City Cast Chicago

Anyone who’s had a headache probably doesn’t think too hard before popping a Tylenol or other pain pill. But in late September 1982, the country was gripped with panic as taking a Tylenol could suddenly be deadly. That’s after six people in the northwest suburbs and one person in the city died after taking tainted pills. It led to a nationwide recall, waves of false tips, and copycat killers. “Unsealed: The Tylenol Murders,” a new podcast and print series from the Chicago Tribune and At Will Media, explores the decades-long saga and uncovers new details. Chicago Tribune investigative reporters Christy Gutowski and Stacy St. Clair reported the series and co-host the podcast. Stacy tells host Jacoby Cochran how a tip to her and her colleagues could bring some closure to this case. 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.

Host Jacoby Cochran, lead producer Carrie Shepherd, and producer Simone Alicea break down the top stories of the week, highlight some news that needs more attention, and share their good news. Stories include the a new Chinatown high school moving forward despite pushback from the community, a Depaul student scamming residents at a Rogers Park encampment, carless streets, and a mayoral endorsement. Plus, some good news! Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Since Roe v. Wade was overturned this summer, Latinas have faced an influx of Spanish-language misinformation and disinformation about abortion. Confusion over state abortion laws, including in Illinois, has enabled this misinformation to spread, especially on social media. Host Jacoby Cochran speaks to Dr. Melissa Simon, OB-GYN at Northwestern Medicine and director of the Center for Health Equity Transformation, about why Latinas are being targeted and what we can do to combat this misinformation. Come to the City Cast Chicago Happy Hour Thursday, Sept. 29, at 6 p.m. at Midwest Coast Brewing. Drinks on us!Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

StreetWise is celebrating its 30th anniversary, which is no small feat when you factor in the pandemic and inflation. The weekly magazine’s vendors are fixtures in our communities, and some of them have been doing it since the beginning. We hear from a few of them, and lead producer Carrie Shepherd talks with StreetWise Executive Director Julie Youngquist about the origins of the magazine and how it works to help people in need.StreetWise’s 30th anniversary celebration is at 5:30 p.m. Friday at Galleria Marchetti.This episode was originally published July 6, 2022. Join us Thursday from 6–7:30 p.m. at Midwest Coast Brewing for a City Cast Chicago happy hour! Drinks on us!Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

From the park, to neighborhood theaters, to giant arenas, you can catch professional wrestling matches in Chicago just about every weekend. Local independent wrestling star Colt Cabana and former referee and wrestling historian Phil Wills tell us about Chicago’s role in wrestling history, what they love about it, and what it takes to become a pro wrestler.Some good news: Andersonville Arts WeekendJoin us Thursday from 6–7:30 p.m. at Midwest Coast Brewing for a City Cast Chicago happy hour! Meet the team and fellow City Cast listeners while enjoying free drinks!

Between 2016 and 2021, Chicago tested 24,000 homes for lead levels in the water. According to a recent Guardian report, 1 in 20 homes exceeded federal limits. However, the city has never done a full analysis of the data and fewer than 200 of Chicago’s 400,000 lead pipes have been removed under Mayor Lori Lightfoot. So we have to ask: Are officials taking this problem seriously? Host Jacoby Cochran talks with freelance journalist Taylor Moore, who co-reported the story. Profiting from poison: how the US lead industry knowingly created a water crisisRevealed: the ‘shocking’ levels of toxic lead in Chicago tap waterThis Thursday, Sept 29th we are hosting a happy hour from 6-7:30 p.m. at Midwest Coast Brewing. You can meet the team, grab some swag, and have drinks on us!Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Municipal elections are around the corner and over a dozen alders are not seeking reelection, have already left office, or are running for Mayor. City Council will look very different soon and The Triibe explores what that means for City Council’s Black Caucus and the future of progressive politics at City Hall. Speaking of progressive, Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s reelection campaign hit BET this week, and the mayor argued her first term has largely been a progressive success. We asked Triibe’s cofounders Tiffany Walden and Morgan Elise Johnson about the Mayor’s record and if they believe her claims hold up. Plus, you don’t want to miss this week’s good news, Morgan and Tiffany share their Best Day of Summer. (Spoiler: it involves Beyonce and Diana Ross!)Other Stories Discussed:What’s going on with the Invest South/West ProgramWhat’s Next for Austin’s Iconic Pink HouseGood News: Chicago Gourmet FestivalCongrats to the winner of our Summer Bucket List Challenge, Annie A., who completed all 21 items! To celebrate, we'll be hosting a happy hour from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sep. 29, at Midwest Coast Brewery. You can meet the team, grab some swag, and have a beer on us!Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Listener Andie Linker grew up in Lincoln Park and loves the expansive green spaces throughout the area. Her parents have been residents for decades and are known for throwing one of the best neighborhood block parties. Andie reached out to City Cast Chicago because she says while she loves her community, she believes it’s important to acknowledge and repair the long history of gentrification, displacement, and erasure. Host Jacoby Cochran visits Oz Park in Lincoln Park with Andie to learn more about her personal history, love for the neighborhood, and her favorite things to see, do, and eat in Lincoln Park and Old Town.Spots Andie recommends:Annette’s Italian IcePasta PalazzoCedar PalaceBatter & BerriesPequod’sLincoln Park ConservatoryLincoln Park ZooThe Second ChildSecond CityZanies Comedy ClubA little bit of news: Catch up on what City Council did on Wednesday.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

With organized groups around Chicagoland pushing to remove books like “Gender Queer” and others from schools, this year’s Banned Books Week feels more pressing than ever. Now in its 40th year, Banned Books Week is a time to celebrate the freedom to read and fight against censorship. Kelly Jensen is an editor at Book Riot, and she tracks book bans. She tells host Jacoby Cochran about efforts to ban books here and explains what we can do about it.PEN America’s report on the rise of book challenges in schoolsGuide to fighting censorshipFollow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

When the conversation about Chicago classic movies begins, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” will most likely be on the list. Writer Leigh Giangreco grew up in Buffalo loving the film, and now living in Chicago, Giangreco wondered if you could recreate Ferris, Cameron, and Sloane’s day off and get it all done before the parents get home. Leigh documented her day for the Washington Post, and tells host Jacoby Cochran the details of how it all went down.Some good news: Latin Restaurant weekFollow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246