After a marathon meeting, the Board of Education passes a budget opposed by the CTU. With the passage of the budget, who were the winners and losers in the budget battle? M3 Strategies' new poll reveals Chicago residents are opposed to the National Guard, but a majority of black and Hispanicresidents want federal agents conducting law-enforcement operations here.

How does this poll conflict with Mayor Johnson's position on policing vs. CVIs? The possibility of Rep. Mike Quigley jumping into the 2027 mayoral race grew this week. Who are likely mayoral candidates? Finally, President Trump considers sending the National Guard to Chicago. Is this the best solution to Chicago's scourge of crime? What are the alternatives?

Paul Vallas is calling for a consent decree for the Cook County/City of Chicago justice system. Is this necessary? How could it work?

What would Mayor Johnson do to prevent the Trump DOJ from imposing a consent decree on Chicago? Toni Preckwinkle is seeking reelection. At age 78, is she still a viable candidate to return to lead Cook County for a fifth term? What is her legacy as Board president and Cook County Democrat leader? CPS funding fight. Who is at fault for CPS' budget deficit? Does the State of Illinois owe Chicago's schooling system $1.6B?

The Chicago Public Schools submitted its budget. How did the CPS cover its massive budget shortfall? Is CPS' fiscal dislocation a lost cause or can the schools recover? State's Attorney Judge Eileen O'Neill Burke will not bring charges against four officers in the fatal shooting of armed motorist, Dexter Reed. What does this mean for officers involved? Should the lawsuit filed on Reed's estate against Chicago move forward?