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City Cast Chicago

More rain means more combined sewer overflow in Chicago — and it’s been 

rainy. This summer alone, Bubbly Creek’s combined sewers 

 combined sewers? And how can we prevent damage?

Most sewers in Chicagoland carry a combination of sanitary sewage (read: poop) and rainwater from storm drains. 

 were built before the advent of wastewater treatment technology and once flowed straight into waterways, hence Chicago’s “

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District — more on that later — added intercepting sewers to carry that water to cleaning plants in the early 1900s. But during heavy rainfall, even in 2025, more water can enter these combined sewers than can be cleaned, causing overflow.

This overflow can pollute waterways and flood banks, streets, and, yes, basements.  It can also disrupt the environmental food chain. But there are ways to ease the strain.

When it’s especially rainy, the WMRD declares Overflow Action Days. That’s when Chicagoans should:

Replace old or leaky faucets, toilets, and showerheads
 

In conclusion: You can be a little grody on Overflow Action Days. It's nothing compared to the grodiness of flooding sewage.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District

You’ve seen the name on your ballot, and maybe you’ve passed right over it. But as former MWRD commissioner 

Kim Neely du Buclet told City Cast Chicago

, “It’s the most important agency that no one knows about.”

 your home — whether through flushing the toilet, cleaning dishes, doing laundry, taking a shower, anything. Meanwhile, water that comes 

 the home is handled by the Water Department. Think of it as drains versus faucets.

The job of MWRD, essentially, is to make sure wastewater doesn’t go back into the lake, where we get our drinking water. That’s why the agency sets Overflow Action Days. 

Editor’s note: A version of this article was originally published May 22, 2025.

You can be a little grody on Overflow Action Days. It's nothing compared to the grodiness of flooding sewage.

What Are Overflow Action Days?

How to Not Overflow Chicago's Sewers

What Chicagoans have been wondering. We break down why things in Chicago are the way they are and how they work.

Chicago, Explained

Have you been following the news in Chicago this week? Prove it! Take the City Cast Chicago news quiz.

Looking for a previous City Cast Chicago news quiz? Find it here.

How closely were you paying attention to this week's current events in Chicago? Test yourself in our weekly trivia quiz.

Your Weekly News Trivia Quiz

Take This Week's Chicago News Trivia Quiz

Emily Mack

Over the weekend, Mayor Brandon Johnson officially launched his reelection campaign, joining a race that includes roughly a dozen other challengers.

 previously teased his announcement with 

. He also talked about the wins of his progressive administration. However, his campaign launch comes 

, Illinois State Comptroller and former Chicago City Clerk, is using social media to amplify (

) her image. A centrist Democrat, Mendoza is pro-police and says Chicago is facing 

, Illinois Secretary of State, is generally considered to have improved office (and line) conditions … but in 2010, 

the collapse of his family's bank cost him the U.S. Senate election

. Giannoulias lost to Republican Mark Kirk.

, Cook County Treasurer, has served in that position since 1998 — though you may know her for her flamboyant clothes and damning property tax reports. She has 

. She’s also running to retain her seat in November.

, U.S. Representative (5th), is simultaneously running for reelection and mayor. He’s represented much of the Northwest Side in Congress since 2009. Recently, he

, Cook County Board of Review commissioner, and former 12th Ward alder, launched his campaign with a message that seemed relatively moderate — 

, former Chicago Housing Authority board chair, is an 

. Previously, Johnson attempted to remove Brewer as CHA board chair.

, a National Guard veteran and a nonprofit founder

, a real estate developer and progressive focused on tax reform

, the millionaire businessman running for the fourth time

, a cardiologist and public policy advisor

, an entrepreneur, former teacher, and wealth management firm CEO

, a businessman, lobbyist, and consulting firm CEO

, a traffic signal repairperson with the Chicago Department of Transportation

, a pro-Trump Republican and co-founder of Chicago Flips Red

Now remember: The field is almost certain to narrow after the Oct. 26 filing deadline, as petition challenges are likely to follow. The process of 

getting — then proving — signatures can be thorny

After that, remaining candidates will campaign until the citywide election Feb. 23 … not to be confused with the 

, during which Chicago will vote on its first-ever fully elected school board 👀

Mayor Brandon Johnson officially launched his reelection campaign, joining a race that includes roughly a dozen other challengers.

Candidates Running For Mayor in Chicago

The Latest Candidates Running For Mayor

Mayor Brandon Johnson told City Cast Chicago he’ll announce whether he’s running again Sept. 13. And that’s not all he said. We sat down with the mayor at City Hall for a candid conversation — 

Mayor Johnson Answers Your Toughest Questions

, Johnson attributes part of the lingering deficit to progressive policies quashed by City Council last year — namely, his 

However, he doubled down on policies that passed like the social media amusement responsibility tax, which is, indeed, 

, though funds remain tied up in escrow due to legal trouble. They’re slated to go toward mental health care.

“I'm gonna continue to fight hard to protect the interest of working people,” he said, but acknowledged it will take cooperation from Springfield. “ There's only a few levers that I have absolute control over.”

On data centers and the forthcoming quantum campus:

, Johnson supports the ongoing construction of a quantum campus on Chicago’s Southeast Side. He emphasized the need to build in an area that has lacked development since the steel mills closed decades ago.

When asked, point blank, whether he’d want a quantum campus in 

 neighborhood, the mayor said, “What I want is development.” He added that it will also require work from state lawmakers to ensure it doesn’t come at the expense of residents.

Similarly, regarding data centers, Johnson said it will take multiple bodies of government to prevent them from growing in Chicago.

Recently, the Chicago Board of Education passed a budget that avoided layoffs proposed by Chicago Public Schools, as the district faces persistent shortfalls. Meanwhile, concerns over under-enrollment linger. If it were up to him, Johnson said school closures would be off the table. However, the mayor no longer has much power in that arena.

Chicago votes on its first-ever fully elected school board this November, a change which Johnson said he fully supports (though he 

Stay tuned for more on that front — and check out our 

🎧 Listen to our talk with the mayor

Mayor Brandon Johnson told City Cast Chicago he’ll announce whether he’s running again Sept. 13. And that’s not all he said. We sat down with the mayor at City Hall for a candid conversation — full of YOUR questions.


A conversation with Mayor Brandon Johnson

Mayor Brandon Johnson Answers YOUR Tough Questions

Riverside Plaza, aka the former Chicago Daily News building, is now an official city landmark. It’s Art Deco, 26 stories, and while it might not be super famous, it marked two historic firsts: the first local office building with a public plaza and the first built above train tracks.

Speaking of which, do you know your historic Chicago sites? Test your landmark knowledge.

Do you know your historic Chicago sites? Test your landmark knowledge.

Chicago Landmarks Quiz

The Official Chicago Landmark Quiz

Michelle Navarro

Federal and local law enforcement raided two massage businesses on the same street in Brighton Park last month. Two people were arrested and 

accused of running a prostitution operation out of a massage business front

The first raid took place after a worker approached a boy as he was passing the property. The second, down the street, occurred right next to Ald. Julia Ramirez's (12th) office.

, we speak with Ramirez on how these illicit businesses operate, how she and other officials are working to protect the women inside them, and why there seem to be so many in the area.

Why Massage Parlors Are Getting Raided in the 12th Ward

: In the Brighton Park raids, law enforcement found that women inside may have been forced to work. But human trafficking within illicit massage businesses isn’t unique to Chicago. An estimated 

9,000 illicit massage businesses operate in the country

, with many targeting undocumented immigrant women through deceptive recruitment, debt bondage, intimidation, and other manipulation tactics.

, it’s difficult to verify which are operating legally when just looking at a storefront. Often referred to as “massage parlors” or “massage spas,” these venues use the cover of legitimate bodywork and massage therapy to provide sexual acts to patrons.

 Ramirez says landlords need to be more diligent about who their commercial tenants are, what they intend to open, and whether they have the right licenses.

Last month, Chicago Police and the Department of Buildings also 

shut down an alleged brothel operating out of a home

 in Bridgeport. Ramirez says she and Ald. Nicole Lee (11th) have discussed the illicit massage parlors in their wards and suspect there are many across the city.

 There are, of course, legitimate massage businesses in Chicago, so how do we know when it's a front? Illicit massage parlors are often noticeably popular. Patrons may frequent them at all hours, including late at night.

 You can anonymously text tips to TXT2TIP; text the word CPD along with your tip to 274637; or text CPDTip to 738477, then utilize the response link. You can also submit anonymously online through the

Chicago's illicit massage businesses: how they operate and what to do if you see something suspicious.

Illicit Massage Businesses in Chicago

Illicit Massage Businesses Raided in Chicago

We don’t need an excuse to dish on ice cream in Chicago. But right now, we actually have one: July is National Ice Cream Month.

Pretty Cool is collabing with the CTA. Rainbow Cone is 

. And here at City Cast Chicago, we’re bringing you a special edition of 

In the meantime, brush up on your local ice cream knowledge.

July is National Ice Cream Month. Brush up on your local ice cream knowledge.

Chicago Ice Cream Quiz

A Not-So-Soft-Serve Chicago Ice Cream Quiz

Chicago’s mayoral election is Feb. 23, 2027 — if no candidate gets a majority of the vote, a runoff will take place April 6.

far-off, but the race has already begun! Candidates are announcing, and money is pouring in — here’s where the race stands so far. 

 has been the state’s chief fiscal manager since 2016. Though she ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2019, this campaign feels more focused. She’s not seeking another term as comptroller and she's using social media to amplify (

A centrist Democrat, Mendoza is pro-police and has said that Chicago is facing 

 while serving his ninth term in Congress. Unlike Mendoza, Quigley is up for reelection in the general this fall.

 seems focused on addressing the city’s $1 billion-plus deficit.

Cook County Board of Review Commissioner George Cardenas 

officially launched his campaign last week. And so far, his platform seems relatively moderate — 

. Previously, Cardenas spent nearly 20 years as 12th Ward alder, serving as an ally to former Mayors Lori Lightfoot, Rahm Emanuel, and Richard M. Daley.

Chicago Housing Authority board member Matthew Brewer

 slammed Johnson while announcing his candidacy. The two have a contentious history 

 for his November reelection race … but Giannoulias doesn’t need big contributions to trounce a little-known Republican challenger. Seemingly, Giannoulias is shaping up to run for mayor.

Giannoulias is generally considered to have improved office (and line) conditions … but in 2010, 

 is seeking reelection for her current role in November, though she’s previously said 

Pappas has served as treasurer since 1998 and recently published a damning report detailing 

 … but she’s perhaps best known for her 

has not formally announced his reelection campaign, though it seems likely. Then again, Johnson’s 

. Unlike past mayors, Johnson does not maintain a rubber-stamp majority in City Council.

 run again — but for now, he’s still dealing with 

debt and ethics fines from his previous campaign

So, Who’s Running For Mayor?

Juneteenth weekend was extra bustling in Chicago this year, thanks to the Obama Presidential Center opening. The big party was Thursday night, followed by three more days of activities and performances.

It’s no surprise the city went so hard for Barack Obama — love him or hate him, he’s a Chicago legend. The same goes double for Michelle.

See how well you know their Chicago roots.

How closely were you paying attention to this week's current events? Test yourself in our weekly trivia quiz.

Test Your Knowledge of the Obamas in Chicago 

I take a very European approach to life in Chicago. By that, I mean forcing my friends to join me for weekday drinks and utilizing public space to the fullest. So when I heard Buckingham Fountain was getting 100 metal chairs inspired by the Luxembourg Garden in Paris, I had to see what this was about.

The Luxembourg chairs are from Fermob, a renowned French furniture manufacturer. Two styles now surround the fountain — the low armchair, which is slightly reclined, and the lounge armchair, an upright version. Both come in a subtle “willow green” color.

It was the price tag that caught my attention more than the chairs’ origin. The 

100 metal chairs in Chicago came out to $54,488

, or about $544 per chair. Lollapalooza covered about 55% of the costs.

I’m quick to pocket-watch the city, but I can’t help but admit I am a fan. The chairs are comfortable and inviting — and they’re movable. The chairs weigh 11-13 pounds, pretty lightweight for a durable metal patio chair. I was able to easily pick one up with one arm. A child could drag one across the floor thanks to the silencing pads at the bottom of the legs.

Public chairs that aren’t benches or bolted to the ground have already proven popular in the city. There are the 

, but those are more difficult to move just by virtue of their shape. They are still comfortable for looking out at the architecture tour boats and people watching.

Before the chairs, the only seating options at the fountain were benches that circle the far perimeter of the plaza. Chicagoans and tourists would swing by, look at the fountain, take some photos, and keep it pushing.

. After visiting on a weekday morning and afternoon, I was happy to see people taking time to sit for a while. Some took in the skyline or the fountain itself. Others, myself included, positioned the chairs to sunbathe. I can imagine walking over on a summer evening after a Millennium Park concert, my friends collecting chairs to pull close to one another.

 — unlocked before 8 a.m. and locked up around 11 p.m. Early Friday, I caught two Park District guys coming out of white pickup trucks, unlocking the heavy-duty security cable around the chairs. They said their job is to “make sure the chairs survive the night.” 

I give the fancy French public chairs my highest recommendation, but the cynical Chicagoan in me is wondering how long it will be until one of the chairs ends up in the lake or a dibs spot next January. I hope we can all fight the urge and protect the chairs at all costs.