🗓️ Mario Kart tourney, teacher love, and the Sky return!
By Sidney Madden | @sidney_madden_
This week, Golden Apple gave four local educators excellent teaching awards — three of whom were CPS teachers.
As a product of CPS from kindergarten to 12th grade, that doesn’t surprise me in the slightest. My teachers were empathetic, kind, patient, and definitely excellent.
Doesn’t it feel right to show the teachers who are or have been in your life some love right now?
đź“ť Send a note! Or share kind words with the Golden Apple winners.
🍎 Thank your child’s teacher for all they’ve done these last few years.
🤑 Put teachers on to Teacher Appreciation Week deals while they last!
And I can’t sign off without shouting out all the educators in my life: a grandma who was a music teacher, an uncle who’s an administrator, an aunt who’s a creative writing professor, a cousin who runs a daycare, and a boyfriend who’s a first-year teacher. Much love to you all!
đź“° NEWSFEED
◾ Bally’s will build Chicago’s only casino and hotel, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Thursday. Bally’s could also operate a temporary gambling spot at the old Medinah Temple in River North while the casino project is under construction at the Tribune Center. The landmark building has been vacant since 2019, and its owner just donated to Lightfoot’s campaign. [Crain’s Chicago; WBEZ]
â—ľ After 20 years in Chicago, Boeing plans to move closer to the U.S. Capitol. [Wall Street Journal]
◾ Helmut Jahn died a year ago Sunday. The renowned architect is responsible for buildings across the world and city — including the soon-to-be-rehabbed Thompson Center. [City Cast]
â—ľ The Chicago Polish Constitution Day Parade returns this weekend after two years off, and will be showing support for Ukraine. [WBEZ]
◾ This week’s must-read.
🗓️ WEEKEND PLANS
Friday
+Art openings in Lincoln Park. See new exhibits showcasing the work of Bangladeshi photojournalist and human rights advocate Shahidul Alam, rare portraits from 1930s Japan, and more at Wrightwood 659.
+ Sky home opener in South Loop. Cheer for the WNBA champs while they play the LA Sparks at Wintrust Arena at 7 p.m.
+ Mario Kart tournament in Logan Square. May the best gamer win at Midlane Esports at 8 p.m. Sip on cocktails, beer, and nonalcoholic drinks, and try the munchies menu!
Saturday
+ Free Comic Book Day citywide. Get free comics at participating indie comic bookstores in Andersonville, Mount Greenwood, Wicker Park, and more.
+ Frontline Books fundraiser in Hyde Park. Donate to get a book bundle and enjoy live music at the community bookshop from noon to 4 p.m. The Black-owned store, in danger of closing, also launched a GoFundMe.
+ Abortion rights rally downtown. Join activists protesting the leaked Roe v. Wade opinion draft at Federal Plaza at noon.
Sunday
+ Mommy & Me painting class in Lakeview. Kick off Mother’s Day by making some art and sipping some bubbly at Bottle & Bottega from 9–11 a.m. (Need more Mother’s Day ideas? We got you!)
All weekend
+ Seedling giveaway in McKinley Park, sale in Garfield Park. Get free plant starters and seeds at the opening of a Southwest Side community garden and seed library Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. Purchase vegetable, herb, melon, and flower seeds from Garfield Park Conservatory through Monday.
+ Farmers market crawl. Stock up fresh produce first in Back of the Yards Friday; Auburn Gresham, Near North Side, and West Loop Saturday; and end in Logan Square Sunday.
⏪ THIS WEEK ON THE PODCAST
Illinoisans continue to grapple with what a post–Roe world would mean, fires have struck homeless encampments in Avondale and Uptown, and Sky fans are excited for the season ahead. Block Club Chicago’s Mina Bloom and WBEZ’s Patrick Smith join us to look back at the week’s news. (NEW)
Missed a City Cast episode this week? Catch up.
