City Cast Chicago

When producer Simone Alicea moved to Chicago this year, she had a burning question: Why is Secretary of State Jesse White, who runs the much reviled DMV office, so popular? White has been non-controversial during his 20 years in the state office, and plus, he founded the Jesse White Tumblers! White is retiring so we break down who is trying to replace him, and what the job actually entails. Guest: Rachel Hinton, Chief Political Reporter, Chicago Sun-Times (@rrhinton) Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm The Jesse White Tumblers

Journalist and author Amanda Ripley followed a mediator turned politician, environmental activists, religious figures, and a former gang leader turned violence preventer in Chicago to unravel how we elevate from healthy, everyday conflict to dangerous, often inescapable “high conflict.” Ripley tells those stories in her latest book High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out. The writer outlines some solutions from the book, and shares a personal tale of what triggered some of her interest in the topic. Guest: Amanda Ripley, Author, High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out (@amandaripley) Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

It’s the first time in more than 40 years that works by Mexico’s most well-known artist are on display in the Chicago area. And you won’t see “Frida Kahlo: Timeless” at one of the major museums in the city. It’s actually at the Cleve Carney Museum of Art at the College of DuPage in suburban Glen Ellyn. The process of securing some of Kahlo’s “most personal work” was a long one, starting with a well-connected donor of the community college, and a willingness to do what had to be done to make sure the museum was up to snuff to show works that are literally considered national treasures in Mexico. Guests: Diana Martinez, Director, McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage Adriana Jaramillo, Communications Director, Museo Dolores Olmedo Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm Frida Kahlo: Timeless exhibit

Chicago’s comedy scene is legendary. But it’s not always welcoming. Some of the city’s biggest comedy players — from The Second City to iO — have recently been reckoning with accusations of sexism and racism, prompting apologies and new leadership. In the new podcast, “Comedy Has an Ouchie,” Chicago comedians share how they’ve tried to navigate toxic situations in the scene. We talk with hosts Steve Han, Phylicia McLeod, and Ashley Whitehurst. “Comedy Has an Ouchie” on Twitter: @comedyhasouchie Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Illinois lawmakers are cracking down on the practice of secluding and restraining students. A new bill passed this week by the General Assembly bars the use of so-called “quiet rooms.” It will also phase out the use of facedown restraints, which can make it hard for children to breathe. These new regulations come 18 months after a joint investigation by the Chicago Tribune and ProPublica Illinois showed that school staff were secluding and restraining students at astonishingly high rates, especially kids with disabilities. Host Jacoby Cochran talks with two of the reporters who have been shedding light on the practice. Guests: Jennifer Smith Richards, Reporter, Chicago Tribune Jodi Cohen, Reporter, ProPublica Illinois Read the "Quiet Rooms" investigation More on legislation that aims to ban seclusion Keeping All Students Safe Act Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Since City Cast Chicago started, host Jacoby Cochran has wanted to go to the "Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes" exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry. Jacoby and producer Simone Alicea tour the exhibit that includes costumes from blockbusters like "Iron Man" and "Black Panther," but also toys and photos that hardcore Marvel fans lent to the the Museum for the exhibit. Guest: Warren Stokes, Communications Coordinator, Museum of Science and Industry (@msichicago) Photos of the exhibit are on the City Cast Chicago Twitter feed. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

It’s that time. Every ten years, the Illinois legislature has to redraw the boundaries that make up legislative districts. And we got a peek this week of what they could look like. These are the maps lawmakers draw up to essentially determine who voters vote for. And the process is not so transparent. It’s literally done behind closed doors, which creates some tension between Republicans and Democrats. WTTW Channel 11 correspondent Amanda Vinicky is at the State Capitol in Springfield, and she tells Jacoby how the re-mapping process is going and what other issues need to get done by the end of the session Monday. Guest: Amanda Vinicky, Correspondent, WTTW Channel 11 (@AmandaVinicky) See the draft House map: https://bit.ly/2R0f99a And the draft Senate map: https://bit.ly/2SDieMY Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

The murder of George Floyd last May sparked unrest across the world, including in Chicago. There were a lot of images on the news last summer of looting, damage, and neighborhoods trying to recover. Photographer Vashon Jordan, Jr. captured those moments. But he also found ways to highlight moments of celebration: people sharing food with one another, listening to music and dancing. Jordan's images spread through his thousands of Twitter followers, and he’s collected more than 100 of those photos in his book, “Chicago Protests: A Joyful Revolution.” Guest: Vashon Jordan, Jr., Photographer, “Chicago Protests: A Joyful Revolution” (@vashonjordanjr) Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Restaurants in Chicago are operating again at full capacity, and after losing hundreds of thousands of hospitality workers during the pandemic, they need workers back. But, many are deciding not to return to the industry. Jacoby talks to a manager at popular downtown restaurant who says he’s operating with half the staff he needs. He also talks to a longtime food industry worker who used the pandemic to pursue her own catering business. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

It’s been a year since George Floyd died at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer, yet some activists are understandably hesitant about calling today an “anniversary.” Jacoby speaks with Northwestern lecturer and journalist Arionne Nettles about how the last year since Floyd’s murder has affected the BLM movement, and what it means to find “relief” as a Black person in America. Guest: Arionne Nettles: Writer, “George Floyd’s Murder, ‘Racial Battle Fatigue,’ and 365 Days of Trauma”; Professor, Northwestern University Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Chevon Linear and Kameron Stanton are the couple behind the popular TikTok @black.people.outside. They make videos about their travels and local excursions to connect with other Black adventurers. Linear and Stanton guided host Jacoby Cochran on a hike at the Captain Daniel Wright Forest Preserve to talk about why they make their videos and the challenges they’ve faced in raising the visibility of Black people in the outdoors. Plus, they show how fun it is to be outside! Cook County public hearing on Indigenous Peoples’ Day: https://www.cookcountyil.gov/service/watch-live-board-proceedings Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

When Bella BAHHS speaks, host Jacoby Cochran listens. The multi-disciplinary artist and activist is one of the main subjects in the new documentary “Unapologetic,” which follows young Black organizers in Chicago following the police killing of Rekia Boyd. She also recently released “Acres of Ancestry,” a deeply personal virtual performance. Guest: Bella BAHHS (@bellabahhs) Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Recreational cannabis was legalized in Illinois two years ago. But equity is still a big problem. Gov. Pritzker promised licenses for — and revenue from — recreational pot would go to Black and brown neighborhoods disproportionately affected by drug-related offenses and convictions. But the majority of licenses are currently held by white men. Meanwhile, legal groups like New Leaf Illinois work with people with pot convictions to expunge their records. We talk through the expungement process Beth Johnson from New Leaf Illinois. Guest: Beth Johnson, New Leaf Illinois; Illinois Equal Justice Foundation If you have more questions about expungement: newleafillinois.org Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

With the announcement that Lollapalooza is coming back at full capacity, Chicago’s summer festival season seems to be coming back in full swing. This may be welcome news for some artists and festivalgoers who missed out last year because of the pandemic. But at least two local music writers are nervous about these large crowds. Guests: Leor Galil, Music Writer, Chicago Reader (@imLeor) Jessi Roti, Chicago Columnist, Audiofemme (@JessitaylorRO) Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

The International Council of Museums has dubbed Tuesday “International Museum Day.” Chicago is home to all kinds of museums big and small, and they showcase the cultural diversity of the city. Host Jacoby Cochran recently visited several of these cultural centers, including the Haitian American Museum of Chicago on the North Side, the Ukrainian National Museum on the West Side, and the Chinese American Museum on the South Side. Links: Haitian American Museum of Chicago Ukrainian National Museum of Chicago Chinese American Museum of Chicago Chicago Cultural Alliance Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Host Jacoby Cochran heads to the commercial center of Hyde Park to talk to diners, shoppers, and Sunday strollers about how they’re feeling after the CDC’s new finding that masks are no longer required indoors or outdoors for fully vaccinated people. And while that was welcome news for some, others decided to stick with the plan from the last year and stay masked up.

On Saturday, the Chicago News Guild is hosting a rally to “Save Local News,” particularly the Chicago Tribune. The paper’s parent company is facing a takeover by Alden Global Capital, which has a reputation for gutting the newspapers it buys. Guild President and Sun-Times reporter Andy Grimm explains why he thinks the deal is bad for Chicago. And we hear from Tribune reporter and guild organizer Louisa Chu about her perspective from the newsroom. Guests: Andy Grimm, Courts reporter, Chicago Sun-Times (@agrimm34) Louisa Chu, Food and Dining reporter, Chicago Tribune (@louisachu) Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Episode Description: Teachers have had to adapt in so many ways during the pandemic. Remote learning created new challenges for students’ academic success, but it’s also meant a new level of anxiety and isolation. Teachers-- really all adults-- have to be plugged into kids’ mental health in addition to their other needs. Communities in Schools works with 175 Chicago Public Schools to train teachers in “Mental Health First Aid” to look for signs of depression, anxiety, suicidal behavior in students and teach them how to help. We talk with Dr. Judith Allen about how it works. Guest: Dr. Judith Allen Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm [More possible notes]

Black women in Illinois are three times more likely than white women to die from pregnancy-related conditions, according to a recent report from the state health department. This disparity has persisted for decades. It’s one reason a mother-daughter team founded the Chicago Birthworks Collective. The doulas focus on making giving birth safer and healthier for Black people. Jacoby talks with Birthworks co-founder Toni Taylor about her work. Guest: Toni Taylor, co-founder, Chicago Birthworks Collective (@chicagobirthworksco) IDPH Report: http://www.dph.illinois.gov/mmmr Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

The pandemic has forced us to get creative in how we can socialize. That means: go outside. The Chicago Park District has more than 600 parks across the city with playgrounds, swimming pools, tennis courts, soccer fields and indoor activities at field houses. Even though playgrounds and pools were closed during the pandemic, Chicagoans used the green space to throw down chairs, play some music and, uh, not drink beers with friends while maintaining safe distance. Jacoby tours Humboldt Park with parks booster and historian Julia Bachrach to learn more about the landscape and its long history as a community gathering spot. Guest: Julia Bachrach, Historian and preservationist (https://www.jbachrach.com/) Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Less than one week after Gov. JB Pritzker announced the James R. Thompson Center was for sale, its architect was tragically killed in a biking accident. Helmut Jahn’s most famous building in Chicago has also been a source of controversy. It’s been derided for its retro colors, its inefficient heating and cooling system, and its spaceship-like facade among neo-classical architecture. But Jahn’s designs were integral in ushering a new era of design known as post-modernism. We discuss Jahn’s legacy and style with one architecture buff who says Chicago had never seen anything like the Thompson Center when it was first built. Guest: Lee Bey, Photographer, former Chicago Sun-Times architecture critic, author, Southern Exposure: The Overlooked Architecture of Chicago's South Side (Second to None: Chicago Stories) (@LEEBEY) Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

We’ve been hearing all week from our guests about their favorite teachers. Today, host Jacoby Cochran introduces us to Dr. Denise Spells, principal at St. Ethelreda in Auburn Gresham, whom Jacoby calls “a second mom.” Plus, a tour of the Pill Hill neighborhood with Theresa Ferrell, who is Jacoby’s actual mom. “Mama T” takes Jacoby to the block where she grew up and where she still lives. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Being a new teacher is already a tough job. It gets even tougher when you’re starting out during a pandemic. That’s one reason the Illinois State Board of Education teamed up with state teachers unions in the fall to create a mentorship program for first-year teachers. As we approach the end of the school year, we check in with one of the program coordinators to hear how it’s going. Then we hear from a new teacher about how she’s navigating the pandemic. Both of them offer advice and share who their favorite teachers were. Guests: Louise Stomper, Coaching and Mentoring Coordinator, Illinois Education Association (@ieanea) Erica Conwell, Teacher, Grant-White Intermediate School Teacher Appreciation Week ends soon. Tell us about your favorite teacher and where they taught you. Email it to us at [email protected]. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

The Teaching Equitable Asian American Community History (TEAACH) Act would require public schools to include lessons about Asian American history, including the wrongful incarceration of Japanese Americans and the heroic service of Asian American military during World War II. The curriculum is based around the PBS series “Asian Americans.” Guest: Grace Pai, Director of Organizing, Asian Americans Advancing Justice (@gracekp3) Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm PBS series: https://www.pbs.org/show/asian-americans/ TEAACH Act: https://www.advancingjustice-chicago.org/teaach/ Bill status: https://ilga.gov/legislation/billstatus.asp?DocNum=376&GAID=16&GA=102&DocTypeID=HB&LegID=128327&SessionID=110 Op-Ed by Grace Pai: https://educationpost.org/heres-why-we-need-asian-american-history-right-now/

Janice Jackson is resigning as CEO of Chicago Public Schools, effective June 30. She's been in the job nearly four years. Jackson joins other top CPS officials in leaving after a tumultuous year for the school district. WBEZ education reporter Sarah Karp breaks down Jackson’s legacy and what these moves mean for schools, students and families. Guest: Sarah Karp, Education Reporter, WBEZ (@SSKedreporter) Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

It’s been over a month since Chicago Police shot and killed 13-year-old Adam Toledo. And Chicagoans are contending with yet another video of police shooting 22-year-old Anthony Alverez. The recent shootings are prompting journalists to re-think how they cover these stories. To help with that, City Bureau’s Ellie Mejía is helping to gather input from the public through the organization’s “Public Newsroom” workshops. Guest: Ellie Mejía, Community Resource Organizer, City Bureau (@_elliemejia) Watch last week’s Public Newsroom: https://fb.watch/5enrbkVE01/ Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Thursday that Chicago is easing more pandemic restrictions and increasing capacity for indoor venues. Chicago’s restaurants have been in Phase 4, which means indoor tables up to six people and outdoor seating up to 10 people. The return of indoor dining should be welcome news to hospitality workers who were hit hard during the pandemic, but some restaurants are having trouble finding staff. We talk about “what’s happening with” the restaurant scene, including this week’s Bib Gourmand awards and Michelin stars. Guests: Ashok Selvam, Editor, Eater Chicago (@Shokdiesel) Josh Noel, Reporter, Chicago Tribune (@hopnotes) Chicago Michelin Guide: https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/illinois/restaurants/3-stars-michelin/2-stars-michelin/1-star-michelin Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Illinois is losing a seat in the U.S. House as a result of the 2020 Census. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to redistricting and political power. In addition to Congressional districts, officials are also redrawing state legislative districts and Chicago’s wards this year. Advocates like Syamala Krishnamsetty are pushing for redistricting reform, so people have more say in redrawing these political maps. Guest: Syamala Krishnamsetty, Advocacy Director, CHANGE Illinois (@syamalak) Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm [More possible notes]

Fans are hoping this is the year for a Chicago Sky championship. The team’s roster is stacked with veterans like two-time MVP forward Candace Parker and rookies like point guard Shyla Heal from Australia’s professional basketball league. Sportswriter Chris Pennant covers the WNBA. He gives us a preview of the Sky’s season in the context of the league’s 25th anniversary. Guest: Chris Pennant, Contributor, The Next and WAAR (@kwandarykitten) Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Chicago is a theater town, but live stage productions have been virtually wiped out for more than a year. Theater critic Kerry Reid breaks down the ways artists have adapted, how theaters are emerging from the pandemic, and how the city’s theater scene may be permanently affected. Guest: Kerry Reid, Theater and Dance Editor, Chicago Reader (@kerryreid) Here are some of the projects and theaters Kerry mentions: The Neo-Futurist Theater (@theneofuturists) Interrobang’s “The Spin” (@interrobangtheatreproject) Northlight’s “Lettin’ the Good Times Roll” (@NorthlightThtr) Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Chicago has more lead water service lines than any other American city. Lori Lightfoot is the first mayor to promise to remove the pipes, but seven months after announcing a plan, WBEZ’s Monica Eng reports no progress has been made. Eng has been following problems with lead in the city’s water for years. She breaks down how Chicago got to this point. Guest: Monica Eng, Curious City Reporter, WBEZ (@monicaeng) Learn more about the city’s lead pipe removal programs: https://www.leadsafechicago.org/lead-service-line-replacement We love to shout out local businesses, and we want to hear your recommendations. Tell us about a place you love — a restaurant, a store, even a park — and we might mention them on the show. Send us an email at [email protected] with the name of the place, where it's located, and why you love it. (But please, only send us places you love to frequent as a customer, not a business you own or work at.) Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

This week, the city announced $60 million in grant funding to reignite Chicago’s arts scene after the pandemic. Chicago Tribune critic Chris Jones says it’s one of the largest infusions of cash from the city that he’s seen. Jones also broke the news this week that many laid-off staff at The Second City may not get their jobs back when the iconic comedy theater opens back up. Jones tells us why these moves are significant for Chicago’s arts community. Guest: Chris Jones, Chief Theater Critic, Chicago Tribune (@ChrisJonesTrib) Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

The 12th season of Chicago’s Asian Pop-Up Cinema is underway. The fest is online and outdoors at the Lincoln Yards Drive-in. Unfortunately, the screenings of Oscar-nominee “Minari” are sold out. But there’s plenty left to see. We talk with founder Sophia Wong Boccio about which films she’s looking forward to and why the festival is important to her. Guest: Sophia Wong Boccio, Founder/Executive Director, Asian Pop-Up Cinema (@asianpopupcinema) Films mentioned: My Missing Valentine Ready O/R Knot Fanfare Where to buy tickets: asianpopupcinema.org/12boxoffice Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Jacoby heads to Chicago’s Loop after the jury in the Derek Chauvin murder trial delivers the guilty verdict. Local activists talk about what the verdict means and how significant this decision was. We also hear from Frank Chapman, who has spent decades fighting for police accountability; and Arionne Nettles, a journalism professor at Northwestern University who recently wrote about police killings. Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

There’s more to cannabis-infused food than just gummy bears and brownies. Manny Mendoza is a Culinary Institute of America-trained chef who runs Herbal Notes, a company that creates pop-up dining experiences in Chicago and California. His infused dishes run the gamut from brunch to tapas to a very special frozen chocolate milk. Mendoza explains how he’s created a business and lifestyle that combines his love of food and weed. Guest: Manny Mendoza, Chef/Owner, Herbal Notes (@herbalnotes) Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

David Axelrod may have been born in New York, but he very much identifies as a Chicagoan. After arriving at the University of Chicago as a student nearly 50 years ago, the long-time political strategist and one-time chief adviser to Barack Obama advisor is still here. Axelrod and Jacoby talk politics, idealism, and what makes Chicago great. Plus, we hear some of your “Weak-Ass Takes.” Read on for how to submit your own. Guest: David Axelrod-- Founding Director, Institute of Politics, University of Chicago; Host, The Axe Files How to send us your Weak-Ass Takes: Use Voice Memo, Voice Recorder or another app to record yourself giving your unpopular opinion. Please also include your name and neighborhood. Email us the audio file at [email protected] Keep listening to hear if we feature your take on a future episode! Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

The teachers union has reached a deal with Chicago Public Schools for high schoolers to return to class Monday. It comes after tense negotiations this week. Meanwhile, the debate over creating an elected Chicago school board is heating up in Springfield, with competing proposals emerging. Jacoby breaks down the politics with two education reporters. Guests: Sarah Karp, Education Reporter, WBEZ (@SSKedreporter) Samantha Smylie, State Education Reporter, Chalkbeat Chicago (@sammie_smylie) Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

How can Chicagoans actually hold police accountable? That’s the question two coalitions are trying to tackle in their proposed “People’s Ordinance.” It would create a new civilian oversight body with broad policy-making powers. Frank Chapman has been working on this issue for decades. He tells Jacoby how this proposal is a step toward a more just policing system. Guest: Frank Chapman, Field Organizer, Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (@CAARPRNOW) What you can do: At 10 a.m. Saturday, CAARPR will be hosting virtual briefing on the ordinance. You can find more information on their Facebook page. Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

Donald Lassere started this week as the new head of the Chicago History Museum. It's a homecoming for the native South Sider, who most recently led the Muhammed Ali Center in Louisville. Lassere reflects on his youth in Chicago, including being run out of Marquette Park because he was Black, and what he's excited to return to in Chicago (hint: Harold's). Lassere also tells Jacoby he wants to make sure the 165-year-old museum tells the stories of all of Chicago’s neighborhoods. Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

High school students in Chicago Public Schools are supposed to go back to in-person learning next week. The wave also includes the return of another group of K-8 students. Last week, we heard from a mom who’s choosing to keep her young kids in remote learning. Today, Jacoby talks to a dad who was eager to get his son back in the classroom about how in-person learning is going so far. Guest: Ryan Griffin, CPS Parent Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

After Adam Toledo was shot and killed by Chicago Police, some city officials painted a picture of the 13 year old as lost, alone, and drawn to gang life out of desperation. Toledo’s mother pushed backed on that narrative, saying Adam lived with his family and was not alone. But the police shooting has created a narrow view of Toledo's Southwest Side neighborhood. We visit Little Village with Katya Nuques, executive director of Enlace Chicago, to learn more about the neighborhood’s history and discuss how the community is responding to the shooting. Guest: Katya Nuques, Executive Director, Enlace Chicago (@EnlaceChicago) Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

***We have a new segment, and we need your help! Read after the description for more details.*** Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Gov. JB Pritzker seem to be at odds lately. The two Democrats are going in different directions on reopening bars and restaurants. They’re clashing over education. They couldn’t even decide on a joint press conference location when the vice president was in town this week. Is this all just political theater or are there real tensions here? Jacoby breaks it down with two journalists: one watching Springfield and the other watching City Hall. Guests: Amanda Vinicky, Correspondent, WTTW Channel 11 (@AmandaVinicky) Alex Nitkin, Editor and City Hall reporter, The Daily Line (@AlexNitkin) Now, for something new. We want to hear your Weak-Ass Takes! At the end of the episode, the City Cast Chicago team shares some of their unpopular opinions, and we want to hear yours. Record your take via voice memo and send to [email protected]. Be sure to say your name and your neighborhood. Others may hear it on an upcoming episode! (Don't be shy...some of us don't like Marvel movies, either.) Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

It’s been about a month since K-8 students in Chicago Public Schools began returning to in-person learning on hybrid schedules. As CPS and the Chicago Teachers Union spar over the impending return of high schoolers, Jacoby talks with with one mom about why she’s keeping her young kids home, even though she has the option to send them back to the classroom. Guest: Anastasia Chapital, CPS Parent Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

A judge’s decision is expected any day now to determine the future of a metal scrapping facility on the Southeast Side. Neighborhood activists say it will increase pollution in an area already laden with industry. They’re asking the city to deny a final permit, calling it an example of environmental racism. To see what that really means, Jacoby walks the neighborhood with Gina Ramirez, a lifetime Southeast Sider trying to stop the metal shredder. Guest: Gina Ramirez, Midwest Outreach Manager, National Resources Defense Council (@GinaRamirez311) Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

Chicago is entering a third surge of coronavirus cases. But things had been looking up, with more businesses reopening and more people getting vaccinated. A year into a pandemic, and with what can feel like conflicting information, how do you help people make good public health decisions? Jacoby talks with nurse Katherine Buaron, who’s been fielding questions from patients. Guest: Katherine Buaron, Community Health Nurse, Rush University Medical Center Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

Chicago’s public monuments have been a flashpoint in the fight against systemic racism. Last July, protesters tried to topple a statue of Christopher Columbus in Grant Park. Mayor Lori Lightfoot responded by unceremoniously removing the statue in the middle of the night. The city also created a committee to review the Columbus statue and 40 other Chicago monuments. Though it was formed months ago, the committee has its first public meeting on Wednesday. Jennifer Scott is a co-chair of the the Chicago Monuments Project. She talks with Jacoby about their work so far. Guest: Jennifer Scott, Co-Chair, Chicago Monuments Project How to participate: A link to the livestream will be posted here: bit.ly/3sUZndm To send a written comment or sign up to make live comments email [email protected]. Written comments are due by 10 a.m. Monday. Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

The Derek Chauvin trial got underway this week in Minneapolis. The former police officer has been charged with the murder of George Floyd last May. Floyd’s killing sparked worldwide rallies and protests calling for accountability for police abuse. That’s not new for Chicago. The police department has been under a consent decree since 2019 after the Department of Justice issued a scathing report that found that the CPD regularly used excessive force and racist tactics. This week, two reports revealed the department is behind on reforms and recommendations. We break this all down with Washington Post reporter Kim Bellware, who’s covering the Chauvin trial in Minneapolis, and WBEZ criminal justice reporter Patrick Smith. Guests: Kim Bellware, reporter, Washington Post (@bellwak) Patrick Smith, criminal justice reporter, WBEZ (@pksmid) Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

It’s opening day for baseball season! The White Sox start out on the road tonight against the LA Angels, while the Cubs take on the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field. As baseball fans eagerly look ahead to a more “normal” season, we’re looking back at a pivotal moment in MLB history. Joan Niesen is the host of the new podcast Crushed. The show explores the 1998 home run race between the St. Louis Cardinals’ Mark McGwire and the Cubs’ Sammy Sosa, and the fallout after fans learned the stars and many other players had been using steroids. Jacoby talks to Niesen about how that summer both captivated and disappointed a generation of baseball fans. Guest: Joan Nieson, Host, Crushed (@JoanNiesen) Opening day schedule: https://bit.ly/2PF2OGl Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

Over the last two decades, 51 women, most of whom were Black, were killed in Chicago in similar ways. Most of their deaths have never been solved. And their stories have been underreported or incomplete. Samantha Latson is a student journalist who has been sharing some of the stories from these women’s lives. As part of a class at Roosevelt University, Latson and other students created the website Unforgotten51.com. She tells Jacoby more about the project. Guest: Samantha Latson, journalism student, Roosevelt University (@smanthalatson) Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

On Monday, we talked to one of the advocates behind a bill that would prohibit Illinois landlords from rejecting tenants based on their source of income, such as Section 8 housing vouchers and other subsidies. Evelyn Sanguinetti from Hope Fair Housing Center called concerns over Section 8 a “dogwhistle to let others know that people of color will be moving in next to you.” Paul Arena from the Illinois Rental Property Owners Association says he's "disappointed" Sanguinetti portrayed the group's opposition to the bill as racist. Arena explains why his group opposes the bill. Guest: Paul Arena, Director of Legislative Affairs, Illinois Rental Property Owners Association Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago [More possible notes]