🤩 Your favorite things about Chicago

President Pardons Ex-Illinois Governor

President Trump has granted a full pardon to ex-Illinois Governor Rod Bagojevich, who was convicted of trying to sell Barack Obama’s vacated Senate seat in 2009. Trump, who had commuted Begojevich’s sentence in 2020, claimed the case against the former governor was politically motivated. [Sun-Times 🔒]

New Rules for City Hall “Gift Room”

The Chicago Board of Ethics announced it had revoked an informal agreement made in the 1980s that allowed mayors to accept expensive gifts without properly reporting them. Moving forward, all gifts accepted on behalf of the city need to be under $50, disclosed within 10 days, and made publicly accessible. [WTTW]

Community Healthcare Nonprofit Shutting Down

Heartland Alliance Health is closing its Uptown and Englewood clinics, along with three food pantries by the end of April. The nonprofit, which employs 113 workers and services thousands of low-income residents, became independent from Heartland Alliance in 2023 but couldn’t keep up with rising costs. [Block Club]

Remember to Keep Cash at These Chicago Classics

As the trend of cashless restaurants and bars grows, some of Chicago’s most beloved spots are not only bucking the trend, but committing to staying cash-only. City Cast Chicago podcast contributor Leigh Giangreco spoke with restaurant owners to learn why cash is still king. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

We’re ever so close to our 1,000th episode of the City Cast Chicago podcast but we couldn’t wait to share some of the wonderful things our readers and listeners have sent us. Here’s a preview of some of the Chi love.

Flower Shows

This one is from former Hey Chicago editor Sidney Madden. 🥲

A snowy day like today might just be the perfect time to start planning for flower shows, especially the ones at Chicago Botanic Gardens.

The lake, summer, food scene and House music. The Chosen Few!

Audience member Xandrea R. shared a few of their favorites, along with this beautiful shot of The Bean at sunset. The giant legume also got a shoutout from reader Roberta F. and City Cast Chicago producer Michelle Navarro, who loves checking out her reflections.

Turner Häus Brewery

Let’s raise a glass to reader Talibah F. The folks at this Black-owned Bronzeville brewery name all of their beers after the women in their family. “They poured into us, now we pour pints of them.”

Chicago Theaters

As a lover of the arts (and diehard Music Box Theater fanatic) I second this entry from audience member Kevin S. during the regional premiere of the Broadway play “Jaja’s Hair Brading” in January.

Love Chicago? Submit your favorite thing about our city!