Podcasts about chicago department

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

Program Staff Amy Valdez Barker and Adam Mixon speak with Dr. Olusimbo Ige (Commissioner, Chicago Department of Public Health) about compassion as her "why", building trust across differences, and how she sees her public health work as ministry. This conversation is part of our ongoing series “When Politics Is Upstream of Faith”. You can listen to the Healthy Chicago Podcast in English and Spanish on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.

Roy McGrath is a Chicago based tenor saxophonist and multi-woodwind instrumentalist, composer and bandleader. Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico and educated in Boston, New Orleans and Chicago, Roy brings to bear these diverse influences in his playing and composing. In addition to leading and recording his own ensembles, he is a member of several others as an in-demand player, recording artist, and producer. He has led four international tours to Mexico, Singapore, Myanmar, South Korea and China. As a composer and arranger, Roy is firmly in the jazz tradition, but his Caribbean heritage is an ever-present mind set, leading to wholly original works that are a true expression of who he is.  Menjunje features folkloric rhythms of Puerto Rico such as Bomba (Sica, Yuba, Cuembe), Plena, Seis Araucano, as well as Cuban Guaguanco, Bolero, Chachacha, and Son. For this particular project he flew in musicians from Puerto Rico: Drummer Efrain Martinez (Viento de Agua, Cultura Profetica, La PVC, and many more) and Eduardo Zayas (Charlie Sepulveda,  Mahya Veray, Bobby Valentin). As well as musicians from the Chicago area, Constantine Alexander on trumpet, Kitt Lyles on Bass, Javier Quintana-Ocasio and Victor “Junito” Gonzalez on Percussion, and Jose Carrasquillo on Cuatro. This project is a product of working in conjunction with the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center, the Puerto Rico Arts Alliance, the Walder Foundation, and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events of Chicago.  In 2022 Menjunje played festivals around Chicago and surrounding areas: Chicago Jazz Festival, Chicago Latin Jazz Festival, Glenwood Arts Festival, CU Jazz Festival, Mayfest, Mole de Mayo Festival. Also in 2022 Roy plays on supporting the release of Giovany Revelle's self-titled album, which Roy co-produced, wrote horn arrangements, string arrangements, and coached the rhythm section. In 2017 Roy released his Latin Grammy nominated prior album, “Remembranzas”, a new batch of original compositions that incorporate folkloric Bomba rhythms and other Puerto Rican elements in a jazz framework. Originally, in 2015 the project was called the Julia al Son de Jazz project and was commissioned by Chicago's Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center, where he worked as director of the youth Afro-Caribbean Jazz Ensemble for five years. The project used the writings of revered Puerto Rican poet Julia de Burgos as a springboard for new compositions that included spoken word recitations of her poetry. Its debut was followed by successive performances throughout Chicago including three dates for the Chicago Park District's Night Out in the Parks summer concert series in 2016.  In 2017 Roy also led two special big band tribute projects: one honoring legendary Puerto Rican composer Rafael Hernández, with his son, Chali Hernandez singing, and a local All-Stars tribute to Dizzy Gillespie's United Nations Orchestra that played the Chicago Latin Jazz Fest. Roy sang in school choirs before picking up the saxophone at age 16. After attending the Berklee College of Music Summer Workshop, he earned a full scholarship to attend Berklee's five-week Summer Performance Program. Back in Puerto Rico, he honed his improvisational skills performing with jazz pianist and Beach Boys alumnus Carli Muñoz. Upon high school graduation, Roy was awarded a scholarship to Loyola University in New Orleans, where he studied under Tony Dagradi (saxophonist for Astral Project) and composer/arranger John Mahoney. He graduated in 2009 with BM in Jazz Performance. After graduation, Roy extended his time in New Orleans, performing in clubs, concert halls and the streets with a variety of musicians. He made three appearances at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and one appearance at the New Orleans French Quarter Fest. The next stop on his musical journey was Northwestern University in Chicago, where he graduated with a master's degree in Music, studying under Victor Goines, saxophonist for Jazz at Lincoln Center and Director of Jazz Studies at Northwestern University. Graduating in 2014, McGrath decided to put down roots in Chicago because of both its historic role in the development of jazz and the presence of a large and vibrant Jazz & Latin music community in which he could continue to pursue his vision. He returned to Northwestern's Pick-Staiger Concert Hall in 2016 to perform with Victor Goines and Branford Marsalis in Goines' orchestral composition the “Crescent City Suite”. Roy released his debut CD as a leader, Martha, in 2014 with a quartet formed of fellow Northwestern grads Gustavo Cortiñas, Kitt Lyles and Joaquin Garcia, all bandleaders in their own right, and returned the favor by joining their ensembles: Snapshot (Cortiñas), Real Talk Collective (Lyles) and Rhythm Convergence (Garcia). The Roy McGrath Quartet was featured in the Jazz Institute of Chicago's NextGEN concert series in 2015. Later that year, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) awarded McGrath a grant to take the quartet on a month-long tour of Mexico. Also in 2015, The Roy McGrath Latin Jazz Quintet performed at the Chicago Latin Jazz Festival. 2016 also saw McGrath joining alto saxophonist Miguel Zenón and traditional music ensemble Bomba con Buya for Folclórico: An Exploration of Jazz and Afro-Puerto Rican Music at the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center. As an educator Roy has taught masterclasses on improvisation at Dulwich College International in Shanghai, Suzhou, and Beijing, on four different touring occasions. Roy has taught in his home of Puerto Rico at the Universidad del Turabo and in Mexico City as well.

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 

Have you ever asked yourself what routine auto repairs can teach us about how we think of our investment in public health? Listen in on our latest Contagious Conversations podcast as host Claire Stinson uncovers the answers and details how quick action quashed a recent outbreak of an illness long considered to be eliminated in the United States. In this episode, “The Costs of Getting Sick,” we explore the overlap between public health and the health of our economy with guests Dr. Dan Filardo of CDC, Dr. Michael Osterholm of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy and Dr. Alexander Sloboda of the Chicago Department of Public Health. Join us!   Episode Quotes “Obviously, the rash, the fever, cough, red, itchy eyes, runny nose are the symptoms commonly you get with measles, but it can also be very dangerous, and it can be deadly sometimes.” — Dr. Alexander Sloboda, Medical Director of Immunization and Emergency Preparedness Programs, Chicago Department of Public Health “Because this case was in a large congregate setting, we were really in communication with Chicago right off the bat, anticipating that there might be an outbreak.” — Dr. Dan Filardo, a medical officer with CDC's measles team “You have outbreaks in schools with these vaccine-preventable diseases, you interrupt education substantially. Now, what's the cost of that? What does that mean? What happens when kids fall behind? What happens when the teachers can't teach? And, unfortunately, we don't have a lot of these things qualified or quantified in terms of what they really mean, economically.” — Dr. Michael Osterholm, author and director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy   Thanks to Our Guests Dr. Dan Filardo, a medical officer with the measles team at CDC Dr. Alexander Sloboda of the Chicago Department of Public Health Dr. Michael Osterholm, author and director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy   For more information and full episode transcripts, go to Contagious Conversations.

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

Host - Jon HansenReporter - Mack LiedermanA group of alderpeople want the state to pump the brakes on plans to redesign DuSable Lake Shore Drive and instead find ways to prioritize public transit on the city's most famous road.Fourteen alderpeople have signed a letter to Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Omer Osman and Chicago Department of Transportation President Tom Carney, asking the state to “halt” its Redefine the Drive project, which calls for redesigning and rebuilding DuSable Lake Shore Drive from Grand to Hollywood avenues on the North Side.Read More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we areBlock Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. We believe all neighborhoods deserve to be covered in a meaningful way.We amplify positive stories, cover development and local school council meetings and serve as watchdogs in neighborhoods often ostracized by traditional news media.Ground-level coverageOur neighborhood-based reporters don't parachute in once to cover a story. They are in the neighborhoods they cover every day building relationships over time with neighbors. We believe this ground-level approach not only builds community but leads to a more accurate portrayal of a neighborhood.Stories that matter to you — every daySince our launch five years ago, we've published more than 25,000 stories from the neighborhoods, covered hundreds of community meetings and send daily and neighborhood newsletters to more than 130,000 Chicagoans. We've built this loyalty by proving to folks we are not only covering their neighborhoods, we are a part of them. Some of us have internalized the national media's narrative of a broken Chicago. We aim to change that by celebrating our neighborhoods and chronicling the resilience of the people who fight every day to make Chicago a better place for all.

In this episode of "Inspired Nonprofit Leadership," host Sarah Olivieri is joined by data expert Rachel Sacks, to discuss the powerful role of qualitative data in nonprofit operations. From innovative methods like PhotoVoice to practical implementation strategies, this episode is a must-listen for those aiming to make data-driven decisions and enhance the effectiveness of their programs. Dive in and learn how to harness the power of qualitative data to bring your nonprofit's mission to the next level. My guest for this episode is Rachel Sacks. Rachel Sacks, MPH, President of Leading Healthy Futures, has more than 15 years of experience in the public health and nonprofit sector. She supports health and human services nonprofits by helping them to conceptualize, define, and actualize new ideas for grant opportunities; identify and meet community needs; and gain greater strategic clarity through effective and engaging facilitations. She has extensive experience working with community health centers, local public health departments, and other health nonprofits on mixed-methods needs assessments, planning projects, and grants to help understand barriers to care and improve access across diverse communities. Rachel's prior experience includes time at the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Chicago Department of Public Health, and the Center for Jewish Genetics. She graduated Cum Laude from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Science in Human Culture, and holds a Master of Public Health in Community Health Sciences from UIC. Here's what to expect during the episode: Best practices for qualitative data collection Importance of mixed methods assessments Examples of qualitative methods: Interviews, Focus Groups, Town Halls, and more Innovative qualitative methods: PhotoVoice, Walking & Windshield Surveys Practical tips for incorporating qualitative data regularly Budget considerations for qualitative research Strategic planning and the role of qualitative data Connect with Rachel! https://leadinghealthyfutures.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-sacks-mph/ Sponsored Resource Join the PivotGround newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn. Connect with Sarah: On LinkedIn>> On Facebook>> Subscribe on YouTube>>    

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

While National Mental Health Awareness Month is coming to an end, the Chicago Department of Public Health will be continuing its Healing Arts programming, which combines art and wellness. One program is the Audio Pharmacology Sound Spa, and it happens Mondays at the Englewood Mental Health Clinic. Creator Shannon Harris talks with host Jacoby Cochran about what audio pharmacology is, how the spa works, and why it's worth giving a try. 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

The days are getting warmer, making this the perfect time to get yourself something sweet and cold. Host Jacoby Cochran and the City Cast Chicago team pull up to Mario's Italian Lemonade in Little Italy to try the iconic frozen dessert. From ice cream to snow cones, they discuss the best (and most overrated) frozen treats in Chicago. Spots mentioned: Fannie May Lickity Split Shawn Michlle's Homemade Ice Cream Richard's Super Premium Ice Cream Two Shades Cafe Amorino The Original Rainbow Cone JoJo's Shake Bar Margie's Candies Jeni's Ice Creams Kilwins Baba's Famous Steak and Lemonade 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 Chicago 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

It's the last week of the spring session for Illinois lawmakers. Hundreds of bills have already passed but there are some big things still on the agenda including the state budget, CPS funding, and a potential transit merger. Executive producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran break down the critical bills making their way through Springfield. Plus, we look at results from our Hey Chicago weekly news quiz and we want to see your cicada pictures. Good News: Dim Sum & Drag 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 Chicago 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

For the first time in nearly two centuries, Illinois is home to federally recognized tribal land. The Prairie Band Potawatomi signed paperwork in April allowing the Department of Interior to place 130 acres in west suburban DeKalb County into a trust, giving the tribe sovereignty over the land. Host Jacoby Cochran talks with Prairie Band Chairperson Joseph Rupnick about the generations-long fight to return to the land and what this means for the Potawatomi and for Illinois. Good news: Mole de Mayo 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

Jim Zay, Chairman of the DuPage Water Commission, joins Lisa Dent to explain why they decided to purchase the former Green Acres Golf Club in Northbrook and what that purchase means for the future of DuPage County’s water supply agreement with the Chicago Department of Water Management. Follow The Lisa Dent Show on Twitter:Follow @LisaDentSpeaksFollow […]

Dr. Olusimbo Ige, Commissioner for the Chicago Department of Public Health, joins Lisa Dent to talk about the rise in cases of meningococcal disease in the city, what symptoms to look for, and what you can do to protect yourself. CDPH has identified eight cases of meningococcal disease so far this year. Follow The Lisa […]

House Warming Podcast, Episode 022: Human Composting: A Cleaner, Greener End with Iyana Simba of the Illinois Environmental Council. In this episode, Sarah talks with Iyana Simba about the Chicago Department of Environment (spoiler: it is up and running)!Iyana currently serves as the City Programs  Director at the Illinois Environmental Council where she oversees advocacy, coalition building, aldermanic relationships and organizing related to environmental issues before the City of Chicago. Previously, she has served several roles at IEC including Clean Water Policy Director, Clean Water Advocate and Intern. In her most recent role as Clean Water Policy Director, she oversaw policy development, coalition building and advocacy related to water issues in Illinois. Iyana's work continues to ensure water among other environmental issues are salient to both the public and decision makers.Prior to working at IEC, she attended the University of Illinois at Chicago and graduated with honors with a degree in Public Policy and a Sustainable Cities minor.  Outside of her work, Iyana enjoys engaging in local politics, painting, hiking and traveling. She is also a member of the Environmentalists of Color Network and the Chicago Urban League's Metropolitan Board.Support the Show.

A City Council committee revved up discussions Wednesday over dropping Chicago's default speed limit from 30 to 25 mph.Transit experts and leaders with the Chicago Department of Transportation testified at a Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety hearing Wednesday that lowering speed limits could save lives and better deter fast and furious driving. Host - Jon HansenReporter - Mack LiedermanRead More HereCorrection - Mack Liederman mentioned there were 100,000 signs that would need to be changed in Chicago, there are 10,000.  Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we areBlock Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. We believe all neighborhoods deserve to be covered in a meaningful way.We amplify positive stories, cover development and local school council meetings and serve as watchdogs in neighborhoods often ostracized by traditional news media.Ground-level coverageOur neighborhood-based reporters don't parachute in once to cover a story. They are in the neighborhoods they cover every day building relationships over time with neighbors. We believe this ground-level approach not only builds community but leads to a more accurate portrayal of a neighborhood.Stories that matter to you — every daySince our launch five years ago, we've published more than 25,000 stories from the neighborhoods, covered hundreds of community meetings and send daily and neighborhood newsletters to more than 130,000 Chicagoans. We've built this loyalty by proving to folks we are not only covering their neighborhoods, we are a part of them. Some of us have internalized the national media's narrative of a broken Chicago. We aim to change that by celebrating our neighborhoods and chronicling the resilience of the people who fight every day to make Chicago a better place for all.

Kathy Jo Robbins, One Health Treatment Program Administrator, Delaware Division of Public Health, explains her state's One Health approach and how EpiChats have helped educate audiences; Massimo Pacilli, Deputy Commissioner, Disease Control Bureau, Chicago Department of Public Health, and Dr. Raynard Washington, Director of the Mecklenburg County Public Health Department in Charlotte, NC, discuss their response to avian flu cases during an online news conference hosted by the Big Cities Health Coalition; Catherine Murphy, an ASTHO Government Affairs analyst, says the organization's latest appropriations book is timed to inform the congressional appropriations process; and there's still time to register to attend today's training session centered on risk and protective factors associated with adverse childhood experiences. ASTHO Public Health Review Podcast: One Health - The Shared Future of People, Animals, and the Planet Webpage: Delaware Division of Public Health ASTHO Blog Article: What to Expect from FY25 Appropriations  ASTHO Resource: FY25 Governmental Public Health Appropriations Book ASTHO Webinar: Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences - Virtual 101 Training

Admiral Rachel Levine, Assistant Secretary for Health at the United States Department of Health and Human Services, reflects on the policy factors that impact public health; Massimo Pacilli, Deputy Commissioner of the Disease Control Bureau with the Chicago Department of Public Health, tells us teams are working to immunize people staying in shelters around the city as a measles outbreak occurs in Chicago; Chrissie Juliano, Executive Director for the Big Cities Health Coalition, adds that the situation in Chicago is why public health needs flexible funding; and Dr. Kimberlee Wyche-Etheridge, ASTHO Senior Vice President of Health Equity and Diversity Initiatives, delves into how DEI supports effective public health leadership. HHS Webpage: Equitable Long-Term Recovery and Resilience Big Cities Health Coalition Webpage: Big city health leaders urge vaccination amid another measles outbreak Chicago Department of Public Health Webpage: Get the Facts – Measles ASTHO Blog Article: Breaking The Mold – How DEI Builds Successful Public Health Leaders ASTHO Webpage: Stay Informed  

Dr. Olusimbo Ige, Commissioner for the Chicago Department of Public Health, joins Lisa Dent to discuss what her office is doing to protect the public after a small number of tuberculosis cases were detected among migrants at city shelters and whether we should be concerned about a larger outbreak. Follow The Lisa Dent Show on […]

CHICAGO - Chicago health officials confirmed Wednesday that there is a 'small number' of tuberculosis (TB) cases among migrants in the city, and their medical teams are ramping up contact tracing. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) said the cases were reported in "a few different shelters" in the city; however, officials did not disclose the exact number of confirmed cases, or which shelter locations they originated from. "These outbreaks happen in close quarters, people who are living close to one another," said Dr. Aniruddha Hazra, associate professor of medicine, Infectious Diseases and Global Health at the University of Chicago. While Dr. Hazra says the situation is cause for concern, he tells FOX 32 Chicago the public has no reason to panic. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/darien-dunstan3/message

Dr. Olusimbo Ige, Commissioner for the Chicago Department of Public Health, joins Lisa Dent to discuss what her office is doing to limit the rise of measles cases with incoming migrants around the city and why being vaccinated is the best way to prevent the spread of measles. Follow The Lisa Dent Show on Twitter:Follow […]

In other news: 31 cases reported in city now, Chicago Department of Public Health says;  Study examines effects of removing police officers from schools;  Crown Point residents remember albino deer that had to euthanized; and much more. Photo Credit: Scott Heins/Getty Images

Dr. Sahera Dirajlal-Fargo, an infectious disease specialist at Lurie Children’s Hospital, joins Lisa Dent to talk about data released from the Chicago Department of Public Health which revealed cases of syphilis in newborns doubled in the city in just two years and why it’s important that individuals protect themselves from this curable sexually-transmitted disease. Follow […]

The Chicago Transit Authority and Chicago Department of Transportation released a plan in November that aims to create a more reliable bus service in the city. Reset learns more on what the plan includes from Jennifer Henry, CTA's director of strategic planning. We then heard from public transit advocates Kyle Lucas of Better Streets Chicago and Julia Gerasimenko of Active Transportation Alliance about what improvements they'd like to see to the CTA bus system.

Mayor Brandon Johnson lists reducing recidivism as part of his community safety plan. In that spirit, his office has launched a collaboration between the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services and community groups to fast track housing and jobs for people getting out of Cook County Jail and state prisons. Reset learns more about this collaboration and how it works. For more conversations about topics impacting Chicagoans, head over to wbez.org/reset.

As the city decides on the locations of proposed “winterized base camps” for newly-arrived migrants, communities continue to protest plans in their neighborhoods. One St. Louis organization is suggesting bringing asylum-seekers there. To break down the details, we are joined by freelance journalist Crystal Paul and Northwestern professor and author Arionne Nettles. We are also looking at Cook County jail's dropping population, the Chicago Department of Public Health's decreased budget, and the disappearance of public basketball courts.  Hyde Park HBCU Homecoming Tap Take-Over at Daisy's 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 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pediatrician Dr. Allison Arwady led the Chicago Department of Public Health through the COVID-19 pandemic. A Lightfoot appointee, Arwady's leadership has been scrutinized by progressives and ultimately led to her dismissal by Mayor Brandon Johnson. We spoke with Becky Vevea, Bureau Chief for Chalkbeat who has followed Arwady's career.

Friday afternoon, Mayor Brandon Johnson fired Dr. Allison Arwady after four years leading the Chicago Department of Public Health. Then Sunday, the mayor named counterterrorism bureau Chief Larry Snelling as the new police superintendent. Snelling has been with the department for 31 years and awaits confirmation from the City Council. These are two of Mayor Johnson's most critical decisions to date, and lead producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran have thoughts. We've also got more advice for new Chicagoans and discuss a recent study ranking “2023's most relaxed cities.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices