Chicago Public Schools families prepare for Aug. 24 start as budget questions remain
CPS K-12 classes begin Aug. 24 and pre-K begins Aug. 25, while the district works on short-term financing and unresolved staffing decisions.
Chicago, IL
Chicago, Illinois is a place with a mix of quiet neighborhoods and everyday conveniences. Locals often balance everyday routines with quick adventures-grabbing coffee, getting outside, or meeting up for dinner. This page is a hub for Chicago IL-use it to browse local spots, plan an outing, and discover something new. Bookmark a few ideas and pass along a recommendation.
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Chicago Revises 2026 Budget Shortfall Down to $89 Million
Chicago officials lowered their projected 2026 budget shortfall to $89 million, but the city has not adopted a plan to close the remaining gap.
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Chicago Transit Safety Task Force Brings Agencies Together as Patrols Continue
A Cook County task force is coordinating CTA crime investigations with Chicago, county, federal and transit agencies as sheriff patrols operate.
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CTA Seeks New Fare Gates for Chicago Train Stations
The CTA is seeking proposals for modern fare gates aimed at improving accessibility, addressing aging equipment and deterring fare evasion.
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Chicago school board adopts amended CPS budget tied to $150 million state funding assumption
The Chicago Board of Education voted 11-7 to replace the administration’s proposed CPS budget with a CTU-backed alternative intended to restore targeted positions, but the plan depends on $150 million in state revenue that has not been committed.
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CPS says new state funding data adds $76 million to its FY2026 budget outlook
Chicago Public Schools says Illinois’ newly released FY2026 Evidence-Based Funding data provides the district with $76 million in additional state funding. CPS plans to apply $45 million above its initial projection to the FY2026 budget.
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Alexi Giannoulias launches campaign for Chicago mayor
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias launched his campaign for Chicago mayor on Aug. 2, 2026, entering the developing 2027 contest.
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Chicago school board approves amended CPS budget that restores planned job cuts
The Chicago Board of Education approved an alternative FY2027 budget on July 30, restoring positions targeted for elimination while assuming $150 million in additional Illinois funding that has not been committed.
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Johnson says Chicago faces $130 million gap after expected revenue falls short
Mayor Brandon Johnson said Chicago is $130 million short after revenue sources in the city’s 2026 financial plan did not generate the expected funds.
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Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias launches Chicago mayoral campaign
Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced his campaign for Chicago mayor on Aug. 2, 2026, entering the developing 2027 race with nearly $22 million in campaign cash reported as of July.
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Chicago launches national search for next police superintendent after Larry Snelling retirement
Chicago’s Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability has launched a nationwide search for a new police superintendent after Larry Snelling announced his retirement, effective July 15, 2026.
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UI Health holds back-to-school health and resource fair in Chicago
UI Health held its Back-to-School Health and Resource Fair in Chicago on Aug. 1, 2026, offering a community-health and resource-access touchpoint ahead of the school year.
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Chicago faces $130 million revenue shortfall as new forecast nears
Mayor Brandon Johnson said Chicago is $130 million short of revenue expected under assumptions tied to the City Council-approved 2026 spending plan. A new forecast is expected by the end of August.
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Chicago Gas Rises Again While Diesel Eases After the Last Check
Chicago regular gas reached $4.696 a gallon on July 31, while diesel eased to $5.769. The split trend matters for commuters and fuel-heavy businesses.
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Chicago Public Schools’ $732.5M Gap Puts Layoffs and Furloughs in Play
Chicago Public Schools is weighing a $9.88 billion budget built around cuts, assumed city TIF revenue, five possible furlough days and a spending freeze.
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Chicago Lead Pipe Costs Face Scrutiny as Funding and Law Arrive
Chicago’s lead-line replacements cost far more than nearby suburbs, while a new Illinois law and public funding could affect access, pace and accountability.
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Chicago Fire stadium TIF package draws West Loop backlash over $287M
Chicago approved about $424.9 million in TIF-backed public infrastructure for The 78, while West Loop officials question a planned transfer of up to $287 million.
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CPS holds July 20 budget hearings; Board votes July 30 amid furlough plan
Chicago Public Schools held two FY27 budget hearings July 20 and faces a July 30 Board vote, as CPS plans potential furlough days to close a gap.
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Chicago area Air Quality Alert: what residents should do through Monday night
Chicago IL – NWS issued an Air Quality Alert for Cook County through Monday night amid wildfire smoke. Sensitive groups should limit outdoor time and watch symptoms.
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CPS budget update warns of $732M gap; July 30 vote could mean furloughs
Chicago IL – CPS’ July 15 budget update warns of a $732M gap for 2026-27. A July 30 Board vote could trigger a mid-year freeze and five furlough days.
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Chicago Finance Committee Advances ~$425M TIF for The 78 Infrastructure
Chicago’s Finance Committee advanced a roughly $424M–$425M TIF plan for infrastructure around The 78; next City Council vote is Wednesday.
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Chicago faces at least a $130M midyear budget gap after revenue assumptions lag
Mayor Brandon Johnson says Chicago faces at least a $130 million midyear budget gap after revenue baked into the 2026 plan hasn’t materialized yet.