Your Daily Guide

ICYMI: Chicago's Midterm Results

In addition to re-electing Gov. JB Pritzker and choosing Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton as our new U.S. senator, Chicago also voted on its first-ever fully elected school board, elected a new Cook County assessor, and more. See the full local breakdown. [City Cast Chicago 💻]

CPD Overspends Budget. Again.

The Chicago Police Department is on track to go over its budget for the sixth year in a row. It overspent by $520.5 million between 2023 and 2025 alone. Homicides, meanwhile, are at a 60-year low. On today’s podcast, we break down what Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 2027 budget actually means for CPD — and why the city wants to borrow $481 million to settle misconduct lawsuits. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

NITA Wants $5B and No Fare Hikes

The new Northern Illinois Transit Authority proposed a $5 billion-plus budget for 2027 (a 15% increase). If passed, six CTA bus routes would gain all-night service and continued funding for additional police, private security, and social services, plus other changes. [Sun-Times]

Prosecutor Must Testify Over ‘Broadview Six’ Suit

A judge ordered federal prosecutor Andrew Boutros to testify as she weighs whether to appoint a special prosecutor for former Chicago FBI head Douglas DePodesta’s new lawsuit. [CBS]

• Recently: DePodesta sued President Donald Trump’s administration, including Boutros, for scapegoating him over the allegedly “politically motivated” prosecution. [WBEZ]
• Remember the ‘Broadview 6’? Here’s what happened. [City Cast Chicago ]

Smart Streets Cameras Expanding

The city is adding 20 Smart Streets cameras to the existing 32. These cameras identify and fine drivers illegally parked in bike and bus lanes. The program brought in $3 million since launching in 2024 but is projected to raise $12.8 million next year. [WGN]

More Composting Options

The city now accepts food scraps at 40 sites, including 21 libraries. This week, you can dump your Halloween pumpkin scraps at all those spots and more. [Axios]

• Meanwhile in Logan Square, there’s overflowing dumpster drama. [Block Club]

The Story of a Historic Vote

Project XV Museum in El Paso, Illinois covers the life of David Strother. Strother, an Illinoisan, was the first Black man to vote after the 15th Amendment was passed. Strother was born free in Missouri in 1843 to parents who had purchased their freedom. This election season, learn all about him. [Tribune 🔓]

Long Read: An Albany Park DIY

So many beloved DIY venues have bit the dust in Chicago. But Ericka’s House, a somewhat newer spot, has hosted around a dozen shows so far, including 40-plus bands. Shows are pay-what-you-can and take place in the backyard. (I’m def gonna check this out …) [Reader]

Today we’re bringing back an old game: Where Is It? Do you recognize this space? I spy a sign that functions as a pretty good clue …