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In City Council News …

A $51 million budget amendment to help asylum-seekers was blocked from a vote at Mayor Brandon Johnson’s first City Council meeting Wednesday. Alders approved his committee restructuring plan. [WBEZ]

• What do groups helping migrants need? More funds and better coordination from the city and state. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Why These Cops Can’t Testify in Court

John Catanzara, the president of the city’s largest police union, is among the hundreds of current and former Chicago police officers who won’t be called to testify by the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office. Why? Because their histories of misconduct and untruthfulness hurts their credibility. [The Triibe]

Proposed I-55 Expansion Raising Eyebrows

An 11th-hour deal in Springfield to widen Interstate 55 and add express toll lanes managed by a private party is reminding some of Chicago’s despised parking meter deal. The potential for more traffic has some nearby Little Village residents worried about more air pollution. [WTTW; Sun-Times]

Paint the Town Red in Millennium Park | Thursday | 11 a.m.

Join Uniting Voices Chicago, formerly the Chicago Children’s Choir, at the annual event at Pritzker Pavilion. [Free]

Stop ShotSpotter Webinar | Thursday | 6–7:30 p.m.

Learn about the effort to stop the controversial police surveillance tool. [Free]

South Shore Poetry Reading | Sunday | 3–4 p.m.

Go to the Stony Island Arts Bank to hear poet Arnold J. Kemp read “sounds poems” from N.H. Pritchard’s experimental collection. [Free]

Mayfestiversary in North Center | All Weekend | Varies

Sip beer, grab bites from food trucks, and enjoy live music between Begyle Brewing and Dovetail Brewery. [$5 suggested donation]

Ready to Roadtrip?

From Michigan lakes to Cedar Point roller coasters, your fav newsletter writer loves long weekends nearby. Thrillist’s Meredith Heil joins the City Cast Chicago podcast to share spots within driving distance.