City Cast Chicago

Former Loretto Hospital COO Anosh Ahmed was finally in federal court this week, where he pleaded not guilty to defrauding the safety-net hospital and federal government. Block Club Chicago's Manny Ramos is here with the latest. Plus, Tatyana Najee joins the podcast to discuss her digital series exploring Chicago's 50 alders.  Good News: Midnight Circus Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 4 episode: Paramount Theatre Chicago Exhibition Week AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Today we are joined by contributors Jill Hopkins and Leigh Giangreco to discuss the tragic mass shooting in Washington Park over the weekend, both Ye and North West performing in Chicago, and the upcoming Printers Row Lit Fest. Good News: Fact Checking Training Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 If you enjoyed today's interview with Angela Cummings, Executive Director, AFSP Illinois Chapter, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, September 3 episode: Paramount Theatre Chicago Exhibition Week AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

An immigration judge in Chicago ordered 6 children to be deported. We break down what children are facing in Chicago immigration courtrooms. Plus, how to not get finessed when looking for parking for a Sox Game, and the world record meetups we would like to see in the city.    Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 If you enjoyed today's interview with the Program Director - Programming, Performing Arts of Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Carlos Cuauhtémoc Tortolero, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, September 2nd episode: Paramount Theatre Chicago Exhibition Week AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

September in Chicago is going to see us outside, come storms or heatwaves. Between Mexican Independence Day celebrations, Fall Theater Season, and the Bears' home opener, we've got plenty to look forward to. Here's your guide to getting the most out of the month.  The newsletter and events calendar are free at thebrownlinechi.com, and listeners can follow @thebrownlinechi on Instagram and TikTok.  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 1 episode: Paramount Theatre Chicago Exhibition Week AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Last week, Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order barring companies with a recent history of workplace discrimination from receiving city contracts. It also requires city contractors to disclose past work done for other governments and law enforcement agencies, and creates a new procurement task force. We dive into the details with contributors Leigh Giangreco and Al Scorch. Plus, we've got great art exhibitions and fall flavors to check out this September. Exhibitions: Between Memory and Becoming: Manifestations of Black Motherhood; Artist's Flower Show: Pigments; If Emmett Till Lived: Freedom on American Ground; Where Memory Lives: 40 Years of Día de Muertos  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 31 episode: Paramount Theatre Chicago Exhibition Week AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Today we brought in the Tribune's A.D. Quig and Illinois Answers Project's Alex Nitkin to talk about all things property taxes. We discuss continued delays at the treasurer's office and the growing tax burden on homeowners, the impact of 40 years of TIF districts, and massive tax breaks for Cook County data centers.  Good News: Chicago House Music Festival & Conference Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 28 episode: TimeLine Theatre DCASE AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

The Field Museum is in the process of repatriating 175 sacred objects to the Pulikla Tribe of Yurok People. Contributor Adora Namigadde digs into the museum's efforts to return objects and remains to Native American tribes. Plus, contributor PJ Walker is previewing some of Chicago's fall film fests, and executive producer Simone Alicea celebrates “Just Because” day. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 27 episode: TimeLine Theatre DCASE AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

O'Hare International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. And for most Chicagoans, commute times to and from the airport can be wildly unpredictable. Now, a private company is proposing 15-minute express train rides from O'Hare to the Old Post Office. We discussed the plan and our dream 15-minute commutes with Brandon Pope and Anna DeShawn. Plus, what is the future of gender-affirming care funding, and is Chicago State University ready for their inaugural football season? Good News: The Funktion Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 26 episode: TimeLine Theatre DCASE AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Today, executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran are talking about two weeks of power outages across Gary and Northwest Indiana; CPS' biggest questions as kids return to school; and a friendly faceoff between some of Chicago's most beautiful places of worship. Good News: Final Argyle Night Market,  Walking Mural Tour, Porch Life Tours Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 25 episode: TimeLine Theatre DCASE AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Illinois' congressional Democrats are calling for an end to “megamaster” hearings at Chicago's immigration courts, referring to morning calendars where judges are seeing over 100 cases at a time. Creative producer Michelle Navarro tells executive producer Simone Alicea and contributor Al Scorch how the chaos at the court is contributing to a spike in deportation orders. Plus, what happens when a developer builds a big cinderblock wall directly outside your window? And what do you do when one of your favorite spots is closing? Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 24 episode: TimeLine Theatre DCASE AFSP Illinois Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

It has been two years since Mayor Brandon Johnson ended the city's contract with the gunshot detection company Sound Thinking, also known as ShotSpotter, to the chagrin of some alders. City Hall has kept the door open for a replacement, and two alders have begun testing new options. We discussed SplitSec AI with Chicago Public Media's Arionne Nettles and Block Club Chicago's Melody Mercado. Plus, Illinois toll roads are increasing prices for the first time in 15 years, BTS is headed to Soldier Field, and the crosstown classic delivered just that.  Good News: Remembering How They Moved: A Live Activation Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 21 episode: Visit Bloomington TimeLine Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

NASCAR announced it will not hold a race in Chicago next year. Contributors PJ Walker and Yareni Murillo tell executive producer Simone Alicea what they think should replace it. Plus, ABC is suing over early review of broadcast licenses for stations like Chicago's own Channel 7. We also submit our picks for the best Mexican food in the city. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, August 20th episode: Visit Bloomington TimeLine Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is a forthcoming multi-billion-dollar development on the former U.S. Steel South Works site on the Southeast Side of Chicago. Over the weekend, Mayor Brandon Johnson attended a community town hall meeting in the neighborhood. We are joined by contributors Brandon Pope and Anna DeShawn to discuss how the meeting went, what neighbors are asking for, and how the Mayor responded. Plus, we are celebrating the Our Stories, Our Power community journalism program, and pitching Chicago's next great “America's Got Talent” superstars, including Zion Ali, Po Chop, and the Era Footwork Collective.   Good News: The Cookout Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 19 episode: Visit Bloomington TimeLine Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Last week, Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order aiming to modernize regulations and oversight for Chicago's data centers. He also called on the City Council to put a pause on new data center approvals and expansions. Host Jacoby Cochran and creative producer Michelle Navarro break down the details. Plus, alders debate the “ICE Out” pledge and creative producer Emmi Mack drops by to talk singles events. Good News: Jesse White Tumblers Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 18 episode: Visit Bloomington TimeLine Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

The Illinois Department of Transportation has released the most recent traffic stop data from police departments across the state. While overall traffic stops in Chicago are down, Black and Latino drivers are still three to six times more likely to be pulled over than white drivers. We dive into the numbers with contributors Adora Namigadde and Jill Hopkins. Plus, Chicago is on high-risk alert for West Nile virus, and the Shedd welcomes four more beluga whales.   Good news: South Asian American Lit Fest Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 17 episode: Visit Bloomington TimeLine Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

The owners of multiple South Side funeral homes are under a microscope after state officials discovered they had been mismanaging human remains. Last week, officials and police discovered dozens of decaying bodies at the South Chicago Chapel. We break down the details with Block Club Chicago's Maxwell Evans and WBEZ's Dan Mihalopoulos. Plus, the recently shuttered Aspira charter network is trying to sell its publicly funded school building, and the Chicago Fire are hoping to extend their August win streak. Good News: Hegewisch Farmers Market & Edgewater Monday Market Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 14 episode: Paramount Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Earlier this week, a coalition of Chicagoans who allege they were victims of misconduct and violence during Operation Midway Blitz filed nine police reports seeking criminal charges against ICE agents. We break down the details with Yareni Murillo and Leigh Giangreco. Plus, Washington Park is home to a new monuments project, and Mayor Brandon Johnson wants the City Council to enact a moratorium on future data centers. Good News: South Side Zine Fest   Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this  Aug. 13 episode: Paramount Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Over the weekend, Bally's Casino hit the brakes on all non-gaming construction in protest of Chicago's forthcoming expansion of video gambling terminals. We ask contributors Brandon Pope and Anna DeShawn what impact this could have on the $1.7 billion River West development scheduled to open in 2027. Plus, we discuss the rise of transphobia at WNBA games and how we'd spend our last 24 hours in Chicago.    Good News: 25th Ave Glenwood Ave Arts Fest Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 12 episode: Paramount Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Back in June, we played a Chicago-themed game of Scattergories during our live taping at Switchyards Chicago. Host Jacoby Cochran competes with Dario Durham and Sara Faddah of 77 Flavors and with some audience volunteers. Plus, in today's members-only segment, the team discusses some of the worst things about moving in Chicago. Want access to the extra content, an invite to the next event, and some exclusive City Cast Chicago merch? Become a Neighbor today. Good News: Hindsight Tavern to open in North Center. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 11 episode: Paramount Theatre Destination Madison Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Today we're talking about the impact SNAP cuts are having on grocers across Chicago, the relationship between the mayor and alders heading into City Council elections, and where we go for a little summertime peace and quiet. We are joined by contributors Leigh Giangreco and Jill Hopkins.  Good News: Quantum Campus Town Hall Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 10 episode: Paramount Theatre Destination Madison DCASE Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

As much as you love Chicago, city living inherently means sharing space and resources with your neighbors, and y'all certainly have complaints, questions, and quandaries. On today's very first call-in episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz is joined by Bridget Todd, host of City Cast DC, and Jane C. Hu, host of City Cast Seattle, to respond to your dilemmas, from when it's acceptable to intervene on a bike path to what to do about that neighbor who really lets it all hang out. Have more city dilemmas? Send them in for our next call-in show. Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

While cleanup at Grant Park is ongoing following a massive, rain-soaked Lollapalooza, Mayor Johnson called this year's festival “the prelude of what's to come… the top destination for college graduates is Chicago.” We are joined by contributors Yareni Murillo and Pj Walker to dive into why more young people are moving to Chicago. Plus, a west side nonprofit is making it easier to recycle old electronics, and the iconic Rainbow Cone is celebrating 100 years. Good News: Kehlani,  Northalsted Market Days, and Chicago Vintage Festival  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 6 episode: Lincoln Park Zoo Visit Bloomington Chicago Public Library Destination Madison DCASE Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Over 200,000 Cook County residents are at risk of losing their healthcare coverage by 2028. In response, Cook County is planning to spend its highest amount on charity care in a decade. Contributors Brandon Pope and Anna DeShawn join us today. Plus, Ariana Grande's tour is highlighting local organizations and theater productions to see: Continuum, South Side Stories, Theater of the Mind, and How We Got On  Good News: LatiNxt Festival Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 5 episode: Lincoln Park Zoo Visit Bloomington Chicago Public Library Destination Madison DCASE Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Today we're talking with Chicagoans who have made it their mini-mission to visit every community area. And they have all taken very different approaches. Viral Mistry is visiting every public library branch. Kate Golembiewski is grabbing a cup of coffee in each community area. Joabe Barbosa recently finished running all 4000 miles of Chicago public streets. Good News: Pierogi Fiesta Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 4 episode: Lincoln Park Zoo Visit Bloomington Chicago Public Library Destination Madison DCASE Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Last week, Chicago's school board voted 11-7 to pass an amended $10 billion budget. To avoid hundreds of layoffs, the board budgeted for an additional $150 million in state funding that has yet to be secured. Contributors Brandon Pope and Leigh Giangreco explain what this means for the district's finances moving forward. Plus, the Chicago Park District wants you to vote on how they should spend $500,000, and how we're feeling about the first half of summertime Chi. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 If you enjoyed today's interview with the Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Kenya Merritt, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 3 episode: Lincoln Park Zoo Visit Bloomington Chicago Public Library Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

On Tuesday, candidates hoping to get on February's ballot were able to start gathering nominating petitions. That includes folks who want to run for police district council, city council, city clerk, city treasurer, and of course, mayor. The Chicago Tribune's Jake Sheridan and freelance journalist Corli Jay discuss the latest. Plus, how Chicago's rainy summer is impacting residents, and Mayor Brandon Johnson responds to shuttered Save-A-Lot locations on the South and West Sides. Good News: North Lawndale Arts Fest, Morgan Park Roots Fest Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 31 episode: Broadway In Chicago - The Notebook Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

August in Chicago is packed with reasons to visit all corners of the city, including the Bud Billiken Parade, Northalsted Market Days, the Crosstown Classic, and more. Here's your guide to getting the most out of the month.  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 30 episode: Broadway In Chicago - The Notebook Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

The Board of Education is scheduled to vote tomorrow on a Chicago Public Schools budget plan that would lay off 760 teachers and 801 teacher aides, in addition to the 162 central office and citywide staff that have already been laid off. Contributors Anna DeShawn and Brandon Pope join us to talk about why the district is proposing this, plus the 19th annual Esteem Awards, and how to celebrate National Chicken Wing Day in the Windy City. Good News: Boxville Battle of the Wings Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 29 episode: Broadway In Chicago - The Notebook Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Right now, Chicago's City Council is weighing exactly how to update the city's 40-year-old Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance. There are two competing visions: one from the mayor and the other from a bloc of alderpeople. Host Jacoby Cochran and creative producer Michelle Navarro are discussing the key differences between the two proposals. Plus, e-scooters are being restricted in Edgewater, and Lollapalooza weekend is back in Chicago.  Good News:   String Fellow Quartet ,  Marvin Gaye Tribute , Slide 2 The Stu Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, July 28th episode: Broadway In Chicago - The Notebook Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

A public opinion poll from the University of Chicago indicates many Chicagoans feel like violent crime rates are rising even though the data doesn't support it. We dig into why that is with contributors Adora Namigadde and Brandon Pope. Plus, we break down a countersuit from the Archdiocese of Chicago, and take the City Cast landmarks quiz. Good News: Sky vs. Sun, Sky vs. Aces  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Monday, July episode: Broadway In Chicago - The Notebook Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Seven Save-A-Lot grocery stores across the South and West Sides could close their doors as early as Saturday if Yellow Banana, the company that owns and operates them, can't find new funding. Block Club Chicago's Atavia Reed is here with the latest. Plus, WBEZ's Kristen Schorsch joins us to detail the ongoing legal battles surrounding the recently shuttered West Suburban Hospital and provide a temperature check on Chicago's struggling safety net hospitals. Good News: 5th Annual Words of Wonder Literary Festival!, Roots: “The Brunch Experience”  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 24 episode: Visit Bloomington Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Now that the smoke has largely cleared out, it is the perfect time to get outdoors and into nature. Whether you're planning a quick hike or weekend camping trip, the Illinois Department of Public Health wants you to protect yourself against ticks and mosquitoes. Contributors Al Scorch and PJ Walker help us run through IDPH's guidelines. Plus, we're asking our guests what makes Chicago's live audiences so special, whether amusement and water parks still go-to summer spots, and what reboots would they welcome with open arms? Good News:  The Trashy Summer Market We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 23 episode: Visit Bloomington Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

A plan to sell Chicago's 36,000 parking meters remains stalled in the City Council. A group of alders is critical of the potential buyer's financial connections to ongoing ICE operations. Contributors Leigh Giangreco and Anna DeShawn are here with the latest. Plus, the Chicago Therapy Collective recently became the largest LGBTQ+ mental health provider in the state, and this weekend's calendar is packed with great events.  Good News: Butterfly Sanctuary tour We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 22 episode: Visit Bloomington Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Should Chicagoans be preparing to mitigate wildfire smoke every summer? How are fundraising efforts and ballot challenges shaping the race for school board? Is Chicago the Pokémon capital of North America? Executive producer Simone Aliecea and host Jacoby Cochran are answering these questions and more. Plus, how to make your own air purifier. Good News: Roseland Peoples Market Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 21 episode: Visit Bloomington Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Last week, alderpeople approved a $425 million infrastructure plan at ‘The 78' in the South Loop, anchored by the forthcoming Chicago Fire stadium. Contributor Leigh Giangreco is here with details, including why few alders voted against it. Plus, Al Scorch walks us through a magical week of Chicago summer music, and we've got thoughts on delivery during extreme weather. We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. Good News: Pullman Railroad Days Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 20 episode: Visit Bloomington Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Today, a City Council committee will question the details and effectiveness of the Mayor's “ICE on Notice” executive order as ICE sightings and arrests are up in Chicago. Mayor Brandon Johnson signed it back in January, following months of Operation Midway Blitz, and with it directed the Chicago Police Department to “investigate federal immigration agents and refer evidence of suspected illegal activity to the Cook County State's Attorney's Office.” WBEZ's Mariah Woelfel is here to discuss what, if anything, has changed in the last six months. Plus, Sun-Times reporter Erica Thompson tells us about her afternoon with 1,000 Chicago teens downtown. Good News: Silver Room Block Party We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 17 episode: Visit Bloomington Destination Madison Newberry Library Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

In January, longtime Harold's Chicken Shack CEO Kristen Pierce-Sherrod passed away. Now, a legal battle between her five children and her widower will determine who owns the multimillion-dollar brand going forward. We dive into the drama with contributors PJ Walker and Yareni Murillo. Plus, we've got ideas for what should replace Ford City Mall and which iconic Chicago foods deserve their very own food festival.  Good News: Rogers Park Taco Crawl We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 16 episode: Visit Bloomington Destination Madison Newberry Library Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

The Rev. Michael Pfleger, the St. Sabina parish leader for 45 years, has been removed from his position as the Archdiocese of Chicago investigates another accusation of sexual assault against him. We break down the latest reporting with contributors Brandon Pope and Anna DeShawn. Plus, WNBA All-Star Weekend returns to Chicago next week, and we've got cyclosporiasis updates.  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 15 episode: Visit Bloomington Destination Madison Newberry Library Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Another heat wave is hitting Chicago. Here's what to expect. Also on today's podcast, we talk to Onion executive editor Jordan LaFlure about the Chicago satire publication's new parody of Infowars. For years, Infowars spread all kinds of misinformation, most notably about the Sandy Hook School shooting that killed 20 children and six adults. Jones then lost a defamation suit, which led to his bankruptcy and, eventually, bidding on Infowars — which The Onion won.  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, July 14 episode: Visit Bloomington Destination Madison Newberry Library Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Chicago is seeing a rise in enforcement against immigrant street vendors. Over the last few months the Street Vendors Association of Chicago has been sounding the alarm on a rise in citations, arrests, and number of carts that have been confiscated by Chicago police officers and city workers. We break down the latest with contributors Leigh Giangreco and Jill Hopkins. Plus, the Shedd Aquarium is welcoming even more beluga whales to the lakefront, and we've got a fun way to keep track of everyone running for mayor.  Good News: Fire vs. Vancouver | Sky vs. Seattle Storm  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 13  episode: Visit Bloomington Destination Madison Newberry Library Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

What have we learned in the last week about the city's financial position, and what does that mean for the growing field of mayoral candidates? Alex Nitkin with the Illinois Answers Project is here with the past, present, and future of Chicago's fiscal health. Plus, contributor Yareni Murillo is sounding the alarm about an increase in ICE arrests in Chicago. And what happened to the city's tree-planting efforts?  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 10 episode: Visit Bloomington Chicago Public Library Lincoln Park Zoo DCASE Newberry Library Randolph Street Market Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Today we're talking about some new appointments coming out of the Johnson administration, including a new Public Health Commissioner and transit board members. We break down the nominations with executive producer Simone Alicea and contributor Yareni Murillo. Plus, where to watch “Love Island” in Chicago and our pitches for the next big Chicago-based TV series. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 9 episode: Visit Bloomington Chicago Public Library Lincoln Park Zoo DCASE Newberry Library Randolph Street Market Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE