Hey there! It’s Friday, and can you believe it’s almost September? Here’s what you need to know today.

1. Amazon rainforest on verge of self-destruction

As if the situation wasn’t grim enough for the Amazon, scientists are worried that a number of factors are aligning that could spell doom for the rainforest, according to The New York Times.

The scientists say the combination of climate change, massive fires and other man-made factors could alter the rainforest’s weather system, leading to a process of self-perpetuating deforestation called “dieback.”

If that happens, the Amazon could turn into a savanna, pumping more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere instead of absorbing them. [New York Times]

Meanwhile, the outlook for the Great Barrier Reef isn’t looking great. [BBC]

2. Lightfoot provides glimpses into how she might close the city’s massive budget gap

Mayor Lori Lightfoot did a media blitz today after laying out Chicago’s bleak financial outlook during last night’s “state of the city” address, where she revealed the city’s whopping budget hole: $838 million.

Lightfoot told the Crain’s editorial board that there will be no “mass layoffs” but said City Hall could run more efficiently. Lightfoot also ruled out proposals pushed by some progressives, saying she opposes taxes on financial transactions and reinstating an employer “head” tax.

The mayor said she is seriously considering a congestion tax on people who drive downtown. She said she may also cut taxes on a proposed Chicago casino that could be in jeopardy and urge state lawmakers to help address the city’s pension crisis. [Crain’s]

Lightfoot also separately spoke with the editorial boards for the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Tribune.

3. Florida braces for “extremely dangerous” Hurricane Dorian

Hurricane Dorian is expected to become a Category 4 storm as it crosses the Atlantic and heads toward Florida.

But forecasters are not sure where the hurricane might strike, causing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to expand a state of emergency to all of the state’s 67 counties. In nearby Georgia, 12 counties have been put on alert.

Hurricane Dorian comes after the Trump administration announced it would take away $271 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to support border enforcement efforts. [NPR]

4. Hong Kong arrests prominent activists, politicians

The arrests came as pro-democracy activists were planning a mass march this weekend.

Among those arrested were Joshua Wong and Agnes Chow Ting, student leaders of the pro-democracy Umbrella Movement. They were arrested on the eve of the fifth anniversary of that movement, which was sparked by China’s decision to place strict restrictions on Hong Kong elections.

Shortly after the arrests, organizers of a march planned for Saturday decided to cancel the demonstration. Police had denied organizers a permit. [NPR]

5. Some good news for the U.S. economy

Consumer spending rose last month, according to the Commerce Department, suggesting that Americans still feel confident in the economy. That could relieve concerns on Wall Street that the U.S. economy is heading toward a recession.

Consumer spending makes up about 70% of economic activity, and it has become a significant driver of the U.S. economy as the trade war with China has caused businesses to pull back. [CNBC]

Here’s a look at why consumer spending is so crucial right now and what could jeopardize it. The bottom line: If businesses slow down hiring or begin layoffs, that could cause ripple effects that will force Americans to tighten their belts. [Washington Post]

Here’s what else is happening

• High school football is becoming less popular in Illinois. [Chicago Tribune]

• President Donald Trump tweeted a sensitive surveillance image of Iran. [NPR]

• A new program offers vocational classes for men on Chicago’s South Side during the summer’s most violent times: weekend evenings. [WBEZ]

• Residents of Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood reflected on the neighborhood’s changing community during the last Argyle Night Market of the season. [WBEZ]

Oh, and one more thing …

Rural Nevada is not having it with the “Storm Area 51” event slated for next month.

In case you’re just tuning in, more than 2 million people say they will rush toward the entrance of Area 51 in search of UFOs and aliens. It all started with a Facebook event page.

While no one knows for sure how many people will actually show up, two counties near the U.S. military facility are warning UFO hunters to stay home. That’s because officials say the counties are ill-equipped to handle any massive gatherings.

“It’s going to crash these whole towns. It’s going to kill us,” said the owner of a local inn. “It’s going to devastate us, but I’m prepared as we can possibly get.” [NPR]

Tell me something good …

Labor Day weekend is (finally) here, and I’d like to know where’s the best place to camp near Chicago.

Bernadette Smith writes:

“Starved Rock State Park is a great place to camp. The campground itself isn’t that exciting, but it’s a great gateway for rewarding hikes for all skill levels, both at Starved Rock and the adjacent Mattheison State Park.”

Thanks for all the responses this week! Y’all are the best. Have a nice night! I’ll see you on Tuesday.