City Cast Chicago

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

The 2020 census numbers are in, and Chicago remains the country’s third-largest city. But the demographics are shifting. Latinx people are now the city’s second-largest racial or ethnic group, surpassing the city’s Black population. These shifts have big implications for city politics and for Black and brown communities. WBEZ's Alden Loury tells host Jacoby Cochran about how Chicago got here and what the shifts could mean as aldermen begin remapping the city's wards. Guest: Alden Loury, Senior Editor, WBEZ's Race, Class and Communities Desk (@AldenLoury) Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Chicago students and teachers are set to return to classrooms on Aug. 30, making it the third school year affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. That means CPS and the teachers union are once again negotiating COVID safety protocols. But as cases rise and amid concern over the delta variant, one teacher tells host Jacoby Cochran she’s feeling just as anxious as she did when the pandemic began. Norma Noriega teaches sixth grade math at Stevenson Elementary on the Southwest Side, and she shares her hopes and fears for the start of the school year. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

James Allen has spent most of the past 52 years behind bars. He’s in prison on three separate murder charges, but he claims he’s innocent. Allen has a chance this month to take a step toward getting one of those convictions overturned. In her Chicago Reader story “Reasonable Doubt,” Maya Dukmasova details Allen’s case. She talks with host Jacoby Cochran about how the stories the state has told about Allen just don’t seem to add up. Guest: Maya Dukmasova, Senior reporter, Injustice Watch (@mdoukmas) Today's good news to get you through: A Wednesday night discussion about Latinas in the cannabis industry followed by a screening of "Selena" at the Davis Theatre in Lincoln Square. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

City Cast Chicago producers Carrie Shepherd and Simone Alicea sit down with host Jacoby Cochran to talk through the week’s top stories, under-hyped stories, and of course, their moments of joy. They talk about the Delta variant numbers, new questions about Chicago’s contract with ShotSpotter after City Cast Chicago reported the city had extended their contract with the company that operates gun detection technology, and the return of the Bud Billiken Parade. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Wednesday the city is facing a $730 million shortfall in its 2022 budget forecast. The city is expected to spend upwards of $12 billion next year. The news comes as city officials have been hosting public forums on the South, West and North sides to hear how Chicagoans wants the money spent. Thursday's event in Uptown is the last one. WBEZ politics reporter Mariah Woelfel covered this weekend’s event in Washington Park, and tells us what she heard from the public, and how—or if—the city actually puts these recommendations into action. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Abby McEnany has been on Chicago’s improv scene for more than 20 years but is new to the TV world. Her show, "Work in Progress" on Showtime, started as part of a storytelling performance at iO. It's loosely based on McEnany’s life, but the star is clear there are many ways she and the character are different (though she won’t tell you how). The second season of "Work in Progress" premieres Aug. 22, and just like the first season, it is filmed in Chicago and features many Chicago actors and friends of McEnany. Lead Producer Carrie Shepherd talks to McEnany about working through the improv scene and why she knew the show had to be based here. Guest: Abby McEnany — Writer, comedian, and actress **UPDATE** Work In Progress: A Comedic Showcase of Chicago from Chicago Humanities Festival has been postponed until Wednesday, Aug. 18, because of inclement weather. Details here. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

ShotSpotter is a technology that’s meant to detect the sound of gunfire and deploy police to that location. But reports from Northwestern University’s MacArthur Justice Center and Vice found errors in the technology’s reporting. Journalist and author Jamie Kalven also has reported that the location of the technology in the city reveals racial bias. Chicago’s contract with ShotSpotter was scheduled to expire this month, sparking activists to call on city officials to end the contract and stop using it in Chicago. But City Cast Chicago has learned something new about that contract. We talk to journalist Jamie Kalven about how ShotSpotter works, and activist Alyx Goodwin from Action Center on Race and the Economy. Guests: Jamie Kalven, Journalist, Author, Founder, The Invisible Institute Alyx Goodwin, Senior Organizer, Action Center on Race and the Economy City of Chicago's contract with ShotSpotter Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Last year, Dion Dawson’s friend asked him what he wanted to do to help his Englewood community. Dion 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 Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Governor JB Pritzker issued a mask mandate for students across the state, and employees at state facilities, which already has some Republicans complaining about this “unilateral” response to an uptick in COVID numbers. City officials promised that Lollapalooza was checking vax status at the gates. How do they know? Public Health Director Allison Arwady went to the fest in disguise to see if they’d ask for her card. And, the Cubs lost some big stars, but the Bulls picked some up. Journalists Justin Kaufmann and Monica Eng break down the week’s news with Lead Producer Carrie Shepherd. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

The Chicago Transit Authority has a been working on the $2.1 billion Red-Purple Modernization Project to unclog congestion at the Belmont stop. The plan is to straighten the tracks, and build a flyover for Brown line trains. Part of that project would have included demolishing the Vautravers Building in the landmarked Newport Avenue historic district. When the CTA built the tracks in the early 1900s, the building’s owner refused to sell it. So the CTA built the tracks AROUND the Vautravers Building. When historic preservationists heard the building could be demolished, they fought it. The compromise was to move the building 30 feet, which happened this week. We talk about how that happens and more about the history Guests: Ward Miller, Executive Director, Preservation Chicago (@Pres_Chicago) Stephanie Cavazos, Spokeswoman, CTA Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Too many young people in Chicago see stories about their neighborhoods on the news that don’t reflect the neighborhood THEY know. The headlines aren't about their favorite parks or corner stores, the community gardens, and block parties. Chicago Stories on the Block is changing that. Young people 15-24 years old from Englewood, Back of the Yards, South Shore, and Lawndale gather to tell THEIR stories and also start to learn about the communities around them. Then, those stories become part of a mural and music. We talk to David Gonzalez from the program. Guest: David Gonzalez-Executive Director, Port Ministries which runs Chicago Stories on the Block Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm Join our Referral Program!

There have been a lot of conversations recently about the importance of speaking up about mental health. Gymnast Simone Biles and tennis player Naomi Osaka have both taken steps back from their sports in the last month because they didn’t feel they were in the right head space to perform the sports they dominate. For clinical psychologist and Northwestern University professor Dr. Inger Burnett-Zeigler these conversations aren’t new. Her work as a therapist and researcher is focused on the mental health needs and pressures put on Black women to be strong. Burnett-Zeigler’s new book, Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen: The Emotional Lives of Black Women is based on her own experience, and other women in Chicago and offers guidance on how to best care for our mental health needs. Guest: Dr. Inger Burnett-Zeigler-Clinical Psychologist and Professor, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm [More possible notes]

Cubs fans had a rough weekend. Trade rumors started Thursday about who the team would be losing, and who they would be getting as the deadline loomed. By Friday, The Chicago Cubs front office had broken up the stars of their 2016 World Series, including Anthony Rizzo who went to the New York Yankees, Kris Bryant who headed to the San Francisco Giants, and Javier Baez to the New York Mets. They also sent closer Craig Kimbrel to the White Sox. We’ll see how that goes this weekend when the Cubs and Sox face off in the Crosstown Classic. In the end, the Cubs traded nine players and added 12 players to their roster. Cubs’ Head of Operations Jed Hoyer said it was all necessary in order to rebuild the team that’s currently hovering on the bottom of the National League Central. But, fans are pissed and sad to say goodbye to the crew that made the “lovable losers” champs in 2016 and gave fans new hope. Sports reporter Cheryl Raye-Stout talks to host Jacoby Cochran about how the Cubs made history in 2016, and what’s happened since. Guest: Cheryl Raye-Stout, WBEZ (@Crayestout) Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

The CDC had advised that masks be worn indoors again, especially in states that are seeing COVID cases surge again. Host Jacoby Cochran and South Side Weekly editor-in-chief Jackie Serrato talk about how it feels like we're moving back into the pandemic, especially when Black and brown communities still have low vaccination rates. They also talk about how residents on the Southwest Side are saying "no" to a new Target warehouse, and the joy that Chicago's only all-girls baseball team is bringing to the city after becoming national champions. Guest: Jackie Serrato-South Side Weekly "CPD’s Pattern and Practice of Home Invasions" **City Cast Chicago's Referral Program** Sign up for our newsletter, refer a friend, win cool swag!

It has been a week since the 2021 Summer Olympics kicked off in Tokyo, Japan. Already we’ve seen a couple of Chicago-area athletes' medals, a Tsunami scare, and the biggest gymnast in the world make an unprecedented decision to step back. Chicago Tribune reporter Stacy St. Clair has been everywhere in Tokyo from the pools to the basketball courts, to an emotional softball field covering her fourth Olympics. Well, she hasn’t been everywhere. The veteran journalist says due to COVID protocols she still can’t visit greater Tokyo or even the restaurant next door to her cozy hotel. We check back in with Stacy to hear how the Chicago-area athletes are doing, how the vibes are different without fans, and how the Olympic’s biggest star is speaking up for mental health on the world stage. Guest: Stacy St. Clair, Chicago Tribune Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Chicago is bracing for nearly half a million people to flood Grant Park for Lollapalooza. The four-day festival makes residents cranky anyway, with street closures, crowded buses, and trains, teenagers stumbling around during rush hour, but Lolla during a pandemic is another level. Chicago’s Department of Public Health Commissioner Allison Arwady says festival organizers and the city have made the necessary preparations to keep people safe and said other festivals around the country went on as scheduled even without COVID safety protocols. We talk to a music journalist from Miami who went to one of those music festivals about what it was like, and a Chicago reporter who talked to experts about how to stay safe if you are going to Lollapalooza this weekend. Guests: Kim Bellware-Reporter, Washington Post Tony Centeno-Freelance Journalist Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

This weekend, the Chinatown Summer Fair is back after taking a year off because of the pandemic. The event is also two days instead of one this year and is expected to draw about 40,000 people. There will be hip-hop music, live DJs, and booths from members of all of Chicago’s AAPI communities. Some of this year's changes are part of a push by younger Chinatown residents to make the neighborhood more welcoming and accessible and to remind all of Chicago that there’s something for them in Chinatown. We talk to Shifa Zhong who is using his social media presence and marketing skills to promote the event, and Ben Lau, a longtime member of the community who wants to see younger residents stay in or move back to Chinatown. Guests: Shifa Zhong-Owner, Tian Represent; Chinatown Shifa Ben Lau-Executive Director, Chinese American Museum of Chicago Links: Chinatown Summer Fair Chinatown: the Next Generation from Chicago Reader Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm Join our referral program and get swag!

After several extensions of the state’s eviction moratorium, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker issued an executive order last Friday that allows eviction filings to begin on August 1. Both the state and city have available rental assistance, and housing advocates are doing their part, too. Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago expects close to 100,000 applications for some help. And while that program has been traditionally been focused on homeowners, they’re helping renters and small unit landlords because they say evictions on this scale will harm the entire housing system in Chicago. We talk to NHS about what services are available for those who could be facing houselessness. Guest: Donna Clarke — Chief Operating Officer, Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago Links: Illinois Rental Payment Program Rental Assistance Chicago Rental Assistance Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

City Council passed a civilian police oversight ordinance that assuages some activists’ calls for more accountability, but ultimately, Mayor Lori Lightfoot still retains a lot of power. Host Jacoby Cochran talks about that story, as well as “Overhyped” and “Under-hyped” stories with WCIU’s Brandon Pope. Jacoby and Brandon also talk about the joy an NBA Finals win brought for all of the Midwest. Guest: Brandon Pope, reporter & anchor at WCIU @BpopeTV Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

This summer’s Olympics are the fourth for Chicago Tribune reporter Stacy St. Clair. And, it’s already like no other games she’s covered. After weeks of tests and preparations, Stacy and her colleague, photojournalist Brian Cassella, have each been quarantining in their hotel rooms for three days, and are allowed 15 minutes a day to go outside, get some fresh air, and maybe run to the minimart for coffee. But, only if they can make it back before the security guard’s timer goes off. On Wednesday, Tokyo officials reported another spike in COVID numbers, which means reporters and others won’t even be allowed that 15 minutes. Athletes are tested daily and some have already had their Olympic dreams slashed because of positive tests. We check in with Stacy to hear more about what to expect from the Chicago-area athletes, how Tokyo citizens are responding to the Games, and how the IOC is handling some of the criticism. Guest Stacy St. Clair--Chicago Tribune reporter Chicago Tribune Olympics coverage Some Chicago athletes going to the Games Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Back in April, WBEZ reporter Dan Mihalopoulos reported that that the Chicago Park District was looking into allegations by former lifeguards who say they experienced “criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse” while working at city beaches and pools. The internal investigation had been happening for more than a year, and according to documents, revealed that the parks superintendent knew about the allegations for at least a month before reporting them to the Inspector General’s office. After Mihalopoulos’ reporting in April, dozens of women reached out and described a culture of abuse, harassment, and assault. The Park District says it won’t answer questions until the Inspector General’s report is done. And, now, Mihalopoulos has learned that toxic culture goes beyond Chicago’s border and extends north to Evanston, where former lifeguards signed a petition last year asking for a probe into alleged abuse. We talk to Dan Mihalopoulos about what’s happening with each of these investigations. Warning: There are graphic descriptions of sexual assault in this episode. City Cast Chicago has a new, cool referral program. It goes like this: Step 1: Invite friends to subscribe to our newsletter Step 2: Get rewards Step 3: Everyone wins https://chicago.citycast.fm/referral/

For most Chicagoans, the Loop is just where the office is (or used to be) or a place to take your family when they’re in town. But as downtown recovers from the pandemic, the Chicago Loop Alliance is working to make the Loop more welcoming to everyone. One way they’re trying to do that is by closing three blocks along State Street this summer for “Sundays on State.” Host Jacoby Cochran was there this past Sunday to talk about the Loop’s recovery with alliance president Michael Edwards. Michael Edwards, President and CEO, Chicago Loop Alliance (@ChiLoopAlliance) Hospitality Hiring Event: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hospitality-hiring-event-tickets-161536503029 Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

For the last year, the housing market in most big cities has been in overdrive. The pandemic forced us inside our homes; they became our offices, our schools and the center of our social lives. That led families to seek more space, and low interest rates had longtime renters making the switch to homeowner.s One area of the city and surrounding area that is seeing homeowner growth? Black middle class families on Chicago’s South Side and south suburbs. Crain’s Chicago Business real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin explains what combination of factors is allowing these families to buy, and why that’s important for primarily Black areas. Guest: Dennis Rodkin, Real Estate Reporter, Crain's Chicago Business, Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

A former Chicago Public Schools principal has been accused of stealing of $200,000 from the school to pay her mortgage, which garnered a little bit of, “Yeah, what else is new in Chicago?” from this week’s guest, Jill Hopkins. Jill hosts “Jill Afternoons” on Vocalo Radio. She and host Jacoby Cochran break down that news, Scottie Pippen’s new gig as an Airbnb host, worries about COVID at camps, and they share some mutual admiration for Candace Parker. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Dario Durham and Sara Faddah come from very different food traditions. Faddah is originally from Jordan, and she cooks the Arab foods her grandmother made when she was a child. Durham is a born-and-bred Chicagoan, and grew up on soul food like mac ‘n cheese, cornbread and candied yams. So when they started dating in 2019, they began exploring each other’s food cultures, and building their own list of favorite dishes and restaurants as a couple. They both realized that meant expanding their tastes to restaurants all across the city. In fact, one in every neighborhood. They document their eating adventures in the new podcast, "77 Flavors of Chicago." Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

With the return of festivals, the reopening of restaurants, and a pause on travel restrictions, the last couple months have felt more like normal in Chicago. But on Tuesday, city officials announced travelers from Arkansas or Missouri must test negative for COVID-19 or quarantine for 10 days before coming to Chicago. The new travel advisory plus concerns over the delta variant and vaccine disparities are prompting warnings from the city’s public health officials that the pandemic isn’t over. WTTW Reporter Heather Cherone has been covering the city’s COVID-19 response since the beginning, and she helps us make sense of these new shifts. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

The New York Times recently reminded us — or told us for the first time — that Chicago is not immune from the climate crisis. The article “A Battle Between a Great City and a Great Lake” explains how Lake Michigan, that expansive, beautiful source of freshwater, has been fluctuating between not enough water and too much. When levels are too high, it wreaks havoc along the lakeshore, including on houses, offices, and residential buildings. It can also force nasty, untreated water from the Chicago River into the Lake. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to Justin Keller from the Metropolitan Planning Council about what this all means. Guest: Justin Keller-Manager, Metropolitan Planning Council Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm City Cast is growing! We'll be in 8 new cities! Check out where, and how you can join us. Read more about it here.

There were about 1,430 carjackings in Chicago in 2020, more than double the previous year’s total. And more than half of the people arrested in those incidents were under 18. A new investigation by the Better Government Association finds that many of these teens, some as young as 13, are being put on electronic monitoring and sent home instead of receiving services that could help curtail future criminal activity. BGA reporters Sidnee King and David Jackson explain what’s driving the carjacking trend, why these kids end up stuck in limbo, and how these alternative programs could help. Guests: Sidnee King, investigative reporter, Better Government Association David Jackson, senior investigative reporter, Better Government Association (@poolcar4) Love the show? Want something to change? Tell us about it. Take our listener survey and have a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card: https://chicago.citycast.fm/survey Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm