City Cast Chicago
♠️ Is Chicago still a magic town?
April 27, 2026 · — Emmi Mack
Hey friends! I want give huge thank you to everyone who became a City Cast Chicago Neighbor during our spring membership campaign. Your support literally keeps the lights on around here.
Unfortunately … We did not meet our goal. But we are so close! We need just about 60 more of you to become members. Come on!
For $10 a month or $100 a year, you can keep this newsletter going — and get perks like weekly events previews, invites to exclusive events like our upcoming walk with the Chicago Architecture Center, ad-free podcast listening, and more.
And this just in: We have a few more of our limited-edition City Cast Chicago pennants as welcome gifts. Get one while you still can!
What's CITY Talking About
FEMA Aid Delays. Also, Where to Time Travel Chicago
Illinois has received more severe weather warnings than any other state this year. However, FEMA aid remains delayed or rejected. On today’s podcast, we break down the numbers — plus Chicago spots that transport you back in time. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
What’s the Fate of Ford City Mall?
City officials requested the closing of Ford City Mall due to potential sinkholes and other hazards, but the hearing is now delayed till May 15. Meanwhile, the mall’s final anchor store, JCPenney, is packing up. [Sun-Times]
- Been a while? Here’s what’s left at Ford City.
- Also: Time’s running out for Lincolnwood Mall. [City Cast Chicago 💻]
150,000 Households Could Lose SNAP May 1
The grace period is ending for families unable to meet new SNAP work requirements that started in February. A new coalition is rallying to support bills that would help those who’ve lost SNAP access. [Hyde Park Herald]
United Considers Hiking Flight Fares
The Chicago-based airline is considering raising flight prices by 15% to 20% to compensate for increased fuel costs due to the U.S.-Israel war with Iran. [Sun-Times]
- Is it a bird? A plane? An airline super-merger? [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Former Chicago Mobster Gets Vegas Gig
Frank Calabrese Jr. was once part of the notorious Chicago Outfit, and got out by wearing a wire against his father. Now, he’s a resident speaker at The Mob Museum in Las Vegas. [Block Club]
- Did you know? “Casino” is actually a Chicago story. [Reader]
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What To Do
Monday, April 27
- 🤘 Punk Rock Monday | Delilah’s | Lincoln Park | Free
- 📽️ Latino Film Fest closing | Landmark Century Centre Cinema | Lakeview
- 🐦 “Birdman” with live score | Logan Center | Woodlawn | Free
- 🎺 The Jazz Club Experience | Location varies
- 🎸 Jose Gonzalez | The Vic Theatre | Lakeview
- ⚾️ Sox vs Angels | Rate Field | Bridgeport
💕 Finally, a warm welcome to our newest City Cast Chicago Neighbors: Katherine M., Molly S., Paul W., Alaina S., Rachel C., Kailey B., Laura K., Sarah S., Daniel A., Aubrey M., Andrew W., Gaybrielle T., Megan H., Marvin T.H., Jennifer P., Abigail L., Nicole B., Rodney L., Natalie B., Lyn P., Lynn P., Morgan D., Anna B., Bradley W., Victoria B., Michael C., Bethel K., Amelia H., Emily C., Patrick S., Theo A., and Morgan K.!
We love to see it. As for the rest of you – keep the community going by becoming a City Cast Chicago Neighbor.
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