City Cast Chicago

While music and street fests get most of the Summertime Chi hype, neighborhood block parties are probably the real unsung heroes. Already, hundreds have taken place, bringing BBQs, bounce houses, and casper slides to neighborhoods across the city. So what goes into putting on a block party? Host Jacoby Cochran sits down with Newsletter Editor Sidney Madden to find out. Sidney recently interviewed Ashley Rayner and Joel Simon, who have both coordinated block parties in their neighborhoods. And if those names sound familiar, it's because they gave us neighborhood guides in Beverly and Lakeview!  You can find out more about block party permits and how to submit a request here. Illinoisans who used Instagram in the last 8 years could be eligible for $$. Submit a claim now! Check out the full schedule for dance performances in parks across Chicago.Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

For a century, Chicago has had an enduring, complicated, and nostalgic relationship with block clubs — small, volunteer-based community groups. They began to assist Black people moving to Chicago from the South, but they’ve also been used to foster white solidarity in support of segregation. And block clubs have led beautification efforts, organized community members, and thrown block parties across Chicago. We revisit our conversation with Dr. Amanda Seligman, author of “Chicago’s Block Clubs: How Neighbors Shape The City,” about the history of these clubs.Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Mayor Brandon Johnson is now on the clock to make one of the most important hires of his term: Police Superintendent. On Thursday, the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability handed Johnson a list of three finalists, and the mayor has 30 days to choose CPD Deputy Chief Larry Snelling, Cmdr. Angel Novalez, or Madison, Wisconsin, Police Chief Shon Barnes. Chicago Tribune reporter Sam Charles has been covering the search, and he breaks down the finalists and how the search has played out so far.City Cast Madison talked about Police Chief Shon Barnes in their June 30 episode.Community Colleges of Chicago are hosting Three Community Budget Meetings this weekPAWS Chicago opened its first and only South Side Mobile Vet Clinic The Rogers Park Taco Crawl starts Thursday!Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

An investigation into Northwestern’s football program revealed a history of hazing, including alleged coerced sexual acts, and allegations of racism. Longtime football head coach Pat Fitzgerald has been fired, and a planned $800 million dollar stadium renovation faces even more scrutiny. WCIU TV host Brandon Pope catches us up on the fallout and efforts to secure protections for student athletes. We are also joined by Chalkbeat Chicago reporter Mila Koumpilova who is following Chicago’s efforts to support disengaged young people as well as migrant and refugee students. The group also breaks down flooding in Austin, a double dutch fest in South Shore, and a “Guaranteed” Arts Weekend in West Loop! Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

We all know you can get books at the library. But your library card can get you way more than you think, from passes to city attractions to seeds for starting a garden. Patrick Molloy is government and public affairs director director for the Chicago Public Library, and Alejandra Santana manages the Manning branch on the Near West Side. They’re here to help us make the most of this free resource.Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Summertime Chi would be incomplete without spending some time on Lake Michigan. But its easy to underestimate the dangers of the lake, even if you’re a strong swimmer. Host Jacoby Cochran sits down with Dave Benjamin, co-founder of the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project which tracks drownings and promotes water safety. Dave shares his key tips for enjoying the Lake safely this summer.Heading out on a boat this summer? Listen to the episode we did last year with the Chicago Harbor Safety Committee.Some news: While some midwestern cities may catch a rare glimpse of the northern lights tomorrow, Chicago’s light pollution will likely keep us out of the action. But we’ve got some tips for finding dark skies nearby.Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s transition committee released its 223-page report outlining goals for the new administration. While many align with Johnson’s campaign promises, questions remain about how the city will pay for these efforts. Host Jacoby Cochran and lead producer Simone Alicea talk about the report, plus we hear your Malört opinions and get ready for summer blockbuster season.Windy City Smokeout: July 13-16 @ United CenterWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Chicago is home plenty of new developments from high-rises to a presidential museum to a casino. But there are only a handful of so-called “mega developments.” These are decades long, multi-billion dollar projects that will transform parts of the city. Host Jacoby Cochran is joined by Kyle Schulz, head of business development at World Business Chicago, which is the city’s economic development agency. We learn about the behemoth projects currently underway, their timelines, and their benefits and drawbacks for Chicagoans. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

What impact will the US Supreme Court’s recent decisions on affirmative action and student debt relief have on the future of higher education? We discuss it with WBEZ Higher Ed Reporter Lisa Philip and Lead Producer Simone Alicea. We also look at Chicago’s near record rainfall, the tenure of Chicago State University’s president, and various weekend arts events.Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Chicago has its share of inside jokes, but none maybe more painful than goading newcomers into taking a shot of Malört. Whether you actually like the bitter liquor or you just want to see your friends make a weird face, it’s become a Chicago rite of passage. Host Jacoby Cochran has never tried it…until today. Joining us in the taste test and a round of Malört trivia is lead producer Simone Alicea, marketing director Caroline Patton, and marketing coordinator Jermaine Thomas.Want to take a swim? Public Pools Full Schedule!West Fest runs Friday through SundayWant some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter. Follow us @citycastchicagoYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE