City Cast Chicago

After two years of pandemic hiatus, the Silver Room Sound System Block Party is back next weekend. To celebrate, we set up at the Silverroom store in Hyde Park and talked with founder Eric Williams and block party host Ramonski Luv about the growth of the event and what we can expect this year. Plus, Jacoby breaks down the week’s news with Block Club’s Jamie Nesbitt Golden and “Hood Feminism” author Mikki Kendall — who also happen to be longtime friends. They talk about the latest on the shooting in Highland Park, including details about the shooter’s history, affordable housing in Chicago, and getting out to enjoy summertime Chi. Here’s where to find tickets to the Silver Room Sound System Block Party.And speaking of getting out, check out our Summertime Chi Bucket List challenge. You might win some City Cast swag!Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

City Cast Chicago has been collecting listener and reader suggestions for our summer bucket list. Host Jacoby Cochran, lead producer Carrie Shepherd, producer Simone Alicea, and newsletter writer Sidney Madden share some of those ideas, and include some items from their own bucket lists.Plus! You can win City Cast Swag by participating in our Summertime Chi Bucket List Challenge. Here’s how to participate in the challenge! Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

For the first time since 2008, StreetWise recently raised its prices. The weekly magazine will now cost $3, but you can still buy it from any of Streetwise’s ubiquitous vendors across Chicago. These vendors are fixtures in our communities, and some of them have been doing this going on three decades. Though the early part of the pandemic forced vendors off the street, more people are returning to their commutes, which means seeing their favorite vendors. We hear from a few of them, and lead producer Carrie Shepherd talks with Executive Director Julie Youngquist about the origins of StreetWise and how it works to help people in need.Check out StreetWise’s podcast “Where I Stay.”Some Good News: Catch us at The Silver Room on Thursday for a live podcast taping. Starting at 11 a.m., we’ll be previewing the Silver Room Block Party and talking the week’s news with Block Club’s Jamie Nesbitt Golden and author Mikki Kendall. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

While Chicago’s beaches opened Memorial Day weekend, many of the city’s 49 outdoor pools and 28 indoor pools remain closed. Today, 37 of the Chicago Park District pools are scheduled to open. One of the reasons behind the delay is a lifeguard shortage. The parks says there are 384 vacant lifeguard positions out of 821 budgeted for 2022. Host Jacoby Cochran spoke with City Cast friend and Chicago historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas about his experience as a lifeguard growing up in Auburn Gresham and the importance of pools during these hot summer months. See what pools will be open July 5 and where they're located in the city.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

We're off for the holiday, but we wanted to share this bonus episode from the Chicago History Podcast. We had host Tommy Henry on awhile aback to talk about the history of Bally's in the city, and today he's going to tell you about another iconic Chicago company.The Sears tower (now Willis Tower) was once the tallest building in the world and is easily the most recognizable building in Chicago, but that building was not the first Sears Tower.

The Supreme Court is back in the headlines thanks to another recent decision, this time limiting the ability to enforce Miranda rights. Host Jacoby Cochran talks to Trina Reynolds Tyler, Director of Data at the Invisible Institute, and Maira Khwaja, Director of Public Strategy at the Invisible Institute, about the Supreme Court’s recent decisions, Candace Parker achieving yet another WNBA milestone, and more on this week’s news roundup. Stories discussed:Supreme Court guts 'Miranda' rightsSouth Side parents struggle to get their kids enrolled in Park District programsThe struggle for housing protections around Obama CenterYoung people dream up a safer summer in ChicagoCity rejects MAT Asphalt bidWNBA player Candace Parker reaches unprecedented milestoneFollow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Some will say House music is having a “moment,” thanks to the release of Beyoncé’s new single, “Break My Soul,” as well as the new album from Drake “Honestly, Nevermind.” But for the DJs, pioneers, and lovers of all things House, they would say the sound has only sustained and expanded its influence. All this makes it a good time to remember: House music was born in Chicago's Black and brown LGBTQ communities. Host Jacoby Cochran speaks with the co-hosts of WNUR’s Vintage House Show, DJ Lori Branch and archivist Lauren Lowery, about the roots of house music and renewed interest in the movement. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

Voters in Illinois headed to the polls Tuesday to cast their ballots for Democratic and Republican nominees for local, state, and federal offices. The City Cast Chicago team recaps some of the key races including for Governor, Congress, and judges.Helpful Links from the 2022 Primary Election:Complete List of Winners from Illinois Board of ElectionsCity Cast Chicago's Primary Prep PlaylistSome Good News:Chosen Few Picnic & Festival 2022Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

In case you couldn’t tell from the heat, summertime Chi is here. That means along with the tourists descending on the Loop, you’re also hearing the sounds of street performers downtown. The artists on these corners have an on-the-ground view of the city center during its busiest season. Host Jacoby Cochran asked one of those performers, Andrew David, to take him into this world.You can also catch Andrew tomorrow night at Impact House.Some Good News: Pride South SideFollow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

We knew it was coming. But on Friday, the country officially entered a post-Roe v. Wade world, where abortion is no longer a constitutional right. Illinois officials are reminding people that abortion remains legal here. But at a Friday rally just hours after the Supreme Court decision came down, demonstrators yelled, cried, and warned about troubles to come. We hear some of those voices, and we talk about what comes nexts for states like ours. Lead producer Carrie Shepherd talks with City Cast Pittsburgh’s Morgan Moody about an influx of abortion patients expected to come to Illinois and Pennsylvania, with surrounding states likely to restrict abortion even further.A little bit of news: Primary election day is tomorrow. Here’s where to drop off mail ballots. And here’s a playlist of primary episodes to get you pumped for the voting booth.Some good news: Win some prizes in the Chicago Public Library’s adult summer reading challenge.Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246