Illinois transparency fight meets Chicago transit and school reform — May 28, 2026

Chicago’s Reform Test: Stairs, Schools and a $7B West Side Build — June 05, 2026

Chicago City Hall is weighing single-stair apartment buildings to lower construction costs, while Illinois’ budget adds $350 million for K-12 and the school board ballot faces signature challenges. On the West Side, the $7 billion 1901 Project has officially broken ground. IN THIS EPISODE 1. Is One Way Out Enough? City Considers Building Code Change To Address Housing Shortage [https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/06/04/is-one-way-out-enough-city-considers-building-code-change-to-address-housing-shortage/] — Block Club Chicago # Is One Way Out Enough? City Considers Building Code Change To Address Housing Shortage Author: Quinn Myers Published: 2026-06-04T21:57:26+00:00 Source: blockclubchicago.org (blockclubchicago.org) Language: en ## Story Is One Way Out Enough? City Considers Building Code Change To Address Housing Shortage A row of two- and three-flat homes in Chicago's Austin neighborhood. Credit: Colin… 2. Step Back — Wait — how can a rule about whether an apartment building needs one stairwell or two make or break Chicago’s ability to build more housing? What’s the real safety-versus-affordability tradeoff here, and how have other cities handled it? BACKGROUND SOURCES * Is One Way Out Enough? City Considers Building Code Change To Address Housing Shortage [https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/06/04/is-one-way-out-enough-city-considers-building-code-change-to-address-housing-shortage/] — Quinn Myers * Single-stair rule change could boost housing: op-ed - Crain's Chicago Business [https://www.chicagobusiness.com/opinion/city-that-works/ccb-a-city-that-works-staircase-rules-20260508/] — Chicagobusiness * Expanding Single-Stair Housing Can Improve Housing Supply, Quality, and Safety | Mercatus Center [https://www.mercatus.org/research/state-testimonies/expanding-single-stair-housing-can-improve-housing-supply-quality-and] — Mercatus Center * How a Single Stairway Can Take Affordable Housing to a New Level [https://www.planning.org/planning/2025/nov/how-a-single-stairway-can-take-affordable-housing-to-a-new-level/] — Planning * One Stair Or Two?: The Building Codes Shaping Cost, Safety, And Housing Supply | ACE [https://ace-usa.org/blog/research/research-housing-policy/one-stair-or-two-the-building-codes-shaping-shaping-cost-safety-and-housing-supply/] — ACE * CT lawmakers to repeal 2024 single-stair building code change [https://ctmirror.org/2026/02/25/ct-building-code-single-stair-exit-apartments/] — Ginny Monk * California’s “single stair” report is out. Regulators don’t love the idea - CalMatters [https://calmatters.org/housing/2026/03/single-stair-report-california-lee/] — Ben Christopher 3. Illinois’ state budget is out. How did public schools fare? - Chalkbeat [https://www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2026/06/04/illinois-state-budget-increases-money-for-schools-and-students/] — Chalkbeat # Illinois’ state budget is out. How did public schools fare? - Chalkbeat Author: By  Makiya Seminera  |  June 4, 2026, 9:17pm UTC Published: 2026-06-04T21:17:09.194000+00:00 Source: chalkbeat.org (chalkbeat.org) Language: en ## Story Illinois’ state budget is out. How did public schools fare? - Chalkbeat Skip to main content # Here’s how much education funding is in Illinois’ FY27 state… 4. Petition signatures for 28 Chicago school board candidates face scrutiny - Chalkbeat [https://www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2026/06/04/chicago-school-board-candidates-face-petition-challenges/] — Chalkbeat # Petition signatures for 28 Chicago school board candidates face scrutiny - Chalkbeat Author: |  June 4, 2026, 4:31pm UTC Published: 2026-06-04T16:31:47.028000+00:00 Source: chalkbeat.org (chalkbeat.org) Language: en ## Story Petition signatures for 28 Chicago school board candidates face scrutiny - Chalkbeat Skip to main content # Dozens of Chicago school board candidates could get knocked… 5. 1901 Project breaks ground, promising West Side neighborhood transformation - AOL [https://www.aol.com/news/1901-project-breaks-ground-promising-225421197.html] — WGN-TV 1901 Project breaks ground, promising West Side neighborhood transformation - AOL Wed, June 3, 2026 at 10:54 PM UTC 0 CHICAGO (WGN) — Developers broke ground on the new 1901 Project on Wedneday as work now rolls full speed ahead. It's a move that could transform the neighborhood surrounding the United Center on the city's West Side. With golden shovels in hand, Wednesday's groundbreaking for… 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 Tests Reform on Housing, Transit, Schools and Streets — June 04, 2026

Chicago’s NITA transit law is moving from rescue package to implementation, while City Hall rolls out homebuyer aid, CTU backs a school board contender, and Red Line Extension work starts reshaping Far South Side streets. IN THIS EPISODE 1. New program offers up to $70K for Chicago homebuyers | The Chicago Report [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1bJEyz_Bwo] — FOX 32 Chicago # New program offers up to $70K for Chicago homebuyers | The Chicago Report - Channel: FOX 32 Chicago - Length: 05:49 - Views: 3.0K - Likes: 72 - Published: 2026-06-02T17:04:51-07:00 - Category: News & Politics - Keywords: Chicago, Homebuyer, Homebuyer program, Homebuyers Chicago, Money, program - Language: en-US ## Description Chicago is launching a new program to help residents become… 2. NITA reason to celebrate? Transit officials and advocates discuss the importance of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act becoming law yesterday - Streetsblog Chicago [https://chi.streetsblog.org/2026/06/02/nita-reason-to-celebrate-transit-officials-and-advocates-discuss-the-importance-or-the-northern-illinois-transit-authority-act-becoming-law-yesterday] — Streetsblog Chicago localStorage.setItem('darkMode', val)); } }" x-bind:class="{ 'dark': darkMode }"> NITA reason to celebrate? Transit officials and advocates discuss the importance of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act becoming law yesterday - Streetsblog Chicago Sponsored # NITA reason to celebrate? Transit officials and advocates discuss the importance of the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act… 3. Step Back — Chicago keeps flirting with a tax on digital ads as a way to raise money without another property-tax hike — but can a city actually make Big Tech pay, or do the legal risks and pass-through costs mean Chicagoans would end up footing the bill anyway? BACKGROUND SOURCES * NetChoice Files First Case Over Chicago’s Social Media Tax (1) [https://news.bloombergtax.com/daily-tax-report-state/netchoice-files-first-challenge-to-chicagos-social-media-tax] — Bloombergtax * Tech Group Sues Chicago Over First in the Nation Social Media Tax | Chicago News | WTTW [https://news.wttw.com/2026/03/13/tech-group-sues-chicago-over-first-nation-social-media-tax] — WTTW * Week in Insights: Chicago’s Social Media Tax Gets Focus Wrong [https://news.bloombergtax.com/tax-insights-and-commentary/week-in-insights-chicagos-social-media-tax-gets-focus-wrong] — Bloombergtax * Victory Lap on Digital Ad Tax Was Premature, Brandon Johnson Acknowledges | Chicago News | WTTW [https://news.wttw.com/2026/06/03/victory-lap-digital-ad-tax-was-premature-brandon-johnson-acknowledges] — WTTW * Illinois tax increases part one: Digital services taxes | SALT Shaker [https://www.stateandlocaltax.com/legal-alert/illinois-tax-increases-part-one-digital-services-taxes/] — Eversheds Sutherland SALT * What is a digital ad tax? | Brookings [https://www.brookings.edu/articles/what-is-a-digital-ad-tax/] — Brookings 4. CTU Members Endorse Hilario Dominguez as a Public School Champion for School Board President - Chicago Teachers Union [https://www.ctulocal1.org/posts/ctu-members-endorse-hilario-dominguez-as-a-public-school-champion-for-school-board-president/] — Chicago Teachers Union # CTU Members Endorse Hilario Dominguez as a Public School Champion for School Board President - Chicago Teachers Union Author: Erica Clark Published: 2026-06-04T00:55:42+00:00 Source: ctulocal1.org (ctulocal1.org) Language: en ## Story CTU Members Endorse Hilario Dominguez as a Public School Champion for School Board President - Chicago Teachers Union # CTU Members Endorse Hilario Dominguez… 5. Permanent street closures W. 110th St. from S. Princeton to UPRR tracks; W. 109th Place to W. 109th St., from S. Princeton to the UPRR tracks - RLE Construction Activity Notices - News - CTA [https://www.transitchicago.com/permanent-street-closures-w-110th-st-from-s-princeton-to-uprr-tracks-w-109th-place-to-w-109th-st-from-s-princeton-to-the-uprr-tracks/] — CTA Permanent street closures W. 110th St. from S. Princeton to UPRR tracks; W. 109th Place to W. 109th St., from S. Princeton to the UPRR tracks - RLE Construction Activity Notices - News - CTA Planned Work w/Part Closure: EXTENDED: Shuttle buses continue to replace Pink Line service between Pulaski and 54th/Cermak due to unforeseen utility issues during planned weekend work. CTA # Permanent… 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].

Housing Reform Stalls, Transit Cash Starts Moving — June 03, 2026

Gov. JB Pritzker’s housing plan stalled in Springfield as local-control opposition blocked statewide multiunit zoning, while new NITA transit dollars start funding West Side bus frequency and CTA safety upgrades. Got 60 seconds? Tell us what you think and help shape the show: [https://www.lanternpodcasts.com/topfive/feedback?show=chicago-daily-fix] IN THIS EPISODE 1. New transit funding boosts West Side bus service, cleaner el trains  - Austin Weekly News [https://www.austinweeklynews.com/2026/06/01/new-transit-funding-boosts-west-side-service/] — Austin Weekly News New transit funding boosts West Side bus service, cleaner el trains - Austin Weekly News Chicago Transit Authority is getting extra funding for security and service improvements – including bus and el train service on the West Side. The Northern Illinois Transportation Authority Act passed last October created new revenue streams to fund transit, including allowing a 0.25% RTA sales tax… 2. Gov. JB Pritzker’s multiunit housing plans for Illinois stall in Springfield’s spring session [https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/gov-jb-pritzker-multiunit-housing-210400249.html] — Chicago Tribune Gov. JB Pritzker’s multiunit housing plans for Illinois stall in Springfield’s spring session Advertisement Advertisement ## Top Stories: View comments Gov. JB Pritzker’s multiunit housing plans for Illinois stall in Springfield’s spring session Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune Updated Mon, June 1, 2026 at 9:04 PM UTC 4 min read View comments Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more… 3. Step Back — Chicago talks constantly about needing more housing, but Pritzker’s multiunit housing push just stalled in Springfield — why does the state get involved in what cities and suburbs allow on individual lots, and what could it actually change that local zoning fights haven’t? BACKGROUND SOURCES * Gov. JB Pritzker’s multiunit housing plans for Illinois stall in Springfield’s spring session [https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/gov-jb-pritzker-multiunit-housing-210400249.html] — Yahoo * Building Blocks of the BUILD Agenda; Part 4: Initiative Attempts to Address the “Missing Middle” | Elrod Friedman LLP [https://www.elrodfriedman.com/news-and-insights/building-blocks-of-the-build-agenda-part-4-initiative-attempts-to-address-the-missing-middle/] — Kevin McDermott * Pritzker proposal for statewide zoning called ‘crazy’ by one official as municipalities react to housing plan – Shaw Local [https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/03/02/pritzker-proposal-for-statewide-zoning-called-crazy-by-one-official-as-municipalities-react-to-housing-plan/] — Bob Okon Bob Okon covers local government for The Herald-News * Illinois cities unveil rival housing plan to Gov. JB Pritzker’s sweeping zoning plan - AOL [https://www.aol.com/articles/illinois-cities-unveil-rival-housing-224100251.html] — AOL * Pritzker's BUILD plan prioritizes development over affordability - Chicago Sun-Times [https://chicago.suntimes.com/other-views/2026/05/13/pritzker-build-plan-illinois-development-affordable-housing-crisis-carolina-sternberg-jesse-mumm] — Suntimes * Gov. JB Pritzker’s ambitious housing plan for Illinois: More four-flats, looser rules - AOL [https://www.aol.com/articles/gov-jb-pritzker-ambitious-housing-140800136.html] — AOL * Gov. Pritzker’s affordable housing plan tests his relationship with local leaders - Chicago Sun-Times [https://chicago.suntimes.com/illinois-governor/2026/05/02/jb-pritzker-build-initiative-affordable-housing-plan-municipalities-concerns] — Suntimes 4. Chicago US Attorney Working With Eyes on Washington, Critics Say [https://news.bloomberglaw.com/ip-law/chicago-us-attorney-working-with-eyes-on-washington-critics-say] — Bloomberg Law # Chicago US Attorney Working With Eyes on Washington, Critics Say Published: 2026-06-02T16:46:16+00:00 Source: news.bloomberglaw.com (news.bloomberglaw.com) Language: en ## Story Chicago US Attorney Working With Eyes on Washington, Critics Say The implosion of a prosecution against anti-ICE protesters is the latest indication that US Attorney Andrew Boutros is prioritizing loyalty to… 5. Share your tips about Cook County judges running for retention | Injustice Watch [https://www.injusticewatch.org/judges/judicial-elections/2026-retention/2026/cook-county-judges-running-for-retention-november-2026-tips/] — Injustice Watch Share your tips about Cook County judges running for retention | Injustice Watch Injustice Watch is researching Cook County judges who are running for retention in November 2026 for our judicial election guide. Circuit court judges serve 6-year and appellate court judges serve 10-year terms. At the end of their term, judges have to run for retention. Voters will be given the option to vote… 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].

Transit Cash Hits West Side, Phone Ban Heads to Pritzker — June 02, 2026

Chicago Transit Authority funding is moving into West Side bus service and cleaner trains as NITA takes shape, while Illinois lawmakers send Gov. JB Pritzker a classroom device ban with real implementation stakes for schools. Got 60 seconds? Tell us what you think and help shape the show: [https://www.lanternpodcasts.com/topfive/feedback?show=chicago-daily-fix] IN THIS EPISODE 1. New transit funding boosts West Side bus service, cleaner el trains  - Austin Weekly News [https://www.austinweeklynews.com/2026/06/01/new-transit-funding-boosts-west-side-service/] — Austin Weekly News New transit funding boosts West Side bus service, cleaner el trains - Austin Weekly News ## The best of local news and things to do Sign up for our weekly roundup of headlines, happenings, and breaking news in Austin — curated and delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up Chicago Transit Authority is getting extra funding for security and service improvements – including bus and el train… 2. Step Back — Chicago keeps getting transit funding announcements, but riders care whether the bus actually shows up: what’s the chain from new state money to more reliable CTA, Metra, and Pace service — and who is accountable if it doesn’t happen? BACKGROUND SOURCES * What happens next: Key dates and deadlines as RTA transitions to NITA in 2026 | Regional Transportation Authority [https://www.rtachicago.org/blog/2026/01/13/what-happens-next-key-dates-and-deadlines-as-rta-transitions-to-nita-in-2026] — Regional Transportation Authority * NITA Act advances to next phase, transit riders to see public safety, service improvements this summer | Regional Transportation Authority [https://www.rtachicago.org/about-rta/press-releases/nita-act-advances-to-next-phase-transit-riders-to-see-public-safety-service-improvements-this-summer] — Regional Transportation Authority * RTA releases semi-annual project management oversight report highlighting more than 100 capital projects | Regional Transportation Authority [https://www.rtachicago.org/blog/2026/01/07/rta-releases-semi-annual-project-management-oversight-report-highlighting-more-than-100-capital-projects] — Regional Transportation Authority * How the NITA Act can advance a regional transit network across six counties | Regional Transportation Authority [https://www.rtachicago.org/blog/2026/01/27/how-the-nita-act-can-advance-a-regional-transit-network-across-six-counties] — Regional Transportation Authority * RTA May 2026 Board of Directors Meeting [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFLI8q-eoOs] — RTA Board Meetings 3. Pritzker-backed cellphone ban coming to Illinois schools after lawmakers pass bill - Chalkbeat [https://www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2026/06/01/illinois-lawmakers-pass-cellphone-ban-in-school-classrooms/] — Chalkbeat Pritzker-backed cellphone ban coming to Illinois schools after lawmakers pass bill - Chalkbeat Skip to main content # Illinois lawmakers pass cellphone ban in classrooms. Here’s when it goes into effect. Expand Illinois students will be largely banned from using their cellphones in schools starting in the 2027-28 school year. (Getty Images) Sign up for Chalkbeat Chicago’s free daily… 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’s Reform Tests: Transit Cash, Housing Fights, Renter Rules — June 01, 2026

Chicago transit agencies are getting $132 million as the RTA becomes NITA, while Pritzker’s BUILD plan and Johnson’s renter overhaul test whether City Hall and Springfield can reform housing without stalling supply. IN THIS EPISODE 1. New transit funding will go toward security, service improvements - Chronicle Media [https://chronicleillinois.com/news/cook-county-news/new-transit-funding-will-go-toward-security-service-improvements/] — Chronicle Media New transit funding will go toward security, service improvements - Chronicle Media Union Pacific West Metra Line train in downtown Wheaton. (Photo by Igor Studenkov/For Chronicle Media) The Regional Transportation Authority Board of Trustees unanimously approved a plan for distributing about $132.2 million in new revenue to the CTA, Metra and Pace later this year. This is a portion of around… 2. Step Back — If Chicago’s CARE Teams are now available citywide, what actually happens when someone calls 911 for a mental-health crisis — who gets dispatched, what can they do, and what numbers would tell us this is working instead of just sounding humane? BACKGROUND SOURCES * Chicago's CARE Program for mental health call responses to expand throughout city - CBS Chicago [https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/chicagos-care-program-mental-health-call-responses-expansion/] — Cbsnews * Mayor Johnson expands alternate response effort for mental health emergencies - WBEZ Chicago [https://www.wbez.org/city-hall/2026/05/15/mayor-brandon-johnson-expansion-mental-health-emergency-response-teams] — Wbez * Chicagoans will soon have more options when calling 911 - WBEZ Chicago [https://www.wbez.org/in-the-loop-with-sasha-ann-simons/2026/05/19/chicagoans-will-soon-have-more-options-when-calling-911] — Wbez * Health – MHSE and CARE [https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/community-safety/home/PeoplesPlanforCommunitySafety/health.html] — Chicago * Mayor's office defends Chicago's mental health crisis response program after whistleblower raises concerns - CBS Chicago [https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/mayor-brandon-johnson-care-mental-health-crisis-response-team-whistleblower/] — Cbsnews * How to call for mental heath services in Chicago - Axios Chicago [https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/05/20/how-to-call-for-mental-health-help-in-chicago] — Monica Eng 3. Debate grows over Pritzker's proposed BUILD housing plan - AOL.com [https://www.aol.com/articles/debate-grows-over-pritzker-proposed-233950000.html] — AOL Debate grows over Pritzker’s proposed BUILD housing plan - AOL Fri, May 29, 2026 at 11:39 PM UTC 0 Debate grows over Pritzker’s proposed BUILD housing plan The Brief Gov. JB Pritzker’s proposed BUILD housing plan would shift some zoning authority from local governments to the state to speed up housing construction and address Illinois’ housing shortage. Critics, including some Chicago… 4. Mayor Brandon Johnson pushing sweeping changes to renter laws - United States [https://www.europesays.com/us/831712/] — Chicago Tribune Mayor Brandon Johnson pushing sweeping changes to renter laws - United States # Mayor Brandon Johnson pushing sweeping changes to renter laws Mayor Brandon Johnson is proposing a sweeping overhaul to city rules governing renting, and landlords are already organizing against the effort aimed at giving tenants significant new powers and protections. Johnson’s “Protecting Renters Ordinance”… 5. City To Collect $440k In Fines From ‘Rogue’ Bus Companies That Brought Migrants To Chicago [https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/05/29/city-to-collect-440k-in-fines-from-rogue-bus-companies-that-brought-migrants-to-chicago/] — Block Club Chicago City To Collect $440k In Fines From ‘Rogue’ Bus Companies That Brought Migrants To Chicago Real Chicago stories start in your neighborhood Get a daily digest of stories from all neighborhoods across Chicago. On Sundays, you'll get our reporters’ best of the week, highlighting the people and places that make our neighborhoods home. Sign up A bus filled with asylum seekers pulls into the… 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].