Podcasts about chicago department

Biking advocate and Chicago Department of Transportation worker Riley O'Neil, 35, died on Friday, June 5, after he was hit with a car door and thrown into oncoming traffic. Since O'Neil's death, advocates are calling on the city to build more protected bike lanes to prevent fatal incidents like this one. In the Loop sits down with local organizers and cyclists — Charna Albert with Chicago, Bike Grid Now!, Kyle Lucas with Better Streets Chicago, and Jim Merrell with the Active Transportation Alliance — to discuss building safer streets in Chicago. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

June 3, 2026 City Club event description City Club video

Home prices in Chicago are rising at more than five times the national average, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's BUILD plan — aimed to streamline housing development — didn't pass during Springfield's spring legislative session. So what will it take to make housing more affordable and homeownership more attainable in Chicago? In the Loop checks in with Lissette Castañeda, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Housing. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Segment 1: Georgiaree Godfrey, director of public information for the Chicago Department of Aviation, tells John everything we should know about the upcoming Airport Small Business Summit + Job Fair. Segment 2: Scott Stein, Editor at Large, CNET, joins John to talk about Google’s newest health announcements including the new Fitbit Air. Segment 3: Michael Miller, […]

Social isolation can increase seniors' risk of developing dementia, stroke and heart disease. But Chicago advocates say the services, classes and resources that senior centers offer can act as preventative care. In the Loop check in with Yolanda Curry and Alicia Henry of the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services and senior Jeannine Sharpe. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

In 2025 Lily Colman took on the initiative to start her own publishing non-profit, FRAME/SEQUENCE, through fiscal sponsorship with CultureWorks of Philadelphia. FRAME/SEQUENCE is a quarterly print periodical spotlighting underrepresented and emerging photographers, writers, artists, and communities across Philadelphia and Greater Pennsylvania — connecting art, story, and place in a uniquely intimate and enduring form.FRAME/SEQUENCE's first edition, On Motherhood, captures motherhood's diverse and powerful experiences through art and storytelling. This collection highlights the complex realities of nurturing, sacrifice, mourning, and celebration, offering a platform to voices often unheard. This podcast is sponsored by the Charcoal Book Club - Begin Building your dream photobook library today at:https://charcoalbookclub.comhttps://www.frame-sequence.comhttps://www.lilycolman.comhttps://hmcooper.com/home.htmlhttps://www.keavyhandleybyrne.comKeavy Handley-Byrne is a photographic artist, writer, and educator. Their work has been exhibited across the United States and included in numerous publications. Their photographic practice focuses on themes of queer identity, grief, and the intersections therein. They are based in New York City and work across the tri-state area. Helen Maurene Cooper, is an artist and educator living in Philadelphia, PA. She earned a MFA from School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a BA from Bard College.Selected exhibitions include; Onomatopee(Eindhoven, Netherlands), Clare Morris Gallery ( Ireland), Soap Factory (Minneapolis), Space Mountain (Miami), and Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation (Chicago). Awards and Fellowships include; the Cultural Council of Eindhoven, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, and University of Chicago.Her 2017 monograph, Paint & Polish: Visual Economy and Visual Culture from the West Side (Onomatopee, Eindhoven Netherlands). Paint & Polish was reviewed in Bust.com, New City, Nails Magazine and the Creators Vice Magazine. Artists' talks have been given at PS1, The Fashion Institute of Technology, Kansas City Art Institute, Elmhurst Art Museum, The Arts Incubator at University of Chicago and Oxbow School of Painting. In 2021, Cooper founded Vanity Tintype, a commercial tintype studio in Philadelphia, through which she has done cultural commissions from The African American Museum of Philadelphia and Monument lab.Lily Madeleine Colman is a film-based photographer and educator from Philadelphia, PA. She makes work about womanhood, inheritance, and specifically how certain items and feelings are passed down between generations of women.Lily was featured in the 2021 International Juried Exhibition at The Center for Contemporary Art in Bedminster, NJ, where she was awarded First Prize and a Solo Exhibition. Her solo exhibition, The Knots on the Underside of the Carpet, ran from April 22 - June 4, 2022, at the CCA.Lily graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with her MFA in 2020, as well as a Certificate in Collegiate Teaching in Art and Design. She has always loved photography, education, and photo books, and wanted to make them accessible to everyone.In 2025 Lily took on the initiative to start her own publishing non-profit, FRAME/SEQUENCE, through fiscal sponsorship with CultureWorks of Philadelphia. FRAME/SEQUENCE is a quarterly print periodical spotlighting underrepresented and emerging photographers, writers, artists, and communities across Philadelphia and Greater Pennsylvania — connecting art, story, and place in a uniquely intimate and enduring form.Lily also currently works as an adjunct photography professor at Mercer County Community College, Rowan University, and Rowan College at Burlington County. She has also taught at The College of New Jersey, and Union County Community College, all located in New Jersey.

February 5, 2026 City Club event description: Michael McMurray serves as Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), one of the world's largest aviation systems, serving more than 100 million passengers per year. Appointed by Mayor Brandon Johnson in 2025, Commissioner McMurray brings more than 25 years of experience, with a with a career-long […]

It's that time of year again: coughs, sniffles and a whole lot of people feeling achy and run down. Chicago is among several US cities experiencing a surge in influenza cases, and a new strain of influenza called subclade K or “super K” is partly to blame. On today's In the Loop, we talk with experts about how to protect yourself and your family from the flu. Our panel today: Dr. Brian Borah, medical director for the Vaccine Preventable Disease Surveillance Program at the Chicago Department of Public Health; and Dr. Nicholas Cozzi, emergency physician at Rush. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Our guest is Mary Foyder, a designer working on trauma-responsive and healing-centered projects, including Braver Collective, an online healing community for survivors of sexual trauma.In this episode, Mary speaks with host Christian Solorzano about her journey from Western Michigan University's professional pilot program to discovering graphic design, and how she developed her collaborative, human-centered approach to design. She shares insights about co-designing platforms with the communities they serve—particularly young people navigating sexual health, reproductive justice, and bodily autonomy.Mary discusses her evolution as a designer, from her early curiosity about why design decisions get made to developing trauma-informed practices that center survivor voices. She talks about what it means to design healing-centered platforms, including her five-year collaboration building Braver Collective alongside survivors who co-designed every aspect of the organization.The conversation explores the complexities of doing social impact work in politically volatile times—navigating the financial precarity of values-driven practice and the challenges of running an independent design practice. Mary opens up about projects like Bedsider for Power to Decide and the CHAT Program for the Chicago Department of Public Health, and discusses finding ways to sustain meaningful work while raising a family in Chicago.She shares candid perspectives on co-design as genuine partnership rather than extraction, and why designers working with vulnerable communities must understand how trauma shapes human experience and behavior.Music by the band Eighties Slang.

The Chicago Department of Aviation is inviting travelers to share stories, photos and video of O'Hare memories over the past 70 years as part of the new "O'Hare Moments" campaign.

The Chicago Department of Aviation is inviting travelers to share stories, photos and video of O'Hare memories over the past 70 years as part of the new "O'Hare Moments" campaign.

The Chicago Department of Aviation is inviting travelers to share stories, photos and video of O'Hare memories over the past 70 years as part of the new "O'Hare Moments" campaign.

The station will close starting Monday, January 5, 2026 for demolition and the start of major construction activities for the new, fully accessible rail hub, according to the Chicago Department of Transportation.

The station will close starting Monday, January 5, 2026 for demolition and the start of major construction activities for the new, fully accessible rail hub, according to the Chicago Department of Transportation.

The station will close starting Monday, January 5, 2026 for demolition and the start of major construction activities for the new, fully accessible rail hub, according to the Chicago Department of Transportation.

If you think New York and LA are the country's only fashion hubs, think again. Local designers like Ron Louis have been repping Chicago on the street and on the runway. Louis sits down with host Jacoby Cochran to talk about the hallmarks of Chicago's style, how he came to fashion, and some of the designers and shops he loves in the city. Good News: Frankie Knuckles Festival & Supply Locale Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 If you enjoyed today's interview with Neal Heitz, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Program Director of Event Production, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 13 episode:  The Newberry Paramount Theatre Babbel – Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Earlier this year, Anna Lee Ackerman attempted the CTA ‘L' Challenge, documenting her entire journey on TikTok. The goal is to ride every CTA train line and hit every ‘L' stop as fast as possible. Host Jacoby Cochran sat down with Anna as she was planning her trip to ask why it's worth doing, and to get her definitive (and possibly spicy) ranking of the city's train lines. Good News: Asian American Jazz Festival Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago If you enjoyed today's interview with Neal Heitz, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Program Director of Event Production, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 6 the episode:  The Newberry Chicago Loop Alliance Deborah's Place Chicago Board of Election Commissioners  Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Eric Sanders is the department's general manager of airport operations. The CHICAGO TRIBUNE reports an indictment says snow removal companies owned by Sanders' father and his girlfriend's son were subcontracted for work for years at O'Hare Airport and Sanders secretly received more than 260-thousand-dollars from the companies and avoided paying taxes.

Eric Sanders is the department's general manager of airport operations. The CHICAGO TRIBUNE reports an indictment says snow removal companies owned by Sanders' father and his girlfriend's son were subcontracted for work for years at O'Hare Airport and Sanders secretly received more than 260-thousand-dollars from the companies and avoided paying taxes.

Eric Sanders is the department's general manager of airport operations. The CHICAGO TRIBUNE reports an indictment says snow removal companies owned by Sanders' father and his girlfriend's son were subcontracted for work for years at O'Hare Airport and Sanders secretly received more than 260-thousand-dollars from the companies and avoided paying taxes.

Xochitl Rodriguez, Chicago Department of Aviation ADA Coordinator joins Lisa Dent on the show to talk about how the city now offers maps, guides to prepare neurodivergent travelers for sensory overload at airports. Learn more at flychicago.com.

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports a Chicago alderman criticized the Chicago Department of Transportation over the timing of bridge construction projects in his ward.

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports a Chicago alderman criticized the Chicago Department of Transportation over the timing of bridge construction projects in his ward.

WBBM political editor Geoff Buchholz reports a Chicago alderman criticized the Chicago Department of Transportation over the timing of bridge construction projects in his ward.

September 30, 2025 City Club event description City Club video

The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) unveiled new sensory maps, instructional videos and other resources at O'Hare and Midway International Airports. They are designed to help neurodivergent travelers feel more comfortable in the airports and prepare for flights.

The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) unveiled new sensory maps, instructional videos and other resources at O'Hare and Midway International Airports. They are designed to help neurodivergent travelers feel more comfortable in the airports and prepare for flights.

The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) unveiled new sensory maps, instructional videos and other resources at O'Hare and Midway International Airports. They are designed to help neurodivergent travelers feel more comfortable in the airports and prepare for flights.

Chicagoans are living longer — at least nearly as long as they did pre-pandemic, according to new data from the Chicago Department of Public Health. Meanwhile, the life expectancy gap between Black and non-Black Chicagoans is narrowing, but according to CDPH, there's still a long way to go. In the Loop finds out more about how far the city has come in improving the health and longevity of residents and what challenges may lie ahead. We check in with Ayesha Jaco, executive director of West Side United; The Rev. Marshall Hatch, senior pastor, New Mount Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church; and Dr. David Ansell, professor of medicine at Rush University Medical Center and author of The Death Gap: How Inequality Kills. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

In this episode of the Fran Spielman Show, Fran interviews Michael McMurray, the Commissioner overseeing O'Hare and Midway Airports. They discuss the recent groundbreaking of the $730 million Concourse D project at O'Hare, McMurray's background, and the future plans for the airports. McMurray shares his vision for O'Hare's expansion, addressing financial concerns, tariffs, and the importance of innovation and amenities to enhance the passenger experience. Additionally, they touch on topics such as the potential for slot machines at the airports, the American Airlines lawsuit, and prospects for a high-speed train from downtown to O'Hare.

June 25, 2025 Ciere Boatright, Commissioner, Chicago Department of Planning & Development, in conversation with Dan Gibbons, CEO, City Club Chicago City Club event description: Ciere Boatright, Commissioner, Chicago Department of Planning & Development, in conversation with Dan Gibbons, CEO, City Club Chicago Ciere Boatright was appointed commissioner of the Chicago Department of Planning and […]

What if instead of treating illness we also confronted the reasons Americans get sick in the first place? That's the origin of this podcast and also the 4 billion dollar question Dr. Bechara Choucair is tackling at Kaiser Permanente. Bechara, who is KP's Chief Community Health Officer, joins Claudia to talk about the organization's focus on climate change and health, workforce pipelines and addressing broader social needs.We discuss:The surprising fact that two-thirds of KP's members (who are mostly covered by employer insurance) have at least one unmet social needThe common sense moves the Common Health Coalition is taking to build bridges between healthcare and public healthWhat KP is doing to tackle a big problem limiting the mental health workforce: only 57% of masters trained therapist get licensedWhat it took for KP to achieve carbon neutralityBechara reminds us that bridge-building is a crucial part of this community health work:“We need more and more bridges between public health and healthcare... [They have] operated as two separate disciplines operating in their own silos... [When] there is a public health emergency we build more bridges, we strengthen those bridges that already exist. And then when that public health emergency subsides, we all retreat into our own disciplines and we continue that siloed journey.”Relevant LinksRead about the NAM initiative on climate change and healthExplore why the US needs more community health workers from this articleLearn more about the Common Health CoalitionDive into details on KP's sustainability journeyAbout Our GuestDr. Bechara Choucair, MD, is executive vice president and chief community health officer for Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. and Hospitals — known as Kaiser Permanente, one of America's leading integrated health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Dr. Choucair oversees the organization's national community health efforts and philanthropic giving activities aimed at improving the health of its 12.2 million members and the 68 million people within the communities it serves.Previously, Dr. Choucair served as senior vice president, Safety Net and Community Health, at Trinity Health, and was the commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health.Dr. Choucair, a family physician by training, completed his Family Practice Residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He holds an MD from the American University of Beirut and a master's degree in health care management from the University of Texas at Dallas.SourceConnect With UsFor more information on The Other 80 please visit our website - www.theother80.com. To connect with our team, please email claudia@theother80.com and follow us on twitter

May 19, 2025 Commissioner Lissette Castañeda, Chicago Department of Housing City Club event description: Lissette Castañeda comes to the role of DOH commissioner with two decades of experience in affordable housing development, housing services, and organizational leadership. Castañeda is tasked with streamlining the affordable housing development process as per Mayor Brandon Johnson's recent executive order […]

Susan Cappello, Acting Executive Director at the City of Chicago Department of Animal Care and Control, joins John Landecker to discuss the new free 24-hour pet microchip scanning station in Pilsen. For more information, visit chicago.gov/city/en/depts/.

WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore sits down with Ivan Capifali, the Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection, to discuss the tariffs by the Trump Administration, how it will affect local businesses & more.

Crain's residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin joins host Amy Guth to talk news from the local market, including how the number of Chicago-area homes under contract jumped in November.Plus: Albertsons sues Kroger for breach of contract in failed deal after Jewel-Mariano's parent merger blocked by judge, Chicago Department of Aviation inks big office lease near O'Hare, The Onion's bid for Alex Jones' Infowars rejected by judge and state leaders tell Bears and Sox to look elsewhere as tough budget year looms.

For us, a Thanksgiving table isn't complete without a pie. Luckily, Chicago has no shortage of pie shops and bakeries, so the team is doing a little taste test. Honeypie Bakeshop in Edgewater  First Slice Pie in Andersonville Bang Bang Pie in Logan Square Spinning J Bakery and Soda Fountain in Humboldt Park  Pie, Pie My Darling in Humboldt Park Hoosier Mama Pie in West Town  Give Me Some Sugah in South Shore  Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab in River North  Give Me Some Sugar in Roscoe Village  Justice of The Pies in Avalon Park Classic Cobbler in Bronzeville Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 27 episode: The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection  Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

A forecasted snowstorm during the busiest travel season of the year — what could possibly go wrong? Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea explain what you need to know heading into Thanksgiving. They've also got updates on the trial of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan and the overturned conviction of Jussie Smollett.  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 26 episode: The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection  Become a member of City Cast Chicago.

It's the season for giving back, and mutual aid is a term that has become more prevalent over the past few years. Host Jacoby Cochran is talking with Maira Khwaja, a writer, reporter, and co-founder of Market Box Chicago. They explain the basics of mutual aid, where to find networks in Chicago, and why it can make you feel more connected to your community. Groups mentioned: Chicago Community Jail Support Edgewater Mutual Aid Rogers Park Free Store The People's Grab-N-Go Pilsen Solidarity Network Farm, Food, Familias Femme Defensa Lists from Borderless and Block Club Chicago Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 25 episode: The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection  Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Earlier this week, the Chicago Board of Elections finished counting ballots, and out of 77 Cook County judges seeking retention, Shannon O'Malley became the third judge in the past four elections to lose retention. Injustice Watch's Kelly Garcia and the Tribune's Jake Sheridan tell us what this result means for election participation and the growing chasm between city and suburban voters. Plus, we discuss city budget negotiations, CPD's sluggish reform progress, and play a round of "Is It Decent, Decent or Decent." Good News: The 12th annual Grabadolandia Print Fair Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 If you enjoyed today's interview with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Events Program Director Event Productions, Neal Heitz, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 22 episode: The Second City Orthodontic Experts Court Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Aldi abruptly closed its West Pullman store last week, leaving yet another Chicago neighborhood without easy access to fresh food. The move leaves us wondering (once again) if big grocery chains are Chicago's only option. So we're revisiting a conversation from the spring with Matthew Ruffi, board president of Chicago Market and senior program director for Link Up Illinois. He tells host Jacoby Cochran about some grocery alternatives and why food access is a growing concern in Chicago. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 If you enjoyed today's interview with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Events Program Director Event Productions, Neal Heitz, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Nov. 18 episode: Mubi The Second City Orthodontic Experts Court Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Typically, freelance musicians don't have the benefits many 9-to-5 jobs offer, like retirement accounts or health benefits. But a new group called Golden Egg, in partnership with the Experimental Sound Studio, is trying to change that through a matching grant program funded through the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. It will select 16 artists to receive a share of $50,000 to put into a retirement fund. Reset learns more about the goals of the effort with Golden Egg's project manager Deidre Huckabay and steering committee member Adrian Ruiz. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The “Starbucks effect” is when property and home values rise after the second-largest restaurant chain in the world opens a new location. As Little Village prepares for a new Starbucks by the end of the week, residents and community activists are voicing their concerns. Chicago Tribune reporter Laura Rodriguez Presa tells host Jacoby Cochran how it could impact the city's largest and most recognizable Mexican immigrant community. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 If you enjoyed today's interview with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Events Performing Arts Programmer, Carlos Cuauhtemoc Tortolero, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 18 episode: Paramount Theatre Steppenwolf Theatre Chicago Cares Navy Pier Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

In August, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced a 2025 budget gap of $985 million dollars. He said Chicago would have to make sacrifices and find creative solutions. He left no options off the table including property tax hikes. This week the Johnson administration implemented a hiring freeze. WTTW's Heather Cherone and Sun-Times' Mariah Rush help us understand why the budget hole is so large and what potential solutions are available. Plus, we are discussing an environmental ruling against Trump Tower, a record $50 million police misconduct decision, and ongoing concerns with Save A Lot store operator Yellow Banana. Good News: Brookfield Zoo Helping Preserve Endangered Bird & Englewood Music Festival.  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 If you enjoyed today's interview with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Events Performing Arts Programmer, Carlos Cuauhtemoc Tortolero, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 13 episode: Chicago Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Chicago Association of Realtors Wastenot – use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Aligner Experts Chicago Board of Election Commissioners Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

September just started, and pumpkin spice is already making a comeback. Last fall, we learned that Illinois is the country's largest producer of pumpkins and home to the canned pumpkin brand that made pumpkin pie a household staple. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea reviewed some pumpkin spice offerings and learned some pumpkin facts. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 If you enjoyed today's interview with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Events Program Director Event Productions, Neal Heitz, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 4 episode: Chicago Board of Election Commissioners Navy Pier Babbel Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

In the lead-up to last week's Democratic National Convention, Chicagoans were told time and time again that neighborhood restaurants would see a boost during the week. City Cast contributor Leigh Giangreco tells host Jacoby Cochran if the convention impacted local restaurants as promised.  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 If you enjoyed today's interview with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Events Program Director Event Productions, Neal Heitz, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 28 episode: Chicago Association of Realtors Wastenot — use code citycastcompost to test the service with a free month. Taste of Polonia Art City — use code 5off to save on your next visit. Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Chicago's Food Truck Festival is ongoing all summer at Daley Plaza — you can catch the next one Friday. But despite this annual summer fest, Chicago's food truck culture is severely lacking. Eater Chicago editor Ashok Selvam tells host Jacoby Cochran about why food trucks are so rare here and which ones you should check out if you can find them. If you enjoyed today's interview with Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Events Program Director of Performing Arts, Mariam Thiam, learn more here. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this June 26 episode: Ravinia Festival Babbel Chicago Association of Realtors Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

While Chicagoans enjoy thousands of summer options every year, have you ever stopped and wondered just how much goes into making these block, neighborhood, and citywide festivals work? City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran sits down with Neal Heitz, director of event production for the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, to get a behind-the-scenes look into the business of summertime Chi. We'll be talking summer fests all this week, sponsored by Revolution Brewing. Fests mentioned: Taste of Randolph: June 14-15 in West Loop Maxwell Street Market: Dates vary Bud Billiken Parade: Aug. 10 in Bronzeville Air and Water Show: Aug. 10-11 in Lincoln Park Northalsted Market Days: Aug. 10-11  Good News: Metal Gear at Schubas Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsor of this June 11 episode: Revolution Brewing Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Last Thursday, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced that the Roseland Mental Health Clinic will reopen after 35 years. The city will also add mental health services to a Chicago Department of Public Health clinic in Pilsen in August and inside the Legler Regional Library in West Garfield Park. The City Cast Chicago team breaks down how this announcement delivers on the mayor's campaign promises and some of the major challenges ahead. Plus we discuss a new initiative to increase remote work downtown and the Chicago Reader's return to weekly publishing.   Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about our sponsors: “Black Sunday” at TimeLine Theatre DCASE celebrates Millennium Park's 20th anniversary Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Earlier this week, City Council voted 34-14 on an ordinance aimed at keeping ShotSpotter, an attempt to reverse Mayor Brandon Johnson's decision to end the city's use of the highly controversial gunshot detection system in November. WTTW's Brandis Friedman and freelance writer Reema Saleh tell Jacoby Cochran about the latest news, including why Illinois wants you to eat this invasive species, updates on cicadas, and how a group of West Siders are launching community gardens throughout their neighborhoods.  Good News: Chicago Sky Home Opener 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 Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about our sponsors: Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection TimeLine Theatre Company Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices