On Wednesday, alderpeople authorized the city to spend $700,000 to buy a now-vacant Aldi in West Garfield Park. But it’s not yet clear if the city will actually acquire the property, if it will ensure a new grocer takes over, or how long it could take. While WTTW’s Heather Cherone was watching City Hall, she and her colleagues also launched a series looking at the history and present-day effects of segregation in Chicago. She talks about both of these stories with City Cast’s Jacoby Cochran and Simone Alicea. They also talk about the mask mandate ending Monday and share some cute animal stories, including one about otters in the Chicago River.

Stories discussed:

FIRSTHAND: Segregation — A Year-Long Exploration of Segregation in Chicago

City Council Approves Plan to Buy Closed West Side Aldi (and check out our Wednesday conversation)

Why Rogers Park Hare Krishnas Are Worried About Proposed Development

Chicago to Lift Indoor Mask, Vaccine Mandates Monday

‘Hank the Tank’ Offers a Vision of a Better Life

River Otters Are Back in Chicago

“Women of Soul” at Mercury Theater

How Chi Remains Segregated, Masks to (Maybe) Come Off, and Cute Animal Stories