Chicago Politics and Urbanism Daily
Chicago’s Big Systems Face the Hard Math
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 · 7 min

Chicago’s reform fights are colliding with hard numbers: CPS is preparing classroom cuts, a massive United Center redevelopment wants public tax help, public-safety procurement remains opaque, and new transit and housing data fights show how much policy depends on who controls the count.
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Chicago’s reform fights are colliding with hard numbers: CPS is preparing classroom cuts, a massive United Center redevelopment wants public tax help, public-safety procurement remains opaque, and new transit and housing data fights show how much policy depends on who controls the count.
In this episode
- CPS plans to cut teacher positions, raise class sizes in bid to shrink $723 billion deficit — Chicago Sun-Times
CPS plans to cut teacher positions, raise class sizes in bid to shrink $723 billion deficit - Chicago Sun-Times Hedge funds have gutted local news across America. Chicago is fighting back. The Hardest-Working Paper in America | Tuesday, May 12, 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…
- City Council committee advances $54.7M tax break asked for by developers of 1901 Project around United Center - AOL — AOL
City Council committee advances $54.7M tax break asked for by developers of 1901 Project around United Center - AOL Tue, May 12, 2026 at 4:44 PM UTC 0 City Council committee advances $54.7M tax break asked for by developers of 1901 Project around United Center EDITOR’S NOTE: Attached video is from a previous story on the 1901 Projectaround the United Center. CHICAGO — Alders advanced a $54.7…
- City Council members want Johnson to tackle replacing ShotSpotter — Chicago Sun-Times
City Council members want Johnson to tackle replacing ShotSpotter - Chicago Sun-Times Hedge funds have gutted local news across America. Chicago is fighting back. The Hardest-Working Paper in America | Tuesday, May 12, 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 supporters.…
- CTA revises ridership upward by 19 million trips after methodology update - Streetsblog Chicago — Streetsblog Chicago
localStorage.setItem('darkMode', val)); } }" x-bind:class="{ 'dark': darkMode }"> CTA revises ridership upward by 19 million trips after methodology update - Streetsblog Chicago Sponsored # CTA revises ridership upward by 19 million trips after methodology update The updated data also revealed significant increases in what the agency now categorizes as "underpaid" rides, or trips where riders…
- Zillow alleges MRED, Compass conspired over private listings — HousingWire
Zillow alleges MRED, Compass conspired over private listings 30-yr Fixed Rate 30-yr Fixed 6.50%▼ 0.01% Welcome, + Subscribe Sign In ## Article Summary Zillow filed a federal antitrust lawsuit against MRED and Compass, alleging coordinated threats to cut off Chicagoland listing data unless Zillow displayed Compass private listings nationwide. Zillow seeks an injunction, treble damages and…