Good afternoon! I’m obsessed with this Instagram account from a woman who creates spooky dollhouses. And she’s inspired my husband and I to create our own haunted manor. Anyway, here’s what you need to know today.

1. Murders in Chicago are up nearly 50% since the last mayoral election

Whoever wins tomorrow’s election for mayor will face several daunting challenges when it comes to crime and public safety, report my colleagues Frank Main and Tom Schuba.

The city is currently confronting “a 45% increase in crime compared to the same point last year,” Main and Schuba write.

“Almost every crime category has grown worse, including criminal sexual assault, robbery, aggravated battery, burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft.”

Zooming in on murders and nonfatal shootings, the city is seeing fewer compared to the last two years. But murders are nearly 50% higher compared to 2019, the year before the pandemic. [Chicago Sun-Times]

2. Voters should cast their ballots early tomorrow before possibly severe storms, election officials warn

One of the most consequential elections in Chicago’s history could face a new hurdle — bad weather.

Damaging wind, hail and a possible tornado could hit the area later Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service, which cautions there is still a degree of uncertainty surrounding tomorrow’s forecast.

But election officials are urging voters to cast their ballots earlier in the day, reports Block Club Chicago. [Block Club Chicago]

Meanwhile, Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson visited South Side churches during their final weekend push before the mayoral runoff. [Chicago Sun-Times]

And here’s a look at how the Chicago Teachers Union has more at stake in tomorrow’s election than either candidate seeking the office. [Politico]

3. Trump is scheduled to be arraigned tomorrow

Donald Trump, the first former president in U.S. history to be indicted on criminal charges, arrived in New York City today and is expected to turn himself into authorities tomorrow.

And the Trump campaign has scheduled a prime-time news conference for Tuesday, hoping to turn his arrest into an asset in his third bid to become the GOP presidential nominee, reports The New York Times.

Authorities have already taken several precautions as they brace for a potentially chaotic day. Barricades have been placed near Trump Tower, and changes have been made in how the courthouse functions.

But there are very few signs of the same level of violence seen during the Jan. 6 insurrection. [New York Times]

Meanwhile, Trump’s legal woes appear to be growing. The Washington Post reports federal investigators “have amassed fresh evidence pointing to possible obstruction” by Trump in the probe of classified documents found at Mar-a-Lago. [Washington Post]

4. The end of pandemic-era benefits comes at a precarious time for the economy

As many as 15 million Americans could lose their Medicaid coverage in the coming months as officials wind down pandemic-era policies, reports The Washington Post. And the move comes on the heels of a rollback in federal food assistance.

Together, these cuts could drag down consumer spending — a critical pillar of the U.S. economy — and tip the nation into a recession, economists warn.

“Americans’ propensity to spend — even in the face of decades-high inflation and rapidly rising interest rates — has helped prop up the economy for much of the past year,” the Post reports.

“But many economists say the U.S. economy is at a turning point: Pandemic-era stimulus money has run out, savings are dwindling, and people are taking on more debt to cover everyday expenses.” [Washington Post]

5. Chicago’s ‘Met Gala’ of cosplay did not disappoint

Stormtroopers, a couple of Deadpools and a Targaryen or two descended on McCormick Place over the weekend for the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo.

And the annual fan event has grown from being just another comic con into something like the Met Gala of cosplaying in the Midwest.

My colleagues Jennifer Kho and Ashlee Rezin talked to people behind some of the best costumes this year. And yes, there are pictures.

“At the end of the day, people want to be able to really express themselves as they are,” said Daniel Reynoso, who was dressed as Pennywise from the movie It.

“For a lot of my friends who are introverted, this is the one week a year when they can come out of their shell with a community they trust and feel completely comfortable. People can let their freak flag fly.” [Chicago Sun-Times]

Here’s what else is happening

• Faculty members at Chicago State University, Illinois’ only predominantly Black public university, went on strike today. [WBEZ]
• Meteorologists have confirmed 14 tornadoes hit northern Illinois and Indiana on Friday, with four deaths reported in Illinois. [Chicago Sun-Times]
• McDonald’s has reportedly closed its U.S. offices for a few days as the company prepares for layoffs. [AP]
• WWE and the company that runs Ultimate Fighting Championship will combine to create a $21.4 billion sports entertainment company. [NPR]

Oh, and one more thing …

I know a lot of people are thinking about gardening now that spring has sprung, so here’s something that might help newbies dig in: A local gardener shares her trials, tribulations and tricks to her 70,000 followers on social media, reports my colleague Samantha Callender.

Ebony Jamison, also known online as BrownSkinBeautiful, began gardening as a pandemic hobby. The mother of two already considered herself a plant parent with 26 plants in her home.

“My kids got super involved and invested in gardening with me. It became our pandemic activity and a way to get some fresh air but also a learning experience for all of us,” Jamison said. [WBEZ]

Tell me something good …

Summer really does feel like it’s around the corner even though we just entered spring. So what are your favorite warm-weather hangouts?

I love the outdoor patio at Moody’s Pub in Edgewater, and the staff are super nice. When I first met my mother-in-law, we went to Moody’s and I literally dropped my hamburger in my lap. So I really started with my best bun forward.

Feel free to email me, and your response might be shared in the newsletter this week.