City Cast Chicago

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How Should Journalists Cover Police Shootings? May 03, 2021

Show notes

It’s been over a month since Chicago Police shot and killed 13-year-old Adam Toledo. And Chicagoans are contending with yet another video of police shooting 22-year-old Anthony Alverez. The recent shootings are prompting journalists to re-think how they cover these stories. To help with that, City Bureau’s Ellie Mejía is helping to gather input from the public through the organization’s “Public Newsroom” workshops.

Guest: Ellie Mejía, Community Resource Organizer, City Bureau (@_elliemejia)

Watch last week’s Public Newsroom: https://fb.watch/5enrbkVE01/

Indoor Dining is Back: How’s That Going? Apr 30, 2021

Show notes

Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Thursday that Chicago is easing more pandemic restrictions and increasing capacity for indoor venues. Chicago’s restaurants have been in Phase 4, which means indoor tables up to six people and outdoor seating up to 10 people. The return of indoor dining should be welcome news to hospitality workers who were hit hard during the pandemic, but some restaurants are having trouble finding staff. We talk about “what’s happening with” the restaurant scene, including this week’s Bib Gourmand awards and Michelin stars.

Guests:

Ashok Selvam, Editor, Eater Chicago (@Shokdiesel)

Josh Noel, Reporter, Chicago Tribune (@hopnotes)

Chicago Michelin Guide: https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/illinois/restaurants/3-stars-michelin/2-stars-michelin/1-star-michelin

Why Our Political Maps Matter Apr 29, 2021

Show notes

Illinois is losing a seat in the U.S. House as a result of the 2020 Census. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to redistricting and political power. In addition to Congressional districts, officials are also redrawing state legislative districts and Chicago’s wards this year. Advocates like Syamala Krishnamsetty are pushing for redistricting reform, so people have more say in redrawing these political maps.

Guest: Syamala Krishnamsetty, Advocacy Director, CHANGE Illinois (@syamalak)

[More possible notes]

Could This Be the Year for the Chicago Sky? Apr 28, 2021

Show notes

Fans are hoping this is the year for a Chicago Sky championship. The team’s roster is stacked with veterans like two-time MVP forward Candace Parker and rookies like point guard Shyla Heal from Australia’s professional basketball league. Sportswriter Chris Pennant covers the WNBA. He gives us a preview of the Sky’s season in the context of the league’s 25th anniversary.

Guest: Chris Pennant, Contributor, The Next and WAAR (@kwandarykitten)

How the Pandemic Changed Live Theater in Chicago Apr 27, 2021

Show notes

Chicago is a theater town, but live stage productions have been virtually wiped out for more than a year. Theater critic Kerry Reid breaks down the ways artists have adapted, how theaters are emerging from the pandemic, and how the city’s theater scene may be permanently affected.

Guest: Kerry Reid, Theater and Dance Editor, Chicago Reader (@kerryreid)

Here are some of the projects and theaters Kerry mentions:

The Neo-Futurist Theater (@theneofuturists)

Interrobang’s “The Spin” (@interrobangtheatreproject)

Northlight’s “Lettin’ the Good Times Roll” (@NorthlightThtr)

Chicago Has Most Lead Pipes of Any City Apr 26, 2021

Show notes

Chicago has more lead water service lines than any other American city. Lori Lightfoot is the first mayor to promise to remove the pipes, but seven months after announcing a plan, WBEZ’s Monica Eng reports no progress has been made. Eng has been following problems with lead in the city’s water for years. She breaks down how Chicago got to this point.

Guest: Monica Eng, Curious City Reporter, WBEZ (@monicaeng)

Learn more about the city’s lead pipe removal programs: https://www.leadsafechicago.org/lead-service-line-replacement

We love to shout out local businesses, and we want to hear your recommendations. Tell us about a place you love — a restaurant, a store, even a park — and we might mention them on the show. Send us an email at chicago@citycast.fm with the name of the place, where it's located, and why you love it. (But please, only send us places you love to frequent as a customer, not a business you own or work at.)

What's Happening With: Money in the Arts Apr 23, 2021

Show notes

This week, the city announced $60 million in grant funding to reignite Chicago’s arts scene after the pandemic. Chicago Tribune critic Chris Jones says it’s one of the largest infusions of cash from the city that he’s seen. Jones also broke the news this week that many laid-off staff at The Second City may not get their jobs back when the iconic comedy theater opens back up. Jones tells us why these moves are significant for Chicago’s arts community.

Guest: Chris Jones, Chief Theater Critic, Chicago Tribune (@ChrisJonesTrib)

'Good Energy' at the Asian Pop-Up Cinema Apr 22, 2021

Show notes

The 12th season of Chicago’s Asian Pop-Up Cinema is underway. The fest is online and outdoors at the Lincoln Yards Drive-in. Unfortunately, the screenings of Oscar-nominee “Minari” are sold out. But there’s plenty left to see. We talk with founder Sophia Wong Boccio about which films she’s looking forward to and why the festival is important to her.

Guest: Sophia Wong Boccio, Founder/Executive Director, Asian Pop-Up Cinema (@asianpopupcinema)

Films mentioned:

My Missing Valentine

Ready O/R Knot

Fanfare

Where to buy tickets: asianpopupcinema.org/12boxoffice

Chicagoans' Somber Reaction to the Chauvin Verdict Apr 21, 2021

Show notes

Jacoby heads to Chicago’s Loop after the jury in the Derek Chauvin murder trial delivers the guilty verdict. Local activists talk about what the verdict means and how significant this decision was. We also hear from Frank Chapman, who has spent decades fighting for police accountability; and Arionne Nettles, a journalism professor at Northwestern University who recently wrote about police killings.

Chicago Chef Elevates Cannabis Cooking Apr 20, 2021

Show notes

There’s more to cannabis-infused food than just gummy bears and brownies. Manny Mendoza is a Culinary Institute of America-trained chef who runs Herbal Notes, a company that creates pop-up dining experiences in Chicago and California. His infused dishes run the gamut from brunch to tapas to a very special frozen chocolate milk. Mendoza explains how he’s created a business and lifestyle that combines his love of food and weed.

Guest: Manny Mendoza, Chef/Owner, Herbal Notes (@herbalnotes)

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