City Cast Chicago

In the new film “Tagged,” a local street artist is accused of murder and searches for clues in Chicago’s murals with the help of an unlikely source. But the film is not just a murder mystery. It’s a love letter to the city’s street art and the artists on the fringes of mainstream recognition. It’s streaming now on Amazon. Host Jacoby Cochran spoke with filmmaker Grant Troyer about “Tagged,” Chicago’s street art scene, and more. Troyer is also founder of local production company Kernel Productions.“Tagged” is available to stream on Amazon and Google Play.A little bit of news: Here's where you can apply to get a free bike, lock, and helmet from the city starting Monday. Plus, Tacos y Tamales is back in Pilsen this weekend.Are you doing our Summertime Chi Bucket List challenge? You could win some City Cast swag! As you complete your adventures, remember to tag us on social media #CityCastSummer @CityCastChicago. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

We’re all feeling inflation at the grocery store. Food prices are up 10% compared to this time last year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And those increases are a double whammy for food pantries, resulting in more people who need food and fewer donations from grocery stores and big distribution centers. Lead Producer Carrie Shepherd takes us to Care for Real, a food pantry in Edgewater, to get a sense of what inflation actually looks like.Are you doing our Summertime Chi Bucket List challenge? You could win some City Cast swag! Fill out the form, and be sure to tag us on social media using #CityCastSummer @CityCastChicago. Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

One week after the mass shooting at a Fourth of July parade in north suburban Highland Park that left seven people dead and dozens injured, details continue to emerge about the alleged shooter. Robert Crimo III, 21, has been charged with seven counts of first degree murder, and prosecutors say more charges are coming. Questions immediately surfaced about how the suspect was able to legally get the semi-automatic rifle he allegedly used to fire into the crowd, especially because police had previously visited Crimo and his family’s home after he had made threats of violence. We break down Illinois gun laws with WBEZ criminal justice reporter Patrick Smith.A Look Ahead to the Week:Millennium Park Summer Film SeriesJune CPI report dropsSome Good News:Chicago Sky guard Allie Quigley wins fourth 3-point shooting contest during the All-Star weekend, which means she’s won the most 3-point contests of anyone in the WNBA or NBA. Do the City Cast Summertime Chi Bucket List challenge! And tag your bucket list #citycastsummerFollow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fmCall or Text Us: (773) 780-0246

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