🤔 What’s up with the CPS budget now?

All About the CPS Budget Proposal

We finally got our first look at the Chicago Public Schools’ 2026 budget proposal and how the district plans to close a big budget gap. On today’s podcast, we break it down with author and professor Arionne Nettles and Block Club’s Atavia Reed. Also, find out where you can score the city’s best watermelon 🍉 [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

• Related: Will CPS need to take out a loan? [Sun-Times]

Illinois Dems Invoke 'Star Wars' to Depict Fight Against Trump

Illinois Democrats appear as “Star Wars” heroes battling a Darth Vader-President Donald Trump in a party video montage. The montage was played at the Democratic County Chairs’ Association breakfast in Springfield, which functioned as an unofficial 2026 campaign kickoff. [Capitol News Illinois]

After Years of Harassment, John Stamos Is Coming to Riot Fest. Probably.

John Stamos’ potential appearance at Riot Fest hinges on some interesting demands, including a nude painting of Bea Arthur in his green room. If the demands are met, Stamos will drum along with the Beach Boys in September. This news comes after years of Riot Fest’s meme-y obsession with the actor. [Block Club]

This Week’s Must-Read

For years, a University of Illinois at Chicago lab improperly tested urine for DUI-cannabis investigations. The lab, run by forensic toxicologist Jennifer Bash, was shut down in 2024. Defense attorneys now estimate hundreds of people were convicted based on the lab’s work and Bash’s testimony. Still, the University of Illinois has never notified any defendants. [Injustice Watch]

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