April showers are here, but luckily we’ve got your guide to what’s happening in Chicago this month — rain or shine. Host Jacoby Cochran is with executive producer Simone Alicea and City Cast Chicago contributor Brandon Pope have events to look forward to, tips for April, and news stories to watch.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this April 1 episode:

• The Other Art Fair
• Steppenwolf Theatre
• Window Nation
• Chicago Architecture Center Walking Tours

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Chicago has a new working group looking into ⁠proactive rental inspections⁠ and creating a registry of apartment owners. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea explain how we got here and how the moves could help renters. Plus, the ⁠Fighting Illini are in the Final Four⁠, and y’all have thoughts on ⁠AI and robots⁠.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this March 31 episode:

• ⁠The Other Art Fair⁠
• ⁠Steppenwolf Theatre⁠
• ⁠Window Nation⁠
• ⁠Chicago Architecture Center Walking Tours⁠

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The Chicago school board seems to have its pick for ⁠permanent CPS CEO⁠, finally… and it’s interim CEO Macquline King. Ahead of the board’s meeting this morning, host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea take us through how we got here. Plus, ⁠the mayor of Broadview is calling on the feds to close the ICE facility⁠ there and reimburse the village for costs incurred during Operation Midway Blitz. We’re also discussing the rise of Nashville hot chicken in Chicago.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this March 30 episode:

• ⁠The Other Art Fair⁠
• ⁠Steppenwolf Theatre⁠
• ⁠Window Nation⁠
• ⁠Chicago Architecture Center Walking Tours⁠

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More affordable housing is needed in places like Chicago. Some cities, however, are doing better than others at meeting this need. Austin, Texas, for example, is building more affordable housing than any other American city right now — 50% more, by some measures, than the second most successful city. However, this fast-growing city is also seeing a shortage in housing that middle- and lower-income residents can afford. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Austin podcast host Nikki DaVaughn about this paradox, the city’s affordable housing successes, and where Austin’s still falling short. Plus, how far is too far to walk to a neighbor’s house?

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The Chicago Police Department has been under a federal consent decree, required to “change the way it trains, supervises and disciplines officers,” for seven years. Since it was introduced, CPD has reached ⁠full compliance with just 22%⁠ of mandates and has yet to implement a⁠ new system that tracks misconduct allegations⁠. We are joined by WTTW’s Heather Cherone and Block Club Chicago’s Manny Ramos. Plus, ⁠West Suburban Hospital⁠ is temporarily closing its doors today, Lincoln Park has a ⁠new baby rhino⁠, and Happy Birthday, Mama T!

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Learn more about the sponsors of this March 27 episode:

• ⁠The Other Art Fair⁠

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Alpha Academy, a private school that operates teacherless classrooms with AI-developed lesson plans and curricula, is coming to Chicago next fall. And we have questions and thoughts. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea break down the latest details. Plus, what’s going on with the delivery robots crashing into bus shelters, and is there anything we’d rather talk about than all things AI?

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Learn more about the sponsors of this March 26 episode:

• The Other Art Fair

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What is ICE actually doing at the airport? According to some reports, scrolling their phones and chatting with currently unpaid TSA agents. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea are talking about what this means for travelers and how to help TSA agents currently working unpaid due to the partial government shutdown. They also discuss the stalemate in City Council’s zoning committee, and Simone gives Jacoby a rat quiz.
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Learn more about the sponsors of this March 25th episode:
Access Contemporary Music
The Other Art Fair
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Joliet has approved a 795-acre data center project even as state lawmakers consider stricter regulations. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss Illinois’ great data center debate. They’ve also got tips for C2E2 this weekend, and you’ve got thoughts on Portillo’s, weather prep, and loose eggs.

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Learn more about the sponsors of this March 24th episode:

Access Contemporary Music

The Other Art Fair

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Even without facing a primary opponent, Gov. JB Pritzker seems to be coming out on top in Illinois politics. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and contributor Leigh Giangreco discuss Pritzker’s apparent new role as kingmaker. They also discuss expected delays at O’Hare and revisiting our favorite breakfast sandwiches — including Leigh’s flaming hot take on eggs.

Learn more about the sponsors of this March 23rd episode:

Access Contemporary Music

The Other Art Fair

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The unionization efforts of sex workers in Nevada might have implications for gig workers in Chicago. At Sheri's Ranch, a legal brothel 45 minutes outside Las Vegas, some of the workers are seeking both recognition as employees and union representation. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with former City Cast Las Vegas podcast host, current contributor, and longtime Nevada attorney Dayvid Figler about why sex workers are considered independent contractors, what sparked this legal battle, and what happens if they win. Plus, what's different about neighborhoods in Las Vegas?

Mentioned on the show:

• Could a Pahrump Brothel Union Set a New National Standard for Labor Laws? (City Cast Las Vegas)
  

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Back in 2023, Chicago’s city council voted to gradually raise the subminimum wage for tipped workers every July for five years until it matched the city’s full minimum wage in 2028. Now the city council has voted to freeze the annual increases. We are joined by the Tribune’s Jake Sheridan and the Reader’s Katie Prout to discuss Mayor Johnson’s plan to veto the vote. Plus, why did the city clear another encampment in Legion Park during the coldest week of the month, and how much did outside funding impact primary results?

Good News: West Town Restaurant Week

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Learn more about the sponsors of this March 20 episode:

Access Contemporary Music

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