A debate over bike lanes on Archer Avenue is launching municipal election season in Brighton Park, where a bike lane opponent has launched a campaign to replace the 12th Ward alderperson. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and producer Michelle Navarro break it down. Plus, they’re talking about the confluence of Lunar New Year, Ramadan, and Lent. We also hear from listeners about the Bears stadium drama.

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• Chicago Board of Election Commissioners
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Today we’re remembering the legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson, who died Tuesday at 84. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea run down the highlights and controversies of Jackson’s career in Chicago. Plus, they’re breaking down the mayor’s veto of the hemp ban, and Simone shows off her political mailer haul.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Feb. 18 episode:

• Chicago Board of Election Commissioners
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In 2019, Illinois’ legal weed legislation was hailed as the “most equity-centric” cannabis law in the country. But in reality, those promises didn’t quite materialize. Chicago Reporter’s Sara Cooper joins host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea to talk about what the state got wrong about legal weed. Plus, they’re catching up on some legislation to watch in Springfield, including data center regulation and the latest in Bears stadium drama.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Feb. 17 episode:

• Chicago Board of Election Commissioners
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• Window Nation
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All eyes have been on the Twin Cities lately, including Chicagoans’. Operation Metro Surge is reportedly ending in Minnesota, with the withdrawal of immigration agents expected over the next week. Over the last two months, though, residents of the Twin Cities have organized a range of local collective action efforts including protests, mutual aid, and monitoring ICE — and they’ve done it quickly. In this inaugural episode of “Your City Could Be Better,” City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Twin Cities podcast host Sean McPherson about how his community self-organized, why these networks have been so successful, and what other cities can take away from Minnesotans’ response to Operation Metro Surge. Plus, we have a D.C. vs. Twin Cities face-off on local cultural norms.

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Early voting for the March primary has officially begun. Host Jacoby Cochran, The Triibe’s Tonia Hill, and Injustice Watch’s Charles Preston are discussing important races to watch, including the 7th Congressional District, and helpful resources like the Injustice Watch judicial guide. Plus, Derrick Rose joins the new United Center development, and Caleb Williams heads to the NBA All-Star weekend.

Good News: Purple Box Videos

Don't miss City Cast's newest podcast "Your City Could Be Better." CEO and host David Plotz talks with City Cast hosts and producers across all 13 cities about what our cities are doing right and wrong.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Feb. 13 episode:

• Chicago Board of Election Commissioners
• Access Contemporary Music – Use promo code PIANO for 20% off
• Window Nation
• Chicago Architecture Center
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What’s the worst date you’ve ever been on? The question might trigger battlefield flashbacks, but on today’s podcast, we’re getting into it. Producer Michelle Navarro hit the streets to see what locals have to say about Chicago’s dating scene — and what advice they have for getting out there ahead of Valentine’s Day. Host Jacoby Cochran and newsletter editor Emmi Mack help break it all down. 

Good News: “Jewels of Spring” and  “Showers of Flowers” 

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• Chicago Board of Election Commissioners
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• Window Nation

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Is the number of Chicagoans experiencing homelessness going up or down? Why was the U.S. Secretary of Education visiting the West Side last week? And what is the best breakfast sandwich in Chicago? Host Jacoby Cochran is diving into these questions and others with writer and professor Dr. Eve Ewing and freelance Journalist Samantha Smylie.

Good News: Plenty of Weekend Markets to Choose From

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• Chicago Board of Election Commissioners
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Will Illinois lawmakers weaken the state’s tough ⁠biometric privacy laws to court AI data centers⁠? 

What did the county’s top prosecutor ⁠have to say about the mayor's executive order⁠ on ICE? What are the Bulls ⁠plans after overhauling the roster ⁠ahead of the trade deadline? These are just some of the questions executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran explore in today’s conversation.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Feb. 10 episode: 

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⁠Window Nation⁠

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United and American are beefing over gate space at O’Hare. But what does this fight between corporations actually mean for Chicago travelers? City Cast contributor Leigh Giangreco recently reported on the subject for Chicago magazine, and she joins host Jacoby Cochran to break down “The Battle of O’Hare.”

If you enjoyed today's interview with Chicago Architecture Center's Senior Director of Public Engagement, Adam Rubin learn more here. 

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Feb. 9 episode: 

• Chicago Board of Election Commissioners
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• Window Nation

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Last month, Legler Regional Library and the Greater Chicago Food Depository opened the city’s first food pantry inside a public library. This week, a new partnership between GCFD and City Colleges of Chicago opened Statesmen Market, a redesigned food pantry inside Kennedy-King College in Englewood. Freelance Journalist Chasity Cooper and Block Club Chicago’s Atavia Reed join us to break down all the details. Plus, Chicago Restaurant Week is ending, south side lounge culture is alive and well, and are you grabbing the new McNugget Caviar kit?
Good News: The Moth
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Learn more about the sponsors of this Feb. 6 episode:

• League of Chicago Theatres
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• Museum of Contemporary Photography
• Chicago Architecture Center

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Months after she was shot by Border Patrol agents in Brighton Park, Marimar Martinez was in Washington, D.C. this week recounting her experience at a public forum. The Reader’s new editor-in-chief, Sarah Conway, tells host Jacoby Cochran about why the story is worth watching. They’re also joined by Kevin Pang, NBC5’s new “Food Guy,” who explains why so many Chicago restaurants have been closing. The panel is also wrapping up some of the city’s most romantic spots ahead of Valentine’s Day.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this Feb. 5 episode: 

• League of Chicago Theatres
• Chicago Restaurant Week
• Paramount Theatre
• Museum of Contemporary Photography
• Chicago Architecture Center

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