Advertisement image
City Cast Chicago

City Cast Chicago

🍻 Drink fests for Chicago's thirsty masses

July 8, 2025 · — Emmi Mack

Woahh Chicago! Smith Park was truly explosive on the Fourth of July. Hundreds of Chicagoans gathered in the West Town field for a massive amateur display that gave Ol’ Winnemac Park a run for its money. Sparks and flaming debris rained down on the front row, but the mild burns were worth it ✨

Fireworks at Smith Park.
A smoky show at Smith Park. (Emmi Mack / Hey Chicago)

👇 Onto the non-pyrotechnic news!

What Chicago's Talking About

Podcast Player: "What's Next After Weekend Mass Shootings? Plus, CPS Financial Troubles Continue"

Mass Shooting Fallout, CPS Woes, and More Chicago TV

Following the deadly shooting outside Artis Restaurant and Lounge in River North, Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd) is pushing to close the new business. On today’s podcast, we discuss the tragedy and the pressure on the venue. Also, we’re talking Chicago Public Schools and two local TV shows, “Ironheart” and “The Bear.” [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Chicago’s Median Rent Hits $1,400

With a monthly median of $1,400, Chicago rent is in the top 11% nationally, according to a recent Harvard study. Last year, Chicago’s median rent was $1,290 per month. The report also found that Chicagoland renters spend more than 30% of their income on housing and utilities. [Crain’s 🔒]

Divvy bikes.
Divvy is the largest bike sharing system in North America. (Photo by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Divvy Offering Discounts — For New and Returning Riders

The price for an annual Divvy membership has dropped from $143.90 to $99 for new and lapsed members. (Lapsed membership must be expired for at least 30 days to qualify.) Additionally, the company is installing upgraded stations downtown. [WTTW]

Illinois Has Among the Lowest-Ranked Nursing Homes

Illinois’ nursing home quality ranks at No. 47 of 50, according to new data. Nursing home operators blame staff shortages and Illinois’ comparatively low Medicaid reimbursement rate. Beginning this year, the state is now issuing monetary penalties against nursing homes that fail to meet staffing requirements. [Tribune 🔒]

What To Do

Tuesday, July 8

Wednesday, July 9

Meanwhile, the DePaul University community is mourning the loss of Christopher Rone, a longtime associate director of the school’s financial aid office. Rone spent years building a more inclusive campus by advocating for first-generation and underrepresented college students.

💙 To keep his memory and mission alive, donate to the Christopher S. Rone Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Free · Daily

More from City Cast Chicago

Read latest