
City Cast Chicago
📍 Chicago = summer fest capital
June 11, 2024 · —Sidney Madden
Today’s newsletter is dedicated to Chicago graduates! We’re talking scholarships and the local roots of some famous commencement advice.

What's CITY Talking About?
New Study on Racial Disparities in Traffic Stops
Black drivers in the city are more likely to be stopped by police than be ticketed by a camera, according to a new study. [Tribune 🔒]
Teachers Union Contract Negotiations Go Public
The Chicago Teachers Union is holding an open contract bargaining session Friday evening at Marquette Elementary School in Chicago Lawn. The current contract expires at the end of the month. [WTTW]
Humboldt Park Beach to Reopen
After four years, the city’s only inland beach is set to reopen Monday along with the city’s outdoor pools, the Park District said. It has been closed due to pandemic restrictions and a lifeguard shortage. [Block Club]
Chicago's Only 2024 James Beard Winner
Logan Square's Lula Cafe won Monday night in the Outstanding Hospitality category. [Sun-Times]
- ICYMI: Catch up on this year's other local nominees. [💻 Hey Chicago]
Chicago Relies on Summertime Chi
Have you ever wondered how much goes into making these block, neighborhood, and citywide festivals work? We’re talking about the business of Summertime Chi. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]


Scholarships for Chicago Students

As Chicago high schoolers celebrate turning their tassels, the high costs of college might be raining on their parade. But there is help available. Here are some scholarships for prospective, incoming, and current college students in Chicagoland.
Upcoming Deadlines
Chicago City Treasurer’s Office
CPS students who are graduating now and enrolling in a four-year accredited university in the fall can apply for a one-time $5,000 award. Applicants must demonstrate financial need. Applications close June 30.
Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation
Latino students currently pursuing higher education from an associate to graduate degree could be eligible for $5,000. Apply by July 3.
City of Chicago Community Service Block Grant
Income-eligible Chicagoans attending any post-secondary institution full time in the fall could get between $1,000 and $5,000 to cover tuition and fees. Applications will open July 29 and close Sept. 6.

What To Do
Tuesday, June 11
- LGBTQ2S+ Walk & Talk Hike 🚶 LaBagh Woods | 4–6 p.m. | Free
- Aperitivo Hour with Chasity Cooper 🍷 Humboldt Park | 5:30 p.m. | $32
- Yoga 🧘 Wicker Park | 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Free
- Movies in the Parks start 🎬 Citywide | 8:30 p.m. | Free
Wednesday, June 12
- Cielito Lindo Mariachi 🎸 Gage Park | 6:30–7:30 p.m. | Free
- Grant Park Music Festival starts 🎵 Grant Park | 6:30–8 p.m. | Varies

Today on City Cast
One of the stars on the Chicago flag is the Columbian Exposition. The World's Fair was an event, right? I think it's just already in our ethos — already in our blood — that we're we're gonna have a good time.
The Business of Summertime Chi
Neal Heitz, director of event production for the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, gives us a behind-the-scenes look into what it takes to put on the city’s many festivals.

Speaking of local graduates, I have to shout out my cousin who is headed to Michigan State in the fall 😭 Where does the time go?
Free · Daily

