City Cast Chicago
😈 Have you been to Chicago's leather museum?
April 29, 2025 · — Emmi Mack
Hey there! We’re all about connection here at City Cast Chicago. By connecting you to local stories and events, we’re connecting you to your neighbors. Now, we want to connect with you IRL! When you become a City Cast Chicago Neighbor, you’ll be invited to regular members-only events where you can meet the whole team and share ideas with fellow passionate Neighbors.
In fact, we just had a party at Midwest Coast Brewing to celebrate City Cast Chicago’s 1,000th episode. I know the team loved getting to know our Neighbors, talking about the literal thousand things we love about Chicago. Join City Cast Neighbors today to get on the next list!
What Chicago's Talking About
Illinois Preps for Competitive Mid-Terms
Why is Sen. Dick Durbin calling it quits and who are his potential successors? Today’s City Cast Chicago episode gets into all that, plus a breakdown of upcoming changes to Chicago Public Library cards and some messages from Neighbors like you.
YMCA, Not Leaning Tower, Demolished in Niles Demolition began Monday on the former Leaning Tower YMCA in Niles to make way for a shopping-and-dining megadevelopment. The YMCA, which stands in the slanted shade of a Leaning Tower of Pisa replica, closed its doors in 2021. The leaning landmark that provided its namesake remains. [NBC Chicago]
Non-Curfew Options Floated for ‘Teen Takeovers’
As City Council prepares to vote on roving curfews, the mayor’s office hosted a conversation about other ways to address the “teen takeover” trend. Law enforcement, health officials, politicians and violence-prevention organizations all participated. Nonpolice intervention appears to be a popular alternative. [Sun-Times]
- What would a roving curfew for teens even look like? [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Some Real Progress on DuSable Park Plans
New plans for DuSable Park put completion at summer 2027. It’s been a long time coming for the park, which will be east of Lake Shore Drive, bound by the river, the lake, and the Ogden Slip. The 3.4-acre park will cost $15 million to build. [WBEZ]
Sponsored Content
Navy Pier: Where fun is always in the forecast
With skyline views from the Centennial Wheel, exciting cultural events, and local flavors, Navy Pier is yours to discover all season long.
What To Do
Tuesday, April 29
- 🧘 Rise and Shine with Yoga | 6 a.m. | $14 | West Loop
- 🖼️ Free MCA Tuesdays | 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. | Free | Near North Side
- 🎉 They/Them Mayhem | 6-9 p.m. | $30 | Near West Side
- 💗 Meet IRL: Curated Speed Dating | 6:30-9 p.m. | $35 | Near West Side
- 😻 Cat Jam Chicago | 7 p.m. | Suggested Donation | Avondale
- 🎤 Chicago's Got Talent | 7:30-10 p.m. | $25 | Mayfair
- 🪩 Y’all Not Dancing No More: House vs Amapiano | 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. | Free | Hyde Park
Wednesday, April 30
- 🌱 Seed Giveaway | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Free | Humboldt Park
- 🍷 Wine-Not Wednesdays | 6-6:30 p.m. | $10 | Near North Side
- 🎉 Chicago Craft Club: Button Bonanza | 6:30 p.m. | $10+ | Avondale
- 🐰 Bunnies, Books, & Chill | 6:30-8 p.m. | $15 | Lakeview
- 🍷 Female Wine Maker Tasting Class | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | $65 | Northalsted
- 🎤 The Moth Chicago StorySLAM: PICKY | 7-10 p.m. | $15 | Hyde Park
- 🔊 R&B Hip-Hop Bingo 2000s Edition | 8 p.m. to Midnight | $15+ | Berwyn
Thanks to these new friends for joining City Cast Chicago Neighbors: the lovely Kristin D., Megan M., Hallie K., Robert S., Jill D., Xander B., Ryan F., Nicole K., Alanna R-D., Lynette T., Maia T., Peter M., and Chris M., aka CM the GM, aka Mom.
Join them! And you’ll also get a super cute City Cast Chicago Neighbors mug which tells the world (or, ya know, your partner, or roommate, or dog) that you support local journalism.
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