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EXPLAINED: 3 - The Real Truth

Afternoon Edition: How bad is Chicago’s budget outlook?

Today’s update is about an eight-minute read that will brief you on the day’s biggest stories.

Chicago Sun-Times

Worst-case scenario: Chicago budget gap could reach $1.9 billion by 2026

Mayor Brandon’s three-year budget forecast is a far cry from the rosy picture painted by his predecessor, Lori Lightfoot, who had projected an $85 million 2024 budget shortfall.

Chicago Sun-Times

Chicago facing 2024 budget shortfall of $538 million — more than a third of it tied to migrant crisis

Mayor Brandon Johnson didn’t take his predecessor’s word for it when Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she’d left the city in great financial shape, with an $85 million shortfall. And it’s a good thing the new mayor was skeptical, his top aides told some City Council members in a budget briefing.

Chicago Sun-Times

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Facing ethics questions, City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin postpones launch of Congress bid

Conyears-Ervin was poised to run in the March Illinois Democratic primary for the seat now held by Rep. Danny Davis.

Chicago Sun-Times

Bally’s temporary casino at Medinah Temple opens Saturday

The casino at 600 N. Wabash Ave. will open to the betting public at 8 a.m. Saturday, when Bally’s will fire up almost 800 slot machines and 56 table games in the heart of River North.

Chicago Sun-Times

Feds make $2B commitment to CTA Red Line extension

After 50 years of baby steps, the promise Mayor Richard J. Daley made when he opened the 95th Street station in 1969 is nearing the finish line.

Chicago Sun-Times

Bally’s Medinah Temple temporary casino landlord Albert Friedman will hit $20 million jackpot under 4-year lease

Albert M. Friedman will get more than $16.5 million in rent and a $330,000 management fee under his four-year lease, obtained by the Sun-Times. Bally’s also must pay a property tax bill that’s topped $1.1 million a year.

Chicago Sun-Times

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Chicago’s interim top cop shakes up command staff on way out the door

Some of Waller’s choices have troubled records. Two commanders have been accused of fostering a hostile work environment, and two other commanders have been named in costly lawsuits.

Chicago Sun-Times

Former mayor teaching Harvard students about how to deal with a pandemic — and with reporters

Lori Lightfoot’s class will include a mock press conference and a simulated community meeting. She’ll discuss the dangers of politicizing a pandemic and how to interact with the media, drawing on lessons learned amid COVID-19.

Chicago Sun-Times

Felony charges dropped against man found with guns at Chicago hotel — 2 years after Lightfoot, top cop suggested he planned mass attack

No evidence was ever produced that Keegan Casteel had nefarious intentions when a housekeeper found guns and ammunition in his room at the W Hotel on Lake Shore Drive.

Chicago Sun-Times

City tells court Southeast Side metal shredder would harm residents, should not open

Southside Recycling, formerly General Iron, wants a judge to force the city to issue it an operating permit.

Chicago Sun-Times

House migrants at City Hall, police union president says

John Catanzara, president of the Fraternal Order of Police, said he’s fed up with having Chicago police officers “babysit” asylum seekers staying at district stations.

Chicago Sun-Times

Chicago’s September Board of Ed meeting to be held on West Side

The changes are meant to provide better access for students and parents with daytime work schedules than the school district’s usual workday meetings at its Loop headquarters.

Chicago Sun-Times

A year in, Chicago’s migrant crisis shows no sign of letting up

The state, we think, should be more aggressive in coordinating efforts to find suburbs, or even downstate communities, willing to take in asylum seekers.

Chicago Sun-Times

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Chicago Sun-Times

Former city transportation chief lands urban planning post at top architecture firm

Gia Biagi said under the new post at Jeanne Gang’s firm, her team will work to help revive cities and “put our tools in service of helping communities solve problems.”

Chicago Sun-Times

Bally’s temporary Chicago casino at Medinah Temple could open soon after Labor Day

Regulators will inspect the River North operation Sept. 5 and oversee practice gaming sessions Sept. 6-7, regulators said.

Chicago Sun-Times

Brass from the past: Top Chicago cops? I’ve known a few

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s appointment of Larry Snelling as Chicago Police superintendent prompted a peek into this reporter’s aging notepad, a flashback to 14 or so former Chicago top cops I’ve known or covered since 1967.

Chicago Sun-Times

Arwady: Abrupt firing was ‘unnecessarily destabilizing’ to health department — and could hurt search for successor

In an interview with NBC Chicago, former city health chief Dr. Allison Arwady, who was appointed by ex-Mayor Lori Lightfoot, said it was ‘disturbing’ that she was fired without a meeting with the mayor or saying goodbye to her staff.

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Chicago Sun-Times

Johnson quotes Tupac, dances around questions about health chief’s firing

The mayor was asked about Dr. Allison Arwady’s claim of being dismissed without meeting Johnson face to face. Johnson quoted slain rapper Tupac.

Chicago Sun-Times

City, FOP back to bargaining table to nail down rest of police contract, union president says

The city’s lead negotiator is the one former Mayor Lori Lightfoot fired for doing a lengthy interview on a Chicago Sun-Times podcast where he essentially endorsed Paul Vallas over Brandon Johnson in the April 4 mayoral runoff.

Chicago Sun-Times

Larry Snelling, mayor’s pick for top cop, vows to help both ‘forgotten’ crime victims, disenchanted officers: ‘We have to love them’

Snelling’s appointment by Mayor Brandon Johnson must be confirmed by the City Council. Before that crucial vote, he is expected to be introduced to Chicago residents — and face questions — during at least one public hearing.

Chicago Sun-Times

Chicago Public Health chief Dr. Allison Arwady handed her discharge papers — she says goodbye on Twitter

The infectious disease expert steered Chicago through the COVID-19 pandemic. Also a pediatrician, Arwady was appointed by former Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

Chicago Sun-Times

City’s Planning and Development Commissioner Maurice Cox steps down

Cox, tapped to lead the former Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s Invest South/West initiative, is the third star of her Cabinet to leave Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration.

Chicago Sun-Times

Gia Biagi, outgoing transportation commissioner, reflects on her legacy, next steps

With Gia Biagi at the helm of the Chicago Department of Transportation the city saw a 14% drop in pedestrian deaths and added more than 100 miles of bike lanes.

Chicago Sun-Times

Another one of Lightfoot’s Cabinet stars leaving Johnson administration

Gia Biagi ushered in the electric scooter era and pioneered the outdoor dining program that helped restaurants and bars survive the pandemic.

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