City Cast Chicago
📝 Mayor Johnson’s first-year report card
May 13, 2024 · —Sidney Madden
Hi, friends 👋 As promised, we got the mayor on today’s City Cast Chicago podcast. If you like conversations like this one, consider supporting the work we do and become a member.
What's CITY Talking About?
New Early Childhood Agency?
The Illinois Department of Early Childhood could come into existence in July. The proposed agency would streamline various services like preschool licensing and early intervention for children with disabilities. The bill sits on Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk. [Tribune 🔒]
Did You See the Northern Lights?
Some Chicagoans got to see the night sky lit up with neon colors: A solar storm brought the northern lights, or aurora borealis, to the area over the weekend. [WGN]
- If you got a pic, send it to us! We missed it. [City Cast Chicago 📲]
Secret Service DNC Communications Center
The communications outpost that will be homebase for the Democratic National Convention’s security and public safety operations will be based in a secret location in a south suburb. [Sun-Times]
‘The Bear’ Season 3 Premiere Date Out
Mark your calendars for June 27: That’s when the entire third season of the hit show will drops on Hulu. Check out the new teaser trailer in the meantime. [Variety]
- And maybe make the perfect Italian beef while you’re at it. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Chicago Chatter: YOU Grade Johnson
Whether you think we’re tough or easy graders, you can weigh in with your own grade. Next week, we’ll share how Hey Chicago readers and City Cast Chicago listeners feel about the mayor’s first year.
What To Do
Monday, May 13
- Swing Dancing 🕺 Gallagher Way | 7–10:30 p.m. | Free
- The Brown Derby Jazz Series 🎶 Bronzeville | 6–10 p.m. | $10
Tuesday, May 14
- Mending & Mojitos 🪡 The Loop | 5–8 p.m. | $15
- Chicago Song Slam Competition 🎤 Hyde Park | 7–10 p.m. | $25
Wednesday, May 15
- Yoga Flow 🪷 Garfield Park | 6–6:45 p.m. | Free
- Sketch-a-Bun 🐇 Lakeview | 7–8 p.m. | $10
- Authors Sarah Langan & Gillian Flynn 📖 The Loop | 7–8 p.m. | Free
Today on City Cast
The assignment that I have to build a better, stronger, safer Chicago is not over.
Mayor Brandon Johnson Reflects on Year 1
One year after Brandon Johnson was inaugurated as Chicago’s 57th mayor, he talks about his plans for CTA, affordable housing, the Bears, and more.
Speaking of politics, our colleagues at City Cast Denver are dropping a limited podcast series Wednesday about controversial U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert. Between her gun-themed restaurant and frisky theater visit, she’s a figure in national politics we’re all talking about.
Free · Daily