👀 Inside city treasurer scandal, congressional bid

Ald. Jim Gardiner Fined $20K for Ethics Violation

By retaliating against a Jefferson Park critic, the 45th Ward alder committed 10 total violations of the city’s governmental ethics ordinance, the Chicago Board of Ethics found. [WTTW]

Can More Money Help Chicago Fight Rats?

In his 2024 budget proposal, Mayor Brandon Johnson has allocated $14.85 million, a $1.5 million bump, for the city’s Bureau of Rodent Control. That comes after Chicago has been named the “rattiest city” for eight consecutive years. [Block Club]

• What has the city’s rat czar been doing? [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Hyde Park One of Coolest Neighborhoods in World

Time Out readers said the South Side neighborhood was among the top 20 coolest neighborhoods in the world based on great restaurants, nightlife, and community. [Time Out]

• Avondale made the list last year. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
• The cool City Cast Chicago podcast host Jacoby Cochran shared his fav spots in Hyde Park, his neighborhood. [Hey Chicago 💻]

Italian Beef Deep-Dish is Back

Lou Malnati’s and Portillo’s are teaming up again to give the people the crossover dish, available at the pizza chain’s locations or via shipping nationwide. [Eater]

• Plus, deep-dish lovers and haters debate the merits of the famous Chicago food. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Crafts in Norwood Park 🍾 Wednesday | 6–7:30 p.m.

Calling all crafters: Make pumpkins out of wine corks at WineStyles Chicago. Bring 25–30 of your own corks! [$10]

South Side Pitch in Hyde Park 🦈 Thursday | 6–8:30 p.m.

Watch finalists vie for the grand prize at the “Shark Tank”–style competition at the Polsky Center. You can help pick the winner! [Free]

Austin Western Line Dance 🤠 Friday | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Head to Columbus Refectory for a line dance lesson. [Free]

Beer Summit Citywide, Online 🍻 Through Saturday | Varies

The Brewseum’s fifth annual event will cover an array of topics from drinking scenes on TV to hearing from Black brewers. [$25+]

Pinball Expo in Schaumburg 🕹️ Through Sunday | Varies

Chicago was once the pinball capital of the world, and now you can catch tournaments and exhibits in the northwest suburb. [$45+]

In Defense of Deep-Dish

Deep-dish pizza is polarizing for tourists, newbies, and longtime residents. That’s why the City Cast Chicago team debated whether the iconic Chicago dish is even, well, good.