📣 Call out for Chicago poems

Council Selects New Zoning Chair

After months of uncertainty and stalled meetings, City Council selected 36th Ward Ald. Gilbert Villegas as new chair of the influential zoning committee. Ald. Derrick Curtis (18th) will replace Villegas as head of the economic committee. [Tribune 🔒]

• Related: What led to the stalemate? [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Subminimum Wage Freeze. Plus, Yoga for Seniors

This week, City Council voted to block the mayor’s veto on the freeze for subminimum wage hikes. On today’s podcast, we discuss whether it was successful. Plus, where the Supreme Court is leaning on President Donald Trump’s challenge to birthright citizenship, and yoga for seniors at this Back of the Yards cafe. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Cesar Chavez Elementary to be Renamed

Today is the last day neighbors can suggest new names for Cesar E. Chavez Multicultural Academic Center in Back of the Yards. The local school council voted in March to begin the name change process after an investigation revealed credible accusations against Chavez of rape and sexual abuse. Pilsen’s post office is also getting a new name. [Block Club]

Got Poems About Chicago?

Poetry magazine, headquartered here in Chicago, is putting out a special issue about its hometown — and submissions are open. [Poetry]

• Need inspo? These are our favorite poems about Chicago. [City Cast Chicago 💻]

One of Chicago’s Last Video Stores

Even as streaming has come to dominate our screens, The Video Strip in McKinley Park has been renting out movies for over 30 years. [Block Club]

• Watch: We visited owner Joe Trutin last year to talk about how he’s kept it alive. [City Cast Chicago 📱]

Another Friday, another news quiz! How well do you keep up with the headlines? Test your knowledge by taking our weekly Chicago news quiz!

When you sign up to be a City Cast Chicago Neighbor, you get perks like shouting out your favorite spots in the city!

Our neighbor wants to shout out Into the Feral:

“Into the Feral in Avondale is the witchy-chic home goods store of your dreams! Pick up one of the delicious tea blends made by owner Nicole while you're there.”