Chicago Public Schools is facing a massive budget gap — two board members on the path ahead. And two independent congressional candidates are removed from the ballot.

The competition to take over U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García’s seat was thinned out this week after Chicago Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th Ward) and Mayra Macías were removed from the ballot for failing to secure enough valid petition signatures.

CPS CEO Macquline King unveiled a proposed $9.88 billion budget to close the district’s funding gap. The plan calls for $200 million in TIF funding, the layoff of 760 teachers and 801 support staff, and five unpaid furlough days for CPS employees.

A complicated, high-stakes rescue of 30 beluga whales from a defunct Canadian water park is underway, with four of them arriving Tuesday at Chicago’s Shedd Aquarium.

How two proposed ordinances could affect renters in Chicago. And four beluga whales went on quite an adventure — how they were relocated to the Shedd.

The mayor’s proposal drew swift and vehement opposition from landlords and business groups, with whom he has long been at loggerheads.

Chicago is more than six months away from choosing its next mayor, but seven candidates have already announced campaigns. Anyone hoping to get on the ballot can begin circulating petitions next week.

Finger pointing as officials say Chicago is facing a budget deficit. And are the country’s voting systems secure?

In a recent speech, President Donald Trump discussed foreign interference, noncitizen voting and vulnerabilities in the American election system — reiterating some widely disproven charges. The administration released a trove of heavily redacted documents.

City officials said last week Chicago is grappling with an $89 million shortfall — revised down from the $130 million figure the mayor announced earlier this month.

Wildfire smoke clouds the Chicago region, closing beaches and canceling outdoor events. Plus, a bleak budget reality as Chicago Public Schools eyes layoffs and a spending freeze.

Chicago Supt. Larry Snelling’s retirement began Wednesday after a nearly three-year tenure leading the nation’s second largest police department. He leaves behind a city that’s seen significant declines in violent crime but has not completed federally mandated reforms.

A disappearing skyline and air quality alerts as wildfire smoke blankets Chicago. Plus, layoffs and a spending freeze — we unpack how Chicago Public Schools plans to close its massive deficit.