City Cast Chicago

Chicago started the week on a sad note. The city had its most violent weekend so far this year over the 4th of July holiday. And, unfortunately, that led to more finger pointing by officials rather than a unified front. WBEZ Senior Producer Meha Ahmad and host Jacoby Cochran talk through that story, and also how President Biden’s visit to the northwest suburb of Crystal Lake didn’t feel quite as exciting as past presidential visits. Plus! Moments of joy that include BBQ, neighbors and Nikole Hannah-Jones! Guest: Meha Ahmad, Sr. Producer, WBEZ Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm *Take our audience survey!

Achieving a “work-life balance” has always been hard, but the pandemic blurred those worlds even more. The resulting burnout is prompting many companies to rethink how they work. One local example is City Bureau. The journalism nonprofit is trying out a four-day work week this summer to combat burnout and boost productivity. We ask City Bureau co-founder Bettina Chang and the organization’s people and culture director Cristina Salgado about what they hope to learn from the experiment and how they plan to spend their extra day off. Guests: Bettina Chang, Co-Founder/Executive Editorial Director, City Bureau (@bechang8) Cristina Salgado, Director of People and Culture, City Bureau We are always looking for ways to make the show better, and we need your help! Fill out our survey and you’ll be entered 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

On Chicago’s far Northwest Side, changing demographics and politics represent a divide of old vs. new. Many residents in these neighborhoods are cops, fire fighters, teachers and other city workers who are required to live inside the city’s borders. They like the suburban-like living that offers brick bungalows, backyards and a slower pace. Now, more Latino and younger, white, liberal families have been moving from more densely populated parts of Chicago to the Northwest Side for affordable single-family homes and good schools. Those shifting demographics and more progressive political leanings have created some drama, especially with current Alderman Jim Gardiner. Gardiner is divisive in the area--pitting neighbor against neighbor, and is even the subject of two lawsuits. Host Jacoby Cochran breaks down the current drama, and what issues drove the divides in the 45th Ward. Guests: Alex Nitkin--Editor and City Hall Reporter, The Daily Line Ariel Parrella-Aureli--Reporter, Block Club Chicago Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm Hey! Take our Audience Survey

People outside of Chicago often view the city as dangerous. Sometimes they even call it “The Murder Capital,” even though other cities have higher rates of violence. Natalie Moore says media are part of the problem. The WBEZ reporter and author of “The South Side” has spent her career pushing back on the idea that covering the South and West sides is all bad news all the time. She and host Jacoby Cochran talk about how media can better cover Chicago’s neighborhoods and violence in the city. Guest: Natalie Moore, Author/Reporter, WBEZ (@natalieymoore) Help us make the show better by taking our listener survey! When you tell us your thoughts, you can sign up to be entered for a $100 Visa gift card: https://chicago.citycast.fm/survey/ Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Today we're sharing an episode from the podcast "It's All Good" from our friends at Block Club Chicago. Each week, host Jon Hansen talks to the people who make their neighborhoods great. This week: The Folded Map Project. Creator Tonika Lewis Johnson and sociologist Maria Krysan interviewed 30 people about how they first confronted — and eventually combatted — harmful narratives about Chicago’s South and West sides. The join Jon Hansen to talk about what they've learned.

We’re breaking down the week’s news with Jon Hansen, host of Block Club Chicago’s “It’s All Good” podcast. He and host Jacoby Cochran talk about why City Council infighting could actually be a good sign, Jon’s discovery of a Black-owned LGBTQ+ bar in South Shore, how Jacoby is over the fireworks already, and the long-awaited unveiling of the Ida B. Wells monument in Bronzeville. Guest: Jon Hansen, Host, "It's All Good" (@JonHansenTV) You can help us make the podcast better by taking our audience survey. Share your thoughts about the show and be entered 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

Every year, The Broken Arrow Riding Club hosts a rodeo at the South Shore Cultural Center Park. Yes, right there next to a golf course, beach and landmark event space where the Obamas hosted their wedding reception. The club has been around for more than 30 years with a mission to bring horseback riding and rodeos to all ethnic backgrounds and physical abilities in Chicago. As a native Chicagoan, host Jacoby Cochran had never even heard of the rodeo so he went to check out Black cowboys and talk to the man who started it all. Help us make the show better by taking our guest survey. By participating, you'll be entered 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

Before he became the host of The Late Show, or The Colbert Report, and before The Daily Show, Stephen Colbert honed his craft in Chicago. Colbert went from Northwestern University’s theater department to The Second City, where he is now joining the board of directors. Colbert 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. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

After seeing how impactful the pandemic was for their young kids, two Chicago moms decided that a great way for kids to look back at this historical moment was to start a time capsule. They created “Once Upon Our Time Capsule,” a project that collects individual time capsules from kids across the city. We talk to Stacey Gillett and Stephanie Hodges about why they thought it was important that children memorialize this year, and what this could mean for the kids opening the capsules five years from now. Guests: Stacey Gillett, Co-creator, Once Upon Our Time Capsule (@staceywgillett) Stephanie Hodges, Co-creator, Once Upon Our Time Capsule Find out how to make your own time capsule: https://www.ourtimecapsule.org/ Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Along the lakefront at Oakwood Beach lies a mermaid carved from limestone. She’s been watching over Lake Michigan since 1986, but for some Chicagoans her origin story, or even her existence, was a mystery. Host Jacoby Cochran got to visit the mermaid for the very first time with one of its creators, Roman Villarreal. They talk about how the sculpture actually came to be and who the inspiration was. Oh, also about how this mermaid will likely live in Chicago for another 300 years. Guests: Paul Dailing: Writer Román Villarreal: Artist Atlas Obscura: The Secret Mermaid Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Host Jacoby Cochran breaks down what happened in Chicago this week with The Triibe co-founder and editor-in-chief Tiffany Walden. They talk about the debate over renaming Lake Shore Drive after Jean Baptiste DuSable, rent relief for Chicagoans, and a potential plan to improve the intersection at 79th Street, Stony Island Avenue, and South Chicago Avenue. They also make a discovery about a popular steppin’ track and share their strong opinions about lions in the Lincoln Park Zoo. Guest: Tiffany Walden, Co-founder/Editor-in-Chief, The Triibe (@Waldens_Block) Find the 2021 Triibe Guide: https://reshapethenarrative.com/ Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

When Collaboraction opened its doors 25 years ago, they had no idea just how much their theater would change throughout the years. Having worked with around 3,000 artists on more than 60 productions, the Chicago-based theater was determined to continue its work of creating inclusive productions that inspire social change during the pandemic. Putting together virtual productions and discussions, the theater sparked much-needed discussions about race during the height of the BLM protests last summer. We look back at the theater’s history and on how much it has evolved with Collaboraction’s Anthony Moseley and Dr. Marcus Robinson. Guests: Anthony Moseley, Artistic Director, Collaboraction (@AnthonyMoseley) Dr. Marcus Robinson, Executive Director, Collaboraction (@4MarcusRobinson) Find out how to attend Collaboraction's 25th-anniversary party tonight: https://www.collaboraction.org/moonset-sunrise-event Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

When Chicago attorney Joanne Molinaro went vegan in 2016, she worried that she wouldn’t be able to eat her favorite Korean dishes that she grew up with. It’s why she started the “Korean Vegan” blog. She initially focused on her recipes, but over time felt like she needed to connect cooking with personal stories about her family, heartbreak, and other ups-and-downs from her life. These stories have resonated on TikTok, where Molinaro has more than 2 million followers. Molinaro explains what shifted for her and tells host Jacoby Cochran about her favorite Korean dishes and vegan spots in Chicago. Guest: Joanne Molinaro— Attorney, food blogger, and author (TikTok: @thekoreanvegan) Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

In 2017, a Department of Justice investigation into Chicago Police called out foot chases as a precursor to excessive force saying they “too often end with officers unreasonably shooting someone.” But until now, the department hasn’t had a policy to guide officers on when they can chase people and when they can’t. CPD enacted an interim policy earlier this month that’s undergoing public comment. But critics say it doesn’t go far enough. Nusrat Choudhury with the ACLU of Illinois explains how we got here and where the policy goes next. Guest: Nusrat Choudhury, Legal Director, ACLU of Illinois (@ACLUofIL) Read about the interim foot-pursuit policy and submit a public comment through July 15: https://home.chicagopolice.org/reform/policy-review/ Read the 2017 DOJ report: https://www.justice.gov/opa/file/925846/download Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Only a handful of cities know what it’s like to have two professional sports teams in the same league. In Chicago, the crosstown rivalry between the White Sox and the Cubs is about more than baseball. It can be a cultural divide that makes Chicagoans feel like they have to choose a side publicly. That’s why Len Kasper turned heads this season when he became the radio voice of the White Sox after 16 seasons broadcasting for the Cubs. Kasper offers his perspective on the rivalry and his predictions for this year’s Crosstown Classic in August…and maybe even the World Series. Guest: Len Kasper, Co-host, Sox Degrees; White Sox radio play-by-play announcer Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Host Jacoby Cochran and Lead Producer Carrie Shepherd break down some “news you can use,” something they each learned from City Cast Chicago this week, and a “moment of joy” that made them happy. And, they sing. Of course. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Chicago is known for its public art. Almost every neighborhood is painted with murals showing the people who live there, the politics that shaped the place, and activists who have fought to retain its character. Even though murals and street art are born from graffiti, some say tagging the art breaks an unwritten rule and disrespects the artist. One of those people is Chicago Sun-Times editorial board member Ismael Perez, who wrote the recent editorial, “Chicago should take such pride in its wealth of murals, and yet, they are being defaced." Host Jacoby Cochran tours two of those defaced murals in Pilsen with Perez and talks to him about how the neighborhood felt like a "hug" when Perez arrived from Texas. Guest: Ismael Perez, Editorial Board Member, Chicago Sun-Times (@_ismaperez) Chicago should take such pride in its wealth of murals, and yet, they are being defaced Murals and Mosaics: Chicago Sun-Times mural series

As the pandemic shut down travel, United Airlines-and its employees-took a big hit. The Chicago-based company had to furlough more than 10,000 workers. They brought them back in December, but the airline warned that could be temporary. There’s good news for employees and travelers. United has added 400 flights starting next month so those furloughs aren’t so imminent after all. Host Jacoby Cochran talks with Jay Singh, who covers airlines for the website Simple Flying. Singh also answers the big question for travelers: “How much hand sanitizer can I bring on board?” City Cast Chicago Shoutout Map: https://bit.ly/2TqoFDk Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Tracy Baim has been covering Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community for more than 40 years, but it hasn’t always been easy. Back then, she says you couldn’t be openly gay in Chicago media, which is why so many LGBTQ+ journalists like herself had to create their own queer press. In 1984, fresh out of college, Baim started part-time at Gay Life Newspaper, before co-founding the LGBTQ+ newspaper, Windy City Times. Fast forward to 2018, and she’s the publisher of the Chicago Reader, the iconic alt-weekly. Chicago Reader’s “Pride” issue this week documents the evolution of gay activism in Chicago. The issue includes an interview with Dr. Fauci about the AIDS epidemic, and a profile of a '80’s zine that explored Chicago’s House music scene, among other stories. Baim spoke with host Jacoby Cochran about her decades-long career in the gay press and about what it’s like seeing Chicago media’s journey from sidelining the queer community to finally embracing it. Guest: Tracy Baim, Publisher, Chicago Reader (@TracyBaimWCMG) Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Chicago has a long history of Black and brown communities coming together to advance equal education, immigrant rights, and affordable housing. But last year, as looting and unrest rocked the city, tensions rose between the communities on the South and West sides, with reports that gang members were trying to protect businesses. Activists Tanya Lozano and Bella BAHHS organized a rally to remind people that Black and brown Chicagoans have similar goals. The event didn’t go as planned, which is why they’re trying again this year with an all-day concert instead. The event hopes to bring Black and brown communities together by offering free resources like COVID and HIV testing, vaccinations, exercise classes, and of course, live music. Guests: Tanya Lozano, Co-founder, Healthy Hood Chicago (@_tanyalozano) Heavy Crownz, artist and rapper, @heavycrownz Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Restaurants, especially after a year of being partially or completely closed, need all the tools in their arsenal to get customers back. Social media is one of those critical tools, but a Facebook page is not going to cut it. Restaurants, cafes and stores across Chicago have tapped into the influence of TikTok to stand out. At Wake ‘n Bacon in Lakeview there’s a “selfie mirror” when you walk in, just one of the opportunities to document your experience under a ceiling of colorful hanging flowers while drinking a Purple Haze iced latte. Host Jacoby Cochran heads to Wake n’ Bacon to see it for himself. But first, the sisters behind the popular Explore Chicago account offer some ideas on how to reach many followers. Guests: Leen and Yasmeen Alqaissi, TikTokers, @explorechicago Gabriel Ayala, Co-Owner, Wake ‘n Bacon (@eatwakenbacon) Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Research is woefully lacking on the lives of transgender people, especially when it comes to Chicago’s local trans community. But having that data is extremely important in getting resources and services to trans people. The Chicago Area Trans Survey seeks to reach 30,000 trans people in Cook County to learn about their lives. The project is being led by the Brave Space Alliance, a Black- and trans-led LGBTQ center in Hyde Park, and Northwestern University. Jacoby talks with the survey organizers about how this research can help Chicago’s trans community. Guests: Stephanie Sorka, Associate Executive Director, Brave Space Alliance Dylan Felt, Research Coordinator, NU’s Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing

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]