🐀 Can Chicago tackle its rat problem?

Chicago Rat Complaints Up

Residents made more than 50,000 complaints to 311 about rodents last year. There’s been a record number of rat complaints since the pandemic started. But the city isn’t prepared to handle the surge. [Illinois Answers Project, Block Club]

• Meet Chicago’s rat czar. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
• Dive into Chicagoans’ other top complaints. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

The Latest on Migrants

A year after the first bus of migrants arrived in Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson and Gov. JB Pritzker pressed President Joe Biden’s administration for federal aid to assist with more asylum seekers and to expedite work permits. [WTTW]

Chicago State University Prez Bonus

The Far South Side school administration told faculty that “significant financial strain” was why salary demands couldn’t be met during a strike earlier this year. Zaldwaynaka Scott, president of the predominantly Black school, got a $50,000 bonus last month. Her total compensation for the year now? $500,000. [WBEZ]

This Week’s Must-See

Did you catch the blue supermoon? These shots over Lake Michigan are surreal. [Tribune’s Chris Sweda via Twitter]

🔺 = Sid’s picks

Justice of the Pies in Avalon Park 🥧 Friday | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Bake Squad” star Maya-Camille Broussard’s brick-and-mortar bakery officially opens after a soft launch this summer. [Varies]

Taco Throwdown at Daley Plaza 🌮 Friday | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Vote for your fav taco — from carne asada to vegetarian bites — at the weekly food truck fest. [Free entry]

🔺 Roscoe Village Romance Bookstore 💘 Saturday | 11 a.m.

Tired of scrolling in the romance section of #BookTok? The Last Chapter Book Shop is opening! [Free]

Labor Day Parade, Eddie Fest in Pullman ✊ Saturday | Noon

Catch the Southeast Side parade, where historic labor movements have taken place. Stick around for food and family fun. [Free]

Wrigleyville WingOut 🍗 Saturday, Sunday | Noon to 8 p.m.

Smash all types of wings from Smoke Daddy BBQ to Harold’s at Gallagher Way Saturday and Sunday. [$20+]

🔺 Bike The Drive 🚲 Sunday | 6:30 a.m. to Noon

Bike 30 miles from Jackson Park to Edgewater, or just part of the course. Celebrate at the post-ride fest at Grant Park. [$74; $18 for kids]

🔺 Plantasia in Garfield Park 🌱 Sunday, Monday | 6 p.m.

Catch the Garfield Park Conservatory tribute to Mort Garson’s 1976 album of electronic music meant to help plants grow. [$45+]

Jazz Fest Downtown 🎺 All Weekend | 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

From student ensembles to tributes to big stars, the Millennium Park event runs through Sunday. [Free]

Washington Park African Fest of Arts 🤎 All Weekend | Varies

Enjoy art, food, and music from across the African diaspora through Monday. [$20+]

Taste of Polonia in Jefferson Park 🇵🇱 All Weekend | Varies

Head to the country's largest Polish fest at the Copernicus Center with carnival rides, clowns, and food (from pierogies to potato pancakes).  [$15+]

🔺 Very Human Social in Bronzeville 🤝 Monday | 6–9 p.m.

Make new friends at the social club’s event at Bronzeville Winery. [$25+]

Laughs in Lakeview 😆 Monday | 8–11 p.m.

The weekly standup show features new special guests and jokes being workshopped at Shakers on Clark. [Free]

After the City Cast Chicago podcast recapped everything going on with the Sox, most Hey Chicago readers said they wanted the South Siders to stay — but not everyone. Plus, you all had more to say about the team’s performance.

Potential Sox Move

Rita J.: “Owner Jerry Reinsdorf should put a new stadium where old Comiskey was (across the street). I will not for a second buy a billionaire crying broke when the state owns Guaranteed Rate Field.”

Adam C.: “Too many sports teams with billionaire owners convince cities to build them fancy new stadiums on the taxpayer's dime. It's better to lose a team than to ruin the city's finances trying to make sure they stay.”

Ned M.: “I've been going to Sox Park since I was very young. My middle school band played both U.S. and Canadian anthems on that field. I even caught a shirt thrown by Southpaw on my birthday. That place is really special to me. If the Sox moved out of Chicago, I'd probably stop going to baseball games altogether.”

Other Feelings About the Sox

Paul A.: “I’m a season ticket holder and the last two years make me question any loyalty to the team between Tony La Russa, bad minor league hires, Jerry never giving a $100 million contract, the arrogance of the front office, and the awful fan experience getting into a game.”

Vincent B.: “I had high hopes and thought a 0.500 season at worst. But with changes at the top, next year will be different and better. Remember the old saying ‘Sox power will tower.’”

Ongoing Aftermath of Sox Park Shooting

Sun-Times’ Tom Schuba and WTTW’s Joanna Hernandez recap the mystery of last week’s Sox Park shooting, the city’s lawsuit against Hyundai-Kia, and a new holiday commemorating the late Black Panthers chair Fred Hampton.