City Cast Chicago
💰 Chicago says no more debt for CPS
March 7, 2025 · — Ava Wojnowski
Drumroll, please! It’s City Cast Chicago’s 1,000th episode! Thank you to everyone who has supported the podcast thus far — we truly could not have done it without all of you 🥹
So put on those headphones and join us for the 1,000th episode 🎧
What's CITY Talking About?
CPS vs. The City of Chicago
Chicago rejected the Chicago Public Schools' request to help cover $300 million in expenses, which would have required the city to take on more debt. This includes a $175 million loan for non-teacher pensions that CPS has yet to repay. As a result, CPS has left a gap in its 2024 budget, which needs to be resolved by the end of the month. [Crain’s 🔒]
- Let’s break down CPS’ budget issues 💸 [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
Illinois’ Flag Is Here To Stay
The people have spoken and it’s clear that Illinois’ current flag is still a fan favorite. After going up against 12 other potential designs, the OG flag won, receiving 165,000 out of 385,000 votes. Second place wasn’t even close, getting 32,898 votes. [Sun-Times]
- City Cast Chicago had other designs in mind … 😅 [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
This Week’s Must-Read
For those who don’t know, road salt is very harmful to the environment, negatively affecting plants, waterways, and animals. This is because the chloride in road salt does not break down, causing it to never really go away. So, why does Chicago still use it? [WBEZ]
- We obviously can’t just depend on shoveling. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
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Your Weekly Chicago News Quiz
Another week, another news quiz! Let’s dive in 🎉
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What To Do
Friday, March 7
- 🍽️ Hanover Park Restaurant Week | time, cost, locations vary
- 📽️ Poland: Chicago European Union Film Festival | time and cost varies | The Loop
- 🀄 Mahjong Club | 1:30-4:30 p.m. | Free | Clearing
- 🍀 Make a Good Luck Charm | 2:45-4 p.m. | Free | Garfield Ridge
- 🎤 The Hoyle Brothers (21+) | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Free | Ukrainian Village
- 🌕 Evening Walk & Night Sky Observation | 6 p.m. | Free | South Holland
- 🏑 Chicago Blackhawks vs. Utah Hockey Club | 7:30 p.m. | $35+ | United Center
Saturday, March 8
- 🇲🇽 Sor Juana Festival starts | time, cost, locations vary
- 👣 Women’s History Month Walk | 9 a.m. | Free | Thatcher Woods
- 💻 Teen Opportunity Fair | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Free | Malcom X College
- 🍄 Mushroom Workshop | 10-11:30 a.m. | Free | Morgan Park
- 🎶 The Music of Our Emotions | 11 a.m. & 12:45 p.m. | $15+ | Loop
- ☘️ St. Paddy’s Bar Crawl | 2 p.m. | $25 | River North
- 🏺 Wheel Throwing Workshop | 3 p.m. | $40 | Grand Crossing
- 🪩 Tears in the Club: A Pisces Party | 9 p.m. | Free | Lakeview
- 🎷 SoDown | 10 p.m. | $19.50+ | Logan Square
Sunday, March 9
- 🍷 R&B and Roulette | 1 p.m. | $35 | Pilsen
- 🎶 312 Music Awards | 5 p.m. | $25+ | Austin
- 🤼 The SuperWrestlers | 6 p.m. | $25 | Logan Square
- 🎸 George Thorogood and The Destroyers | 6 p.m. | $51 | River North
- 🎤 Morgan Wade | 8 p.m. | $32.50+ | Salt Shed
🥳 And to round out the 1,000th-episode celebration, why not become a member of City Cast Chicago?! Whether you’ve been with us for all 1,000 episodes or you joined at 995, your membership helps us keep it going.
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