Interim CPS CEO Macquline King has presented a budget that defies Mayor Brandon Johnson on taking out a $200 million loan and hedges on covering a city pension payment — issues that led to the firing of her predecessor Pedro Martinez.

Why it matters: When King was appointed interim CEO/superintendent, many assumed she'd act as a proxy for the mayor, who'd been her city hall boss since 2023 and wanted CPS to cover the city pension payment, in part, by taking out a loan.

The big picture: Forgoing the loan could save taxpayers millions. And King's move to make the pension payment contingent on additional state support or TIF funding could attract more money to the district.

• Some who rallied near or spoke at the Wednesday CPS board meeting where King was presenting the plan applauded the moves as ways to help the district's financial health.

What they're saying: "It looks like our superintendent is not a rubber stamp superintendent," elected school board member Che "Rhymefest" Smith told Chalkbeat this week. "She heard the community loud and clear."

The other side: When asked about loan concerns on Tuesday, Johnson snapped, "No parent has ever come up to me and asked that question, not one. This is about the long-term solvency and sustainability of a school district that overwhelmingly services working people, overwhelmingly brown and Black."

• He called CPS debt "a focal point for a couple of people."

Reality check: At a CPS public budget meeting last month, many attendees expressed shock that the district spends $800 million a year in debt payments and they strongly advised against adding to that burden.

Between the lines: Johnson and the Chicago Teachers Union are calling on state lawmakers to pony up more cash for the district.

• They point to a state funding formula program, aimed at providing 90% adequate funding by 2027, that suggests a fully funded CPS would need $1.6 billion in additional state support. But even if the state approved more funding in the veto session, it would come too late for this budget process.

What's next

Illinois just raised the tax on tobacco, which includes a slew of products beyond cigarettes.

Why it matters: Where the Marlboro Man or Joe Camel used to line the windows of convenience stores and gas stations, ads for Zyn nicotine pouches have taken over, appealing to young people with flavored products.

Driving the news: Illinois' 2026 budget increased the tobacco tax from 36% to 45%, and for the first time includes Zyn and other nicotine products on the list of products.

• The tax went into effect July 1 and is projected to raise about $53 million in new revenue.

How it works: Zyn pouches are placed between the gum and lip, gradually releasing nicotine over time, Axios Nathan Bomey reports.

• The pouches are discreet and don't produce smoke or odors like cigarettes.
• Individuals must be 21 to purchase the pouches.

By the numbers: Chicago ranks at the top in the U.S. for cigarette tax because of federal, state, county and local taxes, adding up to more than $7, making a pack cost as much as $20.

• A tin of Zyn starts at about $5.60, before tax, according to Tobacco Insider.
• Cool mint, spearmint and citrus-flavored Zyn sold at a Gold Coast smoke shop runs $9.92 with tax, after the new state tax has been imposed.

The intrigue: Illinoisans looking to save a few bucks by buying their nicotine pouches next door should think again. Indiana also raised its tobacco tax last month, with the cigarette tax going from $1 per pack to nearly $3.

Go deeper

🐘 Former Illinois GOP chair Don Tracy is seeking the Republican nomination for Dick Durbin's Senate seat. (NPR Illinois)

🚔 ACLU Illinois has asked a federal judge to expand a suit against Chicago over Black and Latino traffic stops to cover all Black and Latino drivers. (WTTW)

🏈 Caleb Williams and other Bears starters will play Sunday in the preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. (Sun-Times)

If you've noticed a roller skater gliding along the lakefront, you might want to stop him and ask for a lesson.

The big picture: Brandon Mangrum, aka Walk n' Roll, has skated more than 1,000 miles since 2022, when he started keeping track.

• You can often find him rolling along the lake near North Avenue Beach wearing a sweatshirt with a big QR code advertising his lessons.

Zoom out: Roller skating has been more universally embraced in recent years, but it has long been woven into the fabric of Black American life.

• Chicago is also the birthplace of JB Skating, based on the music and gliding moves of James Brown.

How it works: Lessons cost $10 an hour, and Mangrum recommends two-hour sessions.

• He prefers to teach outside, ideally on a tennis court, but sometimes teaches at Fleetwood Roller Rink in Summit.
• He also customizes skates.

The vibe: Pure joy. Mangrum elicits smiles, head bobs and claps when he pulls out a spin or dip.

Keep reading

👋 Hey, it's Justin. I'm hot on the coffee beat, trying to visit every coffee shop in Chicago.

Today's place: Ritual Coffeehouse (1821 W. Irving Park Road)

🎶 The vibe: A narrow storefront with a vinyl collection and a quintessential Chicago patio that feels like an alley, butted up against the Irving Park Brown Line stop.

☕️ The coffee: The house favorite was an iced vanilla latte ($4.75), which I chugged in seconds.

• They also have cheddar scones that are as big as your head.

The service: The baristas steered me to the vanilla latte and I had it in my hands in seconds.

11-word review: Coffee that goes down smooth while the Brown Line rumbles above.

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