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A Chicago Public Schools parent group is asking school board candidates to sign a pledge limiting AI use in the district. So far, about half of all board contenders have signed.

Why it matters: The effort, led by Illinois Families for Public Schools (IFPS), could have a major impact on the way Chicago students learn this year.

Zoom in: The IFPS' "Human-Centered Education Pledge" asks potential board members to:

• Enact a three-year moratorium on generative AI use, citing a 2026 Brookings report that concluded, "the [current] risks of utilizing generative AI in children’s education overshadow its benefits."
• Limit screen time in all grades, "including a ban on 1:1 digital device use before third grade."
• Prohibit the collection of biometric information, unless it's to fulfill access laws for students with disabilities.

What they're saying: "CPS is on the verge of putting an AI chatbot onto every high school student’s Chromebook that can do their homework for them," CPS parent and IFPS executive director Cassie Creswell tells Axios.

• "Kindergarteners are using an AI literacy 'tutor' that records their speech. We need Board members who are ready to put into place clear and protective policies on the role of tech in schools."

The other side: "The District is not installing AI chatbots for high schoolers' use," CPS spokesperson Mary Ann Fergus wrote to Axios, adding that CPS explains its approach in this guidebook.

• "K-8th grade students in many CPS elementary schools are utilizing the evidence-based Amira Learning program, an AI-supported reading tutoring platform."

State of play: So far the pledge has been signed by most Chicago Teachers Union-backed candidates as well as some not affiliated with the union, including Che "Rhymefest" Smith and Jessica Biggs.

Yes, but: Board president candidate Victor Henderson tells Axios he won't sign because he believes students must understand AI.

Keep reading

Northeastern Illinois University on Chicago's North Side just became the first public university in the state to offer an AI major.

Why it matters: Unemployment for recent grads is the highest it's been in three years, putting more pressure on universities to prepare students for a job market disrupted by AI.

Driving the news: Monday marks the start of NEIU's fall semester, as well as the first time students can declare AI as their major.

Plus, NEIU's student body is more racially and economically diverse than many universities in the Midwest, and the AI major could help diversify the tech field.

What they're saying: "We believe AI should serve people — not the other way around," Xiwei Wang, chair of the computer science program, said in an announcement. "Ethical reasoning, fairness and social responsibility are integrated throughout the curriculum, preparing students to develop responsible and impactful AI solutions."

Between the lines: AI hasn't completely upended the labor market, according to a recent Stanford policy brief.

• In fact, the paper outlines how job postings for software developers have been growing faster than jobs for other occupations over the past year, despite the field's heavy reliance on AI.

The bottom line: It's no longer enough to know how to write helpful prompts; today's college students want to go behind the curtain of AI.

Who else has an AI major?

🎰 Bally's has expressed "substantial doubt about its ability to continue" its Chicago casino. A spokesperson says that statement of "growing concern" is unrelated to their recent decision to halt construction at the River West site. (Sun-Times)

⚾️ The Cubs beat the Sox last night on a 10th-inning, two-run walk-off homer from Pete Crow-Armstrong. (MLB)

🏈 Bears running back Kyle Monangai hyperextended his knee in practice Sunday and will miss multiple weeks. (ESPN)

🤸🏾‍♂️ The Jesse White Tumblers compete tonight at 7 on "America's Got Talent." The team's success depends on viewers' votes. (Block Club)

👋 Hey, it's Monica.

After enduring recent mosquito attacks while walking my dog, I asked readers for their itch remedies and they came through with a swarm of them.

Repellents

🫒 "Use ORS Olive Oil Nourishing Sheen Spray. Primarily used by Black women for their hair, it can be found at Walgreens and CVS. Works terrifically to keep mosquitoes and gnats away." — Kevin S.

🐱"I use catnip oil in witch hazel. Put in glass bottle with a spritzer top. Works pretty good for keeping mosquitoes away." — Jane V.

🍋 "I’ve used oil of lemon eucalyptus spray for years, dog walking through the forest preserves and sitting out on patios." — Louisa C.

Treatments

🔥 Try this heat-based "doodad that plugs in to your phone and zaps your itchy bug bites." —Amy R.

🧼 "Fels-Naptha soap! No idea why but my grandma always used it, and it's the only thing that stops itching for me." — Audrey W.

💨 "If you have a hairdryer, blowing hot air at them will make them stop itching." — Laura L.

🙌🏻 What worked: The heat method — using a hair dryer, the doodad or a hot spoon steeped in tap water— immediately stopped the itching, maybe because I was so busy screaming.

More remedies and what else worked

This week's tournament features the best (looking) places of worship in the Chicago area.

• We are paring down the architectural gems until we crown a winner on Friday.

State of play: The first round went as expected:

• Biggest win: The Baha'i Temple defeated Ling Shen Ching Tze Temple (96%-4%)
• Closest win: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir over Temple Sholom (65%-35%)
• Biggest surprise: Sts. Volodymyr & Olha over Unity Temple in Oak Park (66%-34%)

The next round: There are some ridiculous matchups between some of the most striking religious structures in town. Take a look and vote!

Vote here. We'll keep the polls open until 5pm.

🚴‍♂️ Carrie signed up for Bike the Drive on Sept. 6. It's her first time!

🥃 Monica is fascinated by the "Malort World Record: Bad Decision for a Good Cause"on Aug. 30. The event attempts to be the largest Malort shot gathering, and it raises money for Ravenswood Community Services.

🥘 Justin is looking forward to Mark Bazer's "The Interview Show Dinner Party" on Thursday at Fitzgerald's. Chef John Manion and the Babygold BBQ folks? Yes, please.

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