City Cast Chicago
😎 Chicago’s best rooftop bars for spring
April 30, 2025 · — Adrian González
Hi, friends! It’s City Cast editor — and avid Hey Chicago fanatic — Adrian González filling in for today. We’re almost at the end of our spring membership campaign and I hope by now it’s clear why we need your support. When you join City Cast Chicago Neighbors, you get great perks! But, more importantly you’re letting us know that you value what we do here and you want to keep it going.
For just $10 a month (less than the price of a craft cocktail or a fancy coffee), you’ll offer critical support to keep this daily newsletter going and join a growing community of Neighbors who care about Chicago and want to see it thrive.
What's CITY Talking About?
A Drive Down Chicago’s Route 66
The so-called “Mother Road” was assigned its iconic number 99 years ago today. To commemorate the anniversary, City Cast Chicago podcast host Jacoby Cochran takes a road trip with Dario Durham and Sara Faddah, hosts of the 77 Flavors of Chicago podcast, to find the best attractions and eats on Route 66. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Flood Victims Battle Mold and Bureaucracy
It’s been nearly two years since floods devastated West Side homes, and many residents say they’re still living with mold and flood damage they can’t afford to fix. Some residents have received relief funds from the city and FEMA, but are still struggling to pay for costly repair bills. [Chicago Sun-Times]
Lincoln Park Piloting Rat Birth Control
The Chicago Bird Alliance is partnering with Ald. Timmy Knudsen, the Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Lincoln Park Conservatory to test contraception as a rat control alternative to poison, which can be harmful to other wildlife. The program is already being tested in Wicker Park and Bucktown with plans to expand to other wards if successful. [WTTW]
Chicago Joins Lawsuit Against Federal Purge
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration is suing President Trump alongside other cities and organizations over the mass firing of federal workers. The lawsuit calls the federal cuts unconstitutional and warns it endangers essential services like disaster response and public health. [Chicago Tribune]
- Chicago colleges are also under pressure from the Trump administration. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
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What To Do
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
Thursday, May 1
- 🪦 May Day Outdoor Exhibit | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Free | Forest Park
- 📚 Story Time | 9:30 a.m. | Free | Lincoln Square
- 🚶🏽♂️ May Day March | 11 a.m. | Free | Union Park
- 💪 CEO Roundtable: Latinas Poderosas | 5 p.m. | Free | Loop
- 🍾 Portuguese Wine Exploration 6-8 p.m. | $50 | West Town
- 🍷 Spring Wine Stroll | 6-9 p.m. | $60 | Lincoln Square
- 🎼 Hope & Art | 6-8 p.m. | Free | Lyric Opera
- 🃏 Indie Board Game Showcase | 6 to 10 p.m. | $15+ | Wicker Park
- 🎭 “Berlin” | 7:30 p.m. | $24+ | Hyde Park
- 🎻 Mariachi Fuego | 7:30-9 p.m. | Free | UIC Recital Hall
- 🎷 Matthew Whitaker Trio | 8-9:30 p.m. | $30+ | South Loop
- 🎭 “Spring Awakenings” | 8 p.m. | $15 | Lincoln Park
- ✨ Twilight Fest | 8 p.m. to Midnight | $20+ | Near South Side
Before I go, let’s give it up to our newest City Cast Chicago Neighbors: Sharon S., Kelly J., Mary Y., James A., James B., Sophie C., Megan O., LaBianca W., Zac C., Lee W., Jack S., Sophie Z., Michael C., Michael Z., and Kristen K. Y’all are the realest!
And thank you Zac for this kind note: “I love the podcast! Great information and love the communication. Joining you from Mount Prospect! Also, I have the same last name as Jacoby and I believe we have the same birthday! 4/30!” Feliz cumpleaños to Zac and Jacoby 🥳
If you value what we’re doing as much as Zac, join them and become a City Cast Chicago Neighbor today!
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