Why Chicago celebrates Earth, Wind & Fire today

Bears Defensive Coordinator Resigns

Alan Williams resigned Wednesday. In a statement, he said he needed to take care of his health and family. Head coach Matt Eberflus is expected to assume defensive play-calling duties again Sunday after taking over the role last week when Williams was out. [AP]

Inside the $29 Million Migrant Base Camp Contract

Days after making the “winterized base camps” plan public, the city and state quietly awarded GardaWorld a contract that is up to $29 million. The security and logistic company was also one of the companies Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis used to bus migrants to blue states. [Crain’s 🔒]

• About 1,600 asylum-seekers are expected to relocate from Chicago police stations to the base camp. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

CPS Enrollment Stable

The school district’s enrollment is flat — about 322,500 students — after 12 years of being in decline. [Chalkbeat]

• Who are among CPS’ newest students this school year? Young migrants. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Asia on Argyle Sign Comes Down

The sign and pagoda at the Argyle Street L stop is in storage while the Uptown station undergoes upgrades as part of the Red and Purple Lines’ modernization project. [Sun-Times]

Made in Chicago: 'Mortal Kombat'

Co-creator Ed Boon shared his Chicago roots and the city’s influence on the popular video game franchise as "Mortal Kombat 1" was released this month. [Chicago magazine]

Smart Art Museum Fall Opening in Hyde Park 🖼️ Thursday | 6:30–8:30 p.m.

See new exhibits “Ruth Duckworth: Life as Unity” and “Smart to the Core: Poetry is Everything.” [Free]

Vinyl Jams in Pilsen 💿 Friday | 7–10 p.m.

Catch DJ Ayana Contreras spinning vinyl records at Pilsen Yards. [Free]

Avondale Cats & Cocktails Pub Crawl | Saturday | Noon to 5 p.m.

Visit neighborhood pubs while fundraising for Harmony House. [$45]

‘Into the Spider-Verse’ Concert Downtown 🕸️ Saturday | 7 p.m.

Watch the Academy Award-winning film while an orchestra brings the hip-hop score to life at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. It’s a pretty sick date, if you ask us. [$35+]

Happy Earth, Wind & Fire Day, Chicago!

Founded by Maurice White in 1969, the legendary group has sold over 100 million records and won dozens of awards — all while redefining multiple genres. Trenton Bailey, author of “Do You Remember: Celebrating Fifty Years of Earth, Wind & Fire,” shares why the band’s sound remains timeless.