📺 Why Stephen Colbert is moving his show to Chicago

Uber Rolls Out Blue Checkmarks

The ridesharing company launched a pilot program this week in Chicago and 11 other cities to verify riders’ identities in an effort to bolster driver safety. Riders will receive a blue checkmark badge on their profiles through an automated system or by uploading government ID. Unverified riders can still use the app, but drivers will have the choice to accept or reject a ride. [Chicago Tribune]

• Before Uber there were taxis: Why Chicago’s Taxi Wars Are Forgotten [Hey Chicago 📰]

Colbert Returns to Chicago

The late night host is moving his “Late Show” production to the Auditorium Theatre for the Democratic National Convention in August. Tickets for the Chicago tapings have yet to be released. [Politico]

• A Chicago story: We talked to Colbert about his formative years in Chicago. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Tomorrow is Record Store Day

The celebration's indie appeal might have worn off since it began in 2008, but record stores are still making the best of it. Our friends at Chicago Reader put together a guide to Record Store Day in Chicago. [Reader]

This Week’s Must-Read

Oz Park is getting its first makeover in 50 years, including an updated playground called Dorothy’s Playlot and the removal of a massive underground rat bed. [Block Club]

• Don’t let rats ruin the vibes: rat control tips from Chicago’s rat czar Josie Cruz herself. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Who knew so many Hey Chicago readers were also bookworms? We asked for new book recs, and you delivered! Here are just a few of your suggestions.

Julie H.: “I wish I could read these two again for the first time: ‘Olga Dies Dreaming’ and ‘Family Lore.’”

Allie B.: “‘Last Summer on State Street’ by Toya Wolfe is a great fiction read about the last summer of the Robert Taylor Homes. ‘Three Girls from Bronzeville’ by Dawn Turner is a memoir about growing up in Chicago.”

Mia PT.: “‘Hello Beautiful’ by Ann Napolitano is set by Northwestern’s campus; a kind of modern-day take on ‘Little Women’ but you get to hear more from the male love interest. ‘Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting’ by Clare Pooley goes against the unspoken rules of commuting — each chapter switches perspective of someone on the train.”

Jennifer K.: “‘Home is Not a Country’ by Safia Elhillo is the best book I read last year. Plus, I recommend checking out Italic Type for keeping track of your reading list. It was founded here in Chicago!”

John S.: “Before you start watching on Netflix and Paramount+, read the ‘The Three-Body Problem’ trilogy and a ‘A Gentleman in Moscow.’”

Rebecca M.: “‘Burn Book’ by Kara Swisher. I recommend the audio book. Great memoir of the early days of the tech industry — funny and blunt.”

Catherine R.: “‘The Constant Rabbit’ is a great satire about immigration. Even though it takes place in the UK, it’s very applicable to American politics as well. And it’s funny!”

Mass Shooting Vigil, Pride Parade Shrinks, and Sky Tickets Skyrocket

The Back of the Yards neighborhood is still recovering from a mass shooting that took place over the weekend. WTTW’s Joanna Hernandez and freelance writer for the Windy City Times Jake Wittich tell host Jacoby Cochran about the latest news including Chicago Pride Parade downsizing and a Belmont Cragin pastor who opened his doors to a group of migrants, among them an artist.