plus if you haven’t yet registered to vote, today is the deadline to mail in your registration forms. Here are other voting dates you should know.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.

Fridays are for getting caught up on the week’s news and prepping for the weekend. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to Mariah Woelfel, WBEZ’s City Hall reporter and Brandis Friedman, WTTW anchor extraordinaire, about the mayor’s new budget, WTTW’s Permanent Punishment series, tiny homes, and another cop-involved shooting. Plus, the Chicago Sun-Times loses its paywall, and volunteers archive key burial records of Black Chicagoans. And, Jacoby's good news is "Clyde's" at the Goodman Theatre.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

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