City Cast Chicago
🏅 The inaugural City Cast Chicago superlatives
March 28, 2025 · — Ava Wojnowski
Hey Chicago! It’s finally Friday, so kick back and dive into today’s newsletter. Have a great weekend 💗
What's CITY Talking About?
How Many Traffic Stops Does CPD Actually Make?
How many traffic stops did the Chicago Police Department report — and how many did they fail to report — last year? City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran speaks with professor Arionne Nettles and WTTW’s Heather Cherone to shed light on the issue. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
How Trump’s Cuts Continue to Impact Illinois
The Trump administration has cut $153 million in federal grant funding for Illinois' public health, substance abuse programs, and infectious disease prevention. The administration also blocked another $324 million in future public health grants. [Sun-Times]
Why Have Illinois’ EV Sales Surged?
While electric vehicle sales are increasing nationwide, Illinois’ surge is even higher thanks to state incentives. The state is also hoping to have 1 million EVs on the road by 2030. As of March 15, Illinois has registered 132,596. [Crain’s 🔒]
Good News for Train Travelers
Amtrak has restored rail service between St. Paul and Chicago. This train stopped running after corrosion was found in several railcars on Amtrak’s Borealis line, which runs between the Twin Cities and Chicago. [CBS Minnesota]
This Week’s Must-Read
The Chicago Cultural Center is displaying the exhibit “A Movement in Every Direction: Legacies of the Great Migration.” It explores the stories of the roughly six million African Americans who relocated from the South to cities in the North and West during the 20th century. [Triibe]
What To Do
Friday, March 28
- 🛼 Roller Skating Party | 12-6 p.m. | Free | Austin
- 🌱 Seed Starting Workshop | 1-3 p.m. | Free | Englewood
- 🎨 Tattoo Arts Festival starts | 2 p.m. | $25 | Rosemont
- 👕 Pop-Up Closet | 3-7 p.m. | Free for Trans Folks | Humboldt Park
- 🏒 Chicago Blackhawks vs. Vegas Golden Knights | 7:30 p.m. | $39+ | United Center
- 🎤 Chuck Ragan | 7:30 p.m. | $32+ | West Loop
- 🎭 The Book of Grace | 7:30 p.m. | $56+ | Old Town
- 🎶 Gary Louris | 8 p.m. | $35 | Lincoln Square
- 🤣 Chicago’s Queerest Comedy Variety Show: Baby Wine | 9:30 p.m. | $12 | Lakeview
- 🎵 Sonido Gallo Negro | 10 p.m. | $20 | Ukrainian Village
- 🕺 Bittersweet: Goth Dance Party | 10 p.m. | $7 | Avondale
Saturday, March 29
- 🌱 Ecological Restoration Weekend starts | 9:30 a.m. | Free | Lemont
- 🥞 Gaga Drag Brunch with Mirage | 11 a.m. | $20+ | Loop
- 🖼️ Frida Kahlo’s Month in Paris | 11 a.m. | $14+ | Art Institute
- 🌿 Leaf | 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. | $18+ | Rogers Park
- 🌾 Budding Botanists | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Free | Garfield Park
- 🐰 Bunny 101: The Basics of Bunny Care | 1:30-2:30 p.m. | Free | Lakeview
- 🎤 Alexandra Kay | 7 p.m. | $35 | River North
- ⚾ Sports Fans Chicago Speed Dating | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | $36 | Fulton Market
- 🎭 Moonlight Masquerade | 8 p.m. | $15 | Wicker Park
- 🦖 Zilla: The Improvised Kaiju | 9:30 p.m. | $15 | Lincoln Park
Sunday, March 30
- 🧘 Yoga | 10 a.m. | Free | Willow Springs
- 🎸 Music of Grateful Dead for Kids | 11:30 a.m. | $15 | Pilsen
- 🎻 Julia Fischer & Jan Lisiecki | 3 p.m. | $29+ | Loop
- 🎤 Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons | 7 p.m. | $69+ | Waukegan
- 🎵 All Music Trivia | 7-9 p.m. | Pay As You Go | Logan Square
- 🎷 Isaiah Collier & The Chosen Few | 8 p.m. | $25 | Printers Row
🚗 Chicago drivers! Throughout April, the Office of the City Clerk will waive vehicle sticker penalties for Chicagoans. Drivers can purchase a city sticker for their vehicle with no late charge or back fees.
Free · Daily