City Cuts Costs Amid Projected Deficit

Chicago officials announced a hiring freeze and an effort to drastically limit non-essential travel as the city faces a projected deficit nearing $1 billion in the upcoming fiscal year. [NBC Chicago]

Another Day, Another Corruption Trial

The federal trial of former AT&T Illinois President Paul La Schiazza begins today. He’s charged with bribing ex-Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, whose own trial is a month away. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Catch up on Madigan’s rise to and fall from power. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Adam Toledo Lawsuit Costs

More than three years after a Chicago police officer shot and killed the 13-year-old, the private attorneys hired by the city to fight a wrongful death lawsuit have cost taxpayers $1.1 million so far. A trial is set to start in November. [WTTW]

The shooting sent shockwaves through Little Village. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Uptown Rallies Around Palestinian Cafe

After someone smashed a window displaying a Palestinian flag at Nabala Cafe, customers filled the seats and gathered in support. [WBEZ]

Garrett Popcorn Deal

Celebrate the popcorn maker’s 75th anniversary with $1.75 bags through Friday. [Block Club]

How do you feel about Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump’s debate tonight? Nervous? Hopeful? Scared?

From an assassination attempt on Trump to Harris becoming a presidential candidate, the campaign season has stirred up all kinds of emotions as the Nov. 5 election nears.

Room to Breathe therapist Kelsey Schroeder works with Chicagoans to navigate election-based anxiety. She shares tips ahead of tonight’s debate and an upcoming virtual workshop Friday.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

How does election anxiety affect people’s everyday lives?

“For some folks, election anxiety is very much evident in their everyday functioning of how they interact, what they consume on social media, who they talk to.” 

“For others, it can be more of a low hum in the background of an awareness that November is looming.”

“There is a component of just saying updated right now that requires a lot of emotional energy. And I think for a lot of folks, it can feel like something new is happening every day.”

In addition to breathwork and setting boundaries, how does community fit into fighting election anxiety?

“Part of election-based anxiety is also existential anxiety and fear of what it means to be isolated, what it means to feel disconnected, what it means to not have access to resources. One way that we combat it is by being engaged in neighborhood work.”

“Community can be as big or as little as you want it to be. And community can happen within a group of two.”

What advice do you have for people tuning into the debate?

“Before you go into watching it, think about what do you want to get out of it? What are you curious about? What are your expectations? And what may you need to re-regulate if you feel dysregulated during it or after it?”

The Room to Breathe workshop Friday is from 6–8 p.m. If you register but can’t attend in real time, you can view the recording for up to eight days.

Looking for a debate watch party? Go to Williams Inn Pizza & Sports Bar on the Near South Side or Kennedy-King College in Englewood.

The ultimate Chicago icon bracket is down to the Sears Tower and the Chicago–style hot dog. Vote here for the winner.

The Sears Tower asked its followers last week to get in on the tournament, but we’re wondering who’s going to bat for the mighty hot dog? The Vienna Beef Hot Dog Hall of Fame? The Wieners Circle? Whoever you are, tag us!

French Conversation 🇫🇷 Mount Greenwood | 1–2:30 p.m. | Free

Salsa Timing & Fundamentals 💃 Portage Park | 6–7 p.m. | $60

“Harry Potter & the Cursed Child” opens 🪄 The Loop | 7:30 p.m. | $45

Chicago Underground Film Festival starts 🎞️ Citywide | 8:15 p.m. | $12+

Everyday Art Workshop 🎨 Hyde Park | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Free

Elementary Witchcraft 🧙 Rogers Park | 7:30–9:30 p.m. | $25

Bummed that Sky star Angel Reese is out for the rest of the season? Here are some local sports nuggets to distract you:

🥹 This Northern Illinois University coach’s emotional reaction after defeating Notre Dame.

🏡 Michael Jordan’s $15 million Highland Park home has been on the market for 12 years.

🧢 Check out this Chicagoan’s ballpark baseball hat collection.