By Sidney Madden | @sidney_madden_

---

🥵 How to Beat the Heat

It’s another cooker in Chicago: It could feel like 110° today, according to the National Weather Service. 

Here’s where you can cool off during the extreme weather: 

Cooling centers. The city activates six air-conditioned community centers during heat waves. People can take shelter at any of these locations from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. But space is limited due to COVID-19, and those taking shelter must wear face masks or one will be provided.

Parks. More than 30 Park District field houses will serve as cooling centers. Residents can also find relief at 176 splash pads across the city. Beaches are also open.

Libraries. The city’s 75 public library branches are offering their usual programming while also providing cool air for patrons during normal hours. 

Nonprofits are also asking for donations for the city’s unhoused communities. 

▪️ The Night Ministry is hosting a donation drive for sunscreen, gently used blankets and tents, and more. Check out the Amazon wishlist.

▪️ Rogers Park Food Not Bombs is asking popsicles, water bottles, Gatorade, ice packs, and CTA cards be dropped off at the Touhy Park tent community or at Love Fridges across the city. 

Extreme heat can be deadly: Three older Chicagoans died at a Rogers Park senior home during a May heat wave. Ald. Maria Hadden’s resolution for a hearing on the deaths passed the city’s housing committee Monday, Documenters reported. 

How else to stay cool 

💧 Drink lots of water.
❌ Minimize oven and stove use. 
👕 Wear loose cotton clothing.
🚿 Take cool baths and showers.

---

⚽ More Broken Affordable Housing Promises

The story of public housing in Chicago is one of demolition, displacement, and broken promises — including the ABLA complex on the Near West Side. 

In the early 2000s, ABLA towers were knocked down with promises of new housing. But decades later, most of the planned units have not been built, and most families never returned. 

Today, that land is set to be developed as a Chicago Fire practice facility. 

🎧 ProPublica’s Mick Dumke tells us about his investigation into the land deal.

👉 Read Toya Wolfe’s “Last Summer on State Street,” a book set in the Robert Taylor Homes, a public housing complex in Bronzeville.

---

---

📰 Newsfeed

The almost-tornado’s aftermath. In other extreme weather news, a supercell thunderstorm Monday in the Chicagoland area led to a roof collapse in west suburban Bellwood and damage to a Lincoln Park Toyota dealership. [ABC7]

Caterpillar Inc. is Texas-bound. The construction equipment company is moving its headquarters from Deerfield next year. Last month, Boeing announced it was leaving the city for D.C. [MarketWatch]

The new Cook County flag is…the “I Will Banner” design by Glenbrook South high schooler Drew Duffy. The flag’s name is inspired by an 1893 World’s Fair statue. It was City Cast readers’ second pick when we voted on designs this spring. [Tribune; City Cast]

---

💙  In Memory of Mama Gloria

Trans icon and activist Mama Gloria died Monday at the age of 76. In her lifetime, Mama Gloria opened a charm school, attended “sissy balls,” and fought for trans lives. She talked to City Cast in December. 

“Life can be beautiful. But you have to make it beautiful. You know, when God made you and made me, he didn’t make no mistake,” she said.

👉 Listen to the rest of our conversation with Mama Gloria, and watch the documentary about her life.

---

🎟️  Enter This Giveaway!

Karaoke Storytellers is back! Want to win tickets to see historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas tell a story and break out into song? Text your favorite karaoke song, name, and email to 773-780-0246 for a chance to go to the event for free at Schubas in Lakeview Sunday at 6:30 p.m.

---

Catch Jacoby and Dilla debating parks and beaches at the Golden Dagger in Lincoln Park at 7 p.m.!

---