City Cast Chicago

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.”

This summer, Chicago has increased spending on temporary shelters, resource centers, and services for the nearly 13,000 migrants and asylum seekers that have arrived since last August. Still, many City Council members feel left out of the process and are calling for more financial transparency. Lead producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran have the latest. We are also looking back on some of the other big summer headlines including major festivals, unpredictable weather, and the summer of strikes. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

While federal agencies track flood risk across the country, FEMA maps may paint an incomplete picture of the risk in Cook County. Heat risks are also rising for Chicagoans, and community groups are trying to fill a gap in resources. Block Club Chicago’s Mina Bloom and WBEZ’s Patrick Smith are with lead producer Simone Alicea to break down those stories, plus catching up on a fatal shooting of a 9-year-old in Portage Park, Simone Biles’ return to competitive gymnastics, and a Humboldt Park roller skating club.Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

The first day of school is coming up, but there is still plenty to do for kids in Chicago. Jenny LeFlore aka Mama Fresh says the August gap between the end of summer camps and the start of classes can be especially difficult for parents. As a mother and influencer, Jenny helps connect families with activities and resources. She joins us to share her own personal events list.Garfield Park Conservatory Wild WednesdaysFun runs — Stan’s on Aug 19Sloomoo InstituteColor FactoryMuseum of Ice CreamMuseum of Illusions Chicago Park District Movies on the MidwaySummer Concerts in Millennium Park by Broadway ChicagoSundays on StateRooftop Cinema Club360 Sky YogaWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

For the last 94 years, the Bud Billiken Parade has been Chicago’s ultimate back to school bat signal. It’s the largest Black parade in the country and every year features notable politicians, local celebrities, and dozens of community organizations. Last year, host Jacoby Cochran talked to Shermann “Dilla” Thomas about the history of the Bud and Shkunna Stewart about her family’s history dancing in the parade. Some news: Have your at-home COVID 19 tests expired?Stop by Chicago’s Largest Mural Festival!Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Chicago’s Department of Public Health warns that COVID cases and hospitalizations have been going up in recent weeks. Lead producer Simone Alicea and host Jacoby Cochran break down the numbers and look ahead to forthcoming vaccines. Plus, we asked Hey Chicago readers if other City Cast cities have a Midwestern feel, and we debate which Chicagoland animal stole our hearts this summer.Why Chicago Fell in Love with Piping PloversToday’s Chicago Night Out In the Parks ScheduleWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Local TV and film actors held another rally downtown last week as they strike along with writers, shutting down production in Chicago. Freelance TV and film critic and The Spool editor-in-chief Clint Worthington has been talking with actors, writers, and tradespeople about how the strike is unfolding here. He tells lead producer Simone Alicea what’s happening in Chicago’s film industry and what viewers can expect on this side of the screen.Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Northwestern University has struggled to manage the fallout from the hazing scandal rocking its athletic department as lawsuits continue to emerge. Meanwhile, what can Chicago leaders learn from other cities and states that have enacted tax hikes on high-end real estate sales like the one under consideration in City Council? Crain’s reporter Leigh Giangreco and Alex Nitkin with Illinois Answers project are here to break down those stories plus new laws signed by Gov. JB Pritzker, a virus hitting Chicago’s bunnies, and some nearby camping getaways.Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The vast majority of Chicago’s dog parks are on the North Side. But among all of the city’s equity issues, why should we pay attention to this one? To find out, lead producer Simone Alicea talked with 13th Ward Ald. Marty Quinn about the push to open two dog parks this summer in Garfield Ridge and West Lawn. She also visits the new Wentwoof Dog Park hear what dog owners think.Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

The rent is due, new college students are setting out into the world, and now is a great time to get your finances in order before the reality of fall kicks in. That’s why we’re revisiting some budgeting tips we got in April from NerdWallet writer Kimberly Palmer. Host Jacoby Cochran, lead producer Simone Alicea, and former City Caster and Axios Chicago writer Carrie Shepherd examine their own financial habits and learn some best practices.Some news: Chicago Department of Transportation Commissioner Gia Biagi announced she’s resigning. Check out our interview with Biagi from March.Check out “In My Granny’s Garden” at parks across Chicago starting this week.Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE