🐀 Alder receives dead rat threat

More on the ICE Shooting in Franklin Park

Local leaders are calling for a full investigation after an immigration enforcement agent fatally shot a man in Franklin Park. We discuss the latest on today’s podcast, plus resources on ICE activity and the Chicago boys choir heading to semifinals on “America’s Got Talent.” [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Dead Rat, Anti-Immigrant Note Left Outside Alder's Office

A dead rat and a note referring to undocumented immigrants as “vermin” was left in front of Ald. Andre Vasquez’ (40th) office Sunday. The office will remain open amid an investigation. [CBS]

Walter Burnett Jr. May Have a Conflict of Interest Leading CHA

Ex-Ald. Walter Burnett is currently the mayor's pick to head the Chicago Housing Authority as CEO. However, he and his wife have received $260,000 from the agency as housing voucher landlords since 2007. This apparent conflict of interest could block his appointment. [Sun-Times]

Jane Goodall Credits Lincoln Park Zoo For Her Activism

Ethologist Jane Goodall visited Lincoln Park Zoo over the weekend, and fondly recalled how the institution set her on her famous path. After attending a conference at the zoo in the 1980s, she said, she was inspired to pivot from field research to conservation activism. [Block Club]

For 15 years, a massive warehouse in Belmont Cragin quietly housed hundreds of vintage cars. Now, they’re going up for auction.

Klairmont Kollections was once Chicago’s largest private car collection — though it was public to Chicagoans. Late founder Larry Klairmont, a local real estate tycoon, opened Klairmont Kollections as a non-profit museum. There, visitors could ogle hundreds of cars — ranging from old buggies to Batmobiles — alongside neon Americana.

Wandering through the crowded showroom was like exploring a funhouse freeway, full of lights, color, and glistening engines. Some corners, affixed with mid-century storefront displays, felt frozen in time like an Edward Hopper painting.

Ten years ago, Klairmont Kollections ranked among the top five largest private car collections in the country. But its size has dwindled. Now, four years after Klairmont’s death, his passion project will be auctioned piece by piece. The final days to visit the museum were last weekend, but you can still see the vibrant collection as a bidder.

From Sept. 19-21, Mecum Auctions is hosting Larry’s Legacy: From the Larry Klairmont Collection at the former museum. The event will feature auctions of the final 300 collector cars and over 1,000 pieces of road art, all at no reserve.

Highlights include:

• This glorious, neon Mobil Pegasus from 1960
• The famed Golden Sahara with glowing orange wheels
• A Chris-Craft boat bar — including a statue server
• A 1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz featuring extreme tailfins
• OG Marshall Field’s signage
• A mahogany Rolls Royce
• An entire Hot Doug’s storefront display
• This “Jestons”-style Beatnik Bubbletop
  

Mecum officials reckon total sales will gross more than $12 million — a conservative estimate following recent downturns in vintage car valuations.

Maybe you can score a deal … Going once, going twice!

And now, time for your weekly Neighborhood Shoutout! Each week, we highlight recs from City Cast Chicago Neighbors. To plug your own, become a member.

• Today, Michael C. is shouting out the non-profit The National Able Network: “They're doing work to ensure people are trained, employed, and feel great about themselves. Doing great work for the city!”