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| |  | Our own Jacoby Cochran talks with David Plotz on “Your City Could be Better.” (City Cast) |
| Chicago Libraries Got It All | Chicago is opening its 82nd public library branch in June, and loaning out books is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what these institutions offer. On today’s podcast, we discuss how Chicago’s libraries have evolved to meet community needs and how they could be even better. Plus, are the Chicago Bears still the Chicago Bears if they move to Indiana? [City Cast Chicago 🎧] | | | ComEd Offers $500 to Small Businesses | Following two years of rising electric bills due to data center growth, ComEd is offering payouts of up to $500 to small businesses as part of its $2.5 million assistance program. Grant applications are available starting June 15. [Sun-Times] | | Obama Presidential Center First Look | The center opens June 19 and is expected to welcome 750,000 to 1 million visitors annually. The museum includes exhibitions that showcase major social and civil rights movements. It also walks you through Obama’s upbringing and his personal and political life. The 19-acre campus includes a public gym and basketball court. [Axios] | | Teens Can Join Y for Free | A new city partnership will give Chicago youth ages 12-18 a free membership to the YMCA this summer. The Get Summer program aims to address large teen gatherings, often referred to as “teen trends,” across the city. [Block Club] | |  | This Queen Anne House by Frederick Shock is asymmetrical and eclectic. (Emmi Mack / City Cast Chicago) |
| A Walk Through Austin | ICYMI, the City Cast Chicago team and Neighbors met up recently for a walking tour of Austin. Chicago Architecture Center guides taught us all about architect Frederick Schock — his houses are funky masterpieces — and the area’s diverse history. [City Cast Chicago 🤳] | |
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| | | Ever notice how the best part of anything is right in the middle? Come see for yourself in Illinois, where you can hit the trails in breathtaking state parks. Experience classic Americana on Route 66. And even kayak through a glistening canyon of skyscrapers. It’s all right here in Illinois. |
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| |  | Like fellow neighbors, I’ve watched these buildings turn from bustling storefronts to empty reminders. (Emmi Mack / City Cast Chicago) |
| | It was a busy start to June in Chicago — we’ve been keeping track of it all. Have you? Test your news knowledge. | | Northeastern Illinois University once exercised eminent domain on a block of Bryn Mawr. Storefronts on that stretch have sat vacant for how many years? | 3 | 5 | 10 | 15 |
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| | Time for your Neighborhood Shoutout! Every week, we share recs from City Cast Chicago Neighbors, and let me tell you, they know their stuff. Want to join ‘em? Become a member today. | | Today, Tasha L. is shouting out Cozy Noodles & Rice in Wrigleyville: “The food is amazing, the owners and staff are very friendly, and the decor is fun.” | | |
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| | Logan Square's new headquarters for focus. |
| The world’s first neighborhood work club is coming to Logan Square. Our friends at @switchyards are opening May 18 at 2359 N Milwaukee Ave. Set in a 5000 square foot ex-print shop, the location will be open 24/7 with endless free coffee from Metric and Hexe—plus free bookable phone booths, fast internet, and the op to bring guests for free. Reserve a spot! |
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Finally, thanks to everyone who made it out to our live podcast taping last night at Switchyards! It was a blast to meet you all! Stay tuned for our next event — and become a City Cast Chicago Neighbor for exclusive invites 😉 |
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