Podcasts about Chicago Park District

Show Notes: Liam T.A. Ford, also known as LTAF, shares his initial career plans after graduation. After writing for the Crimson at Harvard, he initially considered a career in academia, but pivoted to journalism. He discusses his first job at the Montgomery Advertiser, where he covered crime and interviewed notable figures including the man who headed the pulpit committee that hired Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for his pastorship in Montgomery. Liam recounts his transition to Chicago, where he became a reporter for the Chicago Tribune, covering notable events like Barack Obama's election to the U.S. Senate. Working for a Non-profit Organization Liam talks about his work at the Chicago Tribune, including helping to start the paper's breaking news desk and maintaining a database of shootings and homicides. He mentions taking a buyout from the Tribune in 2021 and, while he  continued his work in journalism, covering public/private partnerships, he also worked on a non-profit project called the Ignatian Mission Center, which he now does full-time. The non-profit aims to maintain the former food pantry that had been run by a local parish and eventually provide other social services, including a shelter for Spanish-speaking women who have left domestic violence situations. He still writes and edits on a freelance basis.   Crime and the Criminal Justice System Liam reflects on his time as a crime reporter at the Montgomery Advertiser and the lessons he learned about crime and the criminal justice system. He emphasizes the importance of humanizing crime victims and making readers understand the impact of each death. Liam recounts a significant experience where he had to inform a victim's family about the details of their loved one's death, highlighting the challenges in the criminal justice system. He discusses the role of crime reporters in centering victims and the importance of transparency in reporting. Covering the 2004 Senate Race Liam shares his experiences as a political reporter, including covering the 2004 Senate race in Illinois where Barack Obama won the Democratic nomination. He recounts the story of Jack Ryan's divorce records being unsealed, which led to his withdrawal from the race. Liam discusses his interactions with Barack Obama during his coverage and other significant political stories he covered. He reflects on the importance of transparency in political reporting and the impact of his work on local government and community issues. The Importance of Local Government and News Reporting Liam talks about his early career at the Tribune covering local government bodies like the Chicago Housing Authority and the Chicago Park District. He shares a story about investigating teen programming in Chicago parks, which revealed disparities in resources between affluent and less affluent neighborhoods. Liam discusses the impact of his reporting on improving teen programming and the creation of programs like After School Matters. He reflects on the importance of local government reporting in bringing wrongdoing to light and improving community services. The Creation of the Ignatian Mission Center Liam explains the process of creating the Ignatian Mission Center and the challenges of maintaining the food pantry after the parish closed. He discusses the support from Loyola University and other organizations in providing social services and resources for the community. Liam shares the progress of the non-profit, including securing a planning grant and architectural plans for the former parish property. He reflects on the personal and professional challenges of working full-time on the non-profit project and the impact it has had on the community. Harvard Reflections Liam credits the course Government 1061 with Michael Sandel and Harvey Mansfield for teaching him the importance of examining biases and assumptions. He discusses how these lessons have influenced his approach to journalism and his commitment to finding and speaking the truth. Liam reflects on the impact of his Harvard education on his career and personal life, including his journey to sobriety. He shares how the skills and values he learned at Harvard continue to resonate with him in his current work. Timestamps: 04:19: Transition to the Chicago Tribune and Sobriety Journey  05:47: Impact of Sobriety and Community Involvement 16:04: Crime Reporting and Lessons Learned  24:58: Political Reporting and Significant Stories  30:08: Challenges and Successes in Local Government Reporting  36:12: Formation of the Ignatian Mission Center 43:05: Personal Reflections and Future Plans  Links: Website: www.ignatianmission.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liam.ford/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/liamtaford/ Featured Non-profit: The featured non-profit of this week's is brought to you by Kristen Hunter  who reports: Hi. I'm Kristen Hunter, Class of 1992. The featured non-profit of this episode of The 92 report is Ivory Innovations. Ivory Innovations catalyzes innovative solutions in housing affordability through the Ivory prize Applied Research and Policy Leadership, advancing ideas that expand access to affordable and attainable housing. The organization also partners with the Harvard master in real estate program through our summer practicum, which gives students the opportunity to complete a two month placement with a cooperating for profit, not for profit or public organization in the United States or overseas, participating in real estate projects and initiatives that advance cutting edge practices, including those promoting social and environmental best practices. I'm delighted to champion Ivory Innovations, especially as one of our recent Harvard Master in Real Estate graduates, Amy Love Tommaso serves as their director of policy innovation. You can learn more and support their mission at ivory innovations.org That's ivory i, V, O, R, Y, innovations.org, and now here's Will Bachman with this week's episode.  To find out more about their work, visit: ivoryinnovations.org  This episode on The 92 Report: https://92report.com/podcast/episode-162-liam-t-a-ford-from-journalist-to-non-profit-startup-leader/ *AI generated show notes and transcript

Rep. Danny Davis of the 7th Congressional District is retiring after 29 years in office. Host Jacoby Cochran and producer Michelle Navarro discuss Davis joining a growing list of retiring Illinois lawmakers and his choice to replace him. Plus, the MLB All-Star game is coming back to Wrigley in 2027, and the Chicago Park District recently unveiled renderings that could extend Grant Park to the Lakefront.  Good News: Botanic Gardens Patterned By Nature, Garfield Park Conservatory Artist's Garden Flower Show, Lincoln Park Conservatory Florasonic Series  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 Aug. 5 episode: Paramount Theatre Overlook Maps Window Nation Chicago Association of Realtors Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Mack Liederman, Reporter, Block Club Chicago, joins John Williams to talk about a new proposal from the Chicago Park District that would move a portion of DuSable Lake Shore Drive underground. What is the likelihood this ever happens?

Mack Liederman, Reporter, Block Club Chicago, joins John Williams to talk about a new proposal from the Chicago Park District that would move a portion of DuSable Lake Shore Drive underground. What is the likelihood this ever happens?

Mack Liederman, Reporter, Block Club Chicago, joins John Williams to talk about a new proposal from the Chicago Park District that would move a portion of DuSable Lake Shore Drive underground. What is the likelihood this ever happens?

A Chicago Park District lifeguard is being held without bond following a fatal shooting in Douglass Park last week that left one teenager dead and another critically injured.

A Chicago Park District lifeguard is being held without bond following a fatal shooting in Douglass Park last week that left one teenager dead and another critically injured.

A Chicago Park District lifeguard is being held without bond following a fatal shooting in Douglass Park last week that left one teenager dead and another critically injured.

Biodiesel is growing in the Midwest, and Illinois is a primary example. The folks accelerating biodiesel programs just south of us also want to see Wisconsin expand biodiesel usage. Stephanie Hoff was recently in Illinois and Chicagoland with Clean Fuels Alliance America, looking at the whole chain of biodiesel production from the beans getting dropped off at the plant to riding on a boat on the Chicago River that runs on biodiesel. The state has tax incentives for using biodiesel, and it’s also helping advance sustainability goals. Pete Probst is the president of Indiginous Energy, which is a renewable energy consultant, working with groups like the Illinois Soybean Association and the Chicago Park District. Pete tells Stephanie Hoff that he loves renewable diesel so much, he rigged up his own ride back in the day to run on used cooking oil. He also talks about his role helping members of the B20 Club -- a partnership between the Illinois Soybean Association checkoff and the American Lung Association. It supports fleets running on biodiesel blends of 20 percent or higher. More showers possible today, but it's the wind you'll likely notice. That's the update from Stu Muck. Summer camp is something many kids look forward to. While the initial goal might be just having fun, it doesn't hurt to include some educational experiences too. Ben Jarboe finds out about the 4-H Summer Academy. It offers attendees a variety of track-based activities, seminars, campus tours, performances, and hands-on experiences. Summer Academy will be held at the UW-Madison Campus, where youth and adult chaperones will stay at Sellery Residence hall. Youth will be participating in a wide variety of track-based activities and seminars. They will be able to visit different locations on Campus and in Madison. They will also have the opportunity to hear from speakers, watch a performance from the 4-H Drama Company, and participate in a variety of fun hands-on activities! Polk County 4-H Agent, Lindsay Spindler, about why she's excited to be a part of the event.The spirit of June Dairy celebrations is crossing in waves across the state, but what about taking the enthusiasm outside the state? In this edition of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin discussion, Pam Jahnke finds out about the value that trade shows bring to dairy producers. Samantha Castro is the Director - Buyer Missions & Trade Shows at Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. The volume of people and decision makers that can be reached at one trade show helps move the needle on product placement and ingredient inclusion for a lot of Wisconsin dairy processors. She explains how they use limited trade floor space to make sure they're involving Wisconsin cheesemakers in telling the story. Paid for by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's just about county fair season and already livestock's moving around the state. Remembering biosecurity before you leave the farm is an important message this year. Jeff Morris, UW-Extension Swine Outreach Specialist visits with Pam Jahnke about the simple measures exhibitors can take to protect not only their animals, but their entire enterprises.Smoke is back in Wisconsin this afternoon. Mild temperatures roll in. That's the update from Stu Muck.Tariffs and human health are turning into interesting stories in the "Windy City". Known for Lake Michigan beaches and urban parks, the Chicago Park District is using ever-higher biodiesel blends to reduce emissions and improve air quality in America's third-largest city. Lawn mowers, beach rakers, truckers, and tree trimmers are operating on blends up to B100 (100 percent biodiesel), achieving up to an 86 percent reduction in carbon emissions. The Chicago Park District estimates it has saved people about $67,000 in health care costs by improving the air quality with biodiesel. Michael Dimitroff, manager of Art Initiatives with Chicago Parks, wants to see the City of Chicago utilize more biodiesel across its fleets. He visits with Stephanie Hoff during a Clean Fuels Alliance tour, about the measures.Cody Koster, dairy analyst with EverAg, catches up with Pam Jahnke to focus on how dairy's maneuvering through tight heifer supplies and incredible prices for baby calves. Koster says this is a trend that will no doubt influence milk production, probably by this fall.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Known for Lake Michigan beaches and urban parks, the Chicago Park District is using ever-higher biodiesel blends to reduce emissions and improve air quality in America's third-largest city. Lawn mowers, beach rakers, truckers, and tree trimmers are operating on blends up to B100 (100 percent biodiesel), achieving up to an 86 percent reduction in carbon emissions. The Chicago Park District estimates it has saved people about $67,000 in health care costs by improving the air quality with biodiesel. Michael Dimitroff, manager of Art Initiatives with Chicago Parks, wants to see the City of Chicago utilize more biodiesel across its fleets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Biodiesel is growing in the Midwest, and Illinois is a primary example. The folks accelerating biodiesel programs just south of us also want to see Wisconsin expand biodiesel usage. Stephanie Hoff was recently in Illinois and Chicagoland with Clean Fuels Alliance America, looking at the whole chain of biodiesel production from the beans getting dropped off at the plant to riding on a boat on the Chicago River that runs on biodiesel. The state has tax incentives for using biodiesel, and it’s also helping advance sustainability goals. Pete Probst is the president of Indiginous Energy, which is a renewable energy consultant, working with groups like the Illinois Soybean Association and the Chicago Park District. Pete loves renewable diesel so much, he rigged up his own ride back in the day to run on used cooking oil.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beth Wolf, the founding producing artistic director of Midsommer Flight, discusses her company's upcoming production of Love's Labour's Lost, which has been performing for free in parks throughout Chicago since 2012. Beth reveals the planning that goes into her season; why Love's Labour's is such an important comedy right now; how for some reason outdoor summer Shakespeare is not everybody's jam; her invaluable partnership with the Chicago Park District; the value of having a non-dogmatic approach to the text; the importance of theatre people being able to wear multiple hats; and how Midsommer Flight is a valuable stepping stone for early-career actors on the rise. (Length 19:53) The post Midsommer Flight Dream appeared first on Reduced Shakespeare Company.

Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman interviews Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, a ten-year veteran Alderman and the new general superintendent and CEO of the Chicago Park District. They discuss a range of topics, including Carlos's ambitious plans for the park district, his rapid learning on the job, and his strategies for enhancing community safety and engaging youth through various recreational programs. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

April 23, 2025 City Club event description: Carlos Ramirez-Rosa is the General Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Park District, overseeing the nation's third-largest park system, which includes more than 8,800 acres of green space, over 600 parks, 230 fieldhouses, and 26 miles of lakefront. He will take on the role of park […]

In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews soon-to-be former Chicago Park District Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareno. Escareno discusses her recent resignation, her decision-making process, and the transition to her successor Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. She reflects on her tenure, achievements, and challenges, including equity in park facilities, managing homeless encampments, and funding for capital improvements.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Person pushed man, woman onto CTA Blue Line tracks this morning, and more.

Person pushed man, woman onto CTA Blue Line tracks this morning, and more.

Person pushed man, woman onto CTA Blue Line tracks this morning, and more.

Jen Sabella, the Director of Strategy and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provides details on: DMV Adding Appointments As Real ID Requirement Looms: ‘We Don't Want People Freaking Out': People with a valid U.S. passport do not need a Real ID to fly domestically, Illinois […]

Back when the South Shore Cultural Center was a country club in the early 1900's, it excluded Black and Jewish patrons. Since the Chicago Park District took over, the space has become a destination for weddings, private events, and classes. And now, it boasts a Black-owned restaurant that is open to the general public. Reset learns more about the vision and what the restaurant offers from Nafsi restaurant owner Donnell Digby. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Forrest Claypool has one of the most impressive and varied resumes in politics...early campaign and operative work with David Axelrod and Rahm Emanuel, two-time Chief of Staff to the mayor of Chicago, opposing Barack Obama in mock debates in his 2004 Senate race, running the Chicago Park District, Chicago Transit Authority, and Chicago Board of Education, elected to the Cook County Board, intense races against the Chicago machine, and now author of the new book - The Daley Show - about the 20+ year tenure of Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. In this conversation, Forrest talks his path from small town Southern, IL to breaking into politics to his time running major city departments to being an integral part of the Chicago machine before running against the machine a few years later and deep into the last 40+ years of Chicago politics through the impact of the mayoralty of Richard M. Daley. IN THIS EPISODE...Forrest's roots in Southern Illinois and the state politics of his youth in the 60s and 70s...Forrest connects with David Axelrod at the start of the Axelrod rise as a national media consultant...The x-factor that made Axelrod such an effective political consultant...One of Forrest's favorite races he worked on as a political consultant...Forrest plays the role of Alan Keyes in Barack Obama's 2004 debate prep...Forrest's initial impressions of the 1990s Barack Obama who started making the rounds in Chicago politics...Forrest remembers the Rahm Emanuel he first worked with in the mid-1980s...Of the numerous positions he held around Chicago and Cook County politics, which did Forrest find most exciting...Why Forrest turned down an almost sure-thing, safe seat in Congress...What he learned when he ran for Cook County office himself...The Forrest Claypool 101 on effectively running organizations...His evolution as a foot soldier of the Daley machine to a prominent machine critic and opponent...What made Forrest write his new book, The Daley Show, about the 20+ year mayoralty of Richard M. Daley...How the original Mayor Daley, Richard J. Daley, dominated Chicago politics for decades...The story of Richard M. Daley in the political wilderness after the death of his father, and how he rose to the mayor's office via an "outside game"...Details on how the Chicago mob controlled an entire city ward into the 1980s and 90s...The importance of "abandoned cars" in running a city...The most important accomplishment of the Mayor Richard M. Daley era...The biggest "missed opportunity" from Daley's time as Mayor...The "most brilliant ploy" Forrest saw from Mayor Daley during the 1990s wars over Chicago-area airports...The story from Forrest's first race in Cook County, with his opponent trying to convince voters that Forrest (who is white) was a Black candidate...How far one has to go back in Chicago politics to find election-counting interference...Forrest's take on why Chicago is no longer "a city that works"...Forrest's favorite story of the influential Chicago columnist, Mike Royko...Forrest's must-see recommendations around Chicago for political junkies...AND AKPD, Yasser Arafat, Thomas Barnes, Evan Bayh, Michael Bilandic, Rod Blagojevich, Jane Byrne, Jimmy Carter, council wars, Fred Cowan, Andrew Cuomo, John D'Arco, Richard Dennis, economic invalids, eye-glazing agencies, Paul Findley, Newt Gingrich, The Grateful Dead, iron-handed bravado, Brandon Johnson, Martin Kennelly, Martin Luther King, Lori Lightfoot, Machiavellian power plays, Ron Madison, Millennium Park, The Rolling Stones, John Stroger, Ed Vrdolyak, & more!

September 16, 2024 Rosa Escareño – General Superintendent and CEO – Chicago Park District City Club event description: Rosa EscareñoAs the General Superintendent and CEO of the Chicago Park District, Rosa Escareño manages one of the largest park systems in the country. The $475M system has nearly 9,000 acres of parkland, more than 600 parks, […]

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.

Dr. Rebecca Barak describes the collaboration between the Chicago Botanic Garden, Chicago Park District, Northwestern University, and the University of Michigan–Flint to develop native, biodiverse lawn alternatives that can withstand and moderate the effects of climate change

Riot Fest announced Wednesday that it is leaving Douglass Park for SeatGeek Stadium in suburban Bridgeview, blaming the Chicago Park District for the decision. The move comes after years of pushback from the community in North Lawndale despite support from the local alderperson. Riot Fest is Sept. 20-22, which also presents a challenge for the Chicago Red Stars who play at SeatGeek. We are joined by Block Club Chicago's Jamie Nesbitt Golden and WCIU host Brandon Pope to break down the latest. Plus, we discuss a decline in violent crime statistics, the return of Foxtrot, and play a little summer festival week trivia.  Good News: Soft & Tender Concert at Metro and Janet Jackson at the United Center 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: Revolution Brewing Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Chicago steakhouses and other high-end restaurants are increasingly implementing dress codes, establishing a new generation of attire requirements in a city that has long sought to curate its fine-dining scene. Reporter Ally Marotti talks about the move, and specific concerns that come with it, with host Amy Guth.Plus: Zurich North America offloads big part of Schaumburg HQ to Wheels; Chicago has third-most Fortune 500 companies in the U.S.; American Dental Association finalizes HQ sale to Lurie, move to Mag Mile; and Chicago Park District expands free internet access in parks.

When Decisions are Commitments with Rachel Damon Joining us today is Rachel Damon, a choreographer, theatrical designer, performer, and co-founder and artistic director of Synapse Arts, a Chicago-based dance theater company. Rachel's self-made career is a testament to her multidisciplinary talents, blending onstage and backstage roles to create dynamic performance works through collaboration, improvisation, and teamwork. In this episode, Rachel shares her remarkable journey from lovable weirdo at musical theatre summer camp to internationally-renowned production stage manager and performer who lives her life by making decisions as commitments. Tuning in, you'll discover how her dual passions for choreography and crafting have fueled her personal and professional growth, the power of educating performers to negotiate their value, ensuring that art is recognized as legitimate work, and why diversity is a cornerstone of Synapse Arts' identity. We also explore Rachel's love for theatre production, her innovative partnership with the Chicago Park District, and the unique site-specific performances born from this collaboration. Join us for an engaging conversation that covers all this and more! Key Points From This Episode: ·       An overview of Rachel's background and what sparked her interest in dance and theatre. ·       The immediacy that she loves about theatre production work and stage management. ·       How Links Hall in Chicago acted as a springboard for her career. ·       Insight into Synapse Arts, how it got started, and how it has evolved since. ·       Synapse's partnership with the Chicago Park District's Arts & Culture Unit (ACU). ·       Rachel's site-specific and outdoor performances that punctuate everyday life. ·       The significance of her interdisciplinary work, including her “textile dances.” ·       Challenges she has encountered in her onstage and backstage career. ·       How Rachel empowers artists and advocates for art to be valued as work. ·       Ways that you can contribute to Synapse's 20th Birthday Bash Campaign. ·       Why a diversity of identities and lived experiences is important in the arts. “Being with the weird people who are risky, accepting, and idea-driven [is] where I feel safe and inspired.” — Rachel Damon Rachel Damon is a Chicago-based theatrical designer, choreographer, and performer whose self-made career bridges onstage and backstage. For more on this episode: Movers & Shapers: A Dance Podcast For the latest, follow on Facebook & Instagram

In episode 78, we continue our journey of disecting the First Amendment by delving into the heart of America's freedom of speech. Prepare to have your understanding of this cornerstone of democracy expanded and challenged, as we navigate the nuances of our right to express ourselves!Connect with USS: United SHE Stands InstagramReferences: First Amendment | Contents, Freedoms, Rights, & Facts | BritannicaU.S. Constitution - First Amendment | Resources | Constitution Annotated | Congress.gov | Library of CongressFreedom of Speech - Origins, First Amendment & Limits (history.com)Content Neutral - The Free Speech Center (mtsu.edu)Content Based - The Free Speech Center (mtsu.edu)Clark v. Community for Creative Non-Violence (1984) - The Free Speech Center (mtsu.edu)Thomas v. Chicago Park District (2002) - The Free Speech Center (mtsu.edu)Overview of Viewpoint-Based Regulation of Speech | U.S. Constitution Annotated | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute (cornell.edu)Chaplinsky v. New Hampshire | Teaching American HistoryHeffron v. International Society for Krishna Consciousness (1981) - The Free Speech Center (mtsu.edu)Content Based Regulation | U.S. Constitution Annotated | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute (cornell.edu)Boos v. Barry(1988) - The Free Speech Center (mtsu.edu)This episode was edited by Kevin Tanner. Learn more about him and his services here:Website: https://www.kevwyxin.com/Instagram: @kevwyxinIf you purchase from any links to resources or products, the show may make a small commission.

0:00 - RFK campaign video at VP announcement: food deserts in black communities, racism 12:39 - KJP hangs up on NC radio talk show host Mark Garrison after he asks dementia and inflation questions 30:49 - Pre-paid debit cards for migrants in NYC 46:23 - Chicago Park District strike 01:04:15 - Lara Logan believes the Baltimore bridge collapse was an attack on the US 01:20:32 - Stephen Moore is a noted Economist and author of Govzilla: How the Relentless Growth of Government Is Devouring Our Economy—And Our Freedom. Stephen talked about FTC chair Lina Khan's attempted charm offensive to conservatives 01:36:33 - Scott Walker is the President and CEO of Young America's Foundation, former Governor of Wisconsin and former presidential candidate. He talked with Dan and Amy about conservative thought in higher education and the hiring/firing of former RNC chair Ronna Romney McDaniel 01:53:19 - Willie Wilson is a Humanitarian & Businessman. He joined Dan and Amy to spread the message that Protecting our kids from abuse must be our highest prioritySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Also in the news: Orland Park mayor catches heat over comments on Israel-Hamas war; Anti-semitic flyers found on cars on North Side; Chicago Park District aims to fill more than 2,500 summer jobs; and much more.

Also in the news: Orland Park mayor catches heat over comments on Israel-Hamas war; Anti-semitic flyers found on cars on North Side; Chicago Park District aims to fill more than 2,500 summer jobs; and much more.

This week, Kara and Liza recap the episode “Breakwater” (Season 24, Episode 5). Plus, they discuss the Chicago Park District lifeguard sexual abuse scandal and the Paul Hickson rape cases.SOURCES:Cook County Sheriff's OfficeWBEZ 1WBEZ 2WBEZ 3WBEZ 4WBEZ 5WBEZ 6WBEZ 7WBEZ 8Chicago Sun-Times 1Chicago Sun-Times 2Chicago Sun-Times 3Chicago Sun-Times 4Chicago Sun-Times 5The IndependentThe HeraldWikipedia - Paul HicksonThe StatesmanWHAT WOULD SISTER PEG DO:Safe4AthletesNext week's episode will be “Baby Killer” (Season 2, Episode 5).See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

New lawsuits against the Chicago Park District allege lifeguarding for teens was no day at the beach. Dan Mihalopoulos, WBEZ investigative reporter on government and politics who broke the story of the toxic workplace culture and sexual abuse in the city's lifeguard program, shares details from the latest lawsuits.

Chicago-based visual artist Latham Zearfoss creates works navigating the spaces “between personal desire and collective identity.” As an artist and community organizer with a passion for mutual aid, Zearfoss' work is often a reflection on life, death and sustainability. His creations challenge the notion that things must endure forever, noting the importance of old ideas fading away to make room for fresh growth. In addition to Zearfoss' artistic practice, he is a community organizer and a cultural liaison for the Chicago Park District, supporting the city's 15 park cultural centers with programming, collaborations and partnerships. Whether through art or community organizing, Zearfoss strives to create something greater than the sum of its parts. This is what his Chicago sounds like. This segment of “This Is What Chicago Sounds Like” was edited and produced by Ari Mejia. Dig deeper into this story at Vocalo.org.

Also in the news: Chicago Park District opens lifeguard program for the summer; After nearly 120 years in business, Vesecky's Bakery closes its doors; Researchers say CPS  grads take longer to graduate college and more.

(00:00) Intro (4:25) Evolution (8:19) Splitting Ubers (12:02) Applesauce (21:01) Tennis courts (27:13) Bocce courts (39:47) Outro Chief and Danny join the show for a free swim. We get into the proper etiquette for splitting Ubers, the stigma surrounding applesauce, Eddie's issues with the Chicago Park District, and more.You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. Prime Members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music. For more, visit barstool.link/thedogwalk

If you're buying a home soon, look for a new document to sign — and another layer of stress. Crain's residential real estate reporter Dennis Rodkin discusses what's changing, plus more market news, with host Amy Guth. Plus: Soldier Field and TIFs are helping to boost the Chicago Park District's budget; TransUnion will cut jobs in a cost-saving effort; the Chicago Symphony Orchestra nears ticket-sales record, but loses money; and downtown renters get a break as the apartment market cools off.

Jen Sabella, the Director of Strategy and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joins Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provides details on: Indoor Pickleball Social Club Set To Open This Winter In Lincoln Park: The 40,000-square-foot social club will be open to the public, offering nine pickleball courts equipped with instant replay, […]

The auto workers' strike expands to Chicago. Hundreds more migrants arrive from the U.S.-Mexico border. The Chicago Park District quietly settles sexual misconduct cases. Plus, is a government shutdown inevitable? Reset breaks down the top stories of the week with David Greising of the Better Government Association, Rummana Hussain of the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ's Dan Mihalopoulos. And don't forget, we're bringing you conversations like this every day. Find our full catalog of interviews at wbez.org/reset.

Northwestern University faces a new lawsuit from a former female volleyball player amidst its hazing scandal. Meanwhile, another Chicago Park District lifeguard is fired after allegations of misconduct surfaced two years ago. Plus, City Council alders complain of criminal activity outside neighborhood migrant shelters. Reset breaks down these stories and much more with Angela Rozas O'Toole, WBEZ senior editor for politics and government, John Chase, deputy metro editor at the Chicago Tribune, and Christian Farr, NBC-5 Chicago reporter.

Under fire for giving away the store, Chicago Park District Superintendent Rosa Escareno is defending the terms of NASCAR's agreement to rent Grant Park as “consistent with how Lollapalooza was treated when it started.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In other top news this evening: Fireworks show in western suburb is a big bust; Sen. Durbin warns about cancer-drug shortage; Chicago Park District hosts fairy houses at outdoor garden; and more.

Colette Holt represents public agencies and private firms on issues related to civil rights, public contracting, and affirmative action. She has broad experience in conducting defensible disparity studies, expert witness consulting and testimony, drafting legislation and policies, designing programs, managing initiatives, defending affirmative action programs, and counseling private firms on compliance with diversity requirements. Ms. Holt serves as General Counsel to the American Contract Compliance Association and is an author and frequent media commentator on these issues. Ms. Holt received her B.A. in Philosophy from Yale University and her J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School. She was a Law Clerk to the former Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Prior to developing her own practice, she was associated with a large law firm, Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago, and Chief Operating Officer of the Chicago Park District. She is a former Adjunct Professor at Loyola University School of Law and the John Marshall Law School. Learn more about Colette Holt & Associates and the work they do: http://www.mwbelaw.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/governmentcoins/support

Good morning ladies and gentlemen! We are live on location at Wyckwood House for a morning show to celebrate their 1 year anniversary. And because its so special, we have mimosas to sip on as well. Get ready to hear all about Wyckwood and what else they have coming up. Here's the news: - A community listening session about the digital divide will take place this Thursday at 6 pm, at the downtown Aurora Waubonsee Community College campus. This is hosted by the ILDCEO (Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity) and the Illinois Broadband Lab. If you or someone you know has issues with effective internet connectivity, this session is for you. RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/connect-me-community-listening-session-tickets-631695617597 - Thursday, May 18th at Mooseheart there will be a Law Enforcement Appreciation Ceremony, sponsored by the KCCPA (Kane County Chiefs of Police Association). The event begins at 6 pm and the outfit for officers will be uniform caps & black mourning bands. Mooseheart is located in North Aurora. - This summer's Veteran's Softball Tournament will be held Saturday, July 8th at Beverly Park (2460 W. 102nd Street) in Chicago. This event is brought to you by the Chicago Park District, the Road Home Program at Rush University, Mission BBQ & Chicago Sport Social Club. Save the date and come have fun while supporting our veterans! Have a wonderful day and be sure to stay tuned for all of the awesome things happening at Wyckwood House. Be blessed and we will see you all next week! Subscribe to the show on YouTube at this link: https://www.youtube.com/c/GoodMorningAuroraPodcast The second largest city's first daily news podcast is here. Tune in every Monday, Wednesday & Friday to our FB Live from 8 am to 9 am. Make sure to like and subscribe to stay updated on all things Aurora. Twitter: goodmorningaur1 Instagram: goodmorningaurorail Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6dVweK5Zc4uPVQQ0Fp1vEP... Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../good-morning.../id1513229463 Anchor: https://anchor.fm/goodmorningaurora #positivevibes #positiveenergy #downtownaurora #kanecountyil #bataviail #genevail #stcharlesil #saintcharlesil #elginil #northaurorail #auroraillinois #auroramedia #auroranews #goodmorningaurora #news #dailynews #subscribe #youtube #podcast #spotify #morningnews #morningshow #friday #goodmorning --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodmorningaurora/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodmorningaurora/support

Good morning Aurora! We have a great show for you all this morning. Our show will be a half show, 30 minutes today, as we are preparing to cover the 2023 Aurora Sports Festival. Let's get ready to learn! Here's the news: - Monday, June 19th the City of Aurora will host the Juneteenth Flag Raising at One Aurora Plaza (8 E. Galena Blvd). The flag raising will take place at 1 pm with many special guests. In attendance will be the famous South Shore Drill Team, Mr. & Miss Black Aurora and Earle, Arkansas Mayor Jaylen Smith. Mr. Smith holds the distinction of being the youngest black mayor in America! Save the date and come experience a great community event! - This summer's Veteran's Softball Tournament will be held Saturday, July 8th at Beverly Park (2460 W. 102nd Street) in Chicago. This event is brought to you by the Chicago Park District, the Road Home Program at Rush University, Mission BBQ & Chicago Sport Social Club. Save the date and come have fun while supporting our veterans! - Our partners of the Quad County Urban League have great ongoing programming available for Aurora area students and youth. Learn about Nicor, Comed & Solar Training program initiatives that can change lives and propel youth into a bright new future. There are even more programs coming in the very near future so be sure to contact the QCUL with questions or for more information. You can visit their office in person at 1685 N. Farnsworth avenue or by emailing them at: info@qcul.com Have a great rest of the day and we will see you all Wednesday! Subscribe to the show on YouTube at this link: https://www.youtube.com/c/GoodMorningAuroraPodcast The second largest city's first daily news podcast is here. Tune in every Monday, Wednesday & Friday to our FB Live from 8 am to 9 am. Make sure to like and subscribe to stay updated on all things Aurora. Twitter: goodmorningaur1 Instagram: goodmorningaurorail Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6dVweK5Zc4uPVQQ0Fp1vEP... Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../good-morning.../id1513229463 Anchor: https://anchor.fm/goodmorningaurora #positivevibes #positiveenergy #downtownaurora #kanecountyil #bataviail #genevail #stcharlesil #saintcharlesil #elginil #northaurorail #auroraillinois #auroramedia #auroranews #goodmorningaurora #news #dailynews #subscribe #youtube #podcast #spotify #morningnews #morningshow #monday #goodmorning --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodmorningaurora/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodmorningaurora/support

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's EnergyForce Series S6:P4: Our Special Chronicles Team Daniel and Adam Smrokowski return in studio on this week's rebroadcast episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast as we get ready for ComEd's 9th Annual Switch on Summer 2023 event, which celebrates the start of summer with the official turning on of Chicago's iconic Buningham Fountain. We chat about our memories from attending Switch on Summer, what ComEd provides for the community, and we present you with a preview of what to expect at the Switch on Summer event! Join us this coming weekend on Saturday, May 13, 2023 from 12:00pm to 3pm at Buckingham Fountain in Chicago. Presented by ComEd, Join the FREE, in-person celebration brought you in partnership with the Chicago Park District, featuring family-friendly games and activities, live entertainment, fun giveaways, and special guest appearances, including WGN-TV Chief Meteorologist Tom Skiing. This episode originally aired on May 9, 2022. Listen full episode here: https://specialchronicles.com/podcast525 Watch full episode here: https://youtu.be/rrZnSULKC5U (video episode originally aired in May 2022) Like our podcast? Support our work with a small monthly donation at https://specialchronicles.com/give Learn more about Switch on Summer 2023 HERE: https://comed.com/SwitchOnSummer . . . . . Disabled Voices Matter! As an award-winning intellectual disability advocate and host of the Special Chronicles Podcast, Daniel Smrokowski tells special needs stories from an insider's perspective. “PodmanDan” is himself a person with special needs. As your weekly guide to finding joy and acceptance, Special Chronicles offers entertaining and informational disability conversations. New episodes drop weekly. Follow Special Chronicles Podcast Available on ApplePodcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to your favorite shows: https://specialchronicles.com/show Watch Full Episodes here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD01BA706651153C3 . . . . . . The post REBROADCAST: Switch on Summer | EnergyForce Series S6:Pt5 | Ep.525 first appeared on Special Chronicles.

Good morning everyone! It's a new day, a new month and a new week. Welcome to May! Our guest today is Mr. Terrell Cole, he is a chef and founder & creator of Dark Horse Catering. We'll be talking about food all morning so get readay to learn! Here's the news: - Monday, June 19th the City of Aurora will host the Juneteenth Flag Raising at One Aurora Plaza (8 E. Galena Blvd. The flag raising will take place at 1 pm with many special guests. In attendance will be the famous South Shore Drill Team, Mr. & Miss Black Aurora and Earle, Arkansas Mayor Jaylen Smith. Mr. Smith holds the distinction of being the youngest black mayor in America! Save the date and come experience a great community event! - This summer's Veteran's Softball Tournament will be held Saturday, July 8th at Beverly Park (2460 W. 102nd Street) in Chicago. This event is brought to you by the Chicago Park District, the Road Home Program at Rush University, Mission BBQ & Chicago Sport Social Club. Save the date and come have fun while supporting our veterans! - Our partners of the Quad County Urban League have great ongoing programming available for Aurora area students and youth. Learn about Nicor, Comed & Solar Training program initiatives that can change lives and propel youth into a bright new future. There are even more programs coming in the very near future so be sure to contact the QCUL with questions or for more information. You can visit their office in person at 1685 N. Farnsworth avenue or by emailing them at: info@qcul.com Have a great day! Good Morning Aurora will return Wednesday with more news and a great interview. Subscribe to the show on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/c/GoodMorningAuroraPodcast The second largest city's first daily news podcast is here. Tune in every Monday, Wednesday & Friday to our FB Live from 8 am to 9 am. Make sure to like and subscribe to stay updated on all things Aurora. Twitter: goodmorningaur1 Instagram: goodmorningaurorail Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6dVweK5Zc4uPVQQ0Fp1vEP... Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../good-morning.../id1513229463 Anchor: https://anchor.fm/goodmorningaurora #positivevibes #positiveenergy #downtownaurora #kanecountyil #bataviail #genevail #stcharlesil #saintcharlesil #elginil #northaurorail #auroraillinois #auroramedia #auroranews #goodmorningaurora #news #dailynews #subscribe #youtube #podcast #spotify #morningnews #morningshow #monday #darkhorsecatering --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodmorningaurora/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/goodmorningaurora/support

Angelo and Gavin had the pleasure of speaking with Brandon Giannoni, Angelo's older cousin who works for the Chicago Park District as a Restoration Specialist. Brandon has a burning passion for ecological restoration; his goal in life is to try and preserve our cherished habitat that has been taking hit after hit over the past couple decades in terms of lack of diversity, habitat loss and the surge of invasive species. Brandon talks about why habitat restoration is important, prescribed burning on how it can be beneficial when done correctly, select cutting of timber, native alternatives to food plots, removal of invasive species and many more beneficial practices. This is one you will definitely want to listen to and make sure to have your notebook and pen ready for the amount of information coming your way! Food plot talks, turkey and whitetail habitat improvements. Midwest Whitetails. Planting oak trees. Playing native grasses. Fall food plots. Edge feather your land for improvement. Whitetail habitat solutions the natural way.

Lollapalooza is back in Chicago this weekend. Since it landed in the city in 2005, Lollapalooza has gone from a smaller, two-day fest in Grant Park to a full-on, multi-day takeover of the Loop, the CTA, and other neighborhoods. New reporting from the Chicago Tribune shows the festival is not leaving anytime soon because of a contract extension negotiated in secret. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to Tribune reporters Tracy Swartz and A.D. Quig. We reached out to the park district to ask if there was any public involvement in the contract extension negotiations. They sent us this statement: "The Chicago Park District's new leadership is committed to expanding community engagement. We plan to continue our discussions with local elected officials and the neighboring community regarding the future of Lollapalooza. For weeks we have worked with the city, community stakeholders, and Lollapalooza organizers to address issues and concerns raised by the community such as noise levels and site conditions. Celebrating its 18th year in our city, the festival has become a Chicago tradition. The Chicago Park District and C3 Presents, the organizers of Lollapalooza, are engaged in negotiations and we are hopeful that we will have an agreement in the near future that takes Lollapalooza well beyond 2022." Some Good News: Fiesta Del Sol Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm Call or Text Us: (773) 780-0246 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices