City Cast Chicago
😤 How alders control wards
August 13, 2025 · — Emmi Mack
Hey friends! I really do consider us friends. I love bringing you the news every morning and deep dives on exciting topics like aldermanic prerogative. (See below.) I love showing off our dynamic daily podcast most of all.
But now, I need a favor from you: Take our reader survey. Pretty please. It’ll take less than 10 minutes!
😘 What are friends for?
What Chicago's Talking About
Long Line for Immigrant Benefits Is Back
If you regularly passed California and North last year, you likely saw a line wrapping around the Illinois Department of Human Services building. Now, after months on pause, the social program for immigrants — and line — is back. Inside, those eligible can receive health insurance, food, and cash assistance cards. [Block Club]
Can Potato Chips Really Taste Like Italian Beef?
Local Style Chips pays homage to classic Chicago foods, such as Italian beef, deep-dish pizza, and the Chicago hot dog. Well, on today’s podcast, we test the homegrown potato chips to find out if they’re any good. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Firefighters Reach Tentative Deal
After four years of negotiations, the Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2 and Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration have reached a tentative agreement. Wins for firefighters include a 5% pay bump in line with what police officers received. The deal’s approval process could take a month. [Tribune 🔒]
A Catchier Name For the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal?
The canal was dug in 1900 to help reverse the flow of the Chicago River. Its name is utilitarian. However, something snappier might reflect the canal’s current and future uses. Got ideas? A coalition of local environmental groups has opened a survey. [Sun-Times]
- Related: The river used to be a literal toilet. [City Cast Chicago 💻]
What To Do
Wednesday, Aug. 13
- 🍤 Lazy River Social Club featuring Calumet Fisheries | Salt Shed | Goose Island
- 🧙🏽♀️ “Wicked” | South Shore Cultural Center
- 🎥 Music of the Spheres: Films by Jordan Belson | Constellation | North Center
- 🎭 “Just Before Day” reading and panel discussion | Court Theatre | Hyde Park
- 🎷 MID-AIR Debut Performance | Fulton Street Collective | West Loop
- 🐅 “We Bought a Zoo” | Eckhard Park | West Town
- 🌊 “Moana 2” | Gallagher Way | Wrigleyville
- 🎆 Bottomless Margaritas & Fireworks | Riverwalk | Loop
- ✍️ Drink & Draw | Spudnik Press | West Town
Pass the Heinz … ketchup smoothie. ICYMI Smoothie King is currently selling Heinz smoothies, and I had to try one. Not because I like ketchup — I do not. I am a Chicagoan. But for science (and City Cast Pittsburgh). Below is my middling reaction shot. It basically tasted like super sweet V8 and apple juice. Not great, not terrible with a little vodka 😉
Thanks to owner Na'im, on Halsted, for letting me hang behind the counter like a real Smoothie King.
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