What’s the Future of Johnson’s Environmental Goals? Plus, Guess That Quote
While City Council voted on a budget yesterday, a decision on a permit for a metal shredder in Pilsen that was supposed to come down Monday has been pushed back indefinitely. Neighbors are calling for a comprehensive health risk assessment, as the city comes under fire for failing to enforce environmental regulations and as staffing changes at the health department slow environmental justice projects. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea discuss what the moves could mean for the Johnson administration in 2025. Plus, they play a game of “guess that quote” and discuss the most interesting Best of Chicago categories in the Reader.
Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.
Follow us @citycastchicago
You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246
Learn more about the sponsors of this Dec. 17 episode:
- Joffrey Ballet – save 10% with code SNOW10 for the December 26th and 27th performances!
Become a member of City Cast Chicago.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Why It’s Totally Worth Visiting Every Chicago Neighborhood
Today we’re talking with Chicagoans who have made it their mini-mission to visit every community area. And they have all taken very diffe...

School Board Passes Amended Budget. Plus, Vote on Park Improvements
Last week, Chicago’s school board voted 11-7 to pass an amended $10 billion budget. To avoid hundreds of layoffs, the board budgeted for...

New Mayoral Candidates, More Grocery Closures, and Chicago’s Rainy Summer
On Tuesday, candidates hoping to get on February’s ballot were able to start gathering nominating petitions. That includes folks who want...

Your Guide to August 2026 in Chicago
August in Chicago is packed with reasons to visit all corners of the city, including the Bud Billiken Parade, Northalsted Market Days, th...

CPS Budget Woes, Chi's Best Chicken Wings, and the Esteem Awards
The Board of Education is scheduled to vote tomorrow on a Chicago Public Schools budget plan that would lay off 760 teachers and 801 teac...

Chicago Renter Protections, Edgewater Restricts E-Scooters, and Lollapalooza Weekend
Right now, Chicago’s City Council is weighing exactly how to update the city’s 40-year-old Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance. The...

Why Chicagoans Feel Like Crime Is Up. Plus, Archdiocese Sues Accusers
A public opinion poll from the University of Chicago indicates many Chicagoans feel like violent crime rates are rising even though the d...

Can Chicago Save Save-A-Lot Stores? Plus, Safety Net Hospitals Are Struggling
Seven Save-A-Lot grocery stores across the South and West Sides could close their doors as early as Saturday if Yellow Banana, the compan...

How To Check For Chicagoland Ticks. Plus, Amusement Parks, and Reboots We Want
Now that the smoke has largely cleared out, it is the perfect time to get outdoors and into nature. Whether you’re planning a quick hike...

Are Parking Meters Connected to ICE? Plus, Chicago Therapy Collective and Chicago’s Busiest Weekend
A plan to sell Chicago’s 36,000 parking meters remains stalled in the City Council. A group of alders is critical of the potential buyer'...

