Good afternoon! It’s Monday. And I’m bummed the renovated WBEZ newsroom doesn’t include a “nightmare” statue. Seems like it could’ve been handy. (Haw haw.) Here’s what you need to know today.

1. The clock’s ticking on teacher contract negotiations

The Chicago Teachers Union has vowed to go on strike if a new contract isn’t hammered out by Sept. 26, a move that raises the stakes for Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s administration just as students return to schools.

The big issues under negotiation between the union and Chicago Public Schools include salary raises, class sizes and whether immigration agents should be allowed in schools without a warrant. [WBEZ]

2. Chicago Dem apologizes for mock Trump assassination

Illinois state Sen. Martin Sandoval apologized after people at his fundraiser staged a fake assassination of President Donald Trump, resulting in criticism from both Republicans and Democrats.

Photos from the fundraiser showed someone pointing what looks like a fake assault weapon at another person wearing a Trump mask and a Mexican costume.

The head of the Illinois Republican Party called the incident “inexcusable,” and Gov. JB Pritzker said it was “insensitive and wrong.” [Chicago Sun-Times]

3. Planned Parenthood decides to reject government funding

More than 1.5 million low-income women could be affected by Planned Parenthood’s decision to withdraw from a federal family program called Title X. The organization decided to reject government funding rather than follow a new Trump administration rule that restricts what health providers can say about abortions.

Today’s news could affect women who rely on Planned Parenthood for services like birth control, testing for sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy tests. [New York Times]

4. Leaked Brexit document predicts food, medicine shortages

The confidential document, codenamed Operation Yellowhammer, details a “catastrophic collapse” that will take place if the U.K. exits the European Union without a formal agreement on Oct. 31, a situation that’s becoming increasingly likely.

The government document, obtained by the Sunday Times, foresees shortages of medicine, food and fuel, which could result in rising prices. A government source said the shortages are the most likely scenario facing Britain and not the worst-case scenario. 

Government officials downplayed the report, saying it does not take into account preparations made by recently elected U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson. [NPR]

5. New York cop who held Eric Garner in chokehold is fired

The head of the New York City Police Department today announced the firing of Officer Daniel Pantaleo, whose chokehold was partly blamed for the death of Eric Garner. 

Garner’s dying words, “I can’t breathe,” were captured on video and became a rallying cry for protesters demanding changes to how police treat minorities. 

An NYPD administrative judge ruled earlier this month that Pantaleo should be fired for his role in Garner’s death, which was ruled a homicide by the city’s medical examiner. No officers involved were charged with a crime. [NPR]

Here’s what else is happening

• The U.S. has made secret contact with Venezuela’s socialist party as the country’s political crisis drags on. [AP]

• President Trump said he really does want to buy Greenland. [NPR]

• A coalition of CEOs say companies should invest more in their employees and not just think of shareholders. [New York Times]

• Pepe the Frog, a symbol of hate to many in the U.S., is being used by Hong Kong protesters for a different reason. [New York Times]

Oh, and one more thing …

One time during the fall, I was kicking leaves while walking down a sidewalk because I’m very mature for my age. Luckily I was wearing Dr. Martens boots because I ended up hitting something heavy, which I thought was a rock. 

Turned out to be the largest rat I’ve ever seen.

This week’s Curious City looks at how many rats are in Chicago and features comic-book-styled “rat tales” from fans, including a hilariously nightmarish story of the “rat throne.” [Curious City]

Tell me something good …

Netflix has a remake of She-Ra that I’m currently binge watching, and there’s now word a He-Man revival is in the works. 

That got me thinking: What’s your favorite cartoon, whether currently or from your childhood?

One of my all-time favs is Adventure Time, which is about the last human boy living in a world that mixes elements of children’s fantasy (wizards, princesses and, of course, adventures for treasure) with the existential crisis of growing up and realizing not everything is what it seems.

My favorite characters are Lumpy Space Princess, a self-absorbed valley girl who literally lived in the clouds until she runs away from home, and the Ice King, who appears to be a villainous wizard until you learn of his heartbreaking backstory. 

What’s your favorite cartoon? Feel free to email at therundown@wbez.org or tweet me at @whuntah. 

Have a nice night! I’ll see you tomorrow.