City Cast Chicago

The 12th season of Chicago’s Asian Pop-Up Cinema is underway. The fest is online and outdoors at the Lincoln Yards Drive-in. Unfortunately, the screenings of Oscar-nominee “Minari” are sold out. But there’s plenty left to see. We talk with founder Sophia Wong Boccio about which films she’s looking forward to and why the festival is important to her.Guest: Sophia Wong Boccio, Founder/Executive Director, Asian Pop-Up Cinema (@asianpopupcinema)Films mentioned:My Missing ValentineReady O/R KnotFanfareWhere to buy tickets: asianpopupcinema.org/12boxofficeFollow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm

Jacoby heads to Chicago’s Loop after the jury in the Derek Chauvin murder trial delivers the guilty verdict. Local activists talk about what the verdict means and how significant this decision was. We also hear from Frank Chapman, who has spent decades fighting for police accountability; and Arionne Nettles, a journalism professor at Northwestern University who recently wrote about police killings.Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

There’s more to cannabis-infused food than just gummy bears and brownies. Manny Mendoza is a Culinary Institute of America-trained chef who runs Herbal Notes, a company that creates pop-up dining experiences in Chicago and California. His infused dishes run the gamut from brunch to tapas to a very special frozen chocolate milk. Mendoza explains how he’s created a business and lifestyle that combines his love of food and weed. Guest: Manny Mendoza, Chef/Owner, Herbal Notes (@herbalnotes)Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

David Axelrod may have been born in New York, but he very much identifies as a Chicagoan. After arriving at the University of Chicago as a student nearly 50 years ago, the long-time political strategist and one-time chief adviser to Barack Obama advisor is still here. Axelrod and Jacoby talk politics, idealism, and what makes Chicago great. Plus, we hear some of your “Weak-Ass Takes.” Read on for how to submit your own.Guest: David Axelrod-- Founding Director, Institute of Politics, University of Chicago; Host, The Axe FilesHow to send us your Weak-Ass Takes: Use Voice Memo, Voice Recorder or another app to record yourself giving your unpopular opinion. Please also include your name and neighborhood. Email us the audio file at chicago@citycast.fm Keep listening to hear if we feature your take on a future episode! Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

The teachers union has reached a deal with Chicago Public Schools for high schoolers to return to class Monday. It comes after tense negotiations this week. Meanwhile, the debate over creating an elected Chicago school board is heating up in Springfield, with competing proposals emerging. Jacoby breaks down the politics with two education reporters.Guests: Sarah Karp, Education Reporter, WBEZ (@SSKedreporter)Samantha Smylie, State Education Reporter, Chalkbeat Chicago (@sammie_smylie)Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

How can Chicagoans actually hold police accountable? That’s the question two coalitions are trying to tackle in their proposed “People’s Ordinance.” It would create a new civilian oversight body with broad policy-making powers. Frank Chapman has been working on this issue for decades. He tells Jacoby how this proposal is a step toward a more just policing system.Guest: Frank Chapman, Field Organizer, Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (@CAARPRNOW)What you can do: At 10 a.m. Saturday, CAARPR will be hosting virtual briefing on the ordinance. You can find more information on their Facebook page. Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

Donald Lassere started this week as the new head of the Chicago History Museum. It's a homecoming for the native South Sider, who most recently led the Muhammed Ali Center in Louisville. Lassere reflects on his youth in Chicago, including being run out of Marquette Park because he was Black, and what he's excited to return to in Chicago (hint: Harold's). Lassere also tells Jacoby he wants to make sure the 165-year-old museum tells the stories of all of Chicago’s neighborhoods.Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

High school students in Chicago Public Schools are supposed to go back to in-person learning next week. The wave also includes the return of another group of K-8 students. Last week, we heard from a mom who’s choosing to keep her young kids in remote learning. Today, Jacoby talks to a dad who was eager to get his son back in the classroom about how in-person learning is going so far.Guest: Ryan Griffin, CPS ParentFollow us on twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

After Adam Toledo was shot and killed by Chicago Police, some city officials painted a picture of the 13 year old as lost, alone, and drawn to gang life out of desperation. Toledo’s mother pushed backed on that narrative, saying Adam lived with his family and was not alone. But the police shooting has created a narrow view of Toledo's Southwest Side neighborhood. We visit Little Village with Katya Nuques, executive director of Enlace Chicago, to learn more about the neighborhood’s history and discuss how the community is responding to the shooting.Guest: Katya Nuques, Executive Director, Enlace Chicago (@EnlaceChicago)Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

***We have a new segment, and we need your help! Read after the description for more details.***Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Gov. JB Pritzker seem to be at odds lately. The two Democrats are going in different directions on reopening bars and restaurants. They’re clashing over education. They couldn’t even decide on a joint press conference location when the vice president was in town this week. Is this all just political theater or are there real tensions here? Jacoby breaks it down with two journalists: one watching Springfield and the other watching City Hall.Guests: Amanda Vinicky, Correspondent, WTTW Channel 11 (@AmandaVinicky)Alex Nitkin, Editor and City Hall reporter, The Daily Line (@AlexNitkin)Now, for something new. We want to hear your Weak-Ass Takes!At the end of the episode, the City Cast Chicago team shares some of their unpopular opinions, and we want to hear yours. Record your take via voice memo and send to chicago@citycast.fm. Be sure to say your name and your neighborhood. Others may hear it on an upcoming episode! (Don't be shy...some of us don't like Marvel movies, either.)Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago