The Chicago Teachers Union released a new report in a virtual news conference Wednesday, combining the highly anticipated Chicago Public Schools “Together We Rise” five-year strategic plan and the union’s contract proposals.

While CTU’s new report takes goals from CPS’ five-year strategic plan and provides more specific “implementation steps,” much of the news conference focused on the ongoing disputes between the district and the union over key financial decisions.

One of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s closest confidants, who served as his communications chief through both his mayoral campaign and tenure in office, is leaving, effective immediately, according to a mayoral spokesperson.

It is unclear why Ronnie Reese is stepping down as communications director, but it comes amid a string of high-profile departures from the mayor’s top team, and after a rocky year and a half of communications strategy. Reese did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A source with direct knowledge of Reese’s departure who was not authorized to speak on the personnel matter publicly said the exit was “not voluntary.”

After a year of negotiations, Crystal Lake Elementary School District 47 and its teachers union have approved a new contract and avoided a strike.

The school district and the union representing District 47 teachers — the Crystal Lake Elementary Teachers Association (CLETA) — reached a tentative agreement last month. Union members ratified the deal on Oct. 10.

People in Piatt County will see a new proposition on their ballots this year.

The mental health referendum would raise property taxes by no more than 0.15% to support underfunded and non-funded programs for mental health, substance use, or developmental services across the county. If passed, any one of those services in Piatt County could be eligible to apply for money through the creation of a 708 mental health board.