Tyson Foods and Illinois jobs: Tyson says it will close its Joslin, Illinois beef plant and shutter a Utah case-ready facility, while pursuing a sale of its Pasco, Washington plant—moves tied to a historic U.S. cattle shortage and expected to eliminate about 2,500 Illinois-area jobs. Back-to-school affordability: CBS News Chicago reports Illinois parents are projected to spend $794 per child, and a local survey finds families turning to debt, gambling, and payday loans just to keep up. Mayor race priorities: As Chicago’s mayoral race ramps up, readers overwhelmingly point to housing supply, property tax relief, and public safety as top issues. Schools and AI spending: Stateline looks at how districts face pressure to buy AI tools for classrooms, but often lack clear guidance and end up carrying the burden of vetting costly products. Illinois politics and ethics: Former mayoral candidate Paul Vallas criticizes the Chicago Board of Ethics for flagging only 12 of 2,000 contributions and delays in enforcement. Public safety in the courts: A podcast interview highlights claims that Cook County Board of Review member Samantha Steele was acquitted of DUI despite video, with discussion focused on refusal of sobriety testing. Powerball hits Illinois: A $1.04 billion Powerball jackpot was won from a Quincy, Illinois gas station. Austin neighborhood momentum: A report says Chicago’s Austin area is seeing renewed growth along Chicago Avenue, with new arts and workforce hubs helping drive the “Soul City” push.