What Are Mental Health Courts? Plus, United Center Tax Break and Obama Center Gentrification

Mayor Brandon Johnson is in Vatican City this week to meet Chicago’s very own Pope Leo XIV for the first time. The two are expected to discuss their mutual disdain for the president, the state of Chicago baseball, and the Pope’s latest writings on the dangers of A.I. Adora Namigadde and Jill Hopkins are here to discuss the historic meeting. Plus, a 177-year-old beer halts production, and what Midwest brands still have your heart? Good News: 5th Annual Windy City Hot Dog Fest, Still Finally Over It Tour, Tool Library Repair Fair Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, May 28 episode: North Shore Center for the Performing Arts Newberry Library Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

After multiple large gatherings of young people over the weekend, including at 57th St. Beach and North Ave Beach, Ald Brian Hopkins is preparing an ordinance he says would hold parents accountable for young people arrested at these events. Plus, Chicago is expanding its mental health response teams, and we what is your favorite Chicago beach? Good News: Maifest Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this May 27 episode: North Shore Center for the Performing Arts Newberry Library Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Earlier this month, CTA announced a new transit safety task force and made adjustments to 2025 ridership totals. With ongoing concerns about post-pandemic recovery and threats to federal funding, we discuss what these latest moves mean for CTA going forward. Plus, it’s National Inventors Month and contributors Leigh Giangreco and PJ Walker brought some of their favorite Chicago inventions.  Good News: Chicago Sky Tickets Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, May 26 episode: North Shore Center for the Performing Arts Newberry Library Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

City Council reached a near-unanimous decision to pause the subminimum wage hike for tipped workers this week. When they voted to free the subminimum wage hike back in March, Mayor Brandon Johnson ultimately vetoed their decision. Johnson confirmed this week he will accept this compromise and not pursue another veto. WBEZ’s Susie An and Block Club Chicago’s Madison Savedra are here to discuss why this ordinance is being reversed just three years in. Plus, Illinois is getting millions for lead pipe removal, and changes are coming to Ravenwood’s popular Del Sur Bakery.  Good News: South West Side Zine Library Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Friday, May 22 episode: Enjoy Illinois Broadway In Chicago - Spamalot Newberry Library Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson hosts this showdown where 12 City Cast reps, including City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran, compete head-to-head and debate which city is the best for a weekend trip this summer. From hot tub boats (exactly what they sound like) to epic outdoor summer festivals, our hosts are bringing the best of what their city has to offer this season. Can Jacoby beat out his competitors from DC, Denver, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Philly, Pittsburgh, Portland, Salt Lake, Seattle, and the Twin Cities? Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, May 21 episode: Enjoy Illinois Broadway In Chicago - Spamalot Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Gov. JB Pritzker voiced support for a mega projects bill that incentivizes the Bears’ move to Arlington Heights, while shading Mayor Brandon Johnson, saying he has “no plan” to keep the Bears in Chicago. Johnson remains critical of the deal, calling it a burden on taxpayers. Meanwhile, Hammond, Indiana, is still in the race. We’re breaking down all the back and forth with Brandon Pope and Anna DeShawn. Plus, El Bar is celebrating Chicago’s queer Latino community in Northalsted, and who doesn’t love a healthy crosstown rivalry?  Good News: En La Vida newsletter, “Trench Baby Turned Farmer” release Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Wednesday, May 20 episode: Enjoy Illinois Broadway In Chicago - Spamalot Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Getting into Chicago Housing Authority units is hard enough, but the agency is also processing hundreds of relocation requests for current tenants facing health and safety issues. Executive producer Simone Alicea and creative producer Michelle Navarro discuss the challenges. They also find out which community area doesn’t have a library and discuss the reality TV-worthy drama of the piping plovers’ mating season. Plus, a surprise cameo from host Jacoby Cochran! Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this May 19 episode: Enjoy Illinois Broadway In Chicago - Spamalot Newberry Library Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Chicago Public Schools are planning to cut teacher positions to minimize the $732 million budget deficit. Meanwhile, CPS CEO Macquline King has been subpoenaed by a congressional committee. Executive producer Simone Alicea, City Cast contributor Jill Hopkins, and creative producer Michelle Navarro discuss the latest, including the University of Chicago offering full tuition coverage for families with incomes below $250,000 a year. Plus, we discuss Lollapalooza’s day-by-day schedule and the last time we thought Lolla was worth the ticket cost.  Good news: Eel in the Chicago River Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this May 18 episode: Enjoy Illinois Broadway In Chicago - Spamalot Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Mental health courts have proliferated in Illinois, but how effective are they? Grace Hauck with the Illinois Answers Project joins Justin Laurence with Crain’s and executive producer Simone Alicea to break it down. Plus,  the United Center’s 1901 Project is poised for a big tax break, and housing protections near the Obama Center seem to have failed to keep neighbors in their homes. But at least we’ve got good news about pepper plants and the NBA draft. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this May 15 episode: Window Nation Visit Bloomington Randolph Street Market Griffin MSI Newberry Library Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Lawmakers in Springfield are considering legislation that would make it easier for churches to build multifamily housing on land they own. Contributor Adora Namigadde explains the “Yes In God’s Backyard” movement. Plus, creative producer Emmi Mack traces the history of Jim’s Original in the Maxwell Street Area, and we’ve got recommendations for patio season. Good news: Lincoln Park Mayfest Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, May 14th episode: Window Nation Visit Bloomington Randolph Street Market Griffin MSI Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our daily newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE