City Cast Chicago

We’ve been covering Chicago’s ward remap at City Cast Chicago, but here’s a reminder: The remap process takes place every decade after the census, and it’s meant to reflect changing demographics of the city. Each time, transparency and public input are promised. Then alderpersons gather behind closed doors and negotiate with each other about which boundaries would serve each of them and allow them to be reelected. Dec. 1 — Wednesday — was the deadline for approving a new map. But in the days leading up to it, City Council meetings were canceled, the mayor left town, and the public still hadn’t seen an official map. Without a map approved by at least 41 alderpersons, there’s now a chance voters could have final say on Chicago’s ward boundaries. But politics reporter A.D. Quig explains it’s just a chance and there’s still a lot more negotiating and dealing to come. Guest: A.D. Quig — Politics reporter, Crain’s Chicago Business Listen to our past coverage of the census and ward remap: The push for an Asian American–majority ward An alternative, independent mapping process How shifting demographics shift political power Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker in August signed into law legislation requiring sex education in K-12 schools to teach about HIV, consent, and the role of technology in sexual health. Pritzker and backers of the bill said it modernizes sex education, but schools and parents can still opt out of the curriculum. On this World AIDS Day, Lead Producer Carrie Shepherd talks to a clinical psychologist from Northwestern University whose expertise includes HIV prevention and sexual and gender minority populations. They discuss what young people today understand about HIV and where there still needs to be more awareness. Guest: Kathryn Macapagal — Professor, Northwestern University Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

David Plotz, CEO of City Cast and co-host of Slate's "Political Gabfest," is a lifelong Washingtonian who knows the ins and outs of THAT city. But now, in his current role at City Cast, he has to learn about about a slew of new cities that are part of the company's network: Denver, Houston, and, of course, Chicago. So, naturally, he has questions. David asks host Jacoby Cochran and Lead Producer Carrie Shepherd about the “L,” Oprah and Kanye, and, yes, pizza. Guest: David Plotz A little bit of news, y'all: Giving Tuesday Organizations List: Block Club Chicago, Crain's Chicago Business Chicago Elite Classic 12/3-12/4 Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Chicago's Black population is the lowest it's been since the 1950s. What was once a destination for Black Southerners seeking more opportunity and racial equity is now a city they're fleeing to move to nearby states, like Indiana, but also farther away like Texas, Georgia and Arizona. Chicago Tribune's Will Lee talked to former Chicagoans. Lee explains why they say they’re leaving, and as life-long Chicagoans, he and host Jacoby Cochran talk about their own personal struggles on whether to stay or go. Guest: William Lee — Reporter, Chicago Tribune Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

As many of us enjoy delicious food over the Thanksgiving holiday, we wanted to take a moment to look back on a story about a Chicagoan working to feed his neighbors. Dion Dawson was asked in 2020 what he wanted to do to help his Englewood community. He responded that he wanted to feed 100 families. Fast forward a year, and Dion's Chicago Dream is running a community fridge that the organization keeps full of fresh produce, and delivering groceries to families from Maywood to Evanston. Dion tells host Jacoby Cochran it was his own food insecurity growing up that made him want to help feed his neighbors and give back to the neighborhood he loves. Get involved with Dion's Chicago Dream. **This story was originally published Aug. 9, 2021** Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Last year, the Wabash Arts Corridor commissioned two murals in the South Loop to celebrate the centennial of women’s suffrage. While one mural has been installed, the other has been blocked by a nearby parking lot owner who said it was “too political.” Lead producer Carrie Shepherd visited the site at Wabash and Harrison and has been looking into what happened. She explains what happened and how it fits into Chicago’s larger conversation about the purpose of public monuments and public art. We also hear from the artist behind the blocked mural. Guests: Carrie Shepherd — Lead Producer, City Cast Chicago Dorian Sylvain — Artist Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

A group of South Shore neighbors pooled their money to buy and restore a historic vacant apartment building in their neighborhood. Mayor Lori Lightfoot remains on the fence as alders continue to spar over the city’s next ward map. And one Chicagoan may have caught the biggest carp in Illinois at the Humboldt Park lagoon, leaving the rest of us wondering, “Where the hell did this 72-pound behemoth come from?” Block Club Chicago’s Maxwell Evans and Crain’s Chicago Business’ A.D. Quig stop by to talk about these stories and more. Plus, Thanksgiving is next week so we’re talking favorite side dishes and the City Cast Chicago team says what they’re thankful for this year! Guests: Maxwell Evans — Hyde Park, Woodlawn, and South Shore reporter, Block Club Chicago A.D. Quig — Politics and government reporter, Crain's Chicago Business Stories discussed: South Shore neighbors restore a historic vacant apartment building Southeast Sider helps a couple from Indiana stranded in Chicago Why you should care about the Cook County Assessor’s race Man catches gigantic carp in Humboldt Park lagoon

The film “Passing,” now streaming on Netflix, is based on Nella Larsen’s 1929 novel of the same name. Irene Redfield and Clare Kendry are two light-skinned Black women who grew up on Chicago’s South Side—just like Larsen. One of the women is “passing” as white while the other is heavily involved with the Harlem community where she now lives. Writer and Larsen scholar Amina Gautier explains how Chicago played an integral role in the author’s life and in the story. Guest: Amina Gautier—Writer and University of Miami Professor A little bit of news, y'all: Comment as Chicago Police develop a new gang database, after the old one was found to be riddled with errors and proven to be racially biased Find a park with ice skating near you Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

The Illinois Restaurant Association says even as establishments continue to reopen since the start of the pandemic, 100,000 restaurants have closed nationwide, and the industry is still down 70,000 jobs in Illinois. Worker advocates say one way to fix that shortage is to get rid of the subminimum wage. That’s the minimum hourly rate employers have to pay tipped workers like waiters and bartenders because the law assumes the combination of the lower wage and tips will equal the full minimum wage. One of those advocates is Saru Jayaraman, president of One Fair Wage. Jayaraman was in Chicago this week visiting restaurants that have abandoned the subminimum wage—at least for now. She talks to host Jacoby Cochran about the campaign. And we hear from a worker who left the industry and says she’s not going back. Guests: Saru Jayaraman — President, One Fair Wage Jewel Simmons — Former Chicago restaurant worker Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

When the FDA approved the Pfizer vaccine for kids between the ages of 5 and 11 a little more than two weeks ago, parents quickly tried to secure spots to get their kids vaxxed. Even before the approval, Chicago Public Health Commissioner Allison Arwady assured parents and guardians that getting the vaccine “was not going to be the Hunger Games,” the way it often felt when the vaccine was approved for adults. A health care reporter details the early days of the pediatric vaccine roll-out, and we talk to a family in suburban Palos Park about how they’re feeling now that two teens are fully vaxxed and two kids are partly vaxxed. Guests: Lisa Schencker—Health care business reporter, Chicago Tribune The Narciso Family Where to find the vaccine Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

The Chicago Blackhawks are trying to regain the trust of fans after it was revealed last month that the team didn’t respond appropriately to a player’s allegations of sexual assault. Two hockey fans say this case represents a toxic culture that the sport must confront. Former Chicago Sun-Times reporter Evan Moore and sports reporter Jashvina Shah have been looking at toxic behavior in hockey for years because they love the sport and want it to change. Their new book “Game Misconduct: Hockey's Toxic Culture and How to Fix It” is out now. Moore and Shah tell host Jacoby Cochran what they think contributes to the toxicity. Guests: Evan Moore—Co-author, “Game Misconduct: Hockey's Toxic Culture and How to Fix It” Jashvina Shah—Co-author, “Game Misconduct: Hockey's Toxic Culture and How to Fix It” Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

When Kristen Kaza and Elijah McKinnon opened the events space Reunion in 2016 in Humboldt Park their mission was to create "a haven for Queer and minority creatives." Kaza and McKinnon have hosted comedy nights, dance parties, art exhibits, and other events that celebrate the LQBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. They announced in October they are closing Reunion. Kaza and McKinnon talk to host Jacoby Cochran about the importance of spaces that cultivate community, and allow patrons to feel like they belong. Events from Nov. 11-Nov. 19: “The Sweetest Gift: A Farewell To Reunion Chicago”

Chicago Public Schools CEO Pedro Martinez announced last week that students would not have classes Friday for “Vaccination Awareness Day,” but some parents were caught off guard and wondered how they were going to use a work day to get their kids vaxxed. Kyle Rittenhouse took the stand in his trial in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He faces seven charges, including first-degree reckless homicide and first-degree intentional homicide for his killings of two men during protests in Kenosha last year. And activists and McDonald’s employees are calling on CEO Chris Kempczinski to be fired for what they say is racist behavior by the executive. City Cast Chicago’s Carrie Shepherd, Simone Alicea, and Jacoby Cochran break down those stories. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs told state lawmakers this week they need more staff and better access to housing and healthcare. The numbers back up the critical need to take care of veterans. The rate of suicides among veterans is nearly double that of the civilian population, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. But Northwestern University professor Michelle Shumate says mental health treatment and suicide hotlines aren’t enough to help veterans as they transition to civilian life. Shumate has been researching how organizations that help with housing, food, and jobs can contribute to better mental health for veterans. She shares what she hears from veterans about what they need. Guest: Michelle Shumate —Delaney Family University Research Professor, Northwestern University Chicago Veterans Day Events: The city is hosting a ceremony at Soldier Field at 11 a.m. Auditorium Theatre is hosting tours for veterans and their families from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Vax Info for CPS Families: CPS City Cast Chicago newsletter Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

The prosecution rested Tuesday in the trial of Kyle Rittenhouse. The Antioch resident was 17 when he shot and killed two men and injured another last year in Kenosha, Wisconsin, amid demonstrations following the police shooting of Jacob Blake. Chicago Tribune’s Stacy St. Clair is in Kenosha following the trial. She lays out what’s happened during this first week, what the defense is expected to present, and why Chicago is watching closely. Guest: Stacy St. Clair — Reporter, Chicago Tribune Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

More than $5 billion was wagered on sports in Illinois in the last year, after the state legalized sports betting. And Chicago’s big sports franchises — Bulls, Bears, Cubs, Sox, and Sky— want to get in on the action. They’re pushing a city ordinance that would allow sports betting at stadiums. While alders with arenas in their wards are on board, they’re facing pushback from gaming moguls looking to develop Chicago’s new casino. The Daily Line Chicago’s Alex Nitkin has been following the developments, including Monday’s hearing about the sports betting ordinance, and he has the latest. Guest: Alex Nitkin—Editor and city hall reporter, The Daily Line Chicago

While most of us had to adjust to getting an extra hour of sleep Sunday (and an earlier sunset), lawmakers across the country, including in Illinois, are imagining a future where we don’t adjust clocks at all. There are bills in Springfield that propose moving the state to daylight saving time year-round — a move that’s been embraced by 19 other states in the last four years — while others would prefer to stay in standard time all year. But where does daylight saving time come from? And what’s driving the debate? City Cast Chicago’s Simone Alicea breaks it down. Jacoby's Good News: Photography Week at Columbia College Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

It’s the first Friday of November and we have two huge Bulls fans with us to look back on a few stories from across Chicago. The Triibe’s Tonia Hill and WBEZ reporter Susie An join us to discuss the media’s coverage of Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx, the growing number of women in Chicago radio speaking out against a toxic workplace culture, and we ask, “Why so much shade Scottie?” Also, we’re still talking about school lunches! Guests: Suzie An—Reporter, WBEZ Tonia Hill—Producer, The Triibe What is/was your favorite and least favorite cafeteria item? Let us know at [email protected] or hit us on twitter! Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

In mid-October, longtime health and food reporter Monica Eng was peeking at Chicago Public Schools’ lunch menus. Yes, for fun. Monica was pleasantly surprised to learn that CPS had launched “Plant Forward Thursdays,” the district’s take on meatless options available to about 300,000 students, many of whom rely on schools for daily meals. Of course Monica wanted to know what the “lentil Joe sandwich” tasted like. But she hit a roadblock. We talk to Monica about CPS’ rollout of meatless meals and about her decades-long quest to make school lunches healthier. Guest: Monica Eng — Reporter, Axios Chicago Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

The Chicago Bulls are 6-1 for the first time since 2012 and sit at the top of the Eastern Conference. Obviously, the NBA season is barely two weeks old, but the Bulls look like a different team on the court than in previous years. Powered by DeMar DeRozan’s shooting and Zach LaVine’s scoring, the team has beat a dangerous Utah Jazz team, and had a 19-point comeback Monday in a win against the Celtics in Boston. On the defensive end, the team looks energized. Laurence Holmes is host of the podcast “House of L” and joins us to put this early start in perspective. We discuss the Bull’s offseason moves, this 6-1 start, and we ask what is the ceiling for this team? Guest: Laurence Holmes—Host, 670 TheScore and “House of L” podcast Jacoby's Good News: Hot Chocolate 5k and 15k Race Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

As Chicago Public Schools students enter their third month in the school year, nearly 4,000 of them are without reliable transportation to and from school. More than half of those students are diverse learners with special needs. The district’s transportation problem stems from a bus driver shortage happening in Chicago and across the country. Late last week, the Chicago Board of Education gave an update on who is still waiting for a reliable transportation plan from CPS and what alternatives the district has proposed. Chalkbeat reporter Mauricio Peña breaks down those plans and tells us what he’s hearing from parents. And we talk to Chicago tech entrepreneur Ismael El-Amin about his start-up called Piggyback, which connects parents whose kids need a ride with parents who can offer one. Guests: Mauricio Peña—Reporter, Chalkbeat Ismael El-Amin—Founder, Piggyback

Mercy Hospital in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood is a safety net hospital, which means it takes any patient, regardless of income or insurance. But it’s been so much more than that. It's an institution on the South Side, where Chinese and Spanish speaking residents could talk to staff in their native language, and expectant mothers could deliver their babies close to home. So when the hospital declared bankruptcy in February, staff, patients, and neighbors were sad, scared, and worried about what would happen to Mercy. Those worries didn’t go away when the hospital was sold to a Michigan nonprofit. For the last year, WBEZ’s Kristen Schorsch has been following the hospital’s financial decline and its hopeful resurrection. She explains why places like Mercy are essential and what the future holds for it. Guests: Kristen Schorsch—Reporter, WBEZ Etta Davis—Mercy Hospital patient and member of Chicago Health Equity Coalition Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

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