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

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].

Chicago’s Meter Secrecy Meets a CTA Enforcement Push — June 26, 2026

Chicago parking meters are back at City Hall’s center as Johnson’s secret $3.3B buyback bid surfaces, while Cook County sheriff patrols test whether CTA safety can improve through basic-rule enforcement. IN THIS EPISODE 1. Mayor Johnson’s Team Secretly Offered $3.3 Billion To Buy Back City’s Parking Meters, Other Bidder Says [https://blockclubchicago.org/2026/06/25/mayor-johnsons-team-secretly-offered-3-3-billion-to-buy-back-citys-parking-meters-other-bidder-says/] — Block Club Chicago CHICAGO — Alderpeople learned Thursday that Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration secretly offered about $3.3 billion last fall to reclaim control of the city’s parking meters — a whopping $800,000 more than the next-highest bidder. But the City Council members didn’t get those key details from the mayor, his aides or any other city officials. Instead, one of the investors set to buy the rights… 2. CTA safety: Cook County sheriff says dedicated CTA police force may be needed for safety on Chicago's public transit train system - ABC7 Chicago [https://abc7chicago.com/post/cta-safety-cook-county-sheriff-says-dedicated-ctapolice-force-may-needed-chicagos-public-transit-train-system/19383036/] — Abc7chicago # Why you’re seeing more officers on the CTA – NBC Chicago Published: 2026-06-25T06:37:41-05:00 Source: nbcchicago.com (nbcchicago.com) Language: en ## Story Why you’re seeing more officers on the CTA – NBC Chicago [](https://www.nbcchicago.com/) Main… 3. The Chicago school board announces yet another delay in naming its Black Student Achievement Committee - Chalkbeat [https://www.chalkbeat.org/chicago/2026/06/25/chicago-public-schools-slow-to-roll-out-black-student-success-plan/] — Chalkbeat The Chicago school board announces yet another delay in naming its Black Student Achievement Committee - Chalkbeat Skip to main content # Delays in ramping up work on Chicago’s Black Student Success Plan frustrate some advocates -… 4. RTA announces largest Access to Transit program, bringing $11 million of bicycle and pedestrian improvements to… | Regional Transportation Authority [https://www.rtachicago.org/blog/2026/06/24/rta-announces-largest-access-to-transit-program-bringing-11-million-of-bicycle-and-pedestrian-improvements-to-stations-throughout-region] — Regional Transportation Authority RTA announces largest Access to Transit program, bringing $11 million of bicycle and pedestrian improvements to… | Regional Transportation Authority # RTA announces largest Access to Transit program, bringing $11 million of bicycle and pedestrian improvements to stations throughout region June 24, 2026 The RTA has selected 21 new projects at a total cost of $10.9 million for its Access to… 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: Airbnb, Streets, Housing And Schools — June 25, 2026

Chicago sues Airbnb and Slumber Stay over alleged improper rentals, while Logan Square’s redesign, a $10 million state housing investment, and new kindergarten data sharpen the city’s reform agenda on streets, housing, education, and safety. IN THIS EPISODE 1. Chicago sues Airbnb and a host company for alleged improper rentals - WBEZ Chicago [https://www.wbez.org/housing/2026/06/23/chicago-sues-airbnb-lawsuit-milan-rubenstein-illegal-rentals] — WBEZ Chicago sues Airbnb and a host company for alleged improper rentals - WBEZ Chicago An Airbnb host company was accused of failing to properly register short-term rentals and continuing to make money off those units after being issued citations. Airbnb is alleged to have looked the other way. Illustration by Mendy Kong/WBEZ Housing Government & Politics Race, Class & Communities # Chicago sues… 2. Logan Square’s street reconfiguration with new plazas is awesome. But there are some trouble spots, inspiring calls to “Refine the Redesign.” [https://chi.streetsblog.org/2026/06/24/logan-squares-street-reconfiguration-with-new-plazas-is-awesome-but-there-are-some-trouble-spots-inspiring-calls-to-refine-the-redesign] — Streetsblog Chicago This post is sponsored by Find The Right Bike. The atmosphere was joyous at Monday morning’s ribbon cutting for the Milwaukee Avenue Streetscape and Logan Square Redesign Project. Over 100 dignitaries, neighbors, performers, and other stakeholders gathered on the linear plaza where Milwaukee Avenue traffic used to rumble. Aerial of Logan Square before the reconfiguration. Photo: Wikipedia The… 3. Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs Unveils New Investment Program to Build Affordable Housing - Illinois State Treasurer [https://illinoistreasurer.gov/news/illinois-treasurer-michael-frerichs-unveils-new-investment-program-to-build-affordable-housing/] — Illinois State Treasurer Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs Unveils New Investment Program to Build Affordable Housing - Illinois State Treasurer $10 Million Partnership with IFF Helps Nonprofits, Generates Investment Returns for State Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs today unveiled a new community investment program designed to build affordable housing, help nonprofits, and generate returns for the… 4. Most kindergartners who start school behind never reach proficiency: study [https://www.chalkbeat.org/2026/06/25/kindergartners-who-start-out-behind-rarely-catch-up-study-finds/] — Chalkbeat Sign up for Chalkbeat’s free weekly newsletter to keep up with how education is changing across the U.S. Just 1 in 10 kindergartners who start school at the bottom of their class in reading and math skills is proficient by third grade. This finding comes from a new analysis of MAP reading and math scores from the testing organization NWEA . It aligns with a large body of research that finds that… 5. Chicago Activists Demand New Gun Violence Prevention Department | City & Local [https://cityandlocal.com/community/chicago-gun-violence-prevention-department] — City & Local Chicago Activists Demand New Gun Violence Prevention Department | City & Local A coalition of Chicago faith leaders and activists is demanding the city establish a Department of Gun Violence Prevention with a $100 million budget, representing about 3% of the city's annual public safety spending, according to the Chicago Tribune. Chicago plans to spend over $3 billion on public safety this year,… 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].

Upzoning Meets Chicago’s Hidden Veto Points — June 24, 2026

Chicago zoning reform gets a hard look through Yonah Freemark’s upzoning research, a City Hall explainer on aldermanic prerogative’s hidden vetoes, and CPS’s hybrid school board as reform promises collide with who actually controls permits, services, and schools. IN THIS EPISODE 1. [PDF] Upzoning Chicago: Impacts of a Zoning Reform on Property Values and Housing Construction | Semantic Scholar [https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Upzoning-Chicago%3A-Impacts-of-a-Zoning-Reform-on-and-Freemark/1b545b4d8aaf1533c3203f1f46187202d33711d6] — Urban Affairs Review * DOI:[10.1177/1078087418824672](https://doi.org/10.1177/1078087418824672) * Corpus ID: 159317550 # Upzoning Chicago: Impacts of a Zoning Reform on Property Values and Housing Construction ``` @article{Freemark2020UpzoningCI, title={Upzoning Chicago: Impacts of a Zoning Reform on Property Values and Housing Construction}, author={Yonah Slifkin Freemark}, journal={Urban Affairs Review}, … 2. Step Back — Chicago mayors have promised to curb aldermanic prerogative, but outside the headline zoning fights, where do alderpeople still have de facto veto power over permits, licenses, city services, or contracts — and how can residents tell whether an executive order has actually changed that? BACKGROUND SOURCES * Key City Panel Rejects Bid to Ban Video Gambling in 6 Chicago Wards, Defying Local Alderpeople | Chicago News | WTTW [https://news.wttw.com/2026/03/12/key-city-panel-rejects-bid-ban-video-gambling-6-chicago-wards-defying-local-alderpeople] — WTTW * Chicago's 311 system turns into a 'black hole' for residents' nonemergency complaints - Chicago Sun-Times [https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2026/02/26/chicago-311-system-poor-response-city-hall-inspector-general-deborah-witzburg] — Suntimes * New Zoning chair Villegas begins chipping away at backlog of stalled projects - Chicago Sun-Times [https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2026/05/06/zoning-committee-chair-gilbert-villegas-stalled-projects-backlog-brandon-johnson] — Suntimes * Federal investigation into affordable housing, aldermanic prerogative in Chicago fizzles - Chicago Sun-Times [https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2025/07/08/hud-affordable-housing-aldermanic-prerogative-discrimination-brandon-johnson] — Suntimes * Executive Orders | Office of the City Clerk [https://www.chicityclerk.com/legislation-records/journals-and-reports/executive-orders] — Office of the City Clerk 3. Chicago Board of Education | Chicago Public Schools [https://www.cps.edu/about/chicago-board-of-education] — Chicago Public Schools Top of Page [Skip to Content](#main) Main 1. [Home](/) / 2. [About CPS](/about/) 3. Chicago Board of Education # Chicago Board of Education The Chicago Board of Education ("Board") is a hybrid governing body with 11 members appointed by the mayor and 10 elected members. The Board is responsible for the oversight of Chicago Public Schools (CPS). CPS is committed to transparency, and working… 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].