City Cast Chicago
🌯 Food delivery robots are kinda lazy
April 29, 2026 · — Emmi Mack
Hey Chicago! Instead of complaining about food delivery robots, why don’t you put yourself in their shoes? Block Club did, trailing one Coco bot for seven hours. In that time, it made just four deliveries and took multiple long breaks. Not a bad gig for Coco.
Now, onto less futuristic news — plus a quiz on old Chicago bridges!
What's CITY Talking About
Mayor Signs Peacebook
Mayor Brandon Johnson has signed the Peacebook Executive Order, which establishes the city’s first permanent year-round youth peacekeeping program. We break the details down on today’s podcast. Also discussed: Fathom, a new lesbian-owned bar, and the Chicago Critics Film Festival. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Sox’s Murakami Blasts Way to Homerun Lead
The White Sox first baseman, Munetaka Murakami, currently leads the MLB in home runs with 12. And it’s riling fans up. On Saturday, the Sox had their highest April attendance for a non-opener in 19 years. [Tribune 🔒]
Upcoming SNAP Cuts Worry Grocers
About 150,000 Illinoisans are expected to lose SNAP benefits May 1. In addition to the individual setbacks, the change will hit some grocery stores and vendors hard. At Living Fresh Market in Forest Park, about 15% of the store’s revenue comes from shoppers with SNAP. [Sun-Times]
Celebrate International Jazz Day!
International Jazz Day is Thursday, and Chicago is this year’s host city. Events have taken place all month long, but it’s not too late to catch one! The All-Star Global Concert at the Lyric Opera House is coming up. [WBEZ]
- That’s not all: Browse more Chicagoland jazz events. [Jazz Day]
Sponsored Content
The Middle of Everything
Ever notice how the best part of anything is right in the middle? Come see for yourself in Illinois, where you can hit the trails in breathtaking state parks. Experience classic Americana on Route 66. And even kayak through a glistening canyon of skyscrapers. It’s all right here in Illinois.
Chicago Bridges Quiz
We’re about one week into bridge-lifting season in Chicago. That means all 27 bridges along the Main and South branches of the Chicago River lift twice a week to accommodate boats.
But maybe you already knew that. Maybe you’re a bridge expert. Or maybe you just listened to yesterday’s podcast about the (poor) state of Chicago bridges.
Either way, it’s time to test your knowledge.
Sponsored Content
Harness Your Power at The Working Lunch
The Power of WE is the power to change lives and transform futures. Join Women Employed on May 14th for their signature fundraiser, The Working Lunch. Enjoy networking and inspiration, and celebrate leaders who are building women’s power—standing strong against attacks, lifting up their needs, and bringing their voices to the tables where fundamental and systemic change happens.
What To Do
Wednesday, April 29
- 🦖 Free admission | Field Museum | Museum Campus
- 🖼️ Pay What You Wish Wednesday | Driehaus Museum | River North
- 🏛️ Free admission | Illinois Holocaust Museum | River North
- 🌻 Becoming: Cody Norman | Garfield Park Conservatory | Free
- 🛼 All Ages Skate Lessons | The Rink | Avalon Park
- 💔 Laugh Through The Heartbreak | Laugh Factory | Lakeview East
- 🧸 Happy Accident Puppet Show | Lemon | West Town
- 🥁 GENA (Liv.e + Karriem Riggins) | Sleeping Village | Avondale
- ⚽️ Pickup Soccer | Portage Park | Free
- 💃🏻 Country Dancing 101 | Ballroom Dance Chicago Loft | West Loop
Thursday, April 30
- 🍱 Sushi Making With Chef Janet | Wolf Point Distilling | West Loop
- 🤣 Pilsen Stand-Up: Comedy Showcase | Simone’s Bar | Pilsen
- 👯♀️ Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre | Columbia College Chicago | South Loop
- 📜 Free admission | Chicago History Museum | Lincoln Park
- 📚 Book Club | Call & Response Books | Hyde Park | Free
- 🎷 Jazz + Gumbo: Brazilian Jazz On Vinyl | Row 24 | South Loop
💔 RIP to Pete Kastanes, who founded and ran the beloved Vanished Chicagoland page on Facebook. I’ve spent years scrolling that page to learn about the city before my time … it’s provided inspiration for some of the pieces I share with you all.
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