CPS Budget Fight: Chicago Public Schools held public hearings after announcing a $732.5 million deficit plan that would cut 760 teachers, 801 aides, and 162 central office jobs, plus furlough days and a midyear spending freeze—sparking packed testimony from educators and local officials. Social Security Push: A bipartisan Senate bill would use the Social Security Advisory Board to draft a “base bill” to extend solvency, with a backup requirement that leaders introduce legislation if the board doesn’t act—coming as trust funds are projected to run out of full-benefit capacity in 2032. Election Access & Integrity: Illinois-linked debate continues as national proposals would tighten voter ID and mail-ballot rules; meanwhile, Illinois court action unsealed divorce records tied to a political candidate, arguing voters deserve a full chance to vet. Local Ballot Changes: Urbana voters will decide a mayoral recall and a charter amendment aimed at blocking data centers, after petition signatures cleared and a federal lawsuit is pending. Public Safety Tech: Vermilion County Sheriff’s Department says it’s using drones for event monitoring and perimeter checks, with required public notice. Courts & Consumer Law: A Seventh Circuit ruling says text messages aren’t “phone calls” under the TCPA, limiting class-action claims. Business & Jobs: Mars Wrigley signals hundreds of layoffs tied to relocating corporate operations to Chicago.