🥵 One more heat wave

Beware Sox Park Parking Scams

Nearly a dozen spectators looking for parking at Rate Field reported being approached by people in Sox gear and reflective vests, only to discover up to $5,000 charged to their cards. The team says this is happening outside of the ballpark footprint, but fans say officials should do more. [Block Club]

Tough on Crime When Crime is Down?

Despite steep declines in homicides and shootings, nearly every mayoral candidate has criticized Mayor Brandon Johnson for not doing enough to address violence. Some pledge to hire more officers and invest in police tech. Johnson pointed to investments in violence intervention and youth jobs. But it’s unclear what’s actually driving the decline, with similar trends playing out in cities across the country. [Tribune 🎁]

• Another complication: Many Chicagoans still feel like violent crime rates are rising. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Families Call for Criminal Charges Against South Chicago Chapel

Investigators found the remains of 56 bodies improperly stored at the funeral home, prompting the state to shut it down earlier this month. But at a vigil Sunday, grieving families demanded answers about what happened to their loved ones. [Sun-Times]

CPS Wins Back Federal Funding

Last year, the U.S. Department of Education announced it was withholding grants from the school district over its Black Student Success Plan and policies that support transgender students. Chicago Public Schools sued the feds, who have now settled the case and agreed to release the funds. [WBEZ]

• In other education news: A candidate for school board president is dropping out of the race, citing increased spending by special-interest groups. [Chalkbeat]

What to Look Forward to in September

Plants, plays, poetry, music — we intend to keep summer going in September. On today’s podcast, your guide to Chicago this month. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Chicago’s New Malört Record

Hundreds of people gathered at Recess to take a shot of the throat-burning spirit — setting a world record for most Malört shots taken at once. Because why not? Proceeds from the event went to charity, and we got to see the governor take a shot. [Instagram]