Chicago Oversight Gaps: CTA No-Show, Loretto Deals, Vendor Crackdown — July 03, 2026

Chicago Oversight Gaps: CTA No-Show, Loretto Deals, Vendor Crackdown — July 03, 2026

Chicago City Council’s CTA oversight hearing collapsed for lack of quorum as the agency reports service gains before the NITA shift, while Loretto executives near deferred-prosecution deals and City Hall drops street-vendor citations after a downtown crackdown. IN THIS EPISODE 1. As NITA transition approaches, many alders "ghosted" the CTA oversight hearing. Colleagues and advocates called that "insulting and utterly unacceptable." - Streetsblog Chicago [https://chi.streetsblog.org/2026/07/02/as-nita-transition-approaches-many-alders-ghosted-that-cta-oversight-hearing-colleagues-and-advocates-called-that-insulting-and-utterly-unacceptable] — Streetsblog Chicago As NITA transition approaches, many alders "ghosted" the CTA oversight hearing. Colleagues and advocates called that "insulting and utterly unacceptable." - Streetsblog Chicago Sponsored Today's stories are presented by # As NITA transition approaches, many alders “ghosted” the CTA oversight hearing. Colleagues and advocates called that “insulting and utterly unacceptable.” CTA Acting… 2. Ex-Loretto Execs Could Soon Reach Deal With Feds To Drop Charges [https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/07/02/ex-loretto-execs-could-soon-reach-deal-with-feds-to-drop-charges/] — Block Club Chicago CHICAGO — Two former executives at Loretto Hospital are close to making a deal with federal prosecutors that could lead to the charges against them being dropped, prosecutors said Thursday. Prosecutors have said former Loretto Chief Executive Officer George Miller and former Chief Transformation Officer Heather Bergdahl were part of a plan, with former CFO Anosh Ahmed, that led to tens of… 3. City Dismisses Citations Against Nearly 20 Street Vendors After Crackdown On Downtown Peddling [https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/07/02/city-dismisses-citations-against-nearly-20-street-vendors-after-crackdown-on-downtown-peddling/] — Block Club Chicago City Dismisses Citations Against Nearly 20 Street Vendors After Crackdown On Downtown Peddling Alexander and Leydy, vendors, pose for a portrait after street vendors, with the assistance of Street Vendors Association of Chicago, attended a virtual hearing for peddling-related charges on July 2, 2026. Credit: Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago LITTLE VILLAGE — Downtown street vendor Leydy Murillo… 4. Step Back — How can Chicago be talking about a 2025 budget surplus and still be staring down deficits — is this just accounting timing, or is there a deeper structural problem City Hall keeps dodging? BACKGROUND SOURCES * Chicago ends 2025 with an extra $52 million on the books - Chicago Sun-Times [https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2026/07/01/chicago-annual-audit-2025-extra-52-million-on-the-books] — Suntimes * Chicago Faces $1.15B Budget Shortfall in 2026, $146M Gap in 2025: Johnson | Chicago News | WTTW [https://news.wttw.com/2025/08/29/chicago-faces-115b-budget-shortfall-2026-146m-gap-2025-johnson] — WTTW * Mayoral aides explain Chicago's cash flow crunch that triggered partial pension payment - Chicago Sun-Times [https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2026/02/09/cash-flow-crunch-partial-pension-payment-mayor-brandon-johnson] — Suntimes * Mayor Johnson’s crossroads — budget decisions that will define his financial stewardship of Chicago - Chicago Sun-Times [https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2025/07/28/brandon-johnson-2026-budget-financial-stewardship-chicago-first-term] — Suntimes * Civic Federation issues warning about Mayor Brandon Johnson's $1B TIF surplus - Chicago Sun-Times [https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2025/12/01/civic-federation-warning-mayor-brandon-johnson-tif-surplus-use-proposed-budget] — Suntimes * With No Easy Fixes in Sight, Debate Over Chicago’s 2026 Spending Plan Reaches Tipping Point | Chicago News | WTTW [https://news.wttw.com/2025/11/12/no-easy-fixes-sight-debate-over-chicago-s-2026-spending-plan-reaches-tipping-point] — WTTW * Mayor Johnson's team reviews 26 ideas to raise revenue, plug Chicago’s budget deficit - Chicago Sun-Times [https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2025/07/31/mayor-brandon-johnson-list-revenue-raising-ideas-city-hall-budget-shortfall] — Suntimes Daily TopFive for Chicago Politics and Urbanism Daily. Links above go to the original articles. Follow and rate Chicago Politics and Urbanism Daily on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-chicago-daily-fix/id1895649620] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/70Xl3C6mvct6Wif5EAvxay]. Feedback? Email chicago-daily-fix@lanternpodcasts.com [chicago-daily-fix@lanternpodcasts.com].

Snelling exits as Chicago’s safety, housing and water reforms collide — July 02, 2026

Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling will retire July 15 after three years leading CPD, opening a high-stakes search as City Council greenlights Bridgeport Crossing and investigators question why lead-pipe replacement costs Chicago far more than peer cities. IN THIS EPISODE 1. Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling To Retire After Overseeing Historic Drop In Crime [https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/07/01/chicago-police-supt-larry-snelling-to-retire-after-overseeing-historic-drop-in-crime/] — Block Club Chicago Chicago’s top cop is stepping down. Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling announced Wednesday that he has made the “difficult decision” to retire after three decades on the force, including the last three as the city’s police chief. His last day is July 15. In a statement, Snelling recounted serving in multiple positions since starting as a police officer at 22 years old before rising through the… 2. City Council approves Bridgeport Crossing at 3301 S. Justine | Urbanize Chicago [https://chicago.urbanize.city/post/city-council-approves-bridgeport-crossing-3301-s-justine] — Urbanize Chicago Bridgeport Crossing Moves Forward With City Council Approval - Chicago YIMBY Rendering of Bridgeport Crossing by Kennedy Mann Plans are progressing for the upcoming multi-building development known as Bridgeport Crossing at 3301 South Justine Street in McKinley Park. The project was revealed around a year ago and is set to replace a large former industrial site just west of Bubbly Creek near… 3. Why is it so unusually expensive to replace lead pipes in Chicago? | Grist [https://grist.org/accountability/why-is-it-so-unusually-expensive-to-replace-lead-pipes-in-chicago/] — Grist Why is it so unusually expensive to replace lead pipes in Chicago? | Grist Sign up for The Weekly We hand-package the week’s best Grist stories. Delivered free every Saturday morning. Sign up for The Weekly We hand-package the week’s best Grist stories. Delivered free every Saturday morning. Sign up for The Weekly We hand-package the week’s best Grist stories. Delivered free every Saturday… 4. A win for the Archer Avenue traffic safety project supporters: The “Archer Avengers” Astroturfed opposition seems to have called it quits [https://chi.streetsblog.org/2026/07/01/a-win-for-the-archer-avenue-traffic-safety-project-supporters-the-archer-avengers-astroturfed-opposition-seems-to-have-called-it-quits] — Streetsblog Chicago Monday was [checks notes] round 29 of the weekly rallies about the Archer Avenue Complete Streets project in Brighton Park, which has the goal of making walking, biking, riding buses, and driving safer and more efficient. These events, which have taken place virtually every Monday since December 8 during the evening rush, happen in front of or near the office of Ald. Julia Ramirez (12th), a… 5. Man Killed, Another Wounded By 5 Gunmen Outside River North Hotel [https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/07/01/man-killed-another-wounded-by-5-gunmen-outside-river-north-hotel/] — Block Club Chicago RIVER NORTH — A man was killed and another wounded in a shooting Wednesday morning in River North, according to police and the local alderperson. The shooting happened about 3:20 a.m in the 500 block of North State Street, a prominent location for hotels and tourists. Five men, who were “hooded and masked,” got out of a gray Honda Accord and fired shots, Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd) said in a… Daily TopFive for Chicago Politics and Urbanism Daily. Links above go to the original articles. Follow and rate Chicago Politics and Urbanism Daily on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-chicago-daily-fix/id1895649620] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/70Xl3C6mvct6Wif5EAvxay]. Feedback? Email chicago-daily-fix@lanternpodcasts.com [chicago-daily-fix@lanternpodcasts.com].

Chicago Reform Hits Streets, Ballots, Housing and Justice — July 01, 2026

Chicago’s Lincoln Avenue protected bike lanes are finished as the mayoral field grows, Illinois weighs bigger exoneree payouts, and city/state housing aid expands — a snapshot of reform politics moving from streets to ballots to household balance sheets. IN THIS EPISODE 1. Take a virtual ride on the newly completed Lincoln Avenue protected bike lanes in Lincoln Square [https://chi.streetsblog.org/2026/06/30/take-a-virtual-ride-on-the-newly-completed-lincoln-avenue-protected-bike-lanes-in-lincoln-square] — Streetsblog Chicago This post is sponsored by Ride Illinois. From Archer Avenue in Brighton Park , to Grand Avenue in West Town , Complete Streets projects that involve converting car parking spaces to make room for safer, more efficient conditions for walking, biking, riding buses, and driving have been controversial. The Lincoln Avenue traffic safety project between Berwyn and Berwyn avenues in Lincoln Square has… 2. Who Is Running, or Thinking About Running, to Become Chicago’s Next Mayor [https://news.wttw.com/2026/06/30/who-running-or-thinking-about-running-become-chicago-s-next-mayor] — WTTW News # Who Is Running, or Thinking About Running, to Become Chicago’s Next Mayor Published: 2026-06-30T22:31:52+00:00 Source: news.wttw.com (news.wttw.com) Language: en ## Story Who Is Running, or Thinking About Running, to Become Chicago’s Next Mayor Chicago’s next mayoral election is less than a year away and the list of candidates — and those considering a run — is growing ever… 3. Bill on Pritzker’s desk would boost state payments to the wrongfully convicted - Chicago Sun-Times [https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2026/06/30/wrongful-conviction-exoneration-illinois-pritzker-kamel] — Chicago Sun-Times Bill on Pritzker’s desk would boost state payments to the wrongfully convicted - Chicago Sun-Times Thousands have stepped up to support local journalism. Join them today. The Hardest-Working Paper in America | Tuesday, June 30, 2026 My Account Manage Account Log out Log In Why are we asking for donations? ### Why are we asking for donations? This site is free thanks to our community of… 4. New home buying aid grows in Chicago as Illinois expands statewide program [https://wheninyourstate.com/illinois/new-home-buying-aid-grows-in-chicago-as-illinois-expands-statewide-program/] — When In Your State New home buying aid grows in Chicago as Illinois expands statewide program Connect with us Depositphotos ### Home help reaches more buyers Buying a home can feel out of reach when savings cannot keep up with prices. Illinois leaders are expanding aid meant to help buyers clear the first big hurdle. Chicago has launched new local help, while a statewide program is growing through the Illinois… Daily TopFive for Chicago Politics and Urbanism Daily. Links above go to the original articles. Follow and rate Chicago Politics and Urbanism Daily on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-chicago-daily-fix/id1895649620] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/70Xl3C6mvct6Wif5EAvxay]. Feedback? Email chicago-daily-fix@lanternpodcasts.com [chicago-daily-fix@lanternpodcasts.com].

Schools, groceries and heat bills expose Chicago’s reform gaps — June 30, 2026

Chicago school board representation is lagging as chronic absenteeism remains far above pre-pandemic levels; West Pullman’s former Aldi site gets city-backed grocery predevelopment money, and heat-wave utility aid underscores how basic services still define reform. IN THIS EPISODE 1. 4 numbers that show how chronic absenteeism is becoming a long-term crisis [https://www.chalkbeat.org/2026/06/30/chronic-absenteeism-crisis-not-just-due-to-pandemic-study-finds/] — Chalkbeat Sign up for Chalkbeat’s free weekly newsletter to keep up with how education is changing across the U.S. Chronic absenteeism rates have barely improved over the past year, signaling that school attendance problems that grew during the pandemic have remained a stubborn challenge, according to a new report. The analysis released Tuesday by the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute shows 22.6%… 2. 18 months into Chicago’s new school board, still no advisory panel for noncitizens - Chalkbeat [https://www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2026/06/29/still-no-noncitizen-advisory-panel-for-chicago-school-board/] — Chalkbeat # 18 months into Chicago’s new school board, still no advisory panel for noncitizens - Chalkbeat Author: By  Reema Amin  |  June 29, 2026, 9:00pm UTC Published: 2026-06-29T21:00:54.162000+00:00 Source: chalkbeat.org (chalkbeat.org) Language: en ## Story 18 months into Chicago’s new school board, still no advisory panel for noncitizens - Chalkbeat Skip to main content [![Chalkbeat… 3. New Grocery Store To Replace Former West Pullman Aldi That Closed In 2024 [https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/06/29/new-grocery-store-to-replace-former-west-pullman-aldi-that-closed-in-2024/] — Block Club Chicago WEST PULLMAN — Aldi abruptly closed its West Pullman store in 2024, leaving some neighbors frustrated and without easy access to fresh produce and affordable food options. But on Wednesday, the city awarded a $150,000 community development grant to the Far South Community Development Corporation so it can begin work to bring a new grocery model to the former Aldi at 821 W. 115th St. The community… 4. Amid Chicago heat wave, here are utility assistance programs to know – NBC Chicago [https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/as-a-heat-wave-bears-down-on-the-chicago-area-nbc-5-responds-highlights-utility-assistance-programs/3954998/] — NBC Chicago Amid Chicago heat wave, here are utility assistance programs to know – NBC Chicago NBC 5 Responds # As a heat wave grips the Chicago area, here's a list of utility assistance programs ## According to the Illinois Commerce Commission, this year ComEd started offering sliding scale discount rates for income-eligible customers. You’re watching the NBC 5 Chicago News streaming channel, which… 5. Obama Community Benefits Agreement Coalition held annual summit in South Shore - CBS Chicago [https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/video/obama-community-benefits-agreement-coalition-held-annual-summit-in-south-shore/] — CBS Chicago Obama Community Benefits Agreement Coalition held annual summit in South Shore - CBS Chicago - All Weather - Chicago School Closings - Flight Delays O'Hare - Flight Delays Midway Watch CBS News Watch CBS News # Obama Community Benefits Agreement Coalition held annual summit in South Shore The coalition says South Shore has one of the highest eviction rates in the city and fears the Obama… Daily TopFive for Chicago Politics and Urbanism Daily. Links above go to the original articles. Follow and rate Chicago Politics and Urbanism Daily on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-chicago-daily-fix/id1895649620] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/70Xl3C6mvct6Wif5EAvxay]. Feedback? Email chicago-daily-fix@lanternpodcasts.com [chicago-daily-fix@lanternpodcasts.com].

Permits, Speeders, Meters: Chicago’s Accountability Tests — June 29, 2026

Chicago’s Damen Silos site faces city code violations over an unauthorized parking lot, while Illinois moves to rein in repeat speeders and City Hall’s parking-meter buyback questions keep the focus on who controls public space. IN THIS EPISODE 1. Damen Silos Owner Built Unauthorized Parking Lot, Violating City Code, City Says [https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/06/26/damen-silos-owner-built-unauthorized-parking-lot-violating-city-code-city-says/] — Block Club Chicago MCKINLEY PARK — A parking lot on the former Damen Silos site was built without authorization and in violation of city rules, city officials said Friday. Michael Tadin Jr., owner of the property at 2900 S. Damen Ave., received a violation letter Friday after a June 18 city inspection of the site, according to the city. The former home of the Damen Silos was quietly paved over and turned into a… 2. Step Back — Chicago’s parking meter deal is already shorthand for a bad bargain — so if City Hall is really talking about a multibillion-dollar buyback, what would taxpayers actually be buying back: revenue, control of the curb, freedom from penalties, or something else? BACKGROUND SOURCES * Chicago Won’t Buy Back Parking Meters, Johnson Says | Chicago News | WTTW [https://news.wttw.com/2026/01/20/chicago-won-t-buy-back-parking-meters-johnson-says] — WTTW * Who owns Chicago's parking meters? City's meters sold to another private company, Mayor Brandon Johnson says - ABC7 Chicago [https://abc7chicago.com/post/owns-chicagos-parking-meters-citys-sold-another-private-company-mayor-brandon-johnson-says/18439639/] — Abc7chicago * Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson considering purchase to bring parking meters back under city control, sources tell ABC7 Chicago - ABC7 Chicago [https://abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-mayor-brandon-johnson-considering-purchase-bring-parking-meters-back-city-control-sources-tell-abc7/18417731/] — Abc7chicago * Chicago parking meters up for sale, but Johnson urged to proceed carefully on potential buyback - WBEZ Chicago [https://www.wbez.org/government-politics/2026/01/19/chicago-parking-meters-up-for-sale-johnson-buy-back] — Wbez * Chicago reportedly bid $3.3B to buy back parking meters, aldermen demand answers | FOX 32 Chicago [https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/chicago-reportedly-bid-3-b-buy-back-parking-meters-aldermen-demand-answers] — Bret Buganski * A sale of Chicago’s parking meters could occur, but what would it mean? – NBC Chicago [https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-politics/how-would-a-sale-of-chicagos-parking-meters-affect-drivers/3938189/] — Nbcchicago * Chicago is not buying back its parking meters, but a change in ownership is likely – NBC Chicago [https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/chicago-is-not-buying-back-its-parking-meters-but-a-change-in-ownership-is-likely/3878768/] — Nbcchicago 3. Pritzker signed “Stop Super Speeders” law, which will allow repeat offenders to drive if they use technology that forces them to obey posted speed limit [https://chi.streetsblog.org/2026/06/27/pritzker-signed-stop-super-speeders-law-which-will-allow-repeat-offenders-to-drive-if-they-use-technology-that-forces-them-to-obey-posted-speed-limit] — Streetsblog Chicago This post is sponsored by Boulevard Bikes. On May 21, the Active Transportation Alliance heralded the Illinois House and Senate passing the “Stop Super Speeders” bill (HB 4948), which spokesperson Ted Villaire wrote “will make our streets safer by reigning in repeat reckless drivers . ” The legislation set the stage for using Intelligent Speed Assistance tech, which employs onboard sensors and… 4. Prediction Market Kalshi Sues Illinois Over Its Push To Regulate Sports Bets [https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/06/28/prediction-market-kalshi-sues-illinois-over-its-push-to-regulate-sports-bets/] — Block Club Chicago CHICAGO — Prediction market Kalshi — which offers trades on everything from the World Cup top goalscorers to the winners of the reality show Love Island and the 2028 Democratic primary — sued Illinois on Tuesday over its latest push to regulate sports bets on the platform. The most recent move in the ongoing legal battle between the state and prediction market operators came after the state… 5. U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley Uses State Of Uptown Theatre As Metaphor In Mayoral Campaign Kickoff [https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/06/27/u-s-rep-mike-quigley-uses-state-of-uptown-theatre-as-metaphor-in-mayoral-campaign-kickoff/] — Block Club Chicago U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley launched his bid for Chicago mayor Saturday at the Uptown Theatre, urging supporters to consider the help needed to save the dilapidated movie palace as a metaphor for the action needed to realize the city’s full potential. It was the veteran congressman’s first public campaign event since he announced in January that he intended to run. The Chicago Democrat’s kickoff… Daily TopFive for Chicago Politics and Urbanism Daily. Links above go to the original articles. Follow and rate Chicago Politics and Urbanism Daily on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-chicago-daily-fix/id1895649620] or Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/70Xl3C6mvct6Wif5EAvxay]. Feedback? Email chicago-daily-fix@lanternpodcasts.com [chicago-daily-fix@lanternpodcasts.com].