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| | | Rumored United and American Merger | A United Airlines and American Airlines merger would change travel for Chicagoans, big time. | | Reports swirled this week that United CEO Scott Kirby has been floating the idea to senior government officials. He also told employees that United could benefit from consolidations in the industry more broadly, considering rising oil and fuel prices due to the war in Iran. The potential combination would create the world's largest airline. | | Although it is only speculative and would need to be approved by regulators, the potential merger is raising concerns. The amalgamation would control over a third of the market, which could result in fewer options for travelers and higher flight fares. | | What does this mean for Chicago? The airlines have the most overlap in Chicago, controlling most of the gates at O’Hare. Aviation analysts predict a merger could cut flights in the city. O’Hare just ranked as the busiest airfield, with over 860,000 takeoffs and landings in 2025. Mayor Brandon Johnson called the ranking a point of pride, saying, “It reflects our city’s enduring strength as a global economic engine.” | | It’s personal: Before he was CEO at United, Kirby was president of American. The airlines were the center of drama earlier this year when they were fighting over gate space at O’Hare. | | Also at O’Hare: Southwest is ending service at the larger airport and is set to lay off 107 workers. The airline will continue to dominate Midway. | | Summer travel isn’t looking so hot: The Federal Aviation Administration is also pointing to the possibility of fewer flights and more delays during the peak travel time this year. TSA was struggling due to the partial government shutdown in February. Funding for agents has been reinstated even though the partial shutdown continues, but security lines across the country still vary. | | If we have to deal with long lines and (even more) expensive flights… maybe traveling by bus isn’t so bad. |
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| | | Ever notice how the best part of anything is right in the middle? Come see for yourself in Illinois, where you can hit the trails in breathtaking state parks. Experience classic Americana on Route 66. And even kayak through a glistening canyon of skyscrapers. It’s all right here in Illinois. |
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| What Chicago's Talking About |
| | City Wants Ford City Mall Closed | On Monday, the city asked a Cook County judge to close the mall to all remaining businesses after the property owner repeatedly failed to repair the mall’s fire suppression system. Major chains like AMC and JCPenney are still on site. [Crain’s 🔒] | | | | | CPS and Archdiocese Drama. Plus, Uplifting Immigrant Stories | Chicago Catholic schools found out this week that resources like tutors, classroom aides, and after-school programs are getting cut. On today’s podcast, we break down the details. Plus, we discuss art events supporting Chicago immigrants. [City Cast Chicago 🎧] | | How to Reduce Flooding | As we’ve seen this week, rain and flooding are increasing challenges for Chicago. Homeowners can take steps like making sure gutters drain to rain barrels or gardens instead of sewers and losing concrete for more natural landscaping. [Sun-Times] | | | Community Ride in Brighton Park | Southwest Siders can join community rides on South Archer Avenue's new protected bike lanes on Saturday. Local groups and city officials will also provide safety tips and mechanical bike checks. [Block Club] | | |  | One of Chicago’s oldest record shops, Beverly Records. (Emmi Mack / City Cast Chicago) |
| New Record Store Coming to Rogers Park | A new brick-and-mortar music shop, High Voltage Records & Hi-Fi, will open on April 25 near Loyola Beach. It will operate only on weekends. Selling records is a side hustle for owner Daniel Ranegar, an avid collector and social worker. [Reader] | |
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Thank you to our new City Cast Chicago Neighbors: Amy B., Camryn M., and Kelly A. | | You too could be a City Cast Chicago Neighbor and enjoy members-only perks, like weekly event lists and special podcast content! |
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