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Hello! It’s Becky Vevea. Did you follow “the beautiful game” this year? My little boys caught World Cup fever - so much so that now my oldest son joined a pickup practice near our house and is now in a Sunday league. (He’s also 3-D printing a replica trophy!) Today’s top story looks at a program launched by New York City’s mayor to get teens stretching their sports interest into skill-building around STEM and AI. Read the full story.
Do you have strong opinions about the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Corruption complaints? Messi love or hate? Tips about Chicago schools? Reply here and let us know!
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Around Chalkbeat
Mamdani taps World Cup fever to get NYC teens designing climate-friendly stadiums and soccer apps
Confusion on partisan school board law puts two IPS candidates’ spots at risk
After closed-door meeting, Denver superintendent, school board agree to keep working on relationship
What We’re Reading
Illinois teachers union sues to force Cook County treasurer to issue property tax bills and make payments, Chicago Tribune (Paywall)
From salons to taquerías, CPS students get to work, Chicago Tribune (Paywall)



