
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 ✨

👇 Onto the non-pyrotechnic news!

What Chicago's Talking About

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 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
- 🧑🌾 Pop-Up Farm Stand | Brighton Park
- 🎵 Tuesdays on the Terrace | Museum of Contemporary Art | Streeterville
- 🎨 FEK Draw | Leather Archives & Museum | Rogers Park
- 🎲 Tabletop Game Night | Northtown Branch | West Ridge
- 🤓 Show & Tell for Grown-Ups | Snakes & Lattes | Logan Square
- 🎸 Cat Jam | Insect Asylum | Avondale
- 🍅 Tomato Throw Show | The Comedy Bar | Mag Mile
- 🌊 “Moana 2” | Kenwood Community Park
- 🍽️ Maria’s Patio Jam | Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar | Bridgeport
Wednesday, July 9
- 🎣 Family Urban Fishing | McKinley Park
- 🧗 Climbing Skills Practice | Steelworkers Park | South Chicago
- 💿 Bethany Clearfield Album Release | Fulton Street Collective | West Town
- ✨ Glitter and Groove | Newport Theater | Lakeview
- 💄 Drag Bingo | Kit Kat Lounge | Northalsted
- 🎥 “23 Horas” | Riis Park | Belmont Cragin
- 🎞️ Professor O’s Short Films Festival | Comfort Station | Logan Square
- 🎆 Chicago Riverwalk Bar Crawl & Fireworks Show | AceBounce | Loop
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

