City Cast Chicago

This episode was originally published on June 7, 2022.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, is now available on HBO.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm Call or Text Us: (773) 780-0246 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summer officially started this week, and the City Cast Chicago team has put together a little summer bucket list to get you through the next few months. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to Chicago Tribune politics reporters Gregory Pratt and A.D. Quig about what they are planning to do this summer. Plus, billionaire Ken Griffin moving hedge fund Citadel to Miami, the Cook County assessor’s race, how CTA and the Parks are falling short with service right now, and the 50th anniversary of Title IX. Plus, moments of joy!Moments of JoyAEW coming to ChicagoCelebrating House music DanceAfrica Chicago: RootsFollow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

In her new play “The Billboard,” journalist, author, and playwright Natalie Moore tells the story of a fictional abortion clinic in Englewood and its fight with a City Council candidate who puts up a billboard declaring “Abortion is genocide. The most dangerous place for a Black child is his mother’s womb.” The clinic decides to fight back by putting up its own sign. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to Natalie about her play, the expected overturning of Roe v. Wade, and more.Check out our summer visitor's guide, and let us know what's on your must-do list. Call or text us at (773) 780-0246Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246 

Are you familiar with The Fly Honeys? What was once a multi-weekend, sold-out production for a decade is being tailored to Thalia Hall for Pride this weekend with its iconic showcase of "high-kicking dancers, singers, ass shakers, emcees, nightlife performers, celebrated DJs and headlining guest artists - all backed by a nine-piece band.” Host Jacoby Cochran speaks to two of the people behind The Fly Honeys, Mary Williamson and Shannon Matesky, about their new live performance and how it’s a celebration of all bodies. Some Good NewsLogan Square Arts FestivalFollow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

The political lore in Chicago used to be that if you didn’t know which judges to vote for, you should just pick the most Irish-sounding name. Really, there was a study that confirmed voters did this. But that's not an informed way to go to the polls. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to Maya Dukmasova and Charles Preston from Injustice Watch about the organization's Judicial Election Guide, and why it’s so important to really understand the candidates and the role they play in Cook County residents' lives.Some Good News:Where to get vaccines for kids under 5Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Trans activist "Mama Gloria" Allen died this week at the age of 76. To honor her memory, we're resharing our conversation with her from December.In the early 1960s, Gloria Allen, aka Mama Gloria, was ridiculed by teachers and fellow students at Englewood High School for being a “sissy.” Allen said no one knew back then what being transgender meant. But she always knew she was a girl, and with the support of her mother, grandmother, and some neighbors, Allen was able to embrace who she really was. Living that authentic life is what helped her when she experienced traumatic sexual violence. “Mama Gloria,” streaming now on PBS, is a documentary of Allen’s life in Chicago, including attending “Sissy Balls” in the 1960s and starting a charm school for young people. Allen talked with host Jacoby Cochran about the continued fight for transgender rights.Mama Gloria was a fixture at The Center on Halsted. Check out their website to find out more and get involved.This conversation was first published December 16, 2021.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

On Sunday, hundreds gathered to march from Lincoln Square to Uptown to memorialize two young children, 2 year old Raphael “Rafi” Cardenas and 3 year old Elizabeth “Lily” Grace, who were killed in recent traffic accidents. The families, neighbors, and advocates are demanding the city do more to protect bikers and pedestrians and hold motorists accountable. Freelance journalist Taylor Moore and WTTW’s Joanna Hernandez join host Jacoby Cochran to talk about what can be done to create safer roads in Chicago. We also look at Joanna’s series ‘Turning Pain Into Purpose,’ the inequitable planting of trees in neighborhoods, and celebrate our favorite Art Institute lions!Plus, Jacoby is everywhere this weekend! Catch him today on WBEZ's Nerdette and Reset and on WTTW's Chicago Tonight. You can also catch him Sunday at Schubas for Karaoke Storytellers and Monday at First Presbyterian for the "Reinventing Public Safety" forum.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

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