What wrongful convictions cost Chi taxpayers

Record Number of Migrant Buses Arrive This Week

More than 15,000 migrants have come to Chicago since last year, a milestone that comes as a record 27 buses of migrants arrived in Chicago this week. [Block Club]

Wrongful Convictions Cont.

In the last four years, Chicago has paid $178 million in wrongful conviction lawsuits. The latest one is from Lee Harris, who spent 30 years in prison for a crime he claims police officers coerced him into confessing. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

The Signature Room Closes

The fine dining restaurant on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Building closed due to “economic issues,” according to a sign posted Thursday. [NBC Chicago]

This Week’s Must-Listen

Even if the federal government shuts down, student loan repayments are still due. I’ll be listening to this episode on repeat as I figure out how to log into my account. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

🔺 = Sid’s picks

🔺 Beaubien Woods Skate Party 🛼 Friday | 6–9 p.m.

Get ready to roller skate, roller blade, skateboard, or scooter at the South Side outdoor nature skate. [Free]

North Lawndale 5K Walk/Run 👟 Saturday | 9 a.m.

There’s still time to participate in the West Side race and enjoy the post-run family fest! [$35]

🔺 Argyle Mid-Autumn Fest 🏮 Saturday | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ring in the holiday with lantern decorating, mooncakes, tea tasting, and more. [Varies]

Native American Names in Brighton Park 📖 Saturday | 11 a.m.

Head to the Southwest Side library branch to learn Native American names and words in the city — including the origin of the word “Chicago.” [Free]

Annual Point Party in Hyde Park 🎉 Saturday | 5 to 11 p.m.

Soup Night Chicago is raising funds for migrants. Stop by Promontory Point for a potluck, bonfire, zines, dancing, and more. [Donations]

Bike Art Spectacle in Pilsen 🚲 Sunday | 3 to 6 p.m.

Cabinet of Curiosity will host poetry workshops, panoramic visual stories, and bike-powered record players at ​​Vertiport Chicago. [Free for Pilsen residents; $20 suggested donation for other attendees]

🔺 Light Up Lakefront in Lincoln Park  🌊 Sunday | 6 to 8 p.m.

Go to North Avenue beach for a ceremony recognizing the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. American Sign Language and Spanish translation will be provided. [Free]

🔺 Lincoln Square Ravenswood Apple Fest 🍏 All Weekend | 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The North Side fest is offering all things apple from pie to pizza Saturday and Sunday. [$5 suggested donation]

Chicago Exhibition Weekend Citywide 🖼️ All Weekend | Varies

Explore art in galleries, viaducts, and other spots across the city Saturday and Sunday. [Varies]

As we wrap up our fall getaways week, we found most of you identify as both campers and glampers. Plus, you shared what camping and glamping mean to you.

Camping

Joel S.: “A counterbalance to my very urban regular life, a headspace where my antenna is attuned to birds and critters as opposed to cars and human dangers, a sound palette of chirps and wind and rain, seeing lots of stars, being a little scuzzy, and then the joy of a shower and a nice meal.”

Ryan B.: “Just getting outdoors and not sleeping in your own bed.”

Quentin M.: “Camping to me means going remote with resources. By this I mean seeking out day and weekend hiking trips at state parks in Minnesota, Iowa, and downstate Illinois that still are in close proximity to resources (local coffee shops, breweries, locally-owned shops, etc.).”

Glamping

Lauren M.: “Glamping means a cabin with modern plumbing, first and foremost. Maybe a spot or two in or near the cabin with decent cell service. A/C or heat depending on the season. Basically just minimal discomfort, maximum cabin coziness.”

Alicia L.: “All the access to being in nature with the perks of a bed, bathroom, and food (restaurant on site or nearby).”

PSA

David S.: “The Chicago Tool Library has all sorts of camping equipment from tents to stoves you can check out. Membership in the library is pay what you can, suggested amount based off of income.”

Inside Another Wrongful Conviction Lawsuit

The Triibe’s Tonia Hill and WBEZ’s Adora Namigadde recap the biggest headlines this week — including another wrongful conviction lawsuit, a midwife shortage, and improved reading scores among Chicago students.