USA TODAY’s critically acclaimed investigative podcast about power in American cities.
Season 1, Chicago: A black neighborhood fights back when a mysterious man with mob ties builds an illegal dump across the street from an elementary school. Along the way they confront corrupt politicians, apathetic bureaucrats—and a secret undercover FBI investigation.
Season 2, Reno: A surprising proxy battle for the future of Reno pits a brash strip club kingpin against power brokers in city hall. The winner-takes-all fight could remake the city—and ruin lives in the process.
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57 Subscribers
Reviews
jbabde
3 out of 5 stars
Great storyline bad voice editing
I enjoyed reading the original longform story and was led to the podcast. But right off the bat, the narrator’s voice is sped up from her native speech cadence so much that it’s painful to listen.
I prefer to listen to her voice as she would likely talk and it’s nothing close to the speed you’re hearing
Wondery!
5 out of 5 stars
Season 1. Season 3??
Season 1 was great! I really liked it, I was really interested and I thought everything was done so well.
I listened to the trailer for Suspect, but I can’t find any more episodes. I’m guessing Season 3 is for Suspect, but where is it??
gfsyuhvcghhh
1 out of 5 stars
Interesting but
Mainly made up story to segregate races
Jenn804
5 out of 5 stars
Please do more!!! Season 3,4,5...
Loving every minute of this podcast. So sad there won’t be more seasons to come.
•Andrea>
5 out of 5 stars
Great investigative format!
This podcast is a fantastic portrayal of how there’s layers of drama, ulterior motives and power-plays in every town & government- you just have to do some digging...
Mastercast Reviews
5 out of 5 stars
A New Look at Crime
The City:
Wow this podcast is the best non-murder investigative series I’ve ever heard. It looks at how authority and power works in American cities and had two seasons before its producer USA Today canceled the show. The first season looks at a Black Chicago community’s fight to get rid of an illegal dump across the street from an elementary school. The story is made up of many different parts, some expected and some unexpected, including bizarre legal technicalities, corrupt politics, mob crime, a six-story debris pile, and a twist I couldn’t have predicted. Told through the voices of those who lived it the podcast provides an intimate and detailed looks into one neighborhood’s struggle for equality. Host Robin Amer created and narrated the 10 part miniseries. Each episode is on average 29 minutes long but the show has no commercials. I loved the reporter’s voice which I felt wasn’t trying to be a Dateline host and the music is very professional. Script is of an excellent quality and is supported by secretly recorded conversations, first person testimonials from high ranking public officials, and witness accounts.
Similar Pods: Criminal, Empty Frames, The Pope’s Long Con, Dear Franklin Jones, Disgraceland, Breakdown, The Fall Line, The Grift, Secret Time, Crime in Sports, Heist, Fake Heiress, wecrashed, Shedunnit, Slow Burn, Swindled, Uncover, Mugshot, The Dream
More reviews on insta @themastercast
Shannanews
5 out of 5 stars
Love both seasons
Season 1 breaking down the mess of Chicago politics was great. Things never change.
Season 2 in Reno is so well researched & gives so much contextual history. Fascinated by both. Great journalism.
Delorian Time Machine
5 out of 5 stars
Bring it back.
This was a mistake cancelling the show. Not only was it well done, but interesting and thorough as well. It would’ve been worth a subscription to USA TODAY if they kept it going
amber 808
2 out of 5 stars
Vocal Fry
Good story & content but....Every sentence ends with vocaaalll fryyyyy
jsalmos
5 out of 5 stars
Great binge show
Loved the city! So disappointed it's cancelled. Great reporting!
APNJ323
5 out of 5 stars
Cancel some other show!!!
I have no idea why this show would be canceled. This kind of journalism is interesting and necessary. Maybe if it wasn’t well subscribed, you should look at your marketing plan more than anything else...hope it makes a comeback, I’d give up a lot of podcasts to keep this one!
bkam76
5 out of 5 stars
So Disappointed
The City was such a great show- so so disappointed!!
epcann67
5 out of 5 stars
Sad
Such a great show!!
Chadd J
5 out of 5 stars
Gone too soon.
USA Today was already a shrinking newspaper brand in print, mostly relegated to the recycling bins of hotel rooms...
The City was a spellbinding saga of investigative journalism that proved that amazing quality can emerge from storied media powerhouse in need of a little reinvigoration. Therefore, it would seem almost unconscionable that they would end production of a digital media success that almost certainly elevated the platform of “USA Today” in the minds of millennial listeners like myself. Cultivating these real-life stories of governmental malfeasance was audible gold. While I suspect the production staff and host of “The City” have not been promoted, they certainly deserve to be. Few podcasts offer this kind of painstakingly tedious levels of research and reporting. Ending production of “The City” is yet another example of how the years long struggles of print media has eviscerated once robust investigative journalism in America. To “The City” staff I can only say, good luck out there, you all deserve it.
Pennyhungry
5 out of 5 stars
Hope it comes back
I enjoyed this one...miss it
meganhey93
5 out of 5 stars
Bring Back the City!!
Such an amazing podcast, can’t believe it’s cancelled.
Spiffandbiff
5 out of 5 stars
Will Miss
This was a well researched and reported show and I’m sad to hear that it’s ended, for now at least. I hope that when things pick back up the show will return.
Cheers2beers
5 out of 5 stars
Gonna miss this one.
Really bummed to hear that shows getting discontinued. I stumbled onto this podcast through another one by Wondery and it’s easily been one of my favorites. Hope you guys are able to come back!
brbudner
5 out of 5 stars
excellent
thorough investigative journalism and riveting story telling ! thank you for delving into specific stories whose themes and threads run through so many cities.
SusaQ7
5 out of 5 stars
Interesting subjects and narration
Love this podcast: subject are deep and investigatory but another detail that a lot of podcasts miss and that is the style of narration : this podcast has nailed that down to perfection ! The narration is key to the story , it’s exactly on topic with accountability for the listener . Can’t wait for the next season . Good job !
CNYHistorian
1 out of 5 stars
Yellow journalism is back.
This team believes that prosecuting cases with no evidence is the thing to do. I will never understand why somebody thinks that one person’s word is more available than others in a strictly hearsay case. I’m done with the series. If they come back with a season three count me out.
podcastlistener4453
1 out of 5 stars
didn’t love it
Just didn’t connect with the show!
K_in_Havertown
5 out of 5 stars
Wonderfully in-depth
So far we’ve had two insightful stories, can’t wait for the next season!
papabev
3 out of 5 stars
Keeping it classy
Bathroom sex doesn’t make sense to sober people but having witnessed people having sex on the fountain out side my job drunk people sometimes just go at it
akhayata95
5 out of 5 stars
Unbelievably insightful
One to definitely listen to...
J. Annabelle
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent
Thanks for great reporting but also sharing the sides of the ladies. Hearing their voices made their lives come a live.
Clandestino111
5 out of 5 stars
Amazing show but...
How can i listen to season 1?
Bradc89
1 out of 5 stars
Liberal media
Liberal media trying to divide our country even more. Season 1 at least
BootersPop
3 out of 5 stars
Lost me with the bonus episode
In the season portraying Reno’s battle with strip club I felt like the pod was an unbiased portrayal of the story. With the bonus episode, it felt like y’all were going out of your way to attack the Keshmiri brothers. I’ve never been a big fan of them, granted I’ve only met them a couple times, but that last episode was VERY unfair.
broadcastin
5 out of 5 stars
Season 2 was bomb!
Such a great podcast. As a native Nevadan born and raised in Reno, it’s an accurate portrayal. Great reporting and journalism. Very intriguing and you just want to binge listen!
DrMPP
5 out of 5 stars
Ha! Buffalo makes Reno & Chicago look small.
Check out Buffalo, NY! Mysterious deaths, convictions, machine politics, newspapers withholding investigated truths in the midst of the state-funded "Buffalo Billion" development/gentrification push. Western New York is home to multiple mafia families, but who needs mafia when "good ol' boys" are still a protected class there? Corruption was INVENTED in New York, and WNY has miles upon miles (from Lake Erie, through the Niagara River, to Lake Ontario) of waterfront property ripe for theft. Those who don't want the law in the way of high dollar deals silence any discussion of how unethical it is to price people out of their hometowns as they're also left without a job. Meanwhile, a small number of LLC (thereby anonymous) investors, many coming out of the NYC boroughs with millions in pocket change, shred the city's rich identity.
Groupworker
5 out of 5 stars
Outstanding podcast on Reno
Informative and well produced
brndnnn
5 out of 5 stars
Season 2
I’ve lived as a background character in this story. In 2016 I had an apartment in Midtown right down the street from the Wild Orchid. In 2018 I bought a very small condo in one of the renovated old casino buildings downtown, because I couldn’t get into a house anywhere in or around Reno due to stiff competition and cash investors. I’ve worked in a warehouse right down the street from where the Gigafactory is located for ten years, and have witnessed first hand it’s rapid construction to how it has changed the entire city. I may have even been a patron at the Spice House on my 21st birthday. This podcast paints an accurate and honest portrayal of my hometown and a historic moment it is currently going through.
Yvonne in Chicago
5 out of 5 stars
Great podcast
I’ve lived in Chicago my entire life and never heard about this before. I love Chicago and have loved living here but this embarrasses me and hugely disappoints me
JengaFromTheRock
3 out of 5 stars
Season 1 only
What an excellent Season 1 podcast. Season 2... pure rubbish. Reported in such a biased manner, makes one wonder why the reporter is so blatantly trying to sway the listener?
Meggo18
5 out of 5 stars
Solid and entertaining journalism
Well-researched and extremely interesting podcast dealing with so many issues in a thoughtful way. Highly recommend!
CreativityGirl
2 out of 5 stars
Enjoyed Season 1, but...
Season 2 was so obviously biased, it’s almost as though she’s being paid by the strip club owner.
Ryan11111111111111111111111111
1 out of 5 stars
Season 2 is Performative Middle Class White Guilt
The journalist in season 2 in Reno is so clearly biased in favor of the strip club, insinuating repeatedly that merely moving the strip clubs five miles out of the downtown area would cause 175 dancers lose their jobs. Imagine how different her take would be if she bought a home a a strip club was constructed on the adjacent properties. This benighted woman is trying to expiate her white guilt over gentrification by making strip club owners and dancers marginalized heroes
KHASL
1 out of 5 stars
Lopsided coverage
Why give so much favorable coverage to an antagonistic bully who condones illegal and unsafe working conditions at his clubs (rape, coercing intoxicated women into prostitution) and illegal, decrepit living conditions at his sad motels?! (Look up photos of the Ponderosa motel; it’s utterly horrific. Can’t be legal.) He is defensive and always frames himself as the victim, but it’s clear the victims are his employees and tenants.
This story would have been great if it spanned 2 or 3 episodes. I don’t have the patience to listen in the hopes that its coverage will ultimately be more balanced.
Would have loved more of the coverage to get into the stories of the most vulnerable. I don’t want to see folks losing their jobs or homes, but does that mean we give a pass to their horrible conditions? Nah.
turnermk
5 out of 5 stars
Wonderful podcast
Wonderfully well written and researched show with high production value. It also deals with complex themes like systemic racism and gentrification. I highly recommend.
Constanza from NY
5 out of 5 stars
Fantastic
Look forward to next season
TimotheeTeeAZ
5 out of 5 stars
So enjoyable So captivating!
Absolutely love this podcast. Perhaps I’m a cheater but I never listened to Season 1 of the podcast I just jumped right into Season 2 but I’m living it! It’s highly captivating and so enjoyable! Five Stars all day! *****
ray1/23:4;5(6$7$8
5 out of 5 stars
Love it.
A must subscribe
G.M. Smith
3 out of 5 stars
Reno cares about worker safety?
You mean the town that subjects casino workers (including pregnant cocktail waitresses) to second hand smoke cares about worker safety?
ABDUL, UTAH
5 out of 5 stars
The best podcast 📻
Waiting for the next season.
Lizzie Flower
5 out of 5 stars
Loving and Living in Reno
I live in Reno, downtown and blocks from the clubs. I love this town as it is, the clubs don’t offend. I often wonder why the city council would focus on businesses who follow rules, keep their property clean and pay taxes while there are homeless people defecating in our beloved Truckee River and throwing their trash and belongings into the water. Reno is a beautiful town and even though I’ve only lived here a couple of years (transplanted from Nebraska) I love this place!
Great reporting!
P85D
1 out of 5 stars
Biased, dishonest “journalism” if you can call it that.
Biased, dishonest “journalism” if you can call it that.
SJSciarani
1 out of 5 stars
Biased
Another example of biased journalism. She misrepresents how “big” and “dire” the alleged unethical behavior of the City, EDAWN, Tesla...
Jessbear11
5 out of 5 stars
So satisfying
This is journalism at its best.
FreedomPodcasting
5 out of 5 stars
Great Podcast
Thanks for the great story.
Quartermouse
5 out of 5 stars
Warning! This is addictive.
This podcast is an important reminder about the power of local journalism. This story is fascinating & I can’t wait to hear how it all plays out.
Gypsies chic
5 out of 5 stars
Good Listen
I’ve heard it said that a story should be told so you can’t tell what side the reporter is on. In this crazy day in age where media tries to sway the public applause to this podcast - you are giving the view from both sides and letting the listeners make their own opinion. Can’t wait for the next episode of Reno!
Toodifficlt
5 out of 5 stars
Need for balance
I’m 3 episodes in. I’m enjoying the podcast but question the reporting. It is seriously tilted toward the side of the dance clubs with little coverage devoted to the social ills that sometimes come at a cost to the majority of community members. You’d think the owner of the Orchid was running a nonprofit.
combon
5 out of 5 stars
The biggest little city
Wow. Karl Hall, you make me sick
LLM007
5 out of 5 stars
A shocking and nuanced expose
Currently going through the Reno season and the sheer amount of power play, politicking, and harmed bystanders is super fascinating and infuriating! The coverage is thorough and explores everything about a specific circumstance to bottom. Plus there’s no advocating for any political action, just investigation and expose. Amazing journalism.
Anonymous___123
2 out of 5 stars
Yes
Yes
jadueufnek
5 out of 5 stars
Must listen
Such a well-done and enticing podcast to listen to.
Charlie3gc
5 out of 5 stars
A must listen for me. Cohesively produced.
Well done.
SLB52
5 out of 5 stars
Loved the story
So interesting, informative, and shocking!!! Thanks for sharing this story and shedding light on the racism, and blatant disregard for people’s well being and basic needs to live in a clean and safe community, that still exists today. Very sad!
D M S n
5 out of 5 stars
Amazing investigative journalism podcast
The strip club owner wears a track suit... because he’s the assistant high school track coach. Never change Nevada.
Bishop/Reno
5 out of 5 stars
Very Interesting! Catch 22?
I have lived in Reno for 10 1/2 now. In that short amount of time I have seen an incredible amount of change happen to this city, most of which I would consider good. I think unfortunately gentrification is a natural thing that seems to happen when a city expands and becomes nicer. In order to clean up a particular area you need to relocate or get rid of buildings, and business, which in turn causes forces people to relocate. The city of Reno is also currently trying to relocate (remove) homeless people and the homeless shelter to “clean up the area. From a privileged young persons pint of view, I understand and support the removal of certain things. If I was experiencing homelessness or in a low socio economic bracket I believe I would disagree. It’s a catch 22 and I think the podcast does a pretty good job at hitting multiple view points. I look forward to more episodes.
jackdop
5 out of 5 stars
Hooked
I’m hooked. Reno’s strip clubs are Chicago’s waste dumps with the added element of leaving me uncertain of whom to root for. At the end of episode 1, I’m rooting for the strip clubs. Good storytelling keeps plenty from view until the time is right so I’ll keep my cards close to my vest. Can’t wait for Tesla to get onto the game.
Brittany1985
5 out of 5 stars
Well Done!
Very well researched and report story.
Jbstockton
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent reporting by Anjeanette Damon and crew
I really enjoyed listening to this podcast. As a Reno resident who followed this case when it dropped, it is nice to see solid, investigative, meaningful reporting being done to inform and educate listeners to help them draw their own, informed conclusions about the issue. I look forward to listening to more episodes and can’t wait to hear how the podcast unfolds. Kudos to all involved and congratulation on your recent launch! Cheers to you all.
perryreno
5 out of 5 stars
Great second season so far
I was born and raised in Reno and this story is extremely interesting. Reno has seen many changes and not for the better in my opinion.
dnoone94
1 out of 5 stars
disrespectful...
regardless of what robin, the judgmental narrator, thinks and speaks as truth, reno has always been a place where people are proud of where they come from, and a city with vibrancy and life beyond the reputation of reno 911, strip clubs, brothels and quick nuptials. as a reno local, i was personally offended by her use of the word “degenerate” to describe my town in the first 10 minutes of the first episode. there is a way to report this story without coming in guns blazing like she did.
Sdem86
5 out of 5 stars
Addicting!
This was very in-depth , well researched story! I can’t imagine what all those people went through for so many years. Maybe a movie in the near future?!
kbyrne99
5 out of 5 stars
Great first season!!!
Loved The City! This is a well researched and interesting story delivered flawlessly by a very engaging host! Can not wait for Season 2!
Viviana Luciano
5 out of 5 stars
Raw, captivating and Chicago at its finest!
I remember when this occurred, infamous!!
art_racer
5 out of 5 stars
Compelling story, well done
I’m a life long Chicagoan and had a dim recollection of the Silver Shovel case. The City brought it back with lots of detail told in an interesting story.
bbltz
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent!
Very professional, excellent broadcast journalism. Thanks for this example of great podcasts!
MVPC84
5 out of 5 stars
Can't make this up
A story so twisted I'd never believe it if it weren't true. Thankful to this podcast for bringing attention to neighborhoods we often and easily ignore. Necessary, timely, and motivational.
Mo Ingram
5 out of 5 stars
Maurice Ingram
Awesome reporting and timely.. I love it. Keep up the good work. Thank you.
PrettylittlePenny
5 out of 5 stars
Desperate??
Excellent and informative series. All of those saying that it’s desperate and reaching to find racism in the story are either incredibly naive or willfully ignorant. My guess is the latter.
mindcontrol31
5 out of 5 stars
Desperate?
I can’t believe someone wrote that the story was “desperately “ trying to find racism. In CHICAGO! The 400 yr coincidence of everything hurting Black people more in this country. In a city renowned for its segregation and racism. A great podcast but some you listeners are dishonest.
PDX Eastsider
5 out of 5 stars
I recommend, yo!
A complex story seemlessly told. As an urbanofile who has lived and worked in Chicago in the 1990s, this story was of particular fascination to me. But I really think it’s a relevant and an entertaining listening to anyone.
Man of the Dove
5 out of 5 stars
Enjoyed it!
Well done, engaging and thoroughly researched! And of course racism plays a role in this story, If someone can’t see that then they need to check their eye sight! Thanks for tackling this story and encouraging people to face the truth!
Cmurphy1973
4 out of 5 stars
Good
The story is well done and interesting. The only issue is all the commercials, so many. You get into a story and it’s interrupted every 5 minutes.
Jlynn2925
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent
I remember this but never saw it through the eyes of the people who lived it everyday. Thank you for retelling this story from their perspective. It is racism. And it needs to change.
LaLaw63
5 out of 5 stars
Reno
Eagerly awaiting the next season.
JacobThomas104
5 out of 5 stars
Good and Honest
Listened to the entirety of season 1 and loved it. Very detailed and engaging story. I did see a review saying it was desperate to find racism, and I will admit that I am very wary claiming that something is racist without a lot of facts backing that, but I don’t think that this podcast is desperate at all. It took a few episodes before I agreed, but they very clearly show how racism was a core part of why North Lawndale went through what it did. Love this podcast, I can’t wait until season 2.
Mdc16
4 out of 5 stars
Captivating story, but...
...towards the end, it got a little preachy and felt like it was digging for a racism connection.
I loved listening to this story and it does tell a much needed story of how bad things get get when the regulators in power turn a blind eye. Still, the racism connection seemed forced. Really forced. There is plenty of evidence that this community was marginalized, but it would have been much better to let the listener draw some conclusions. I imagine socioeconomic factors were at play here but that was never discussed. Race race race. Let’s hope Season 2 dials it back a bit. Still, this is a great story and well worth the time it takes to listen to what this community has to go through for far too long
3Alice
5 out of 5 stars
Institutional Racism is Real
Excellent series. For listeners that feel the series is desperate to find racism, this situation more often happens in middle
class and poor minority neighborhoods. As a matter of fact, poor (not middle class) white neighborhoods find themselves fighting similar battles.
Shantel Gadsden
5 out of 5 stars
Chicago, too!
This is an amazing account. Not only did it uncover what happened to these folks in Chicago...it’s another example of what tends to happen to similar communities. #environmentalracism
Just a stream guy
3 out of 5 stars
Opening music ugh.
This podcast has the worst opening music I’ve heard on a podcast, sorry. That’s actually saying a lot. It was well done as far as the story it covered. Although I think they mislead and misused a great name for a podcast that could cover a lot more than a trash pile.
Snow43310
3 out of 5 stars
Great Story
I found this a compelling case of misused power and struggle with how it played out in the Lawndale neighborhood. However, I don’t know that I subscribe to it being a racial issue as much as a socioeconomic issue. Sadly, money and political connections get results: That’s just a fact. It’s wrong, but true. Let’s start looking at where real issues exist when it comes to resources and stop assuming that the primary factor is racially charged.
Arch attach
5 out of 5 stars
City government untethered.
Great insight into the established demeanor of systemic practices that make it impossible for the good of all to be realized through local government. For, by, of the people is used to protect the wealthy and connected. It is shocking how planning as a profession is locked out of land use decisions with citizen participation, leaving it up to the whims of land owners. Chicago and the rest of this country is resting on its laurels in a mindless self righteous myopic way. It is no wonder that we in our inglorious ways is paying for our selfishness through elected officials gaming. Racism is undercurrent justification for policy and legal enforcement decision making, almost if not mindless. This is a tragic story in that the real problem and health threats from environmental callousness was never solved. Chicago from this view looks rotten.
Hate4 anime
5 out of 5 stars
Very good
Racism exist although some people have a hard time seeing it. They need it to be overt in order for them to consider it as a reality
Hike Mix
5 out of 5 stars
Tells the whole story
This podcast does an excellent job of connecting the dots between government corruption, structural racism, and the construction of our cities
karldpeterson
4 out of 5 stars
Engrossing
I’m so happy I found this podcast. The story is one of those stories that you can’t believe it actually happened. Growing up in the mid west and having been to Chicago this podcast brought a new level of reality to such a touristy area. I Do Feel like they left some challenging questions on the cutting room table I enjoy this podcast and I’m very much looking forward to season two.
lks1027
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent comprehensive explanation of Chicago politics
In depth and compelling expose of racism and corruption in Chicago government. Very informative and this report shows how many things are inter related.
Glitter GG
3 out of 5 stars
Produced by the Department of Redundancy Department
This podcast is formatted so that the host gives a fact, and then they interview someone who repeats verbatim this fact, which is pretty amateur journalism and it unnecessarily doubles the length of the podcast.
A made up example:
“We spoke to ben Smith, a Houston resident and sociologist.”
And then, “my name is Ben Smith and I teach sociology in Houston.”
It’s not my favorite, but the story is interesting.
Mookie12121441976
1 out of 5 stars
Boring
Nothing too intriguing here. Recommend spending your time elsewhere.
Concretefirm
3 out of 5 stars
Great show
Very well put together and fascinating. I enjoyed listening to every episode but I had to tune out at the end. Like the other reviewer stated the whole racist angle was pushed far too hard. I couldn’t listen to the last episode due to the victim hood mentality of the sociology professor desperately trying to find a tie between dumps and of course racist white people.
CoJLisa123
4 out of 5 stars
Great
It’s amazing to me how many people claimed that the journalist was pushing racism were there wasn’t any... let me guess these people are.... won’t even go there. This was a great investigative story. I even liked how she brought in the Houston story- which involved a Middle Class Black neighborhood, which kind of negates the assumption that this is simply a class issue. It could have been told in less episodes, but overall it was intriguing.
JaredfromReno
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent
I notice all of the negative reviews are stating this is biased because it points out environmental racism. This is a real phenomenon still taking place today. This piece lays out the facts, whether or not you want to be obvious to them or not.
Twainstown
5 out of 5 stars
Environmental Racism
Yes, it’s real and very obvious. Thanks for backing it up with facts and figures. Looking forward to next season.
Red Right Returning
5 out of 5 stars
Systemic Racism
It is appalling how it is possible to live in America and not see the endemic racism in our country. It is in our geography, our schools, our testing, it is marbled through our institutions of so called justice. It is in our government bodies and offices, all the way to the top.
It is so common place it doesn’t stand out.
I pledge allegiance to what??
With liberty and justice for whom??
Now where do we start to change?? I know efforts are being tested to try to bridge this gap in small ways.
Let’s hear about some efforts people have made and are makingTo untangle this rats nest of betrayal that has been perpetrated against all the people of America.
RegularGuy82
3 out of 5 stars
Decent but could be a lot better
The bones of this podcast are solid: political corruption, federal investigations, The Outfit (Chicago’s mob) but it will leave you wanting more. I think they did themselves a disservice by spending the first two episodes building so much background. The actual FBI investigation was given short shrift and an entire episode is spent in Houston without much of a tie to the story. I’m hopeful the crew will do a better job with season 2. Here’s also hoping they return to Chicago in season 3.
PanaMALAL²
4 out of 5 stars
Questioning if racism played a role, laughable.
I see other listeners and commenters actually debating and are upset that the evidence and reporting stared the podcasters in the direction of racism. Theres no question “if” racism played a part, it did. They consulted sociologists and yes socioeconomics played a part in this repugnant disregard for environmental and community wellness—but so did race. You never see landfills in trailer park communities or coal mining communities? Yet Flint, Detroit, colored neighborhoods in Chicago and across the country—buildings in disrepair, abandoned, disheveled open spaces and lots, and lead and asbestos constructed infrastructure never get renovated or addressed until whites move into the community. Its occurred in my neighborhood (Flatbush) in New York. So for those who want cast doubt, on the blatant prejudices in Chicago politics during the 50s, 60s, and as late as the 90s simply because the direction and structure of the content could be better, don’t be so ignorant. Trying to paint this facade that powers that be were totally delinquent in their choices for allocating sites for waste management and removal; no but seriously you don’t think they chose Lawndale over Lincoln Park because of the demographics of either neighborhood?
Summit727
5 out of 5 stars
Love this podcast.
Had to write a review after I read another 3-star review saying that the podcast has good content but otherwise desperately tries to tie racist undertones into the stories.
The City is incredible beCAUSE it focuses a light on very real systematic displays of racism, specifically while painting a broader, more comprehensive picture of the elements surrounding the inequities that may otherwise shroud the racist behavior in question.
Great coverage. Great perspectives. Relevant subject matter.
Keep it up guys!!!
ddm001
4 out of 5 stars
Entertaining history lesson
It was a good story but I think they took way too long to tell it. This probably should have been 5 episodes instead of 10. There was a lot of repetitiveness, especially around hammering the racism points over and over again.
thymeandagain
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent Reporting
This is an excellent, well-reported investigative podcast. But it’s not surprising to read how so many reviewers are adverse to confronting their own racial and class privileges — some of whom I suspect may be close to the Land Tech case.
Matt Kovacs
5 out of 5 stars
Giving it a chance
Jim Cornette sent me
touchdownboy14
2 out of 5 stars
Repetitive
Very interesting story, but the podcast is VERY slow moving, and the host spends most of the 45 minute podcast harping on the same couple points, and often says the same 2 sentences back to back, just structured in different ways. It’s what I would do in high school when I had to meet a word limit but had nothing to write.
Papabird73
2 out of 5 stars
Good information but WAY simplistic on the race card
Well put together, but Vox level of ignorance on race. Episode 7 is saying that race is the only thing or even the main driving factor. They talked to a person who started his research with a bias...and surprise, he found racism. The simplest answer to where to put a dump is money. The lands that he identified as majority minority, are also the lowest cost areas. Don't blame race and make up a "justice" movement over a bad sociological paper. Money moves the world. There are plenty of dumps in poor white neighborhoods and towns outside urban areas (Pontiac Illinois is a great example). But clear thinking doesn't make them feel good to be anti-racist, just actually journalists. If you want to ramp up hate for whitie, this is for you.
Joey Blueskys
3 out of 5 stars
I give up
Could have been told in like two robust episodes, but so much time spent interviewing neighbors (the same thing over and over), and searching for racism under every rock. Add that to the host ending each sentence in creaky voice, and I am tapping out.
safarimonkey
5 out of 5 stars
Facts. And they are awful.
I listen to tons of podcasts . This is the first five star rating I’ve ever given. I was very disappointed to see that some Listeners were critical because race was brought into the equation. I don’t think the creators have set out to make a racial issue here. What is done is they have laid out the facts and unfortunately, the facts point to a difference between the way white and black neighborhoods were treated when it came to getting rid of landfills in residential neighborhoods. What’s wrong with bringing that out if it’s central to the story? We have to face the facts if we Want a country where all people have fundamental fairness, as much as is possible anyway.
luxworld82
4 out of 5 stars
Very good series,.
Kinda baffled how many reviews say they couldn’t see racism. Oh well hopefully no one will ever again experience what the people of those communities experienced...
MA south
5 out of 5 stars
Very smart!
Such an informative and interesting segment! I especially enjoyed segment 8 narrated by Wilson Sayre!
Thank you for this educational and interesting podcasts.
ljphilli
2 out of 5 stars
What happened to this potentially interesting podcast?
This has all the ingredients to make an interesting podcast about the crooked political machine that is Chicago politics. Who doesn’t love a good political scandal story?! Somehow it turned into a podcast about racism in Houston??? I tried to give it the benefit of the doubt but you lost me at that episode. Great idea. Poor execution.
lt in OlyWA
4 out of 5 stars
Speech delivery velocity
I rate the content and overall script as excellent. Diction is excellent. The speakers are all talking at what I regard as a tense, clip pace As a listener in person, I would ask the speaker to slow down a little, I have the time to listen. The tension transfers to me and I don’t like the feeling. So editors take notice. I can understand it at this fast pace but, it doesn’t feel good.
Paperfolder86436
1 out of 5 stars
Spoiler Alert: It was all RACISM!!!
A pile of trash and debris ends up in a neighborhood of color. Instead of blaming local officials who took bribes to allow it to happen, the blame is laid upon the Great White Devil and a government conspiracy to dirty up poor neighborhoods and round up all the black and brown politicians. That’s right, it was all a racist conspiracy delivered with a huge helping of white guilt.
two click flare
5 out of 5 stars
Fascinating
I work in city government, and this is a fascinating look at how power really works. So many unexpected plot twists in the narrative. I’ve been recommending this to my friends and coworkers.
stellaclaire
5 out of 5 stars
Racism does impact Cities
I love the interviews with people around the city, and how it is from a deep and dark history of oppressive systems. Except she’s not using those terms, so it’s way more accessible than most of these kinds of podcasts.
Hotnicks330
3 out of 5 stars
Good - but desperate?
Pretty good story and well covered. Good reenactments and political staging. However, seems desperate trying to find racism in the plot. It may, or may not be there, but seems over the top in trying to point this direction.
alexismadrigal
5 out of 5 stars
A masterpiece
Deep reporting and great storytelling combine to dramatize the everyday tragedy of environmental racism in America.
Chiclown
1 out of 5 stars
Boring AF
Repetitive. This should not be a series but instead be 1 episode. Don’t be lured in by the name. This podcast fixated on 1 issue and just repeats it throughout.
Amy O from Concord, NH
5 out of 5 stars
Fascinating and not surprising
This is another story of racism in the city of Chicago. Very well researched and produced.
bar.x.david
5 out of 5 stars
Great show
Very well done and shines a light on a large problem in our country. Racism does not need to be with words, but with subtle action. The story telling is unique and enjoyable. I do think the narrators could ask more thought provoking questions.
skyblue121
5 out of 5 stars
Great podcast. Well researched and a reminder why we need journalists!
Fascinating topic about racism, the environment and the insidious nature of political corruption.
lailaclaire
5 out of 5 stars
Important but ironic
Important piece of history that need to be aired. Considering the content though, I find the ad copy really ironic. The narrator gives enthusiastic and personal endorsements of all the advertisers products. How can we take those seriously when we know their getting financial support for it? Being more thoughtful and just changing some of the language would go a long way to remedy this.
thescribe
2 out of 5 stars
As Objective as Possible
Competent reporting presenting both sides - as long as either side participates. Have enjoyed listening in & look forward to more revealing/enlightening journalism like this.
Ash the no bash
5 out of 5 stars
Couldn’t stop listening!
I couldn’t stop listening to this story. Great reporting and I love the host. She does a great job shedding light on a underreported and underrepresented community.
Brmcneil17
5 out of 5 stars
Interesting!
The Houston episode is an eye opener! Who knew?!
Jerzgirl76
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent!
Really good podcast! Having lived in Chicago, much of what she says resonates. And for people saying she’s making too much of race, Chicago is one of the most segregated cities in the country. Ask yourself, would someone have dared to do this in the middle of Beverly Hills or Greenwich, CT? Of course, not. Too many people with sociopolitical and economic power in those areas. Of course it’s about race and class. Not talking about it doesn’t make it go away. We should know better than that by now.
art_spasm
5 out of 5 stars
Really well done.
Exactly what it says it is. And great.
Scraming Egale
5 out of 5 stars
The City
While I enjoy the podcast I also have to keep reminding myself that Robin is telling the story.
Adrift98
3 out of 5 stars
Is it about race or class? I think the later.
I really enjoy this podcast, but am taking away stars because I'm conflicted by the show's adamant stance that the placement of these city dumps is due to racism. The show comes to this conclusion by pointing out that most city dumps that are located in neighborhoods, and remain in those neighborhoods, tend to be located in black and brown communities. As the recent episode tells us, the word coined for this by sociologists is "enviromental racism". But correlation doesn't always equal causation. A just as plausible explanation is that city dumps are placed intentionally placed in neighborhoods that are poor, and where residents either do not have the iniative or the finances to have them stopped or removed. And minority neighborhoods tend to be poorer than white neighborhoods. So, it seems to me that it's unlikely that city developers are looking at ways to stick it to minorities as much as it their intention to stick it to the poor that can't fight back. This isn't about racism, it's about classicism. Unfortunately the show makes the point that this MUST be racial. I think at one point in the latest episode that it's inarguable. That's ridiculous, of course. Nothing is beyond argument.
VictoryGallop
1 out of 5 stars
Annoying
The narrator has the most annoying voice possible. Definitely not worth your time anyways.
Gvanchi5
5 out of 5 stars
Captivating
It’s both depressing and enlightening that true events happened and keep happening in America. I couldn’t stop listening.
IrishBearcat
2 out of 5 stars
Too Long
This is way too long. I would have preferred a nice piece in the paper so I could read it and remember various people. I do not need the actual tapes of the wire worn by the FBI informant,
I was intrigued by the story and tuned in to learn about the illegal dumping, now it managed to continue, and when the dump was finally cleaned up. Six episodes in and I am no closer to lerarning when that happened. I see the next episode will be in Houston. I'm not going. I will wait for someone to tell me what happened. Not a total waste of time, but a waste of a large part of my listening time.
Marta7134
5 out of 5 stars
Great Storytelling
Love this podcast. Their ability to weave storytelling with archival audio, and even include re-enactments, does a wonderful job of allowing the listener to paint a vivid image of the story being told. It really takes you back in time and lends an understanding of the extent to which corruption within our government is willing to go.
tenncommentator
4 out of 5 stars
I don’t believe the FBI
This is a very good podcast on government corruption. But I don’t believe Jim Davis’s claim that they tried but couldn’t connect any white politicians to this. They didn’t look hard.
bbge1.0
2 out of 5 stars
Vocal Fry
No matter how much I like the story, I can’t get around the narrator speaking in permanent vocal fry
jleon
5 out of 5 stars
Great reporting shines a light on environmental racism
The City is well worth your time. Each week’s episodes present a deeper dive into how a poor neighborhood in Chicago could have been intentionally and willfully ignored as they brought attention to the city about an illegal dump in their neighborhood. The story is far more nuanced than I ever expected. Great job. This is important work.
RonsterBalmer
3 out of 5 stars
Took my interest right away!
Interesting premise. Careful with the bias- nice balance as of episode 3. Please do something about those awful mouth smacking sounds during the “5 Things” ads. I will be finishing this one, though I am turned off by the glee the hostess exudes when bragging about suing the FBI. Careful with the condescension.
G VINO
2 out of 5 stars
A story as old as man!
I would like to give it a better star rating. The format and delivery is pretty good. I felt a lot of empathy for the people from the neighborhood. The problem is that the Democrat Machine that has run roughshod over the city of Chicago is still in place and the people keep voting them in. Now we see the socialist arm moving in even more and things stay the same! It’s a shame and a sham! Wake up Chicago! These people have always and will always lie to us!
midget mac*
5 out of 5 stars
Wow! Really good!
Love it. Thanks for doing the research into this story. Super interesting. A little slow at first but then it just gets unbelievable. Great story telling.
BamaBeautie
3 out of 5 stars
A little one-sided
I’ve listened to many podcasts similar to this one. I wasn’t going into it looking to critique it, honestly. I just thought it seemed like a good story, and it is, but the interviews/investigative research is lacking in my opinion. If you’re going to talk about the possibility of the dust causing asthma, then why wouldn’t you interview a doctor who specializes in respiratory/pulmonary health to see if that’s something that could actually happen? I’ve only listened to the first two episodes, but still haven’t heard anyone speak from the opposing side. Even if they’re “wrong,” I would like to hear their perspective and point of view. If you feel so strongly about what you’re speaking about, then the other side’s opinions should only drive home what you’re trying to get across. I’d just rather a podcast with the facts and narratives coming from the people who were actually there. Then I can form my own opinion.
NAAH 5
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent
Sadly, another factual story about Chicago corruption. The way it is was written and put together into a podcast was worth all 5 stars.
Please return with another sordid drama about the “Chicago way.”
ickimaj
2 out of 5 stars
Boring and boring.
Ugh. Love Chicago and all its stories. This story could have been told sooooo much better. Poor writing is to blame.
mobizzledizzle
5 out of 5 stars
Well reported and compelling story telling
Great narrative podcast - compelling characters and interviews along with clear writing make for a riveting listen.
LMSJones
5 out of 5 stars
Eyes wide open
A clear and detailed unwinding of the corruptness and misfortune to befall the less affluent areas of Chicago. Really well done and very compelling!
KevinShutter
5 out of 5 stars
Wow
Only two episodes in, but I am hooked! This is a great podcast and it is well done!
Ramonabarkey
5 out of 5 stars
Unbelievable!
Absolutely unbelievable that government works like this!
bpalm82
5 out of 5 stars
Great show
Great show.
ekl1454
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent
Love this podcast, it’s so well done, so informative, and entertaining to listen to. Love the theme music too!! It fits the story and the setting so perfectly.
holding down the fort
5 out of 5 stars
Great but one sided
I really enjoyed the pod cast but unfortunately I’m not gonna be able to recommended it to any of my friends who are all African-American because of the show exposing all the crooked African-American politicians and with the FBI agent being a white guy and the informant John Christopher being a Italian guy and all they did was take down the African-Americans and the white crooked politicians we’re not exposed it just seemed so one sided
Lexi-703
5 out of 5 stars
Great info!
I am loving this podcast so far! I’m addicted
LewieLew31
5 out of 5 stars
🔥
Keeps getting better and better and better. Buckle up!
Candy um
5 out of 5 stars
The City
Great show, love it!!!
ChristinaWT
5 out of 5 stars
Great show
Super interesting show that keeps you engaged and excited for the next episode!
_savwashere_
5 out of 5 stars
LOVE
Nothing keeps my attention more than this podcast
Et c'est parti.
4 out of 5 stars
Great Reporting on an Unpredictable Story
The layers to this onion...great reporting on an incredible story. I do think the episodes could be a little more condensed but that speaks to the volumes of research that has been done by the team.
Millenial Flyer
5 out of 5 stars
Great Glimpse at Political Nonsense
Great 5 eps about the complexities behind illegal dumping. I live near Chicago and never understood why it is so corrupt. Great intro to complex issues.
1mstock
5 out of 5 stars
Absolutely worth your time
This show starts a bit slowly but only gets better with each episode. Phenomena job establishing stakes and building characters. Definitely worth your while.
LJT8907
5 out of 5 stars
Can’t wait for more seasons!
I love this show. I especially love how they actually aren’t afraid to address racial discrimination that has/still occurs in America. Not too many people accept and face reality, let alone address it on a podcast.
soulanity
5 out of 5 stars
Amazingly accurate
I enjoyed this story more than I thought I would. I am not familiar with podcasts but I really enjoyed listening to this story.
Sepvegas
5 out of 5 stars
Top notch journalism!!!
Absolute world class journalistic integrity and ethics are what drive this fabulous piece. Major kudos to all involved!
thatswhatisay
5 out of 5 stars
Facts!
Enjoying this fact-based podcast!
LBMB5763
1 out of 5 stars
Biased and Racist View of Chicago
This podcast goes out of its way to make Chicago look a racist wasteland. There is clearly an agenda being pushed hard here.
Jingle horse
5 out of 5 stars
Great listen
Solid journalism, good storytelling. The City shows what the phrase "institutional racism" really means.
thedaddyferrari
5 out of 5 stars
Great cast!
Very good podcast! I look forward to more episodes! Thanks!
MaMa LIbby
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent reporting
Intriguing look at horrific community situation in Chicago. Interviews and re-enacted transcripts provide compelling story. I feel for these people and hope they can restore some kind of justice. Next time make all episodes available— you have heard of binge watching? Works for binge listening too.
Tom Conwell
4 out of 5 stars
So close to great
Narrator, music, and production are great. The story is a little boring.
Mushing Mama
5 out of 5 stars
Excellent insight!
Thank you for doing this show!
Princesslouie
4 out of 5 stars
Great Story
This story is excellent but the voice of the narrator is grating.
N Trouble
4 out of 5 stars
Good
Good show...tries to hard to make it into something it’s wasn’t, but good story.
JELLYnoPB
5 out of 5 stars
I can relate
I just listened to this podcast 10/9/18 at work (night shift) & I loved it; ready for season two! Season one was very relatable b/c I also lived in a city where certain races lives in certain parts of that city &
neighborhood issues are dealt with differently depending on the area of the city! Just listen
Hey224456
5 out of 5 stars
Great
Such a great podcast. Keep them coming please
Brno girl
4 out of 5 stars
The city
Great podcast. Can’t wait for more episodes!!!!
Frontier Greg
5 out of 5 stars
Even if you hate the left wing USA Today this is great story about Chicago and the politics
Wow, what a story about corruption and the buddy system in Chicago
Arlequin92
1 out of 5 stars
Waste of time
What’s the purpose of this podcast?
Not sure if it is entertainment, information or story telling but it wasn’t worth my time.
oscarbEnson1
4 out of 5 stars
The City
A very intense and intriguing podcast that covers gangs, bribery, race, power, politics, and much more.
TEM LeMAY
5 out of 5 stars
SO GOOD!!!
This is an incredible podcast! Can’t wait for the full story to be told.
k-&-p
2 out of 5 stars
Vocal Fry :(
Trying to pay attention but the fry is like nails on a chalkboard.
Jack_McCoy
5 out of 5 stars
Great show
Compelling. Lots of pathos, like a great longform journalism article. There’s a scummy villain, a poor neighborhood filled with kind, hard working people, and a whole lotta Chicago corruption. The episode that just aired, no. 3, was the best yet. I hope the show continues to delve deeper into Chicago politics. Very excited for the next episode.
Whiny Kids
3 out of 5 stars
Over dramatized
Story was great but is drawn-out out and very dramatic.
RMK56
5 out of 5 stars
The City
Great show. Very much worth a listen.
jspeyton
5 out of 5 stars
Engrossing
Great podcast, compelling narrative and narration. Just what I was looking for.
katelyn1234273$7373738383
5 out of 5 stars
Great
This was an amazing podcast that taught me a LOT. Get it? Lot?
Steve Tessler
5 out of 5 stars
Amazing so far!
Love the content and the music for the show is the BEST!!!!
Wickerpark Girl
5 out of 5 stars
Chicago History, Mob ties , FBI and Corruption. Addictive
Only into 2 episodes and the intro and already addicted and waiting for more! If you love Chicago history you’ll love this modern series. Great narrator and interviews. When you Google the story and see the pictures from the 90’s, you’d be amazed by what you see. This is a great podcast to listen to while commuting or on road trips!
tubetopocker
5 out of 5 stars
Great stories, great production
Excellent 5 stars!
tracyloswald
5 out of 5 stars
On the edge of my seat!
Who knew a “dump” site could be so intriguing? 👍🏻
ay_zoomie
5 out of 5 stars
Love!
As a Chicagoan, it’s great hearing about this not-so-talked about issue troubling its local community. Really well written/told. Excited to hear the rest of the podcast!
sbsaltychef
1 out of 5 stars
Good message, bad delivery.
Good message, bad delivery.
ImusCTRL
1 out of 5 stars
Narrator=bad
Another ruined story because of annoying narration.
Grist girl 2
5 out of 5 stars
When you dig
Investigative journalism at its best. A story that reveals the underbelly in plain sight, if only we’d look.
damer610
5 out of 5 stars
Compelling storytelling
Great production and story telling to a multi layered look into Chicago power structures
