Uber riders in Chicago are seeing a new option on their rideshare apps this week: taxis.

Why it matters: The taxi industry has been nearly decimated in the last decade, in part due to apps like Uber and Lyft that give riders the option of front-door pickup and upfront pricing.

The big picture: The move comes as rideshare drivers have vexed platforms like Uber in recent years, striking for better pay and safety regulations or bailing on the gig completely.

• There were 54,600 rideshare vehicles that performed at least one trip in January, nearly 25% fewer than in January 2020, Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) tells Axios.

How it works: Riders can choose the "taxi" option on their apps, which will be priced similarly to UberX — the cheapest single-rider option.

• Cabs need Arro or Curb Mobility technology to receive alerts for Uber pickups.
• The estimated fare is visible to the rider and determined by trip, pickup distance and surge pricing.

Flashback: Uber's latest move essentially brings it full circle to its first foray into cities like Chicago.

• Originally, cabbies were promoting Uber Taxi, the predecessor to UberX, and handing out promotions to potential riders.
• "Then what happened is magically in 2014 or 2015 Uber launches UberX, and now we have a fleet of 50,000 drivers that just came in with their personal vehicles, and all these taxi drivers were just kind of left holding the bag," Furqan Mohammed, an attorney who works with taxi drivers, tells Axios.

Zoom in: The taxi industry is far more regulated than rideshares, with "very stringent requirements for vehicles, very stringent requirements for drivers, meters have to be completely calibrated down to the cent for what the ride can cost," Mohammed says.

Yes, but: Since the apps came on the scene, the city has added rideshare regulations including limits on how many hours drivers can work in a 24-hour period.

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In a risky move, Green City Market opened a full month early last Saturday, releasing local ramps to hordes of happy Lincoln Park shoppers on a glorious day.

Why it matters: The gambit could've easily flopped in a week that saw snow just days earlier. Instead it proved that Chicagoans — or at least Green City types — are thirsty for some farm fresh fellowship.

So what can you expect at an April farmers market? We went to investigate.

The big picture: Expect dozens of booths and thousands of attendees — many with dogs — on sunny days like the one expected tomorrow.

The produce: Fresh ramps, green garlic, young carrots and microgreens, as well as cellared apples and root vegetables.

Hot tip: If you like croissants, breads and pastries from Edgewater's pHlour Bakery and Cafe, buy them in Edgewater before the market, or you'll be joining a 40-person line.

Parking: Even this early in the season, street parking is scarce. An adjacent lot costs $14 for two hours, but the Lincoln Park Zoo lot is free to most members.

What we're watching: As in previous years, GCM will double the value of SNAP purchases up to $25.

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⚖️ A federal jury awarded a West Loop tech company $525 million in damages in its patent lawsuit against Amazon. (Sun-Times)

👮‍♀️ Another gun arrest was made at Topgolf in Naperville. It's the 15th weapons-related arrest at the business since last summer. (ABC 7)

🏛 A 152-year-old River North building that was among the first built after the Great Chicago Fire is facing demolition. (Tribune)

Beyoncé's latest album, "Act II: Cowboy Carter," has made her the first-ever Black woman to lead Billboard's Top Country Albums chart.

Yes, but: The album is also stoking interest in Western fashion.

Flashback: During Beyoncé's Renaissance Tour, the trend of dressing in silver reflected fans' support for Queen Bey and boosted sales for Amazon and Etsy sellers.

Here in Chicago, if the album has inspired you to seek out cowboy boots, it's worth visiting Alcala's Western Wear, a mainstay in West Town. In June, the family-owned store will celebrate 51 years of business.

• Expect to find something for everyone: boots, hats, belt buckles, purses, and more.

What we're watching: Store employees told Axios they saw sales jump during Taylor Swift's recent Chicago tour stop, and they anticipate the same should a Cowboy Carter tour be announced.

If you go: 1733 W. Chicago Ave., open daily.

More local stores:

• Rosales Wear, 2916 N. Cicero Ave.
• Tony's Western Wear, 3348 W. 63rd St.
• Durango Western Wear, 4136 W. 26th St.
• El Arriero Western Wear and Fashion, 3853 W. Fullerton Ave.

Watch our Instagram tour of Alcala's

📅 Upcoming events around the city.

Chicago Caribbean Carnival Launch at Good To Go Jamaican Cuisine & Event Space on April 20: Get ready for a day filled with vibrant music, delicious food, and colorful costumes.

• This in-person event will kick off the excitement for the upcoming carnival. Don't miss out on the chance to experience Caribbean culture right here in Chicago. $15.

Hosting an event? Email [email protected].

👋 Hey, it's Monica.

Astoria Bakery owners Suzi and Tanja Jeftenic left scores of Balkan pastry lovers dejected when they closed their Irving Park store in 2021 and decamped for Lisle.

• Luckily for city dwellers, they're returning to the city this Sunday for a pop-up at Venteux on Michigan Avenue from 9 am to 2pm, or until they sell out.

The bites: Knedl potato dumplings, krempita with layers of Chantilly cream and puff pastry and the best burek (cheese and meat stuffed phyllo dough) I've found in Chicago.

Yes but: Their bestselling komplet lepinja ($15), a freshly baked loaf filled with egg, cream, roast pork and pork juice, is still only available in Lisle, Tanja tells Axios.

• This makes me sad but also determined to make a breakfast trip to DuPage County.