City Cast Chicago

It’s Friday, and just like that, Spooky Season is almost over. “Nerdette” host Greta Johnsen and WTTW’s Amanda Vinicky join Jacoby Cochran to look back on the week and say goodbye to October. A few stories on our minds: The Chicago Blackhawks released the results of an independent investigation into allegations of sexual abuse against a former coach, state Dems dropped a new congressional map, and is Chicago turning a COVID corner? Our trio considers that question, and they share a couple of moments of joy from the week. Guests: Amanda Vinicky—Reporter, WTTW Greta Johnsen—Host, Nerdette, WBEZ Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

The city’s Asian American population has grown 31% over the last decade, the largest of any racial group in Chicago, according to Census numbers. Chinatown, home to the city’s largest Asian American population, however is spread across three different wards, none of which have an Asian American alder person. In fact, there isn’t an Asian American on City Council, which can make the community feel left out while alder people are drawing up a ward map behind closed doors that will help each of them get re-elected. Asian American–led organizations that serve the community say it’s time they have a voice on City Council. Grace Chan McKibben, executive director at the Coalition for Better Chinese American Community, explains the reasons why a majority Asian American ward is so important. Guest — Grace Chan McKibben, Executive Director at the Coalition for Better Chinese American Community Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

The Chicago Police Department says it needs to fill 1,000 vacancies on the force. Part of their strategy is a new team focused on recruitment, and the city budget expected to pass Wednesday includes about $230,000 for advertising. That’s up from $2,400. So why are cops leaving the force? And is it as dire as some city officials would have the public believe? WBEZ criminal justice reporter Patrick Smith breaks it down. Guest: Patrick Smith— Criminal Justice Reporter, WBEZ Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

The Inspector General’s office has a broad mandate. Their job is to “promote economy, effectiveness, efficiency, and integrity by identifying corruption, waste, and mismanagement in city government.” Basically, that means trying to clean up bad behavior in a city that is known for political corruption. Joe Ferguson led that office for 12 years, through three different mayors, a federal investigation of Chicago’s Police Department, and numerous scandals that have revealed racism, sexism, political patronage, and resulted in indictments of sitting alder people. He retired this month. Ferguson tells us how he kept pushing for more transparency and better government (even when it seemed like nothing would change), and answers the question: Is Chicago really more corrupt than other cities? Guest: Joe Ferguson — Former Inspector General, City of Chicago Related Links: OIG Public Information Portal Related News Links: Chicago Creative Worker Assistance Program Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Many people rely on public restrooms during the day, including delivery and ride-share drivers, cabbies, and people who are unhoused. Last year during the height of the pandemic, access to public restrooms decreased as businesses and many public buildings like libraries and park field houses closed. That got Chicago Tribune investigative reporter Emily Hoerner wondering how many public restrooms are in Chicago and who’s most affected when they can’t access those spots. We talk to Hoerner about her investigation. Guest: Emily Hoerner — Investigative Reporter, Chicago Tribune Here’s the Tribune’s map of public restrooms. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago’s Fraternal Order of Police have competing lawsuits over the vaccine mandate for city employees. Despite a judge ordering union President John Catanzara to stop encouraging officers on social media not to report their vaccine status, the back-and-forth continued this week as 21 Chicago police officers were placed on no-pay status for failing to comply. WTTW host Brandis Friedman joins host Jacoby Cochran and producer Simone Alicea to talk about the drama. They also discuss efforts to reform state parole laws, the Chicago Sky championship parade and a couple more moments of joy! Guest: Brandis Friedman — Host, WTTW's Chicago Tonight and Black Voices Some stories mentioned today: The Chicago Sun-Times' latest on the court battle over the vaccine mandate The Associated Press' look at how police use force against children, following the ProPublica/Nashville Public Radio investigation into one Tennessee county. WTTW on a proposal to reinstate parole in Illinois Simone's City Cast Chicago map (plus her poll on "The Nightmare Before Christmas") Block Club Chicago's profile of FroSkate Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

On a chilly November night in 1987, Chicagoans watching the 9 p.m. news on WGN were met with a disturbing sight. They saw a person in a rubber mask bouncing in front of a spinning metallic background over some garbled sound. Two hours later, Doctor Who fans saw something similar on WTTW. Someone had hacked into the stations’ broadcast signals. But to this day, we have no idea who did it…or why. The new film “Broadcast Signal Intrusion” was inspired by the real-life Max Headroom mystery. It stars Harry Shum Jr. and was directed by Jacob Gentry. Ahead of the film’s theatrical release tomorrow, Shum and Gentry tell us why the incident remains fascinating for internet sleuths and why the videos are so unsettling. Guests: Harry Shum Jr. — Actor/Producer, “Broadcast Signal Intrusion" Jacob Gentry — Director, “Broadcast Signal Intrusion” “Broadcast Signal Intrusion” is out in select theaters tomorrow. It’s also one of the virtual offerings from the Chicago Film Festival, available through Sunday. A little bit of news, y’all: A public viewing for the late historian Timuel Black will take place today in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood. The Chicago Public Library is screening Halloweentown I & II Saturday in the East Side neighborhood. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

When there’s an emergency, the last thing you want to worry about is whether an ambulance will show up. But the Chicago Fire Department has just 80 ambulances for a population of nearly 3 million people. While the department says that’s sufficient, the latest audit from the city’s watchdog shows CFD is failing to meet national standards for medical response times. A long wait for an ambulance could mean life or death, so why doesn’t the department add more to its fleet? CBS Chicago investigative reporter Dana Kozlov has spent years asking the city that question. She explains the scope of the problem and why it persists. Dana Kozlov — Investigative Reporter, CBS Chicago Check out Dana’s 2020 investigation into the city’s ambulance shortage. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

The Avalon Regal Theater in South Shore pays homage to two old venues that served as entertainment hubs for Black Chicagoans. From the 1920s to the 1960s, the Regal Theater was where the biggest names in music, from Louis Armstrong to Aretha Franklin, performed. The Bronzeville venue closed in 1968, and the building was demolished five years later. And, the Avalon Theater in South Shore has been everything from a Church to a movie theater. Jerald Gary is the entrepreneur and neighborhood booster who is trying to bring the excitement of those former spots into one, new destination for music, comedy, and live theater. It’s a pricey venture, but Gary tells us why he thinks it’s so critical. Guest: Jerald Gary— Owner, The Avalon Regal Theater Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Now that the Bears have inked a deal to buy the old Arlington racetrack in suburban Arlington Heights, fans are waiting to see if the football team will really move. The Bears ultimately want a new stadium — either on the lake or in the burbs —and it’s estimated a new stadium could cost about $2 billion. Most, if not all, of that would likely fall on taxpayers. But football stadiums don’t actually make money for cities, according to University of Chicago sports economist Allen Sanderson. In fact, he calls them “economic losers.” He explains why and what we can learn from past changes to Soldier Field. Guest: Allen Sanderson — Professor, University of Chicago Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

A 14-year-old student and a 45-year-old security officer were shot and injured Tuesday as classes were letting out at Wendell Phillips Academy High School in Bronzeville. The shooting is prompting renewed questions about school resource officers. Host Jacoby Cochran reflects on that along with Block Club Chicago’s Jamie Nesbitt Golden and WCIU’s Brandon Pope. They also look at the rest of the week’s news, including electric scooters coming back to Chicago, the continued success of the Chicago Sky, and their opinions on scary movies ahead of Halloween. Guests: Jamie Nesbitt Golden — Bronzeville and Near South Side reporter, Block Club Chicago Brandon Pope — Reporter/Anchor, WCIU Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Timuel Black died yesterday at the age of 102, and while 102 seems like a lot, his accomplishments could fill multiple lifetimes. Black’s family migrated to Chicago during the first wave of the Great Migration, something he spoke about extensively and even wrote about in his first book. His family’s journey, his upbringing in Chicago, and his encounter with Nazi camps during World War II inspired a life of activism and work that helped the movement towards desegregation and civil rights in Chicago. Host Jacoby Cochran sat down with WBEZ's Natalie Moore to talk about Black’s legacy, the intersection of scholarship and his lived experience, and her personal connection to one of the city’s most prominent Chicagoans. Guest: Natalie Moore — Reporter, WBEZ To learn more about Black's life and legacy, check out his 2019 memoir "Sacred Ground: The Chicago Streets of Timuel Black" Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Facebook’s outage on Oct. 4 was one of the longest in company history. But it wasn’t just memes and Insta stories that users lost for nearly six hours. People around the world rely on the messaging service WhatsApp to talk with family and even to do business. We hear from an international student at the University of Illinois and a woman living in Ecuador who has family in the Chicago area about how the outage affected them. And TechCrunch reporter Amanda Silberling explains what happened, how WhatsApp became so integral to international communication, and what we can learn from the outage. Guests: Amanda Silberling — Reporter, TechCrunch Brooke Stevenson and Tarkan Bolat — WhatsApp users Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

In 1953, brothers George and Oscar Marienthal opened Mister Kelly’s, a jazz and comedy nightclub on Chicago’s Rush Street. Over the next two decades, the club would help nourish the careers of legends like Herbie Hancock, Barbra Streisand, Richard Pryor, Ella Fitzgerald, and more. The documentary “Live at Mister Kelly’s” tells the story of this iconic Chicago club that also broke racial barriers on and off stage. Host Jacoby Cochran talks with Executive Producer David Marienthal about growing up visiting his dad and uncle's club and the impact Mister Kelly's had on Chicago's culture. The documentary is now available on Apple TV, Amazon and other streaming platforms. Guest: David Marienthal—Executive Producer, “Live at Mister Kelly’s” Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

It’s Friday, and while the week has been mostly rain and clouds, there were some important stories we want to look back on. City Cast’s Jacoby Cochran and Simone Alicea are joined by freelance journalist Kelly Garcia to discuss workers walking out of El Milagro in Little Village and dwindling options for affordable housing. The trio also share some moments of joy, including Chicago’s playoff buzz as the Sox and Sky keep their eye on bringing championships back to Chicago! Guest: Kelly Garcia— Freelance journalist Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

TV shows and movies love to set their stories in Chicago, but they don’t always get the city right. Sometimes they lean too hard into stereotypes, like Netflix’s highly anticipated animated show, “Chicago Party Aunt.” Other times, like in the movie “Holidate,” Chicago recedes into the background, making us wonder why it’s set here at all. And still, more shows fail to capture Chicago’s complexity, like the anthology series “Easy.” (Man, Netflix seems to do Chicago dirty a lot.) Other cities (cough, New York) don’t seem to have this problem, so what gives? Vulture’s Rachel Handler talks with host Jacoby Cochran about some of these problematic depictions. Jacoby and lead producer Carrie Shepherd also share which shows they think do a good job. Guest: Rachel Handler—Features writer, Vulture Links: Why Does Netflix Hate Chicago? South Side Work in Progress Chicago Marathon route Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

If you’ve lived in Illinois for even a short period of time, you’ve heard the name Michael J. Madigan. But you’ve probably just heard the name because he rarely gives interviews. For nearly 40 years, Madigan served as Speaker of the Illinois House, and during that time, practically every piece of legislation passed in Springfield had to get his approval. In 2016, at the Speaker’s request, then-President Barack Obama came to Illinois to campaign for a state representative who was hand-picked by Madigan. And why did Madigan want this new candidate in office? Because she was running against incumbent state Rep. Ken Dunkin, who had voted against Madigan. Dunkin lost. But now Madigan is out as House Speaker and out of the state legislature. A podcast out today from the Better Government Association digs into the rise of Madigan and how the power he built started to weaken. Guest: Justin Kaufmann — Host, “The Madigan Rule” Some good news to get you through: Today is the last day to register for the South Side Pie Challenge. The bake-off starts at 2 p.m. Saturday at Nichols Park. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

It’s been 150 years and the origin story of the Great Chicago Fire still relies on Catherine O’Leary’s cow kicking over a lantern and setting the city ablaze. While there’s still some mystery around what actually happened that fateful October day, what is clear is that the bias against Irish Catholic immigrants served as a perfect scapegoat for the fire, and it parallels the way some populations are affected more negatively than others in natural disasters. Host Jacoby Cochran spoke with Julius Jones, curator of Chicago History Museum’s new exhibit “City on Fire: Chicago 1871,” about what the city was like in 1871 and who the 100,000 residents who lost their homes were. Guest: Julius Jones — Assistant Curator, Chicago History Museum Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Ever since the Little Village Discount Mall property was sold last year, vendors and neighbors have been demanding answers about its future. The mall anchors the 26th Street business corridor, which was once dubbed the city’s “Second Magnificent Mile” as the second-highest revenue generator in the city. More than 100 small business owners call the Discount Mall home, and they attract Mexican and Mexican-American visitors from Chicago, the suburbs, and beyond. The property was purchased by a construction company known for developing big box stores. That reputation and a lack of communication has vendors worried about the future of the mall and of the neighborhood. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to a reporter who covered the sale and grew up going to the Discount Mall and the owner of a dress shop in the mall. Guests: Carlos Ballesteros, reporter at Injustice Watch Kocoy Malagon, owner of Source Fashion Corp Know Your Rights Housing virtual event Jacoby's Good News: "Last Week Tonight Masterpiece Gallery with John Oliver" at the Museum of Broadcast Communications in River North Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

The Obamas were in town Tuesday to break ground on the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park. But not everyone is convinced the campus will be a beacon of hope and change for surrounding South Side communities. Host Jacoby Cochran is joined by Injustice Watch’s Charles Preston and WTTW’s Heather Cherone to discuss lingering concerns facing the Presidential Center. The trio also dive into Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s 2022 budget proposal; and, of course, they leave us with a few moments of joy, including the grand reopening of Semicolon Bookstore and improving Covid numbers. Guests: Charles Preston — Audience Engagement Manager, Injustice Watch Heather Cherone — Political Reporter, WTTW Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

When Steven Walsh was growing up in the East Side neighborhood, he saw what unemployment and disinvestment did to the area. Walsh knew his neighborhood as “the hood,” but he never stopped to ask how it got that way. After he returned home after college, he started filming his grandfather while he played guitar, drank beer and watched the History Channel. Walsh's grandfather’s story was the story of so many people. When the steel mills closed down in the '80s, thousands lost jobs, money dried up, and residents did whatever they could to survive. Walsh talks to host Jacoby Cochran about his film, “Southeast: A City Within a City,” which explores the story of his family and other families on the Southeast Side. Guest: Steven Walsh — Filmmaker, Southeast: A City Within a City Sneak Peek of “Southeast: A City Within A City” with Steven Walsh at Chicgo Public Library Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

We all know pizza and hot dogs are iconic Chicago foods. But the city’s culinary contributions don’t stop there. Some foods everyone knows have origin stories here, like the legendary Palmer House brownie. And there are some foods that just scream Chicago, like a well constructed pizza puff. And then there are some Chicago foods you may not even recognize depending on which side of the city you live on. We taste some of these lesser-known Chicago foods and talk about their origins with Chicago Tribune food critic Louisa Chu. Guest: Louisa Chu — Food Critic, Chicago Tribune Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm Some of the restaurants mentioned: Column: Dave’s Red Hots, Chicago’s oldest hot dog stand, is even older than we thought The Palmer House Brownie recipe Home of the Hoagy Italian Fiesta Pizza

Last year, the Northalsted Business Alliance surveyed residents and business owners in “Boystown” about whether the name should change. Although “Boystown” is not an official neighborhood name, it’s what the area in Lakeview has been called for decades to signify it as a safe and welcoming area for LGBTQ Chicagoans and tourists. But not everybody felt included there, including lesbians, transgender individuals, and young people of color. So the Northalsted Business Alliance declared the area would now be advertised as “Northalsted,” saying a name nodding to the geographic area would be more inclusive. We talk with Block Club Chicago’s Jake Wittich about the fight to change the name, why some people wanted to keep “Boystown,” and whether the change has really caught on. Guest: Jake Wittich — Lakeview, Old Town, Lincoln Park Reporter, Block Club Chicago Pride Fest 2021 kicks off Friday in Northalsted, and Pride South Side takes place Saturday at the DuSable Museum of African American History Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Factories and manufacturers, abroad and in the U.S., have had trouble shipping orders on time because of pandemic-related closures and staffing shortages. These backups in the supply chain are trickling down to customers who have been left waiting long periods of time for their online purchases. The delays have led to a boom for local businesses that sell antique and vintage items. We talk to Ally Marotti from Crain’s Chicago Business about this trend, and to Meredith Schipferling from Roscoe Woodstock Antique Mall, a 44,000-square-foot mall that sells everything from pinball machines to costume jewelry. Guests: Ally Marotti — Reporter, Crain's Chicago Business Meredith Schipferling — Manager, Roscoe Woodstock Antique Mall Jacoby's Good News: Destinos: Chicago International Latino Theater Festival Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Two Simeon High School students — Jamari Williams and Kentrell McNeal, both 15 — were killed in separate shootings Tuesday. The tragedies hit hard for host Jacoby Cochran and our guests, WBEZ’s Araceli Gómez-Aldana and WTTW’s Joanna Hernandez. They reflect on the loss and look at other stories in the city this week, like threats to the Discount Mall in Little Village and to the indoor Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier. And of course, they send us off with moments of joy, including a lot of love for the autumn season. Move over Summertime Chi — Fall is here, and we are here for it. Guests: Araceli Gómez-Aldana, Reporter/Host, WBEZ Joanna Hernandez, Reporter, WTTW Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

The Chicago Sky make their third consecutive appearance tonight in the WNBA playoffs against the Dallas Wings at Wintrust Arena. There was a lot of hope for the Sky this season after the team signed superstar forward Candace Parker. But the season turned out to be a little lackluster, and now the team faces the stress of a single-elimination game. Despite the drama, three consecutive playoff appearances should be exciting for any Chicago sports fan. Yet the Sky don’t get the same coverage or attention as their counterparts in male leagues. Host Jacoby Cochran discusses those disparities with the Sun-Times’ Annie Costabile and Chris Pennant of The Skyhook Podcast, who also give their takes on the Sky’s season and the one-and-done playoff structure. Guests: Annie Costabile — Sky and Red Stars reporter, Chicago Sun-Times Chris Pennant — Host, The Skyhook Podcast Jacoby's Good News: Andersonville Homecoming Festival Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

In the past few weeks, Ald. Jim Gardiner of the 45th Ward on the Northwest Side has had to apologize for crude text messages about colleagues, allegations of withholding services from constituents who oppose him, and reports that he used taxpayer money to pay a campaign worker. You know all this; we’ve told you here and here. But what kind of response has the news garnered from residents, who can be affected by Gardiner's behavior, and has it made some people who weren’t politically engaged pay a little more attention? Guest: Ariel Parrella-Aureli — Northwest Side Reporter, Block Club Chicago Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Every ten years, the city has to redraw the boundaries of the city’s 50 wards. Alderpeople are supposed to use census data of who lives in the community areas, but there’s also self-interest seeped into the process. After all, the ward boundaries help determine if they’ll get re-elected. Alders tend to create these maps behind closed doors in a way that serves them. But a good government group is trying to change the process. CHANGE Illinois is behind the Chicago Advisory Redistricting Commission, made up of 13 members who represent Chicago’s diversity. The commission hosted community meetings all summer, livestreamed their boundary-drawing sessions, and now they have a map. Commissioner Chris Kanich explains why these aren’t just arbitrary lines on a map and why it’s critical to ensure your alderperson is representing your community’s needs. Guest: Chris Kanich — Commissioner, Chicago Advisory Redistricting Commission At 1 p.m. Wednesday, the City Council his hosting a public hearing on redistricting. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Everyone’s got a “best of” list in Chicago — Best Hot Dog, Best Happy Hour, Best Free Activities. But these lists often neglect South Side neighborhoods. That’s why South Side Weekly puts out its “Best of the South Side” issue each year, highlighting the best food, activities, and people in the area. Editor Chima Ikoro shares some of her favorite picks from this year’s issue with host Jacoby Cochran. Jacoby, born and raised on the South Side himself, also shares some of his personal bests. Guest: Chima Ikoro — Community Organizing Editor, South Side Weekly Read South Side Weekly’s “Best of the South Side 2021” Check out this season of the Asian Pop-Up Cinema, running through October 12 Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Ald. Jim Gardiner apologized to his City Council colleagues this week after weeks of garnering headlines for the worst reasons—misogynistic texts, revelations that he could be withholding services from constituents and various ethics violation investigations. The apology was pretty, “Meh.” Host Jacoby Cochran talks about that story with the hosts of the new Chicago Reader podcast, “Chicago: Queer and Now,” who also share some stories that highlight queer joy in the city. Guests: Adam Rhodes—Co-host, Chicago: Queer and Now Taryn Allen—Co-host, Chicago: Queer and Now **Fundraiser for Chicago Off Duty Fire Fighter Who Was Shot** Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Muhammad Ali is known around the world. But it was a biographer from Chicago who prompted Ken Burns to make a documentary about the activist and boxing champion. Part one of the four-part series “Muhammad Ali” premieres Sunday on PBS. Chicago author Jonathan Eig wrote the 2017 biography “Ali: A Life,” and collaborated on the new series. 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. Guest: Jonathan Eig — Author, “Ali: A Life” Ken Burns' "Muhammad Ali"

The Bears’ first game of the season left a lot to be desired. Not only did they lose to the Rams in Los Angeles 14-34, but the previously top-ranked defense looked slow and confused at times, and the offense lacked creativity. Plus, rookie quarterback Justin Fields is still playing second fiddle to starter Andy Dalton, much to the disappointment of many fans. Host Jacoby Cochran breaks it down with WBEZ’s Cheryl Raye Stout and Axios Chicago’s Justin Kaufmann ahead of the Bears’ home opener next Sunday. Guests: Cheryl Raye Stout—WBEZ Justin Kaufmann—Axios Chicago and Super Fan Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

A new Texas law banning abortions after six weeks has many advocates worried about the future of abortion access, even in states like Illinois where women from surrounding states often travel to get an abortion. Despite the access in the state, Illinois has only in the last five years enacted laws eliminating certain barriers. Brigid Leahy with Planned Parenthood Illinois tells City Cast’s Carrie Shepherd how the 2016 election spurred action to repeal the state’s “trigger law” and pass the Reproductive Health Act, guarding against changes to Roe v. Wade. Leahy also outlines how the new Texas law could affect the fight for reproductive rights throughout the country. Guest: Brigid Leahy--Sr. Director of Public Policy, Planned Parenthood Illinois Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Mayor Lori Lightfoot said last month, "The pandemic has laid bare the many inequities that exist within our city, with food insecurity and historic disinvestment being among the most pressing.” That statement was part of the announcement of the city’s first ever Food Equity Policy Lead, Ruby Ferguson. Ferguson works at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, so she understands that food insecurity in Chicago existed long before the pandemic, with residents in some neighborhoods having to travel miles to find grocery stores or access to fresh produce. Ferguson tells host Jacoby Cochran that addressing these shortages is about more than just plopping a Whole Foods on the block. Guest: Ruby Ferguson – Food Equity Policy Lead, City of Chicago Read more about Chicago's Food Equity Council, including a report outlining the scope of the problem. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Ald. Jim Gardiner from Chicago’s Northwest Side is, justifiably, getting heat for a series of leaked text messages in which he called colleagues sexist and inappropriate names and instructed staffers to withhold city services from constituents who were critical of Gardiner. City Bureau’s Bettina Chang and City Cast Chicago producer Simone Alicea dig into that story, as well as other city politics news like pay raises for aldermen and zoning laws that could mean more cannabis dispensaries. Plus, moments of joy! Guests: Bettina Chang—Co-founder and Editorial Director, City Bureau Simone Alicea—Producer, City Cast Chicago Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Equity issues continue to plague Illinois’ nascent cannabis industry. When state lawmakers legalized weed in 2019, they promised licenses and revenues would go to Black and brown communities hit hardest by the war on drugs. But cannabis remains dominated by white growers and sellers. And confusion remains, despite new legislation and a new round of dispensary license lotteries this summer. Chicago Sun-Times reporter Tom Schuba covers the marijuana industry. He explains the state of Illinois’ cannabis social equity program. Host Jacoby Cochran also talks to a social equity applicant who was recently awarded licenses for cultivation and infusion. Guests: Tom Schuba — Reporter, Chicago Sun-Times (@TomSchuba) Willie “JR” Fleming — Founder, Hemp for Hoods (@iamjrfleming) Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

City leaders are quick to blame guns and gangs for shootings, but a new report shows CPD numbers don’t back up that narrative. The Trace, a digital publication covering guns and gun violence, found out of nearly 34,000 shootings in the last decade, only three in 10 were labeled “gang-related.” Reporter Lakeidra Chavis wrote "The Problems With Chicago’s Gang-Centric Narrative of Gun Violence" and she explains why this contradiction makes it hard to combat violence and how even defining what a gang is can be squishy. Guest: Lakeidra Chavis — Reporter, The Marshall Project Members of Chicago's City Council will vote next week whether to take the largest raise in 15 years. Look up what your alderperson makes. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

The Pullman neighborhood is named after George Pullman, a giant in the railroad industry who built a company town where his employees could live, work, and shop. But the neighborhood’s history is about more than the man. It was the site of a strike that led to the creation of Labor Day and it was home to the country’s first African American union. This history is memorialized at the Pullman National Monument, which opened to the public last weekend. Host Jacoby Cochran got a look with superintendent Teri Gage and local historian Mike Shymanski. Guests: Teri Gage, Superintendent, Pullman National Monument Mike Shymanski, President, Historic Pullman Foundation Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

We’re breaking down the week’s news with Chicago Sun-Times reporter Evan Moore and Chicago’s favorite historian, Shermann “Dilla” Thomas. They talk with City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran about the city’s complicated history with gang and neighborhood divides, and how public officials continue to use it as a scapegoat for violence. Plus, Kanye’s mixed messages at the Donda listening event last week, and, of course, some good news to get us all through. Guests: Evan Moore-Reporter, Chicago Sun-Times Shermann "Dilla" Thomas-Chicago historian Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

The Chicago Children’s Choir started in 1956 in Hyde Park by a local Unitarian minister who wanted to give kids something to do, and teach them about serious music history. In its 65 years, more than 50,000 young people have performed with the choir, which has recorded with Chance the Rapper and performed for the Dalai Lama. After a year off the stage, these young singers are coming back to perform in person. We talk to artistic director Josephine Lee and alumna Sydni Hatley, who performs on the choir’s recent studio album. Guests: Josephine Lee, President and Artistic Director, Chicago Children's Choir (@childrenschoir) Sydni Hatley, Alumna, Chicago Children's Choir Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Host Jacoby Cochran’s mom lives in the same house his grandparents bought in in 1966. Back then, they were one of the first Black families on the block. Jacoby learns more about the history of the block where he spent so much of his childhood, including why it’s called “Pill Hill.” Plus, in celebration of the first week of school for Chicago Public Schools, Jacoby connects with his favorite teacher from elementary school. **A version of these interviews was first published on City Cast Chicago May 7, 2021** Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Monday was the first day of school for Chicago Public Schools, marking the third school year during the COVID-19 pandemic. While some things have changed, like vaccinations for teachers and students older than 12, there are still many lingering questions: What’s the process if multiple students contract COVID? And how will the more than 2,000 students who rely on district buses get to school after dozens of drivers resigned last week? WBEZ education reporter Sarah Karp has some answers to those questions, and we talk about first day jitters and excitements with 6th grade math teacher Norma Noriega. Guests: Norma Noriega, 6th Grade Math Teacher, Stevenson Elementary Sarah Karp, Education Reporter, WBEZ (@SSKedreporter) Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Chicago has been gaining a reputation for being a fairly good place for cyclists as the city adds new bike lanes, expands the Divvy bike share program, and offers free bike lessons. Chicago’s SAFE (Streets Are For Everybody) Ambassadors program held dozens of free lessons across the city throughout the summer. Host Jacoby Cochran headed to West Town for one of the final classes and spoke with program manager Shameka Turner. She tells us about the importance of bike safety, what it means to break down cycling stereotypes, and why she wants everyone to grab a helmet and take a ride! Guest: Shameka Turner, Program Manager, Chicago SAFE Ambassadors (@chicagosafe) Sign up for Tuesday evening’s bike riding lesson: https://forms.gle/XdB2SugfDtsNTjss7 Find more cycling resources: https://chicagocompletestreets.org/ ***In an earlier version of the podcast, we included the incorrect date for Bike the Drive. It is on Sunday, Sept. 5.*** Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Episode Description: Kanye was at Soldier Field on Thursday in front of more than 30,000 people for a “listening party” that didn’t require proof of vaccination. That had Block Club Chicago’s Jamie Nesbitt Golden asking, “Why, Yeezy, why?” Jamie and her Block Club colleague Mina Bloom join City Cast Chicago to talk about that news, as well as Mina’s continued coverage of those Amazon lockers in Chicago parks, police officers in school, and more evidence of why ShotSpotter doesn’t really work. Plus, Jacoby, Jamie and Mina share their “Moments of Joy” from the week. Guests: Jamie Nesbitt Golden-Block Club Chicago Bronzeville reporter Mina Bloom-Block Club Chicago Logan Square, Humboldt Park and Avondale reporter Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Filmmaker Ashley O’Shay spent more than four years following Janae Bonsu and Bella BAHHS as they led protests and organized demonstrations following the police killings of Rekia Boyd and Laquan McDonald. Her new documentary “Unapologetic” explores these two women’s activism and the movement for Black lives they helped organize here in Chicago. But it wasn’t just moments behind the megaphone that O’Shay was able to document. She also captured birthday parties, family visits, recording sessions, and academic seminars — Intimate moments that helped shape these women and their activism. Guest: Ashley O’Shay; filmmaker @ashley_oshay Where to watch "Unapologetic" Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

In June, the U.S. military issued a report saying that out of 144 sightings of unidentified aerial phenomena, they were only able to explain one of them. Or put another way: The government has admitted to encountering UFOs that defy explanation. This report may have brought renewed attention toward the sky, but Chicago is home to the nation’s first organization dedicated to the scientific study of UFOs. The Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS) was founded in the 1970s by a born-and-bred Chicagoan who had studied these phenomena for the government. Host Jacoby Cochran talks with current CUFOS head Mark Rodeghier about his work, including the investigation of a UFO sighting at O’Hare Airport in 2006. Guest: Mark Rodeghier, President and Scientific Director, Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS) Some good news to get you through: Jacoby will be at Chicago Sun-Times' "Local Lives" virtual event Wednesday night. He'll be performing alongside other local storytellers and artists under the theme "Making Chicago Home." Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

On Monday, City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran talked to Elly Fishman, author of "Refugee High: Coming of Age in America,” about Sullivan High School. Sullivan has hundreds of refugee students, and more than 40 languages are spoken at the school. Today, Jacoby talks to Sarah Quintenz, aka Ms. Q, who runs the school’s English Language Learner program and is a pillar for the new students who are tackling big questions beyond the classroom — like being the only English speaker in the family, working to put food on the table, and understanding big cultural shifts. Jacoby also sits down with “Sam,” one of Ms. Q’s former students who came to Sullivan from Syria during the Syrian civil war. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

In 2017, after former President Donald Trump’s travel ban on citizens and refugees from seven predominately Muslim countries, journalist Elly Fishman started thinking about refugee families who were already in Chicago. She then learned about Sullivan High School in Rogers Park, which is also referred to as “Refugee High.” Hundreds of refugee students attend and more than 40 different languages are spoken there. Fishman documented the school for a Chicago magazine article that then turned into a book. We talk to Fishman about what she learned at Sullivan, and how the students’ unique and arduous backgrounds were just one part of these multi-faceted young people who just wanted to be teenagers. Guest: Elly Fishman, Author, "Refugee High" (@Elly33) Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

City Cast Chicago producer Simone Alicea is in the host chair with Lead Producer Carrie Shepherd and City Bureau Deputy Editor Arionne Nettles to talk about the Chicago stories they couldn’t stop thinking about, stories that should have more coverage in the news, and their moments of joy from the week. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Before he became the host of The Late Show and The Colbert Report, and was a correspondent on The Daily Show, Stephen Colbert got his start like so many other comedians, writers, and performers—at The Second City. Colbert went from Northwestern University’s theater department to The Second City, where he now serves on the board of directors. He tells host Jacoby Cochran about his early days with the historic theater, his lasting impressions of the city, and how he went from being afraid of going shirtless on stage to performing a duet with his pants. **A version of this interview was first published on City Cast Chicago on June 30, 2021** Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm