🎰 Is Bally’s casino worth the hype?

Bears Hall of Famer Dick Butkus Dead at 80

The legendary Bears linebacker died Thursday in his sleep, his family said. Butkus, a South Side native, set a standard of defensive excellence while playing for the otherwise mediocre team from 1965 to 1973. [CHGO Sports]

Ex-Northwestern Football Coach Sues School

Pat Fitzgerald is seeking $130 million from the Evanston university, alleging he was wrongfully terminated in the wake of a yearslong hazing scandal in the athletic department that came to light this summer. [WTTW]

• Fitzgerald’s lawsuit comes nearly three months after he was fired. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Johnson Headed to US–Mexico Border

Mayor Brandon Johnson announced he's planning a trip south to assess the migrant situation as more than a dozen buses of asylum-seekers arrived to Chicago Wednesday. [Sun-Times]

Inside Cook County’s $9B Budget Proposal

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle unveiled her budget Thursday — a plan that aims to provide health care for the growing number of migrants with no new taxes, fees, or layoffs. [WBEZ]

Sip on Pumpkin Spice … Malört?

A Chicago rite of passage is getting a festive twist: CH Distillery in West Loop is selling $8 pumpkin spice Malört shots this month. [Block Club]

• We threw back a couple shots of the bitter liquor — and it wasn’t that bad. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

This Week’s Must-Read

Why aren’t CTA officials tracking opioid-related overdose deaths? That’s what one reporter asked after learning that 158 people have died on the CTA from opioid-related overdoses in the last four years. [Reader]

🔺 = Sid’s picks

‘Spooky & Gay’ in Ukrainian Village 😱 Friday | 7–8 p.m.

Head to Dorothy for the queer horror variety show. [$10]

🔺 Riverwalk Oktoberfest 🍺 Friday to Sunday | 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Enjoy live music, sausage, cider, pretzels, beer, and more at Northman Beer & Cider Garden. [Varies]

St. Charles Scarecrow Weekend 🧑‍🌾 Friday to Sunday | Varies

Check out more than 110 handmade scarecrows in the west suburb, and vote on your favorite! [Free]

🔺 Garfield Park Nature Therapy 🍁 Saturday | Noon

Get in touch with your senses at the small group healing session. [Free]

Taste of Northalsted: Fall Edition 🍴 Saturday | 2–5 p.m.

Eat and drink your way through the North Side neighborhood. Admission includes food tastings and beverage samples. [$20]

🔺 Arts Lawn in Washington Park 🎨 Saturday | 2–7 p.m.

Check out the long-awaited opening of the multi-use venue featuring a performance space, lawn, pavilion, and planter seating. [Free]

North Park Food Truck Fest 🚚 Saturday, Sunday | 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Foodies can head to LaBagh Woods to feast on gourmet cuisine from top local mobile chefs. [Free entry]

Marquette Park Fitness 🪷 Sunday | 10 a.m. to Noon

Do yoga, walk 1.7 miles, and meditate. [Pay what you can]

Día de los Muertos in Logan Square 🌺 Sunday | Noon

Get a jump start on Day of the Dead with art, face painting, sugar skull decorations, an ofrenda, and a market. [Free]

🔺 West Town Indigenous Peoples Day Fest 🤎 Sunday, Monday | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Head to the Chop Shop to see performances by Native groups from across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. [Suggested donation]

Plus, going to the Chicago Marathon? We mapped out our favorite mile markers to cheer runners on.

Most Hey Chicago readers said they never planned to go to Bally’s temporary casino that opened in River North last month. But not all …

Who’s Not Into the Casino?

Risé S.: “Gambling just isn't enough fun for me. I see the pain and heartache all around of people trying to beat their circumstances through chance. It's depressing.”

Jill B.: “Bally's has already proven to be a bad neighbor. There is garbage around that formerly beautiful building, bottles of liquor and cans. Bally's does not care about Chicago.”

Kimberly S.: “I think casinos are bad for the city and prey upon our most vulnerable populations. I'm angry it was ever approved and will not support it.”

Diane R.: “Parking is too expensive, so I will continue to travel to Horseshoe Casino and others.”

Who Checked it Out?

Dominique R.: “It was fun! I hope it stays at that location permanently. It is convenient not having to travel far to another casino.”

RL.: “Yes, I will go again and try to win something.”

Gail P.: “Won't say never. If I find someone to go with.”

CTA Leader’s Salary 📈

Writer Evan Moore and Tribune reporter AD Quig tell us about the CTA president’s growing paycheck, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Bring Chicago Home tax, and soccer fans' disappointment with Lionel Messi’s absence from Soldier Field.