💡Why Chicago should turn lights off this fall

Chicago’s $538 Million Budget Shortfall

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s forecasted budget gap is more than six times bigger than former Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s administration had predicted in the spring. Johnson said he will keep his campaign promise and not raise property taxes. [WBEZ]

• What’s behind this year’s budget gap? The migrant humanitarian crisis and underfunded pensions. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

White Sox Face Disability Lawsuit

Two fans with disabilities allege the South Side team doesn’t sell accessible-seat season ticket packages on its website. [Patch]

• The lawsuit comes after the team made headlines for an in-park shooting, rumored move, recent firings, and a rough season [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Bulls Tickets on Sale

Single-game tickets for regular season home games are on sale today at 10 a.m. [NBC Chicago]

Saving Englewood’s Only Sit-Down Restaurant

City Colleges could soon reopen Sikia, the restaurant where Kennedy-King College culinary students served South Siders before the pandemic. With a grant from Mackenzie Scott, school leaders hope the restaurant will open fall 2024. [Block Club]

• In the meantime, check out the Dining Room downtown, a teaching restaurant for Kendall College students. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Jamila Woods’ Anticipated Next Album

The South Side native’s “Water Made Us’ isn’t due until Oct. 13, but the 17-track record already has a great review. [New York Times 🔒]

New Art on the Mart in River North 🌃 Thursday | 7:30 p.m.

See the new projection by Yiyun Kang at the Merchandise Mart. [Free]

Repair Fair in Garfield Park 🔨 Saturday | 1–4 p.m.

Get help fixing broken bikes and jewelry as well as mending clothes at the Chicago Tool Library community event. [Free]

50 Cent Concert on Near West Side 🎛 Sunday | 7 p.m.

The hip-hop legend will be joined by rapper Busta Rhymes and South Sider Jeremih at the United Center. [$75+]

Englewood Jazz Fest 🎷 All Weekend | Varies

Hamilton Park is hosting the fest with acts like Alexis Lombre, the Frank Russell Band, and others. [Free]

More Chicago Alphabet Dating

The City Cast Chicago podcast team created date ideas based on the letters in our first names. In the second round, City Cast Chicago lead producer Simone Alicea and I face off. One of us went a sentimental route, and the other got spooky.