City Cast Chicago

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-michelinFollow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

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)Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm[More possible 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) Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

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)Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

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-replacementWe 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.)Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

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)Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

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 ValentineReady O/R KnotFanfareWhere to buy tickets: asianpopupcinema.org/12boxofficeFollow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

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.Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

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)Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

David Axelrod may have been born in New York, but he very much identifies as a Chicagoan. After arriving at the University of Chicago as a student nearly 50 years ago, the long-time political strategist and one-time chief adviser to Barack Obama advisor is still here. Axelrod and Jacoby talk politics, idealism, and what makes Chicago great. Plus, we hear some of your “Weak-Ass Takes.” Read on for how to submit your own.Guest: David Axelrod-- Founding Director, Institute of Politics, University of Chicago; Host, The Axe FilesHow to send us your Weak-Ass Takes: Use Voice Memo, Voice Recorder or another app to record yourself giving your unpopular opinion. Please also include your name and neighborhood. Email us the audio file at chicago@citycast.fm Keep listening to hear if we feature your take on a future episode! Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago