Hillary has company: Jenny Sanford, the gutsy, admirable wife of philandering South Carolina governor Mark Sanford, is a Winnetka native whose great-grandfather founded the Skil Corporation, which created the electric portable saw; she also has family ties to law firmWinston and Strawn, which has Chicago roots.
The Little Village Environmental Justice Organization gives "Toxic Tours" of the neighborhood as a way to educate the community and others about the looming toxic presence of several industries right in their backyards. In Mechanics, Sheila Burt takes the tour and learns more about the sources of pollution.
The Illinois minimum wage will inch up 25¢ tomorrow to $8, 75¢ more than the new national minimum wage that goes into effect in July. For full-time minimum wage employees, that means an additional $520 a year in earnings.
The Chicago Report found that Wells Fargo gave high-earning black Chicagoans more sub-prime loans than it did to less wealthy whites -- and wonders why the City isn't suing.
His wife may be off her reality TV show, but we'll still be talking about the ex-governor a year from now. That's because his trial is set for June 3, 2010.
WindyCitizen points us to The Untold Stories of Alderman Don Perillo, "the most admittedly corrupt Chicago politician you probably never heard of," by Anthony DeBartolo.
Did you know that 17-inch monitors "can show more information" than 15-inch monitors? Well, the Sun-Times breathlessly shares this information with us through an individual "familiar" with a recent city financial debacle.
Three alderman--Joe Moore, Manny Flores, and George Cardenas--went bat crazy on Thursday's episode of "Chicago Tonight" when pressed by Eddie Arruza about recent Olympics-related revelations that taxpayers will have to pay for cost overruns. Things fall apart at minute 9:00.
The Reader's Ben Joravsky and Mick Dumke continue their outstanding coverage of the parking meter privatization scandal this week with a report on who actually benefits from the deal. Read their previous stories here and here.
A couple U of C students set up IranFax.org to help Iranians protesting the recent election results circumvent the communication restrictions currently in place. They posted the first recived fax today. [via]
There's a rally against parking meters at Alderman John Pope's office tomorrow morning. Protesters want to make sure some new meters don't go into their neighborhood, in light of the meter deal debacle.
It's no surprise, but it still stings a little: if Chicago gets the games in 2016, we are on the hook for the whole tab.
Looking for a way to show solidarity with Iranian protesters? This shirt is a small step.
Guess how much it will cost to have President Obama and his entourage fly to our fair city today? In total, it will be roughly $236,000.
Rev. Jeremiah Wright is back in the news, this time for telling a reporter "the Jews" aren't letting him near President Obama. He tried to clarify the remark by saying he was referring to Zionists, not David Axelrod and Rahm Emanuel.
Milwaukee artist/activist Jesse Graves has found an interesting way to very visibly protest the Tamms supermax prison in southern Illinois: mud stencils. More about Tamms protests in Mechanics.
While her own polling says she has a good chance of winning, Rep. Jan Shakowsky (D-Ill.) says she'll stay out of the race for the "golden" Senate seat now occupied by one Roland Burris. Check out the full announcement in Mechanics.
Given recent reports, it seems we have one.
The proposed strengthening of "excessive noise" violations for street performers has been officially approved. Venders can now have their licenses revoked if they get two violations, rather than the previous three.
Chi-Town Daily News reports that Congressman Bobby Rush is calling for an investigation into patient dumping practices at University of Chicago Medical Center.
Comedian and radio personality Ray Hanania notes how language complicates Israeli-Palestinian relations.
The state legislature recently gave bowling alleys protection against the scourge of bowling alley lawsuits. If the legislation passes, you won't be able to sue a bowling alley if you slip and fall wearing their "specialized footwear" after wearing the shoes outside. Rats.
After Leon Despres passed away during the first week of May, the Hyde Park Herald published a special section about Despres, including remembrances, reprints of his columns and other interesting pieces.
US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald announced an indictment against 29th Ward Ald. Ike Carothers this afternoon. Listen to the press conference here, download the indictment here (PDF), and keep an eye on our politics section, Mechanics, for further news and analysis.
According to Tribune reporter Jeff Coen (author of the wonderful book on the Family Secrets Trial), US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald's office will be announcing corruption charges against an elected official today at 2 pm. (The Capitol Fax Blog is on it, too, of course). What kind of Fitzmas present will Fitzgerald be delivering to the public, brilliantly wrapped in indictment paper? We'll find out if it's something we wanted, or just another boring old sweater. Check in at Mechanics.
Karl Rove and James Carville will meet head-to-head at the Chicago Theatre tomorrow. In advance, the Trib interviewed Karl Rove, yielding the following assessment of Carville: "I like him. The man has superior judgment in the selection of spouses." He got in some disparagement of Latin American countries too...
If you'd like to hear the Rob Blagojevich/Senator Roland Burris conversation, WBEZ has you covered, colorful language and all.
The Beachwood Reporter has its knives out with some great satire of the Blagojevich/Burris scandal. Witness The ChiPhone and Mystery Burris Theater.
The American Prospect's Tim Fernholz profiles Illinois Congressman Aaron Schock in this month's issue.
The Sun-Times reports that the FBI allegedly recorded Sen. Roland Burris promising ex-Gov. Blagojevich's brother a campaign contribution by mid-December. Burris never sent the check, his lawyers claim. UPDATE: Chicago Public Radio has the audio.
Wondering where to protest the California Supreme Court's decision to uphold Proposition 8?
Disney is putting the finishing touches on Obama's animatronic figure for their Hall of the Presidents. Like W. and Clinton before him, the president provided a few choice words for the figure to speak.
The Sun-Times is working on an enlightening set of articles following nearly 200 units in University Village that were set aside for families who needed assistance to purchase a home. The paper finds 67% were sold to young, single buyers, including some who already owned multiple properties -- and that's just the beginning.
Obama took some time off today to find out if his lawn has been properly maintained while he's in D.C.
These days, the state is looking pretty much everywhere to pick up some change. This time it's the reclassification of candy as a non-food item and other status modifications to grooming products.
ProtectILtech is a campaign to stop the software tax that was recently added to Senate Bill 750 (the tax increase bill) in Springfield. They're asking you to contact your legislators to protest the tax. Forms and more information are available on their site.
That's right. It's official: Chicago loves dogs. If you're a car owner, you'll be expressing that sentiment shortly.
The Chicago Reader's politics blog rounds up recent parking meter news, and provides links to the parking meter contract here and here.
While our esteemed Aldermen figure out how much they messed up the parking meters, Daley wants to charge $1 an hour for lakefront parking.
We already know the parking meter privatization deal was a bad one -- but three months later we're still finding out just how bad. And in the meantime, Ald. Ed Burke canceled planned hearings on the meter deal. Great.
Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer will take to the stage appearing as the Ghost from Hamlet as part of a Shakespeare and the Law conference in Hyde Park.
Cecil Adams considers this question for The Straight Dope Chicago. Meanwhile, R. Kelly's defense team is joining Team Blago.
Governor Quinn is sticking to his proposal to raise the tax rate from 3 to 4.5 percent. He wants it to be a permanent increase. According to the Associated Press "Quinn did suggest he's willing to bend on tax relief." How considerate.
While it's all but assumed that Mayor Daley has ulterior motives for wanting the 2016 Games, FiveThirtyEight's Nate Silver wonders if President Obama might have something up his sleeve as well.
Like some bizarre dream sequence, Alice Cooper and President Obama will be appearing on stage together... for Arizona State University's graduation ceremony.
After six years without an officer evaluation rating system, the city will institute a new system next year that takes attitude, problem-solving and communication into account, among other elements. As one might expect, the Fraternal Order of Police isn't happy with the change.
The City Council may very well ban the use of Bisphenol A in baby bottles today. Update: The ban passed 48-0, and Daley reportedly will sign.
Workers at the Des Plaines factory of Hartmarx, the 122-year-old company that made Obama's inaugural tuxedo, are following the lead of Republic Windows and Doors by voting to stage a sit-in if Wells Fargo liquidates their company.
Cook County Board President Todd Stroger vetoed the 1 percent tax cut passed by the board last week.
Zodak Yonan, an aide to 44th Ward Alderman Thomas Tunney, figured out a way to avoid paying for parking meters, although he probably won't be doing it anymore.
The paths of Barack Obama and Alan Keyes cross once again, as Keyes is arrested protesting Obama's upcoming appearance at Notre Dame.
The Altgeld Gardens public housing complex has been without its public library for two months, with few answers on reopening. In Mechanics, Chris Gray reports on plans to try to force some action from the CHA and CPL.
Riverside police pulled seven rounds out of a house. Why is it news? The house is next door to that of Cook County Commissioner Tony Peraica, and the police think he was the target.
Following the news of Leon Despres' death, pretty much every media outlet in town has a memorial. Here's a quick rundown including the Trib, Crain's, the Sun-Times, WBEZ's blog and, of course, the Hyde Park Herald.
Greg Hinz reads between the lines and finds that Mayor Daley has had enough of Stroger.
The Cook County Board voted against President Stroger's wishes to repeal the 1-percent sales tax hike it put into effect last year. The repeal means Chicago's sales tax will drop below 10 percent again, starting January 1, 2010.
LAZ Parking officials have come to the oh-so-surprising conclusion that it wasn't ready to acquire the city's 36,000 parking meters in February.
The Illinois Policy Institute has created Tweet Illinois, a service that allows you to track what your twittering state legislators are talking about. More details in Mechanics.
Anyone can file a Freedom of Information Act request for public documents -- that doesn't meant the requests will be honored, though. The Tribune launched an ongoing series on FOIA today, and shows you how to file your own.
Christopher Kennedy of that Kennedy family is thinking about running for Roland Burris's senate seat. Other names mulling over a senate run include Congressman Mark Kirk on the right and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky on the left.
If you were to guess what the the CEO of Caterpillar might want from the federal government, where do you think more construction funding would rank on the list?
Nevada's own Moonlite Bunny Ranch has offered an apprenticeship to former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich. According to a press release from ranch owner Dennis Hof, "Rod's willpower would be challenged daily by the ladies as they bribe him to acquire finer rooms or better working hours and days off. In lieu of Rod's work throughout the apprenticeship Dennis Hof will pay him a handsome amount of money." [via]
The constitutionality of "Choose Life" license plates may soon be tested, in large part to a lawsuit regarding Illinois' decision to not print such a plate.
Vice President Joe Biden is giving the keynote at the Richard J Daley Urban Forum today at around 11:45am -- and you can watch a live webcast or read the liveblog.
A group of Chicago activists are giving President Barack Obama a failing grade on urban issues, saying he hasn't moved fast enough on rebuilding the inner city.
Speaking of the Trib, the featured article on its website is an editorial entitled "Legalize civil unions." As one might expect, the commenters are going wild.
The city is moving forward on the $15.5 billion Chicago Central Area Action Plan, which primarily aims to improve public transportation through more than $14 billion in funding. Perhaps a public debate will ensue?
Nearly two in five Illinois students who take sex education learn about only one method of birth control: abstinence until marriage. But that may change -- this spring, Congress will consider whether to curtail its support of abstinence-only lessons.
Isn't the real question in this whole Dunnings flap why a busboy was making $60K a year in a county HR post?
That trip to Costa Rica for a reality show that Blagojevich wanted to take? The judge said it's not going to happen.
As we mentioned, Alderman Ed Burke is nonplussed about the upcoming Art Institute fee hike. The council votes tomorrow on some sort of finger wagging legislation. I recommend privatizing the lions or maybe installing "sitting meters" on the steps.
Chicagoist reports that according to Ald. Manny Flores's Facebook status, the TIF Sunshine Act has passed the City Council.
Despite assurances from the city that the 1907 main building at Michael Reese is safe from demolition, pieces of it are going missing and being damaged. There is still no word on the modernist portion.
Chicago has decided to not offer another extension to the group that was planning to lease Midway Airport for $2.5 billion, the consequence being the plan will not come to fruition.
Gary Goehl, convicted in the '80s of accepting bribes as deputy county treasurer, reflects on Blagojevich and Illinois' long history of political corruption in an op-ed in the New York Times.
It's a little easier to call out governmental misdeeds with the newly launched whistleblower.illinois.gov.
Of all of the things Senator Burris may not be good at, fundraising is certainly one of his worst skills. While he expects to have a total of $400,000 in debts from legal fees, he only raised $845 in the first three months of this year.
Realizing that he's up for re-election next year and wants to seem as if he's actually doing honest work for his constitutents, Todd Stroger asked for the resignation of his cousin Donna Dunnings, the Cook County CFO who earned an outrageous raise last year in spite of the county's financial state, in light of recent revelations that she had an undisclosed relationship with a recently fired county employee.
The number of times residents of two South Side neighborhoods called 911 and a squad car wasn't able to respond: 1,200. The number of times the same thing happened in two North Side districts: 10.
The Huffington Post's Michael Moreci discusses the privatization of Chicago, from parking meters to Midway, and why he thinks Daley's "city-wide garage sale" tactics only offer a short-term fix.
Whether you're in favor of the Olympics coming to Chicago or not, you have to admit that this is a pretty clever t-shirt.
Eight Midwestern states have united to reinvigorate plans for the Midwest Regional Rail Initiative as a way to increase their odds at getting federal funding. If the plan succeeds, you know who will be in the center.
As mentioned in Mechanics, our esteemed former governor is considering filming a Survivor-style reality TV show in Costa Rica. Even better was he was approached by someone to do it.
Remember the CPD/CPS TXT2TIP [pdf] program? Yeah, no one else did either. The program received 70 text messages since September 10, 2008, and, um, "some were hoaxes." Given its tremendous success, Huberman is reviving the program.
The Beachwood Reporter and ChicagoTalks.org won an award from the Society of Professional Journalists for their joint investigative reporting on how City Council routinely violates the Open Meetings Act. Congrats!
Secretary of Education Arne Duncan introduced Neko Case at a club in D.C. last week. Case got her start at the Hideout, and Tim Tuten, co-owner of the Hideout, is now working for Duncan in the Department of Education.
The Schaumburg Township District Library now has a rule prohibiting intense smells, adding additional fuel to the controversial relationship between the homeless and libraries. The rule supposedly applies equally to those with too much perfume and those who need access to showers, but we'll see how that plays out...
Now that Mike Quigley's heading to Washington to fill Rahm Emanuel's vacant Representative seat, there's an open spot at the Cook County Board of Commissioners. Committeemen from 11 wards will hold a closed door vote tomorrow to fill the spot. Both the Tribune and the Sun-Times endorse Quigley's chief of staff Kimberly Walz.
In Mechanics, Ramsin highlights and magnifies the major points from the aforementioned Reader parking meter story, and predicts a severe backlash is coming.
The Reader's Ben Joravsky and Mick Dumke take a look at how Daley and friends managed to push the parking meter privatization deal through City Council with such ease.
The saga of the South Works continues, this time with bees for mead.
In the village of Mettawa, both candidates for mayor got exactly the same number of votes (143 each!), so the winner may be determined by a coin toss.
Suspicions about Blagojevich and company are now joined by those of Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr., about whom Congress has opened a preliminary ethics investigation regarding his role in the whole Senate seat debacle.
The city is putting plans to close four South Side mental health clinics on hold following a report in the Chi-Town Daily News that known problems in the city's Department of Public Health billing system may have caused a critical funding shortage.
Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley won the 5th district US House seat with 70% of the vote, and in related news, several suburban mayors are now looking for a new job.
If you're a resident of the 5th Congressional District OR the 36th Precinct of the 19th Ward (you know who you are, uh, maybe), you have until 7pm tonight to vote in the special election to determine Rahm's replacement.
A protest about road conditions in Englewood was foiled by a Department of Transportation road repair crew who, following months of complaints, showed up by "coincidence" minutes before the demonstration was to begin. Right.
In a surprise to no one, former governor Blagojevich, his brother Rob and close affiliates were indicted today. Charges from the full indictment include fraud, extortion and racketeering.
If you're not on board with Chicago 2016, head to Federal Plaza (Adams and Dearborn) tonight for a protest event sponsored by No Games Chicago to welcome the visiting International Olympic Committee (who were already greeted this morning by city cops picketing City Hall in protest of a Daley-denied salary increase). Protest begins at 5pm.
The Chicago office of the National Labor Relations Board ruled on Friday that Republic Windows & Doors violated federal labor laws when it created another company in order to skirt bargaining with its union.
With the IOC's upcoming visit approaching, resistance to the Olympic bid is making national news.
If you missed it this weekend, it's worth listening to the most recent episode of This American Life, which offers "scenes from a recession" and includes a look at the limbo some Rogers Park condo owners are in, with half their building in foreclosure and the developer nowhere to be found.
Chicago may not be a city of angels, but we're only 19th when it comes to corruption. Of course, the corruption we do have has a big cost.
The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center will be opening in Skokie on April 19. You may request tickets to the public grand opening ceremony or get a sneak peek by purchasing tickets for the Inaugural Gala on April 2.
The Democratic National Committee has finally reimbursed the city for the $1.74 million in costs they racked up during the election night Obama rally.
Nearly 200 police officers in the Fraternal Order of Police gave CPD Superintendent Jody Weis a vote of no-confidence last night. The symbolic vote may be the first time such a showing has been made in more than a decade.
The New Yorker profiles Roland Burris.
I wouldn't say I have a soft spot for criminals, and I firmly think that there should be just punishment when a crime takes place. However, I find it hard to believe that many people deserve to be kept in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day for 11 years. And that is what has happened at Tamm's supermax prison. And I'm not the only one who thinks this way. And in case you prefer pictures, the Chicago Tribune had a great photo essay last month. [Via]
It's not as exciting as electing the first black president, but early voting begins today for Rahm Emanuel's seat in the 5th congressional district, as well as several suburban races. A full list of candidates for the April 7 election is here, and a list of early voting sites is also available. (via)
Governor Quinn is considering responding to the state budget crisis by raising individual income taxes from 3 to 4.5 percent, while increasing personal exemptions.
Given the CPD's increasing use of high technology to attack growing crime rates, Chicago Mag wants to know: "Can Cameras Replace Cops?"
As a boy, Waukegan resident Douglas Stiles was told a story that his great-great grandfather, Jonathan Dillon, repaired the watch of Abraham Lincoln in 1861. The story also went that during that repair, Dillon scrawled something on the watch's inside. Was the story true? Take a look for yourself.
More than 1,000 Tibetans and supporters protested at the Chicago Chinese Consulate today, the 50th anniversary of Tibetan Uprising Day.
It's nice to know that Gov. Quinn and Sen. Durbin are interested in spending some of Illinois stimulus money on something actually stimulating: high speed rail.
A study finds that Latinos are being pulled over more frequently by police in some parts of Chicagoland. Read more in this month's Chicago Reporter.
Payton Chung explains why property taxes will increase this year even though the market value of most property will drop.
Now that Obama has a Presidential Seal, what's his old logo up to?
At $33 a vote, the county and city are petitioning to conduct future special elections by mail. Interesting sidebar: campaign per vote cost ranged from $33 to $282.
Cook County Commissioner Tony Paraica has been live-tweeting board meetings.
Besides not mentioning the CTA Daley still hasn't revealed much of his wish list from the stimulus package. Not that it mattered since Illinois has yet to submit any project for funding. With all the distractions in Springfield its easy to forget there is work to be done.
At 70% of the vote in, Nate Silver notes that it appears Mike Quigley is going to win Rahm Emmanuel's seat. UPDATE: Quigley officially won the special primary.
If you live here, you have until 7pm tonight to vote in the special primary to name nominees for the April 7th election for Rahm Emanuel's vacated US House of Representatives seat.
Thanks to a $6 million Homeland Security grant, the city of Chicago has integrated the 911 emergency response center with video feeds from the city's cameras, as well as those from 20 private institutions. An additional 17 organizations are expected to sign on shortly.
Remember the call for a Chicago Tea Party? Well, the idea's originator, Rick Santelli, is distancing himself from the ramifications of the statement.
With the IL-05 special election basically upon us it's a good time to bone up on the candidates. For the short version read my post over at Mechanics. For the better (and longer, of course) rundown, checkout this great post at ProgressIllinois.
The Sun-Times' Lynn Sweet reports that former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich will be writing "The Governor" for Phoenix Books. Gov. Rod "will write about his journey that led up to the twice-elected governor and former congressman being ousted from office." The book is scheduled to be released this October, just in time to make an excellent present for your favorite winter holiday.
Speaking of Burris, although he hasn't decided to run for reelection (errr election) or not he's already set up a website complete with a contributions option.
A lot of people want Roland Burris' job, according to the NY Times.
With state politics in disarray, state Senator Bill Brady is now officially running for Governor.
Apparently former UN Ambassador John Bolton thinks Obama would "learn a needed lesson" if Chicago was blown up by a nuclear bomb. Quite a lesson.
Apparently complaining about red-light cameras actually does something.
The NY Times takes a shot at understanding the race in the Illinois Fifth Congressional District.
In Isreal's Negev Desert is the Tze'elim Military Base, and on that military base is the city of Chicago, "so named because its bullet-ridden fake walls apparently recall the punctured real walls of Al Capone's Chicago."
Wondering what the 5th Congressional District candidates are saying on Twitter (well, the ones who are on Twitter, anyway) and what others are tweeting about them? The Windy Citizen has rolled out a Race for the 5th Twitter Tracker.
"I'm Mayor Richard M. Daley of the great City of Chicago. I welcome you to the youtube site." If you'd like to know more, here's the backstory.
Gov. Quinn called for Senator Burris's resignation Friday, as every sensible politician should. But wait! There's more! He also called for a special election and in that case would appoint a sit-in senator but only one who would give up the seat after two years. All that sounds so...sensible. Does Quinn know this is Illinois?
The Lake View Citizens' Council has organized a Fifth Congressional District Candidates Forum this Sunday for you to hear from the candidates running for Rahm Emanuel's former seat. Meanwhile, the Active Transportation Alliance is posting candidate positions on transportation. Inter-American School, 851 W. Waveland. 5 - 7 p.m. (doors open 4:30 p.m.).
The Shriver Center has released their 2008 Poverty Scorecard, a report card that grades all 535 members of Congress on how they voted on anti-poverty legislation last year. Illinois' card is mostly positive, with over half getting A's or A+'s, but with one representative, Peter Roskam of the 6th, scoring an F.
I'm speechless (mainly because I can't read Japanese). [via]
Senator Roland Burris is speaking at the City of Chicago Club today. The Sun-Times is liveblogging it, WGN has video and Chicago Public Radio is streaming it on iTunes.
Arenda Troutman, the 27th alderman to be convicted since 1972, is heading to prison for four years. Check out the article for some choice Troutman quotes.
Shorter Politico: Obama likes high speed rail.
If it worked for Kwame Kilpatrick, the impeached former mayor of Detroit who was convicted of perjury, misconduct and assault, it can work for Rod: Kilpatrick was hired by a subsidiary of IT company Compuware within a week after being released from jail earlier this month, and will earn a six-figure salary for developing online government healthcare programs. Kilpatrick's new boss defended his new hire, saying "Look, we hired a very, very talented person with lots of charisma that has made some serious mistakes in judgment."
Apparently former Governor Rod Blagojevich's brother did hit Senator Roland Burris up for money, according to a third version of the story Burris has given about his senatorial appointment. Burris claims he did not donate any money to the former governor because he didn't want to been seen as trying to curry favor for the seat.
This week's Reader feature investigates the financial troubles threatening the eviction of Loren Billings, the 89-year-old widow who lives in and runs the Museum of Holography.
That's the plan, although we'll see what City Council has to say about it...
Yesterday, Daley presented his wish list for the Chicago region from the economic stimulus package, including $50 million for O'Hare, $40 million for street construction and an unspecified sum for education and other purposes.
The Wall Street Journal's Collin Levy interviews Daley.
Holsten, the firm currently developing Uptown's embattled Wilson Yard project, has expanded its subpoenas to include two neighborhood organizations: Buena Park Neighbors and the Uptown Neighborhood Council, according to the Chicago Journal. (The real estate firm has already targeted two area blogs.)
If the Tribune's sales tax counter hasn't been a constant reminder that the Cook County Board elections are next year, maybe the return of Paul Vallas will. Carol Marin reports that the ex-CPS chief plans to return to the area at the end to run for county president as a Republican.
In Mechanics, Ramsin Canon notes that 5th Congressional District candidates have begun buying each other's names in Google's Adwords system, allowing them to pop up in searches for competitors. Over on the Windy Citizen, Brad Flora digs up the likely political operative behind the strategy.
The City of Chicago is pleased to announce its new Commission to Waste More than $1 Million was successful.
Lynn Sweet reports that Tammy Duckworth is expected to be named an assistant secretary in the Department of Veterans Affairs on Tuesday morning.
Now that Blago's gone, so will be the physical manifestations of his legacy. If it costs $15,000 to edit 38 highway signs, imagine how much it'll cost to replace the City of Chicago signs once the Emperor steps down...
Here's something you might not have expected to see: a strongly-worded attack on the "railroading" of Rod Blagojevich.
The Olympic bid moves further along with all of the Olympic federations signing off on the city's venues.
Before splitting with a lifetime supply of stolen office supplies this afternoon in Springfield, Rod Blagojevich pardoned past battery- and drug-related convictions of a janitor he met last fall at a homeless shelter, and also expunged a forgery and deception charge against a real estate developer.
If the Gov is indeed ousted today, the Illinois Tollway will almost immediately shroud all those signs proclaiming Rod's awesomeness (like this one). Then they'll take them down.
Governor Blagojevich is starting gave his remarks on the Illinois Senate floor. Here are highlights from the speech.
Gov. Blagojevich plans to deliver a closing argument in the impeachment trial he's avoided all week; tune in to the coverage at about 11am to catch it.
Roland Burris told the audience at a Rainbow/PUSH luncheon earlier this week that "If there was no Martin Luther King Jr. and no Roland Burris, there would be no Barack Obama in the White House today."
We're trying to figure out the likely candidates to succeed Ron Huberman once he moves out of the place he's supposed to be from his CTA job to his CPS one. If you've got any insider info tell us. We would be forever indebted.
Would you keep doing what you're doing at this very moment?
Listen to'em here, if you're interested. [via]
The rumors have been confirmed. Ron Huberman will head the Chicago Public Schools. Reaction runs from congratulatory to pragmatic to critical.
Mystery solved - Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich did his own hair for his appearance yesterday on "The View". [via]
Gawker reports that even Ed Koch doesn't want to talk to Blago.
We've been asking for poetry for Blagojevich to read at his next press conference over in Fuel. "Gov Blago Shakespeare" points us to his own fine collection.
You're going to need a lot of booze if you play along with Chicagoist's Blagojevich drinking game during his appearance on "Larry King Live" tonight.
The Beachwood Reporter's Steve Rhodes is liveblogging the impeachment trial for NBC5.
In case you were wondering, she's not interested. But she thinks she could do the job.
Newly launched RepSheet lists which elected officials serve you, and also shows you the latest news mentioning any of them.
Governor Crazy revealed this morning to Diane Sawyer on "Good Morning America" that he had contemplated asking Oprah Winfrey to take over President Obama's senate seat.
If you weren't already freaked out by his cuckoo press conferences and radio appearances, or his upcoming appearance on The View, perhaps you'll decide that the final nail in Blago's professional coffin is his announcement that he's hired a PR firm that Drew Peterson uses.
Embattled Governor Blagojevich said in a press conference today that the impeachment is really a plot to raise our taxes. And on WLS this morning, he likened it to cowboy justice. Related: RodMustResign.com.
When asked to describe Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, Mayor Daley "puckered his lips and in a high-pitched, sing-song voice used the word 'cuckoo'". [via]
As Fix WIlson Yard forges ahead in its efforts to challenge the city's handling of the Wilson Yard TIF, The Huffington Post examines the history of the project, the positions of Uptown Alderman Helen Shiller and developer Holsten Chicago, and the tangled web of TIFs in Chicago.
Patti Blagojevich has been fired from her $100,000/year job as a fundraiser for the Chicago Christian Industrial League.
Ald. Sharon Dixon of the 24th Ward was arrested this morning for DUI, no proof of auto insurance (is a $100,000+ yearly salary not enough to cover premiums?) and obstructing of traffic by a motorist. Dixon's car was cut off by police cars and fire equipment that were on the scene of a fatal apartment fire in Rogers Park, so she got out and screamed at them to move out of her way.
Crafter and graphic facilitator Brandy Agerbeck created an amazing graphic representation of the key concepts in President Obama's speech today.
In Mechanics, we're liveblogging the inauguration festivities, from both Chicago and DC.
Get out your decoder rings: the Sun-Times sets you straight on who's who in the Blagojevich scandal.
Here are the details of the Inauguration events over the next two days; if you're looking to celebrate with a night on the town, you have options.
According to The Economist, Illinois hasn't been good about lawfully punishing its corrupt governors:
Amazingly, in a state known for sleaze, Mr Blagojevich is the first governor of Illinois to be impeached. Only seven American governors have ever been so canned, though 1920s Oklahoma saw two deploy the National Guard in an effort to deter opponents.
Loyalty is all fine an good, as long as it doesn't involve your state rep defending your cartoon character of a governor because he is her brother-in-law. It seems Deb Mell didn't understand the details of what she was voting for as the lone dissenter in Blago's House impeachment vote. Clout heavy pastry chef: 0, the district that elected her: on the bench.
Roland Burris is Illinois's newest senator.
Rachel Maddow gives a nice mention to the Windy City Times' coverage of Obama's changed opinion (a nice way of saying flip-flop) towards gay marriage during an interview with Gene Robinson, the first openly gay Episcopalian bishop, about Rick Warren's appearance at Obama's inauguration (both will be giving invocations).
Chicago, meet the Neighborhood Electric Vehicle. You may be driving one soon.
"Blagojevich," a rap by the Chi-Town Kids. [via]
The family of a teenager who was shot by an off-duty Chicago cop has been awarded $2.25M by the city in a wrongful death case. The head-scratcher? The kid was shot while he was breaking into the cop's home.
You know that Olympic Village Daley wants to build? It'll be done with TIF dollars, Crain's reports. Ben Joravsky breaks it all down.
Ald. Toni Preckwinkle will be running against Cook County Board President Todd Stroger for his position. She plans on putting her campaign into full gear after the inauguration.
If you can make it to Rosemont next Tuesday, you can watch the inauguration live on a movie screen, courtesy of MSNBC. HollywoodChicago has the details. UPDATE: It'll be showing at Landmark Century Center, too.
In 1996, Mariana Cook photographed couples across the country. Among them were Michelle and Barack Obama, whose interview yields gems like Michelle's "There is a strong possibility that Barack will pursue a political career, although it's unclear."
Josh Micah Marshall reports that it looks like Burris is going to be seated but may not stay for the full two years thanks to Blagojevich's impeachment. Blagojevich could be out by February and then the new governor (possibly Pat Quinn?) would appoint a new senator.
The governor was out jogging while the vote was happening. The lone "no" vote came from a Southwest Side congressman; Elga Jeffries voted "present." Burris may have talked to Blago's staff before his appointment, contradicting previous statements. And the Illinois Supreme Court said nothing further needs to be done to validate Burris as the senate appointee. UPDATE: Blagojevich delivered a statement in response to the impeachment vote.
Via Crain's, the Illinois House voted to impeach Blagojevich 114-1. I don't know how much clearer you can get than that.
House Speaker Michael Madigan said the Illinois House will likely impeach Gov. Blagojevich by the end of the week. Meanwhile, Blago's lawyers asked for the entire Chicago US attorney's office off his case.
The boys in City Hall sure love their downtown businesses. In a classic example of loop-lust the city-wide meters were sold off to a private company while a proposal to increase parking fees in downtown lots and garages was quietly shelved after objection from "business groups." Well this time it may cost them; to the tune of $153 million.
Shepard Fairey's iconic, ubiquitous "Hope" portrait of President-elect Barack Obama has been acquired by the National Portrait gallery. The work should be on display by Inauguration Day. Can't make it to D.C? Check out Go Tell Mama! if you haven't already done so.
Daley reversed his position on limited plowing and resumed full-blown plowing and de-icing throughout the city. He must have been reading Fuel.
Ta-Nehisi Coates writes about "the radical normalcy of Michelle Obama."
Roland Burris is attempting to take "his" senate seat this morning, while Senate leaders insist they won't let him in. The Swamp is liveblogging the confrontation. UPDATE: Burris' credentials have been rejected.
Following a federal appeals court decision, it looks like 330 more red light cameras are on our way.
Prosecutors in the corruption case against Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich just got three more months to present evidence and get an indictment.
Barack Obama and Roland Burris are both leaving Chicago and headed for D.C. One may be back a lot sooner than the other.
Kuma's Corner's January special is particularly topical: the "#@(*&%^ Blagojevich" consists of a 10 oz. hamburger patty, thick sliced bologna and yellow mustard between two grilled cheese sandwiches (made with American cheese and wonder bread), and a large dollar sign written in mustard.
New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson has withdrawn his name as Secretary of Commerce in Obama's cabinet after it was revealed that he was involved with a business that is under federal investigation.
Rahm Emanuel will officially resign from his house seat today. Crain's has a look at the 11 candidates (all Democrats) who have already registered with the Federal Election Commission for this special election, which must take place in the next 115 days.
The increasingly relevant Lt. Quinn announced the 2008 Environmental Hero Awards featuring more than a handful of Chicagoans.
Leather Creations scores on sarcasm with this ad mocking the Blagojevich scandal.
Gawker has an interesting take on Blagojevich's decision to name Burris to Obama's vacant senate seat: "seat [him] or you hate black people." Also, Burris apparently already has already prepared his grave (his real one, not his political one.)
Gov. Blagojevich is expected to name former state Attorney General Roland Burris as Obama's Senator replacement today, although the appointment could be impacted by Senator Majority Leader Harry Reid, who has previously said he wouldn't seat Blagojevich's nominee. Burris also formerly served as the state comptroller, and unsuccessfully ran for governor three times. More in Mechanics.
GB past contributor Ted McClelland on why maybe Blagojevich should be allowed to pick a replacement for Obama.
President Bush announced his list of pardons for this year. Former governor George Ryan is not on the list (and really, no one of celebrity is), but James Won Hee Kang of South Barrington made the cut; in 1985, he was sentenced to one year of probation and a $5,000 fine for trafficking in counterfeit goods.
Obama not only plans to get to his inauguration the same way Abraham Lincoln did, but he'll also be using Lincoln's bible during the swearing-in ceremony.
Has the "Chicago school" of economics, as championed by Milton Friedman, been killed by the current economy and political climate? Some are saying so.
"Governor Rod Blagojevich's press conference on Friday was short on details but long on cheerleader rhetoric." Chicago lawyer and crime novelist Scott Turow weighs in on the Blagojevich scandal, and how he might get off.
Wanna be an alderman? The city of North Chicago has two seats on their city council that apparently nobody wants.
Remember the nude Palin painting at the Old Town Ale House? Well, Governor Blagojevich has joined it -- and he's nude too.
The second annual (but first time in Chicago) "Speaker Series: The Minds That Move The World" brings together some of the most opinionated and often controversial figures in news and politics to candidly discuss whatever is going on in the world at that moment in time. Expect Ann Coulter and Bill Maher to pull no punches when they go at it in March, followed by Al Gore, Arianna Huffington, Paul Begala and more. Presale starts today -- learn more in Mechanics.
Blago won't appoint anyone to Obama's senate seat, according to his attorney. Now we just have to figure out who will.
Patti Blagojevich sent a letter of apology to her neighbors saying they're sorry about media barrage that's invaded their neighborhood over the last two weeks.
Time Out finds photographic evidence of Blagojevich meeting Nixon.
Someone talked concrete with Blago ...and now they're talking to the Feds.
P-E Obama has announced that he and the family will be taking the same train route as Abraham Lincoln took back in 1861 from Philadelphia to Washington, DC for his January 20 inauguration, stopping in Delaware to pick VP-E Joe Biden and his family. The Swamp wonders if Obama's love for Lincoln has gone too far.
Arne Duncan, superintendent of Chicago schoools, is President-elect Barack Obama's pick for Secretary of Education. Look for an announcement Tuesday morning.
Northwestern's law school recently created a new site dedicated to Florence Kelley, one of Chicago's most important social reformers at the turn of the century.
As expected, the Illinois House led by Speaker Michael Madigan has begun the move to impeach Gov. Blagojevich. Madigan says he's been reviewing grounds for impeaching Blago for "about a year."
Future Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel complained to an ABC cameraman who he let into his home to use the bathroom that he has received death threats in the wake of the revelation that he was in touch with Governor Blagojevich's people about President-Elect Obama's senate replacement. Emanuel's staff later denied the conversation happened.
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has begun the process to declare Governor Blagojevich unfit to serve.
Designer Sol Sender talks about the development of the Obama logo. (Previously: 1, 2)
Know an incredible Chicagoan who's helping to put the city on the global map? Nominate her or him to be one of Chicago Public Radio's top 10 global visionaries in Chicago. Nominations are due Jan. 14, and the program "Chicago Matters: Growing Forward" will unveil the winners throughout 2009.
The Obama family plans on coming home to Chicago "every six weeks or couple months" while in the White House. Which makes this recently sold home just outside the barricades around Mr. President-elect's home a pretty sweet move -- or a hassle, depending on your perspective.
Salon presents Glengarry Rod Blagojevich, the Blagojevich scandal imagined as a Mamet play.
Following an agreement from all parties, the Republic Windows & Doors workers have ended their sit-in.
A round-up of Blago news: Obama wants the governor to resign, Jesse Jackson, Jr. is supposedly "Candidate 5," and conservatives are already working to spin this into an Obama scandal. Also, here's a recounting of an interview for Blagojevich speechwriter; Blagojevich! The Musical; and "Blagojevitter," real-time Twitter commentary on the scandal.
As our image in the global media falls from philosopher-king maker to the most corrupt state in the US, we're forced to confront our utter lack of surprise. John Kass sums it up best when he says "...the joke's on us."
As the city's media held a massive freakout over Blago's arrest, Al Gore was in town yesterday to talk to Pres-elect Obama on climate change.
The NY Times has by far the coolest and most helpful graphic I've seen pertaining to the Blagojevich scandal.
Now the city just has to get the DNC to pay for it.
From Sunshine Governor to Mr. Unpopularity. (Note the irony of that first headline -- and this whole day, really -- in light of Blago's comments yesterday.)
Senator Dick Durbin is suggesting Illinois hold a special election so that citizens can vote on who replaces President-elect Obama.
Over at the Daily Daley, here's a round-up of how the world sees Chicago through mayor-centric glasses.
SHARK, SHowing Animals Respect and Kindness, has been trying for years to expose Gov. Blagojevich's connection with alleged corruption in the Illinois rodeo industry.
WGN is reporting that federal authorities have taken Gov. Blagojevich and his Chief of Staff John Harris into custody. UPDATE: the US Attorney's office will hold a press conference at 11am today(live streaming footage here) to discuss the federal corruption charges leveraged against the Governor, which apparently stemmed from the search for a senate replacement for President-Elect Obama. The Trib , NYT and the S-T also have coverage. The Smoking Gun has the criminal complaint document on their site.
A close friend of Governor Blagojevich secretly recorded conversations for the Feds, the Tribune reports. Capitol Fax has rounded up some perspectives from around the state.
Where does Obama eat in Chicago? Anywhere he wants. Actually, Sky Full of Bacon has a more precise list.
Womens Wear Daily assembled submissions from designers such as Carolina Herrera, Michael Kors, Monique Lhuillier and Christian La Croix for Michelle Obama's inauguration gown. A few designers even threw in ideas for Malia and Sasha.
Just when you thought that parking meter privatization deal couldn't get any worse, someone read the fine print: all parking holidays will be off, and no free parking on Sundays, either. City Council votes today; call your alderman. UPDATE: The deal passed City Council 40-5.
Oprah Winfrey will be taking her eponymous talk show to Washington, D.C., broadasting from the Opera House at the Kennedy Center during the week of the inauguration. The show reservation line is closed for the month of January, making this as difficult a get as tickets for the inauguration itself.
Barack Obama isn't officially president yet, but Lee Bey is already making recommendations for his presidential library.
The CTA appears to be cracking down on homeless ridership -- just in time for winter weather -- by posting signage at train terminals reminding passengers that they must pay for another fare to ride a train board a train going the opposite direction. The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless has begun tracking any ejections of homeless people by CTA employees.
NARAL has launched a website featuring local spoken word talent promoting reproductive rights. It was produced by See3 Communications, a local web/video firm working with non-profits.
$15 buys a toy for a refugee child. $25 buys public transportation for a job interview. $50 pays a struggling family's electric bill for a month. It's all in the new gift catalog from Heartland Alliance, the Chicagoland nonprofit that helps poor people and refugees improve their lives.
So what were you doing when you heard the news? The Chicago Reporter wants to know your reaction when you first heard that Barack Obama had won the election as part of their upcoming "50 Days/50 Voices" project. Video, audio and essays are all welcome.
Election night wasn't only a bad night for Republicans; some Austin residents are suing over police actions.
Vote now for your favorite design for next year's Chicago vehicle sticker. It's theme is "Dog Friendly Chicago" and all the stickers were created by Chicago Public School students.
The former Ludlum School in Long Island is now the Barack Obama Elementary School.
Local artist and programmer Dubi Kaufmann created a plugin for Apple's Photo Booth called "Obamafy." The plugin is based on Shepard Fairey's amazingly popular Obama poster.
The Atlantic's Ta-Nehisi Coates ruminates on Eric Holder and on President-elect Barack Obama: "I know Obama is a product of many things. He is first, and foremost, the product of the home his parents and grandparents made for him. But he's also the product of the South Side of Chicago, the historic economic and political power center of black America."
NPR's "Fresh Air" today will feature an interview with former Weatherman, current professor William Ayers about the election and his relationship with Obama. Tune in on WBEZ at 11am or 10pm, or catch the podcast later.
Thousands of Chicagoans turned out on Saturday to voice their disappointment and frustration over the passage of Proposition 8 in California. Luckily, they brought their cameras to share the event with thousands more.
You might have guessed this Obama connection was coming: Natasha Brown of Broadview owns the Dodge Neon that used to belong to Obama. Brown is quoted in the story as saying, "I can't believe the president of the United States would be driving around in a Dodge Neon," she says. "It's a little girl car." Yeah, well maybe George Constanza could tell her a thing or two about owning a celebrity's car.
From "50 Things You Might Not Know About The President Elect": he collects Spider-Man and Conan the Barbarian comics. I think his motto leans more towards "With great power comes great responsibility." than "By Crom...free my hands and I'll varnish this floor with your brains."
The list of potential Obama cabinet appointees grows a little longer every day. Tammy Duckworth for Secretary of Veterans Affairs? Bill Richardson for Secretary of State? Google's CEO for CTO? (Nope.) Will MCcain get a seat? Ah, maybe he should just crowdsource it.
In an unusual turn of events, a student group is sponsoring an updated Chief Illiniwek dance at the U of I. One of the reasons, apparently, is that it inspired at least one student "to be a complete man."
A local woman's story of domestic violence calls into question some of the legal issues surrounding abusers, victims, and their children.
Rahmfacts.com: awesome like Chuck Norris Facts, only they happen to be true. For example: "Rahm Emanuel rides his bike as if he's being chased by The Headless Horseman." [via]
Being there for history being made: priceless.
The latest issue of In These Times features a column on the election from Bill Ayers, the ex-Weatherman and current UIC professor oft brought up during the campaign. [via]
... until there are really good, non-election-related images. So here's my last hurrah: Barack Obama's flickr account, which includes some fantastic behind-the-scenes photos from election night.
A fun Friday diversion, courtesy of Chicagoist: Illinois politicos done "South Park" style.
I bet you're wondering what happens to all the furniture, supplies, and appliances used by Obama campaign offices now that the election is over. Wonder no more: they're being donated. Two-hundred offices across the country have already donated or have pledged to to schools in their communities via iLoveSchools.com.
That headline (or was it just a banner?) on the cover of this week's Reader has stirred up considerable controversy. (Thanks, Andrew!)
Change.gov is the official government website for President-elect Obama's transition team. Upcoming Events features a pretty graphic for the inauguration -- 75 days and counting! And yes, there is a Jobs page page, which features an "Expression of Interest" form for "non-career positions."
If you didn't make it down to Grant Park on Tuesday and would like to get a view other than that of the major networks, there are some interesting alternative views of the event. The real star of the alternative coverage is WBEZ, which asked its flickr pool users to fill specific assignments. The station posted their work in audio/video slideshows and other collections that draw from the pool. Other interesting coverage includes that of Chicago Magazine, Chicagoist, and, of course, the GB flickr pool.
If you'd like to see different ways Obama splashed across frontpages in newspapers today, check out Daily Kos' roundup, or go country-by-country at the Newseum.
Ok, I was wrong. There's nothing else going on in the world but Obamania, and we have Peruvian Shamans to thank for it. [Thanks, Kara!]
The Windy Citizen decided to ask Chicagoans not whether or how they voted, but why. The resulting video project is enlightening.
Barack Obama will be the next president of the United States. (Like we had to tell you.) Listen to his acceptance speech here.
In addition to our ongoing election liveblogging, we've got reporter Sheila Burt on the scene in Grant Park, updating live throughout the evening.
OK, I know we're going a little overboard with the Obama linkage, but this is just too cool not to post.
An excellent Obama/Terkel sticker design -- someone print these up!
Many national chains are offering special free items if you vote (most, if not all, won't require you to show your "I Voted" sticker or slip as proof, either). Get in on some free coffee, donuts, chicken strips, or ice cream at participating businesses.
It's just a hunch, but I think this woman is voting for Obama.
After voting, post a pic of your ballot receipt on Flickr so all the world knows you've done your civic duty.
In an effort to save $1.7 million next year, the city is canceling its free trolly service on January 4.
We're proud to announce the launch of Mechanics our new section focusing on Chicago and Illinois politics. Headed by Revenge of the Second City columnist Ramsin Canon, Mechanics features contributors of every political stripe, all in one place. It's where you'll find our election coverage today, constantly updating throughout the day and into the night.
Hey, is anyone else tired of This. F*cking. Election?
According to a New York Post columnist, when it comes to power-wielding big city mayors, Mayor Daley tops NYC's Bloomberg hands down. Just check out the tale of the tape.
The Trib is assembling questions and answers about Obama's rally on Tuesday. If you have any questions, check out the current list. If you don't see the answer you're looking for, ask them, and they'll work on it.
If you're looking at your sample ballot for tomorrow's election and want to figure out whose going to get your vote for the lesser-known (but still incredibly important) races, here are some endorsements to get the ball rolling: the Sun-Times, the Tribune, the IVI-IPO, Vote for Judges, and the AFL-CIO. If you're looking for information on the decision about the Illinois Constitutional Convention, here you go. The polls open at 6am and close at 7pm.
If you were lucky to receive tickets to Tuesday's Obama rally in Grant Park and you hope to sell your prize, you're out of luck; according to the Democratic National Committee, tickets will be personalized with the requestor's name plus a guest, and will not be transferable.
Prep work continues and tickets will be emailed tomorrow for the planned Obama rally in Grant Park on Tuesday, while city officials seem to be split as to what non-ticketholders should do -- initially encouraging turnout, then discouraging, and encouraging all over again. Meanwhile, everyone seems to have predictions about the event.
Our friends at Coudal Partners are taking Election Day off. Perhaps you should show this to your boss.
Election officials estimate 250,000 Chicagoans took advantage of early voting this year.
Poll-watching site FiveThirtyEight finally made it to Illinois in its "Road to 270" series profiling voting trends in each state.
If you're a "hot chick" with a ticket to Tuesday night's sold out Barack Obama rally in Grant Park, Old Town resident Brad Feldman, 27, wants to take you out. If Brad's not your type, he's not alone.
Mayor Daley is effectively pleading for Obama to keep his hands off of CPS CEO Arne Duncan.
Today's RedEye gives John McCain a virtual black eye when you open the cover, thanks to a well-placed pie chart on page two.
The junior senator from Illinois proves that yes, we can... hold babies (and sundry other children). Bonus: Young Obama in a pirate costume. Yahr.
Early voting ends at 5pm Thursday. Here's a Googlemap of all the early voting locations, created by reader Eamon.
Tickets are now available to Obama's Election Night party in Grant Park. Get'em while they last. UPDATE: Sold out!
Dawwwwwwww! The junior senator from Illinois, as well as his running mate and opponents, have been rendered in Cabbage Patch Kid format.
Over the weekend, someone posted some heavily edited clips from a 2001 "Odyssey" interview with Barack Obama on YouTube. It's making the rounds on political blogs (especially the right-wing ones), so Chicago Public Radio felt it would be a good idea to put them back into context in the full episode.
Approval rating of 13% aside, the Governor says he'd win by "10 points or better" if he was on the ballot in November.
I'm sure it's not a surprise to anyone, but it's official: despite claims Millennium Park would be maintained with private funds, the public is picking up the tab.
That commercial John McCain's people produced linking Barack Obama with "corrupt" Chicago politics? It's ruffling the feathers of some local politicians...and not who you might think.
If you're like me and wondered what the "Proposed Call for a Constitutional Convention" vote that will appear on the November 4 ballot actually is, here are some online resources to help you along in making your decision.
Fashion blog Mrs. O is all about what Michelle Obama has been wearing on the campaign trail. Mrs. O finally visited Chicago to do some more digging, and had nothing but lovely things to say about the city's fashionable finds.
The number of Cook County residents chosing to vote early for this year's election has hit record numbers. If you think you want to jump the gun yourself, you have until October 30.
The Empowered Fe Fes are a local support and action group of young women with disabilities. They're one of 50 Visionaries featured in the November Utne Reader, along with Patricia Watkins of the United Congress of Community and Religious Organizations and State Representative Constance "Connie" Howard.
The Obama campaign confirmed that it's planning to hold an election night party in Grant Park; the only question is how attendance will be managed.
Today is the last day to take advantage of the Voter Registration Grace Period! Be sure to double-check your Voter Registration details. FYI: The office at 69 W. Washington will be open until 10 p.m. tonight.
Bowing to pressure from politicians and donors while citing "safety reasons," the University of Nebraska rescinds a months-old speaking invitation for Bill Ayers.
Following the recent helicopter tragedy, SOAR is upping its criticism of the proposed Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago heliport.
Not as big a news story as that other paper's endorsement, but the Sun-Times editorial board made it official today.
Giving a twist to its longstanding history of backing Republicans for president, the Tribune announced its endorsement of Democrat Barack Obama. This is the first time the paper has endorsed a Democrat for president. In 1872, it backed Horace Greely who ran as an independent but later was endorsed by the Dems.
Following a deal with a local chancery court, Sheriff Dart will resume evictions on Monday.
So what's a Chicagoan to do on election night if Obama wins? Why, brave the cold and celebrate in Grant Park with thousands of your closest friends, of course. You down?
Grab your energy domes, spuds! DEVO is rocking out for Obama and the Summit County Democratic Party! Check out that awesome logo. DUTY NOW FOR THE FUTURE!
If you're concerned about the militarization of the CPD, specifically, the increasing number of officers carrying M4 Assault Rifles (which are popular in war zones like Iraq), you should attend today's "Say No to the M4 Assault Rifle" rally outside the Police Review Board (3510 S Michigan Ave) at 6:30PM.
The controversy over the U of C's proposed Milton Friedman Institute is in the news again following faculty and student denunciation of the Institute at a faculty senate meeting alongside a member of the Institute's faculty committee declaring he is open to changing its name.
In time for the last debate tonight, as previously noted, you can download, print, and don the mask of your favorite political candidate.
A desperate move or his ace-in-the-hole? Britain's Sky News reports that GOP presidential candidate John McCain plans to bring up Democratic opponent's Barack Obama's connection to Chicago professor William Ayers at tonight's debate.
RSVP now to the Chicago chapter of Yes We Carve, a pro-Obama and pro-pumpkin project. The group has posted lots of swell stencils on their site, and will have a Chicago meet & carve on 10/21 in Hyde Park. See Slowdown for details.
If you want to volunteer in the upcoming election, why not serve as a pollwatcher? The League of Women Voters is sponsoring a training session for pollwatchers this Saturday at their offices, 332 South Michigan; contact them to RSVP and get more information.
And if you're planning on voting early (or even voting at all), don't forget to check out voteforjudges.org for information on the 70+ judges up in this year's election.
Chicago Public Radio's not the only place to submit photos of polling places: The New York Times has a Polling Place Photo Project of its own. Matt Maldre of Spudart checked with the Board of Elections regarding photo policies; the response after the jump.
Check out the junior senator from Illinois' "Journey of Life" on Googlemaps. My favorite part was when he worked as a community organizer on top of the Sears Tower.
Did you feel a sudden unexplainable chill down your spine this morning, as if the minions of the Dark Side had assembled their demonic hordes and began a death march across the barren terrain of the living. Yeah, me too. Oh, by the way, Dick Cheney's coming to Chicago tomorrow.
Time interviews Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart for his decision to temporarily suspend foreclosure evictions.
If you aren't going to be able to vote November 4, you can vote early starting today at sites around the city (one in each ward, plus the Election Board Office at 69 West Washington). Early voting ends October 30.
Online shop CostumeStudio will donate 100% of proceeds from costume sales to Invisible Children, an aid organization focused on helping children in war-torn Uganda. Brought to you by the socially-conscious fashion folks at GoodSociety.
Walgreens has removed one set of political toys familiar to the drug store's customers. I suppose the "Property of Barack Obama" sweatshirt and oversized "Obamaniac" buttons will need to find new places to hang.
The Sun-Times' Lynn Sweet breaks down GOP presidential candidate John McCain's latest campaign commercial attempting to link Barack Obama to "the Chicago Way". Sweet notes that McCain choses to focus on Bill Ayers, Tony Rezko and Bill Daley "while the economy is sinking and the Dow is plunging again."
Experience the astounding coincidences of Pool Boy.
"So who's it going to be, man?"
"You mean, for Prezeedent?"
"Yeah."
"Oh, Obama, man. Obama. Do you have some change?"
If the drama in Washington and comedy of the election just aren't enough politics for you, Theater Oobleck has a little more for you. Catch The Trojan Candidate, which imagines that Dick Cheney is a virus from outer space. Yes. It runs through Election Eve, Nov. 3.
If you're looking for a clear picture of Obama and McCain's histories, you might be interested in the graphic novel biographies of the two candidates, available for sale starting Wednesday.
The First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple has installed a crucifix made from a cast of a cross burned at a 1963 KKK rally.
Tomorrow is the last day to register to vote (at your neighborhood polling place) in time for the November 4 elections. The Election Board's website spells out how to take care of this business, but If you aren't able to register today, you can still register up until October 21 under the "grace period" rule. The downside is that you have to vote at the Election Board office (69 West Washington) on Election Day.
Want to get crafty during the debate tonight? You can play some Palin Bingo, try your hand at a Build-O-Bama, or any of these Obama-themed craft projects. [via]
Finally! Chicago police officer Mike Mette will be released from an Iowa prison following an appeals court ruling that his five-year sentence was an unfair conviction.
The Illinois Coalition for Justice, Peace & the Environment is a group of "more than 135 justice, peace, community, labor, immigrant, student, environmental and faith-based groups from across the state."
Wondering where to watch the vice-presidential debates on Thursday? Time Out has a list of viewing parties for you.
Wow. The senator from Illinois as rendered in Etch-a-Sketch... and more!
One-time political inside man Tony Rezko has reportedly been seen making frequent trips to the federal courthouse. Is he spilling the beans in order to get a reduced sentence?
Roger Ebert really did not like Senator John McCain's behavior at Friday night's presidential debate: "Before the debate, pundits were wondering if you might explode in a display of your famous temper. I think we saw that happen, all right, but it was an implosion. I have instructed my wife to exclude you from any future dinner parties."
The Reader's Michael Miner predicts that this will be the year the Tribune endorses its first Democratic candidate for President.
Harper's interviews Nate Silver, the Chicago writer and analyst who created the election projection site FiveThirtyEight.
Well this should make Ben Joravsky happy. Due to lack of support from the governor we all love to hate, Daley and friends have decided to shut down the central loop TIF only a year and a half after its original expiration date. So we can actually see where some of our money is going? Amazing.
Local poet Jennifer Karmin is asking the public for collaboration on a four-thousand-word poem that she plans to perform on behalf of the American soldiers killed in Iraq. The anti-war street performance will be read on October 3 in front of the Vietnam War Memorial as part of the Chicago Calling Arts Festival.
...he's the mayor's brother and Boss Daley is a bit miffed at GOP presidential candidate John McCain for linking brother Bill to the "corrupt Chicago Machine." But just to show that corruption goes both ways, the mayor reminded everyone of the "Keating Five".
The Illinois Senate voted 55-0 to override Gov. Rod Blagojevich's veto of a state ban on campaign donations from supporters seeking to do business with the state.
Not content to take shots at Barack Obama's level of experience, presidential opponent John McCain levels his political shotgun at the "Chicago Machine" in a new campaign commercial and pretty much doesn't miss anyone.
CloutWiki is a new site showing who knows who and who owes who in Chicago politics.
Landmarks Illinois has released its Chicagoland Watch List, an annual review of threatened buildings in Chicago. If you're so inclined, you can vote on which ones should be preserved at the Trib.
I'm sure none of us are excited about waste water running into the lake, but people in Wisconsin seem to like our waste water even less than we do.
Chicago Public Radio has dug up an archival interview with Barack Obama from his 2004 campaign for Senate.
The University of Chicago magazine contemplates what it means to be "U of C," and whether that's a legitimate criticism of presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama.
While we spend plenty of time fretting about our public transportation system, the American Public Transportation Association reminds us we're not alone.
Senator Barack Obama raised $66 million last month, setting a new monthly record for presidential fundraising.
GB's Party Line columnist Peter Zelchenko was arrested for allegedly going over his 3 minutes of talk time at a Planning Commission meeting; he was protesting the building of soccer fields for the Latin School. Ben Joravski describes the scene and its aftermath.
Angry Uptown residents are uniting under the banner of Fix Wilson Yard, and a few days ago sent a letter to Mara Georges [PDF], Corporate Counsel for the City, announcing their intention to file a lawsuit over alleged misuse of the TIF site. CC'd on the letter: Target, originally announced as the anchor retail store but never formally committed. (And don't expect that movie theater, either.)
Alderman Fioretti is taking on the "metal bat cartel" by proposing a ban on the use of metal bats by those under 18. He says, "It's not a question of foie gras. That's what choice is. This is an issue of actual injury." Hm.
VP candidate Joe Biden hung out in Lincoln Park this week and told fundraisers how he plans to handle opponent Sarah Palin in their debates. Bottom line: no kid gloves.
Find out how much your neighbors have been donating to the presidential candidates this election on the Huffington Post's Fundrace2008 map.
Count down to the November 4 elections with the 2008 Election Day Advent Calendar, a traditional advent calendar with daily political tidbits (instead of bleh pastoral winter scenes) to rev you up until the end of the election season. The calendar begins at October 6 and costs $15.
Last week's discussion of a preliminary landmark designation for a section of River North was on the schedule then off again due to intervention from Alderman Brendan Reilly. The action will now go down during the Landmark Commission's October meeting.
If you've ever wanted a crash course in our part of the world's tendency to lease public property to private interests, the Trib has you covered.
Looking for a blog on Illinois (and national) politics? This list from MidwestBusiness.com is a good place to start.
In her GOP convention speech, Sarah Palin gave a little slap in the face to community organizers. A Chicago community organizer (not Obama) slaps back.
Those "America's Next Top Model" auditions are at the Congress Hotel -- which has been under a strike for the last five years. UNITE HERE! let us know it's planning an extra special protest against the crossing of the picket line. Head on down at 10am to watch the fun. UPDATE: The auditions have been moved to the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place.
If the rain and gloomy skies has gotten you down today, here's something to give you a much-needed chuckle: Todd Stroger says that patronage is over.
Jesse Jackson, Jr. talks about all the Illinois politicians hugging at the DNC.
Des Plaines residents don't care much for silk flowers. The only thing that's made them more upset? Casinos.
You better not pout, you better not cry, you better not ask about his seven houses and here's why: John McCain is coming to town. (With apologies to Santa.)
The Moving Wall, a replica of the Vietnam War Memorial, will be making a stop at UIC beginning this Thursday and will be open around the clock until Monday at the corner of Harrison and Halsted.
Whether you're a fan of Obama, McCain, or a Hillary booster, you can embroider your vote with free redwork patterns from Black Threads, a blog about African American quilting. [via]
Local comic artist Alex Ross created a shirt revealing the senator from Illinois' secret identity.
236.com's quiz finally solves the age-old question: "Which inflammatory pastor are you?"
In case you missed it, the Democratic Party put together a special bio video to introduce Barack Obama at the DNC.
Boutiqueville reports that Michelle Obama was looking lovely in Maria Pinto, while the senator will be dapper tonight in threads made by Chicago's Hart Schaffner & Marx. Of course, those two could wear burlap sacks and Wisconsin cheesehead hats and still look fabulous.
While we're all watching the DNC Convention, I thought I'd point out this utterly useless but fascinating fact: according to Wikipedia, Rahm Emanuel (Dem Congressman for much of the North Side) has "lost part of his right middle finger to a meat slicer while an employee at Arby's as a teenager." It's hard for me to imagine him fixing a Beef & Cheddar, but stranger things have happened.
A group called The Cancer Project is going to run ads in our neck of the woods in September critiquing hot dogs and school lunches. Among those who are mad are the National Hot Dog & Sausage Council. Yes, there is a National Hot Dog & Sausage Council.
Alderman Richard Mell (33rd), among others, was was asked to leave a Denver hotel after attempting to help a first-time delegate get her picture taken with John Kerry. He's decided to swear off Heinz ketchup as revenge.
Here's a round-up of all the Chicago media covering the Democratic National Convention in Denver: Chicago Public Radio, "Chicago Tonight," Crain's, Daily Herald, Sun-Times Tribune, ABC 7, CBS 2, Fox News Chicago, NBC 5's Division Street, WGN. (Let us know if we missed any.) UPDATE: Lumpen is covering the action out on the streets.
In a look back at the 1968 Democratic National Convention, NPR compares Mayor Richard J. Daley to his son Mayor Richard M. Daley and concludes that Richard the Younger could very well serve more years in office than his father.
On the eve of the Democratic National Convention, Chicago magazine compares Barack Obama to one of Chicago's previous presidential candidates, Adlai Stevenson.
Illinois Senate President Emil Jones has a lot on his plate these days. Abruptly resigning so that his son can take over his job seemed like enough work, but now Delmarie Cobb, a black political consultant who is also a delegate for Hillary Clinton alleges that Jones called her an "Uncle Tom" for Cobb's support of the former presidential candidate. Jones denies making the slur, but said that instead he called her and other Clinton supporters "doubting Thomases."
The Sun-Times has uncovered that 3 percent of all county employee charitable donations gets kicked back to the "Cook County Charitable Fund," controlled by County Board President Todd Stroger's administration. [via]
The Associated Press has reported that Barack Obama will announce later today that he has chosen Delaware senator Joe Biden as the vice presidential nominee for this fall's campaign.
Apparently hoping to undercut even his previous showing against Obama, Allen Keyes is going to run for president as the American Independent Party candidate. This time, he'll be a write-in candidate in Illinois.
A quick look at the DNC speaker line-up shows just how heavily Chicago will be represented: everyone from the President of Illinois SEIU to the Chicago City Clerk is on the bill. If you're looking for more details on Monday's speakers, the day heaviest with locals, the AP has you covered.
Chicago's unemployment rate is up to 7.5 percent -- 2.1% over last year -- and we lost 2,700 jobs.
You may not have any memories of the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, but your parents might. Tell them that Chicago Public Radio wants to hear their stories. (In the meantime, Vocalo.org really wants to hear from you.)
Make a video about why Chicago should host the Olympics and post it on the new (beta) Olympic video site.
From four-story condos to Calatrava's tower, Chicago is getting bigger and taller. Unfortunately, there's likely nothing you can do about it should that huge new development loom over your yard.
Speaking of the DNC Convention, our very own Mayor Daley will be speaking on the theme of "Securing America's Future" along with former President Clinton and others.
Retiring Senate President Emil Jones is hoping to follow the dubious Illinois tradition of setting up one's child or spouse as successor.
Barack Obama's senior economics advisor is (in Obama's words) just like him: a skinny, tall, youthful, geeky guy with big ears and a funny name who taught at the U of C. Read about Austan Goolsbee in MIT's Technology Review.
Bringing the Threadless model to politics, the Obama campaign has launched Tees by the People, where you can upload your own shirt for our hometown candidate.
Perhaps still upset that he didn't get that raise he wanted, State Senate President Emil Jones is expected to announce his retirement this afternoon.
In June, PBS determined that, starting in September, they would cease daily broadcasts of Mister Roger's Neighborhood and provide member stations with single episodes, to be shown only on weekends. Naturally, many fans are up in arms, including local cartoonist Chris Ware, who wrote a very thoughtful letter of protest to PBS.
In an Olympic angle amazingly un(der)covered by the media, the Trib takes a look at suburban support -- and lack thereof -- for the Olympics.
You know it's not a good day for the Gov when he gets taken to task by a high schooler.
Bowing to pressure and going against Senate President Emil "I need a raise" Jones, the Illinois Senate voted against a 12 percent pay raise that would have kicked in automatically this week; Jones voted present. They'll still get a 3.8 percent cost of living increase.
So the state was all "This stuff is ours," but the city was all "Nah, it's ours." Then there was a lawsuit, and the city's now all "Ok, ok, it's yours."
Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn has set up an online petition to fight the 12 percent pay raise that will kick in automatically unless the State Senate votes against it.
Ever wondered what the world's most famous film critic thinks about Olympic ceremonies, China or President Bush? Wonder no more.
The Windy Citizen launched a new blog on Thursday to cover Bensenvile's plight in the O'Hare expansion. Particularly interesting is a google map highlighting the places discussed on the blog.
Free 12oz cups of coffee simply weren't enough for one cop.
How's this for a juicy article about our newest disgraced Alderman?
Busted by the FBI shortly before her failed re-election contest in 2007, former 20th Ward Alderman Arenda Troutman pled guilty today to charges including bribery.
More women would carpool or go on vacation with Barack Obama than with John McCain, says a new poll.
From the What if...? universe comes big-headed and squishy President Obama, looking a bit stunned or possibly stoned. Elsewhere, President McCain looks no less hydrocephalic and totally baked.
Senator Obama is 47 today, proving that the baby-faced candidate is, in fact, aging in reverse. In related news, have you seen Obama's birthday present? It may be in the presence of some rather big shirts and pants.
With all that new money flooding the Cook County coffers, lobbyists are getting paid more than ever to help the board members spend. Here is the County Clerk's report.
The recent Supreme Court decision that effectively invalidated handgun bans has caused Wilmette and Morton Grove to drop theirs and Evanston to consider it. Chicago? It's going to court.
Yesterday, Daley bucked an executive order and delayed the release of his budget until as late as September 30. Why? A $400 million shortfall.
With an ordinance to require spaying and neutering of cats and dogs being debated, Bob Barker's sure to be found.
The New Republic on what U of C's right-leaning law faculty think of their former colleague.
There are plans afoot to reenact the 1968 DNC protests. Tell your parents.
Via P.I., a report by AlterNet’s Jessica Pupovac on the dozens of black Chicago men who remain behind bars, despite their confessions having been elicited by former Commander Jon Burge’s regime of torture. One interesting tidbit: it’s up to Attorney General Madigan to move on reviewing these cases, and they’ve been on her desk since 2002.
I've seen a lot of Obama products in the last few months, but none of them compare to the Obama lollipop.
Of course, the New Yorker article on Obama may be thorough and fluffy, but the cover image has stirred up all kinds of controversy. The artist defended himself in an email to and interview with the Huffington Post.
We've all read a dozen articles about how Chicago influenced Obama, but The New Yorker offers a particularly thorough reading of the subject. On the other side of the coin, the AP treats us to a nearly content-less article about how Obama liked WALL-E.
So it's probably just a stray bullet, but maybe a certain Alderman has been straying a little too far from the machine.
The Sun-Times pins the failure of "botanic garden" park renovation in Englewood on Obama.
Denver and Minneapolis may get all of the attention for hosting the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, respectively. But for progressives, Chicago is the center of the universe as the Green Party kicks off its national convention here today.
The New York Times tells the story of one of the founders of Facebook who left it all behind to move to Chicago and work for Barack Obama.
Yesterday some guy named Ringo Starr spent his birthday handing out cupcakes at the Hard Rock Hotel to spread "peace and love."
In These Times takes a look at the strike against the Congress Hotel which has been going for over 5 years now, making it the longest active strike in the US.
The Tribune reports on the sad state of public housing in Chicago.
Code violations were found at Cabrini Green following the death of Curtis Cooper, the 3-year-old who was crushed by a rusty gate at the project last week.
The Cook County sales tax will take a nice upward hike to 10.25% tomorrow, making it the highest in the nation.
The production of "Ragtime" set to be performed in Wilmette's Gillson Park was cancelled two weeks before opening due to concerns over its racially charged language.
Certain UNITE HERE Local 1 members may soon be joined by funeral home employees on Chicago's picket lines.
Today's front page Boston Globe: Obama's public housing privatization skeletons — starring his famous cloutmates and featuring the fiasco in Woodlawn known as Grove Parc — are rattling his sketchy federal housing policy plan.
The Chicago Dyke March, an alternative to the massive Pride Parade this weekend, happens tomorrow afternoon in the Pilsen neighborhood, rather than the Andersonville neighborhood it's been in for the past few years. Full details in Slowdown.
The Supreme Court’s ruling today affirming an constitutional right to bear arms puts Chicago’s own 26-year-old handgun ban on the chopping block. Mayor Daley is furious, and John McCain calls out Chicago by name in his statement.
State Sen. Martin Sandoval, whose district includes
part of the southwest side of the city, is a Democrat, counts many
powerful Democrats — including Mayor Daley and Ald. Ed Burke —
as constituents, but he’s supporting John McCain for president. Rep.
Mike Madigan is also one of Sandoval’s constituents, and a General
Assembly ally. Progress Illinois wants to know what the
Speaker thinks of his friend’s turn to the dark side. UPDATE: Sandoval hasn't endorsed McCain, he's merely entertaining the possibility.
The Green Party is holding its national convention in Chicago July 10-13, at the Palmer House and Orchestra Hall. In the meantime, the party's '00 candidate, Ralph Nader, plans to file to get on the ballot in Illinois as an independent.
Adam Verwymeren, who’s a journalism student at Medill, has produced a fun-for-the-whole-family primer on everyone’s favorite mayoral slush fund, TIF districts. According to the Reader’s Ben Joravsky, the cartoon is a hit over in City Hall.
Sen. Barack Obama brought 16 Democratic governors to Chicago today for a party unity/executive leadership meet-n-greet. Conspicuously absent from the love fest was — wait for it — our home state governor Rod Blagojevich, who, according to a spokesperson, was busy overseeing the Downstate crisis. Which presumably means the flooding, and not, say, his 17% approval rating.
Politics and publishing powerhouse Arianna Huffington told a journalism conference in the U.K. yesterday that The Huffington Post will be getting into the local news business, and will kick off with a Chicago edition. (Indeed, a Chicago placeholder page is already live.) The plan is to expand to “dozens of U.S. cities,” and signals Huffington’s desire to expand beyond the political blogging and news aggregation for which the site is known.
A handful of Chicagoans think Carol Marin would make an awesome host of Meet the Press. Are you one of them?
Slate wants you to know the shocking truth about Obama. Forward it to your republican Aunt Tilly the next time she sends you a batch of religious poems, knock-knock jokes, emoticons, and LOLCats.
The Anti-Advertising Association Foundation has a bunch of events for you advertising and marketing folk this week: office hours at Mess Hall, film fest at Hideout and a footbag tourney in front of the Leo Burnett building at 35 W. Wacker. All events aim to decrease the commercialization of culture and provide a haven for conscience-stricken creative pros.
TIF districts (definition) now cover 30 percent of the city. The Windy Citizen puts all Chicago's TIFs on a map.
Jones Soda (the pop with the whacky photographs on its labels), is prognosticating the election's outcome by selling bottles of Campaign Cola on their web site. Somewhat unsurprisingly, Yes We Can Cola is currently about 2,000 votes ahead of Pure McCain and Capitol Hillary Colas.
Wow. Looks like the skinny kid with the funny name is moving DNC operations to our beloved burg.
The Chicago regional tournament portion of the 2008 Cuervo Air Guitar Championships gets down tonight at the Metro. Over in Transmission, we take a minute to give you the skinny on why so many consider air guitar a true competitive sport.
A new Brookings report analyzing U.S. regional attributes documents a 14% decline in Chicago's middle class and the 10th worst disparity between high and low income earners.
The City Council approved the move of the Chicago Children's Museum from Navy Pier to Grant Park 33-16. Share your thoughts in Fuel.
UNITE HERE Local 1 has been on strike at the Congress Hotel since 2003. At odds over wage and benefit increases the union says would bring the Congress in line with other Chicago hotels, the two sides have barely budged since the strike began, and prospects for a settlement anytime soon are slim. Adam Doster at P.I. reviews the situation.
If you have some free time this morning around 11, Obama will be in the Hermann Hall Ballroom on IIT's main campus to hold in a roundtable discussion on the economy. The event, itself, is invitation only, but who knows what opportunities may arise.
If a benevolent mood strikes you, act on it! At OneBrick Chicago, you can find an upcoming way to donate a few hours of your time. Want to pack cookies for the Night Ministry? Usher at the Goodman? Get your garden on? RSVP for a volunteer opportunity ASAP.
For those who haven't been keeping score, here's a rundown on the losing battle to stamp out corruption amongst Chicago's movers, shakers and money-makers.
“So much for the treasured City Council tradition of deferring to the wishes of the local aldermen on zoning issues.” So begins Fran Spielman’s dispatch on the latest hurdle cleared by the plan to re-build the Children’s Museum in Grant Park. The victim of the violation of aldermanic perogative is Brendan Reilly, a freshman who picked a fight with Mayor Daley over the issue.
A jury at the Dirksen Federal Building moments ago convicted political fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko on 16 counts of mail fraud, wire fraud, bribery and money laundering. (They acquitted him of eight counts of wire fraud, attempted extortion and money laundering.)
Speaking of Obama, the Chicago priest who vigorously endorsed Obama and mocked Hillary has been asked to take a leave of absence by Cardinal George.
With Barack Obama's (presumptive) Democratic primary win all sewn up, The London Times gives the A-Z of his remarkable life. Guess what the "C" stands for? There's also an AP bio on Obama with photos from throughout his life.
Embedded in the text of the indictments handed down by U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald’s office May 22 charging bribes and corruption in our city’s building and zoning departments, are Chicago addresses, locations where these crimes are alleged to have taken place. EveryBlock does a deep-dive into these addresses, highlighting choice greased-palm spots such as the Starbucks at Clark and Washington.
The blogger/statistician known pseudonymously as “Poblano,” who had developed an uncanny model for predicting election results, revealed himself Friday to be Nate Silver, 30, of Chicago. Silver is already well-regarded for developing a baseball prediction system that yields similarily reliable outcomes. Josh Kalven at Progress Illinois interviewed him today about both pursuits.
Drivers looking to get the "lowest reported gas station prices" can call the city's new hotline at 312-742-4427 or look online. The website is also where the city asks users to report gas station prices.
Speaking of keeping kids out of trouble, last night NBC Nightly News profiled Harold Davis, a contractor with the CPS who puts kids to work refurbishing school auditoriums and other buildings. Davis wrote an essay about his work for the Tribune last month.
Well, maybe not assignments, per se, but at least one former police officer is detailing rampant on-the-job "creative writing."
Chicagoan Thomas Hynes—former Cook County Assessor, Illinois Senate president, and longtime Democratic party elder—is one of the 30-member Rules and Bylaws Committee of the Democratic National Committee, which is holding its meeting today in Washington, D.C., to figure out what to do with Florida and Michigan’s delegates, who’s respective states violated the party’s rules when they held their primary elections earlier than they were allowed. Hynes, father of Dan Hynes, the current Illinois comptroller, is himself a superdelegate who has endorsed Sen. Barack Obama for president.
Mayor Daley. At present, 193 comments on The Daily Northwestern suggest students aren't impressed.
Everybody's favorite grumpy (indicted) grandpa, former Gov. George Ryan, gets a hand from another ex-gov, Jim Thompson, in getting Ryan's 6 1/2 year prison sentence commuted.
U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald is having a busy week. A day after rounding up members of the Gangster Disciples in a The Wire-style bust, Fitz and Inspector General David Hoffman charged 15 in a bribes scheme involving city zoning, building, and construction permits. 7 of those charged are city employees.
In addition to our flickr group, you may want to check out the Chicago Office of Tourism's new group, which gives you a shot of being featured on their Chicago's Great Urban Adventures site.
An analysis of the 100 most networked people in Chicago (and in list form.)
The city sees eBay and StubHub as "reseller agents," as such, it argues they owe the city taxes.
Blair Kamin alerts us that the National Trust for Historic Preservation will name the Michigan Ave. streetwall to its annual list of endangered places. The Trust is concerned about threats of rooftop development, like proposed plans for the Chicago Athletic Association Building.
The promoter’s license ordinance was tabled last week, but that doesn’t mean it’s dead. The Chicago Music Commission, which has taken the lead in pushing for changes to the measure, is asking for your input. They will deliver all comments to the Mayor and the City Council. Fill out the survey by 5 p.m. this Friday.
The foie gras ban sponsored by 49th Ward Alderman Joe Moore was the subject of much controversy, and on Wednesday the City Council repealed it. But, according to Moore, the real victim may not be foodies or geese, in any case, but hopes for a more democratic legislative process and the ability to address the challenges that face the City. In an email to constituents, the alderman elaborates and warns of an increasingly unaccountable executive.
Mayor Daley's summer home in Michigan might have been the (unsuccessful) target of arsonists angry over the April shooting of a cougar in Roscoe Village. Two of his neighbors got the heat instead. Literally.
The Arkansas-based company sought to build one of its warehouses on wheels at a shopping center in Chatham, but now the property has a “for sale” sign and plans for that or any future development in Chicago appear dead. Progress Illinois has more.
Ald. Thomas Tunney is seeking to force a City Council vote to overturn the foie-gras ban today. UPDATE: the repeal passed, and Hot Doug's will be serving its foie gras-duck sausage "as soon as he sees the law on paper."
As previously noted, presumably in response to overwhelming criticism of the proposed promoters' license ordinance, City Council will not hold a vote on it today. Of course that means there's more time to influence the process.
Now's your chance to storm City Hall: Sign up and commit to showing up at the Wednesday, May 14th City Council meeting to oppose a law that protesters say will hit musicians and small theater groups with unfair new licensing fees, making it tougher than ever to perform around town. Tabled! (Previously.)
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal involving O'Hare and the St. John's United Church cemetery, knocking aside another barrier to the airport's expansion plans.
Crain's Chicago Business profiles the Pilsen design firm that created the Obama brand logo.
Get activated at SaveChicagoCulture.org. (Previously.)
Anne Elizabeth Moore interviews the creators of The Barack Obama Project, which examined how Obama has been represented in photographs.
He usually writes about the local architecture, but "urbanist" Lee Bay turns his attention to the gas crisis and even gives the presidential candidates a free speech sure to garner them votes.
Speaking of legislation, City Council is once again trying to push through a "promoters' ordinance" that could severely limit live music in Chicago. Contact your alderman and get this stopped! UPDATE: The ordinance has made it out of committee, and is now headed to the full Council for a vote next week. Which means it's even more important that you voice your concern to your alderman. Jim DeRogatis has the full text of the proposed ordinance up on his blog, along with a statement from the Chicago Music Commission.
Alex Kotlowitz looks at Gary Slutkin's Cease Fire, a program aimed at reducing gun violence in Chicago. [via]
No matter how funny it may be to officially add "IN THE NAAAAME OF LOVE" and "AND SMELL THE ROSES" to stop signs, you can't.
It might be last-minute notice, but Libertyville native Tom Morello ("Rage Against The Machine" front man) is headlining a free May Day Rally concert today, 1:30 p.m., at the Federal Plaza in the Loop, 230 S. Dearborn. Get there if you can.
Obviously displeased with the Chicago Children's Museum's proposed new home in Grant Park, the Trib released its fifth alternative location for the museum.
May 1st is becoming synonymous with immigrant rights. The last two years saw massive demonstrations as immigrants and their allies responded to an increasingly hostile political landscape. Tomorrow’s rally will kick off at Union Park, and while no one is expecting the massive crowds of ‘06 or ‘07, the continuing challenge of immigration reform promises to draw a broad coalition.
Our neighbors to the south, in Marion, Indiana need some help. The Marion-Grant County Humane Shelter is closing down at the end of May or early June and all animals need to go to a loving home. Unfortunately, any animals still at the shelter at its time of closing will be euthanized. There are some dogs whose status is urgent and photos and more details on those dogs can be found here. If you're looking to adopt and dog or cat and can find your way down to Marion, Indiana, please consider this an option.
On this day 25 years ago, Harold Washington was sworn in as mayor of Chicago, the first African-American to ascend to that seat. ArchPundit has been remembering the man all day today.
Former Trinity United Church of Christ senior pastor Rev. Jeremiah Wright continued his media blitz with a speech at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. (in which he slammed Dick Cheney's military credentials, or lack thereof). But a Washington Post columnist offers another perspective on Wright.
It wasn’t long ago that the City Clerk could update his website with a copy-and-paste of a previous City Council meeting’s roll call, because everyone simply voted the same way. Now an emerging bloc of aldermen is making his job harder by defying the Mayor with regularity. Dubbing themselves the “Independent Caucus,” they’re championing liberal causes, and testing the limits of their own power and resolve. Progress Illinois looks back on year one.
The rise in fuel prices over the last few years may cause the CTA more operating budget pain on top of its recent funding challenges. Sen. Dick Durbin, who is asking the Federal Trade Commission to investigate changes in the price of oil, says that the transit agency may be on the hook for an additional $25 million in diesel and other fuels this year.
I was eating lunch in the Flat Top by Harpo Studios today when a man asked permission ... to break a 2"x4" in the restaurant. It turns out the man, Ron Werstler, is representing Caring Now for Kids and came to Chicago to raise $250,000 for a girl with cystic fibrosis, perhaps by getting on Oprah.
There's a movement determined to add a recall provision to the Illinois constitution -- primarily so it can be used to oust Governor Blagojevich. They've been fairly successful up to now: it passed the House, but it looks like the bill won't make it out of the Senate.
Chi-Town Daily News profiles the city's only Republican alderman, Brian Doherty of the 41st Ward.
AREA Chicago is launching a new blog, Report Back, which is "dedicated to documenting events and people's impressions of them throughout Chicago." It's a bare bones site at the moment, but they'd like to change that with reader submissions.
Given the overwhelming shortage of Section 8 housing vouchers in Chicago, the CHA's plan to hold an additional lottery is welcome news.
Remember yesterday's blue line snafu? Check out images of the passenger revolt with some additional details via the NYTimes.
A 2006 fire destroyed the landmark Pilgrim Baptist Church in Bronzeville. That year, Gov. Blagojevich pledged $1,000,000 of state funds to aid in the rebuilding. The recipient of that money, however, wound up being the Loop Lab School on Michigan Ave. Our Auditor General may investigate the matter.
It’s been a funny week for Da Mare. Yesterday, he mused about changing the city’s motto to “City of Children.” Passionate about ‘em. More hilariously, on Wednesday, amid calls for a boycott, he said the Olympics are “not political.” Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha — what a kidder.
While the Olympic torch was in San Francisco yesterday, the Tibetan community in Chicago was active with a protest of their own.
WFMT critic and interviewer Andrew Patner has a blog covering the arts, classical music, and occasional forays into local politics--all in his inimitable Patnervian style.
You know you're gonna get a new bike this Spring anyway, so give that old one away to someone who can use it. Working Bikes Cooperative will accept and refurbish your old bike at several events this month and in May at various sites around the city. Money from bikes that are sold goes toward shipping bikes and bike parts to developing countries.
This week saw the Chicago Tribune — er, Rep. Jack Franks and the state House advance a bill that would allow voters to conduct recall referenda on statewide elected officials. While it has long odds — the Senate is unlikely to take it up — that hasn’t deterred the Trib’s editorial board from championing the cause. Illinois currently has a constitutional mechanism for removing politicians from office, in the form of impeachment.
He could have taken his civil rights campaign anywhere, but Dr. Martin Luther King came to Chicago in 1966. He and his family lived in a small, 2 bedroom apartment at 1550 S. Hamlin Ave. He worked on making housing available to all, something that plagues the community to this day. King was assassinated in Memphis 40 years ago today, at a time when he was expanding his critique of the U.S. to include the war. A West Side march in memorial is planned for today.
The Chicago Children's Museum has submitted the zoning change application in hopes it can move to the Daley Bicentennial Plaza in Grant Park.
"The idea wasn't to have him bowl, the idea was to have him go to a bowling alley," explained Obama campaign chief David Axelrod regarding the senator's piteous outing last weekend in Pennsylvania (he scored an 80). Apparently Obama dominates the boards, so expect to see his athletic coordination on display soon (which is important for us to know when picking a president).
Political analyst Ted Rall thinks Chicago may erupt into riots if Clinton gets the nomination instead of Obama. Seriously?
The Rezko trial resumed yesterday after a week off, with the state's star witness confessing to all manner and means of illicit intoxication: and that was under direct examination! Levine's tales of binges in Lincolnwood, the Hancock, and Springfield were a dirty-laundry airing designed to get ahead of the defense's attempt to tear down his credibility. Now, someone get Stu some B-12 and orange slices.
AREA Chicago's new 1968/2008 takes a new look at the cultural legacy of 1968 in Chicago: the Democratic National Convention, riots, Chicago 10, Daley's shoot to kill order, etc.
It’s nearly the 10th anniversary of the treaty establishing the International Criminal Court in The Hague. While it’s had its critics, the permanent body seeking justice in places like Darfur has won support from 106 countries. (And no, not from the U.S.) This month, DePaul’s International Human Rights Law Institute is hosting a conference on the ICC, a rare opportunity for Midwesterners.
Crain's has a nifty feature that allows you to map political donations by address, among other options. I discovered that of the $1.2 million in donations within four miles of my house, $46,845 went to Republicans. I guess the South Side is liberal or something...
Donna Dunnings, the recently named Chief Financial Officer of Cook County, celebrated her promotion with a stunning $17K pay raise that brings her salary to nearly $160K. Dunnings, who is a cousin of County Board President Todd Stroger, was previously the county's budget director. She took that position in 1999 after being hired by John Stroger; the position was never advertised, and Dunnings was the sole applicant. FYI, Todd Stroger will be seeking re-election in 2010.
Chicago litigator Dan Webb has been named as the lead defense attorney in the case of Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, who was charged with perjury, obstruction of justice and official misconduct this morning in connection with a whistleblower lawsuit by former Detroit cops who uncovered Kilpatrick's affair with his former chief of staff Christine Beatty.
Six members of Catholic Schoolgirls Against the War protested the Iraq war during the Holy Name Cathedral's Easter Mass today.
Despite the recent snizzle storms, spring is here, and it's time to plant stuff. Even if you lack a lawn, you can still get into the gardening spirit by "seed bombing" your nearest vacant lot. This video, shot in Pilsen by locals Fresh Cut Media, provides a concise how-to and tips on the latest trend in guerrilla gardening. Seed bombs away ...
Political strategist David Axelrod is key to the Obama campaign -- as well as the campaigns of ComEd, Cablevision and AT&T.
Obama sat down with the Tribune editorial board on Friday to flesh out the specifics of his relationship with Tony Rezko. The resulting coverage includes an article, an editorial, a column by John Kass and the transcript of the entire session, in case you've got some time on your hands this weekend.
Steve Delahoyde and Schadenfreude have been examining the logic of the Clinton campaign.
One anti-ice solution Chicago and surrounding communities are using this year is mixing beet juice with salt. Unfortunately, while it helps cut down on the amount of salt used, it has its own problems.
That's right, at least one commentator thinks we can be a model for reforming South Africa's corruption.
Reuters helps newspapers boost sales with a story about a flu pandemic study that used Chicago as a model. Oh-so-surprisingly, flu contagion reduction strategies would not be "like a snow day."
The AP's written up a primer on Tony Rezko, Barack Obama and what it all means (and doesn't).
U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush, whose district stretches from Bronzeville to Tinley Park, had a cancerous tumor removed from his salivary gland on March 1 and will spend the next few weeks recuperating.
The Gary Comer Youth Center's 8,600-square-foot rooftop garden is coming into its own.
The Chicago Loop Alliance recently released redevelopment suggestions for the Michigan Avenue side of the Illinois Center. One sample idea: a "modern adaptation of the Spanish Steps in Rome."
Uno, the first beagle to win the Westminster dog show, was honored by the Lt. Gov. in Chicago yesterday. That's right, yesterday was "Uno the Beagle Day."
Though some might consider Hillary's ideas of a joint-ticket a dream come true, Democratic strategist Anita Dunn has a much harsher term for it: Tactical Silliness.
Reviewing 5,700 zoning changes confirms that developers' campaign contributions are linked to upzoning.
Second City Cop alerted us to the plight of Michael Mette, a Chicago cop who is currently serving a five-year prison sentence in Iowa for assault after an October 2005 fight at a party where he reportedly punched a person in self-defense; Mette's case has been a circus from the beginning, with his lawyer advising him that being from Illinois would give him less favorable treatment in court, a judge who did not disclose her political ties to Mette's lawyer, and the lack of evidence that Mette even caused physical harm to anyone that night. An online petition has been created in the hopes of getting the FBI involved in Mette's case, and Mette's family has started a website about his case.
Ex-alderman Dorothy Tillman was arrested in Alabama this morning for allegedly causing a ruckus at a hospital that was treating her aunt. She defended her behavior, saying, "I don't think I was screaming. I didn't go like crazy, crazy."
Who do you want answering the phone?
If the Toddler doesn't get the County Board to agree on a budget (now overdue by five months), essential city services such as functioning jails, hospitals, and courthouses could be cut in a CTA-style doomsday fashion by midnight Friday.
To mark the fifth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, an organization called the Chicago Action Community is calling for a day of nonviolent "direct action, civil resistance and disruption," which includes asking like-minded individuals to leave work. The "Shut It Down" campaign is scheduled to conclude with a rally at Dirkson Federal Plaza.
In response to a report issued by two non-profits, Mayor Daley is teaming up with the mayors of other Great Lakes cities to call for more federal funding to protect the five lakes.
A new book, Red Chicago, chronicles the city's prominent role in the development of the American Communist movement.
Some Ohio radio talk show host tried to rev-up a McCain crowd by saying, "Now we have a hack, Chicago-style Daley politician who is picturing himself as change. When he gets done with you, all you're going to have in your pocket is change." McCain and his people are backing away from the radio guy, sensing the Chicago-style target on his back.
The Reader has a scathing critique of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks.
Governor Rod Blagojevich has been identified by a judge as "Public Official A" in documents pertaining to an extortion case involving the infamous Tony Rezko, who unsuccessfully tried to nab a $1 million Blagojevich campaign donation from a local businessman in exchange for giving him a job managing the teachers' pension fund system. The governor has not been charged in the case against Rezko.
Louis Farrakhan endorsed Barack Obama over the weekend. Obama appreciated it about as much as he did Nader getting into the race.
What's this about a secret shower in City Hall?
Green Exchange is teaming up with WWF to promote Chicago Earth Hour activities.
A movement is underway to draft former University of Chicago Law School Professor Lawrence Lessig (now at Stanford Law School) to run for the Silicon Valley-based Congressional seat recently left empty due to the passing of U.S. Rep. Tom Lantos. Lessig serves as chair of the Creative Commons project, has authored several books on cyberlaw and free culture, and has had a pretty intense conversation with Wilco's Jeff Tweedy on at least one occasion.
The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless asks folks to send a letter to Gov. Blagojevich requesting $15 million in his 2009 budget for homeless youths. This amount would boost youth housing programs by $5 million, transitional job pilot programs by $2 million, and increase by $8 million available funding for school districts to educate homeless children.
The layout and typeface of a ballot can truly impact the election itself, says University of Illinois professor Marcia Lausen. She proposes some intuitive changes in her new book, Design for Democracy: Ballot and Election Design. Perhaps there's a chapter that explains why Chicago thought "filling in the missing middle section of the tiny arrow" was the most logical way to select a candidate in this year's primaries.
...to pick the next President. Ari Emanuel, Hollywood agent, inspiration for Jeremy Piven's Ari, and occasional writer for the Huffington Post, talks to the superdelagates: "The right thing for my brother, and all the other superdelegates to do, is to support the decision of the voters."
Via Rich Miller's Capitol Fax Blog, a great video of His Elective Majesty, Mayor Daley, blowing his stack at the Aldermen who dared vote against him--although, he does kind of have a point, that a "no" vote on the CTA bailout tax hike is harmless, since it was definitely going to pass (so it's a "no" on a tax hike, as opposed to a "no" on CTA funding, had it failed). The video is priceless.
GB's own AmyC and other Rogers Parkers ran into an unusual "voting irregularity" on Tuesday -- her polling place was stocked with allegedly "invisible ink" pens. Unfortunately, the inevitable snarky blog commentary makes the situation sound like it was the voters' fault for believing the state-appointed judges and ward committeeman.
Barackula, The Musical!
According to the Tribune, yesterday's election processes went about as well as can be expected here in Chicago. Well, except for some missing ballots, a fistfight between an election judge and a poll worker, and some mysterious "invisible ink".
You walked out of your polling place with a sense of satisfaction and a tiny piece of paper. Now show off your voter pride -- snap a photo of your ballot receipt and add it to this new Flickr pool. (Thanks, Eliina!)
In honor of today's historical primary elections (voting ends at 7pm), here is a very good cover of Europe's "The Final Countdown." Enjoy.
Chicago Public Radio wants you to keep an eye on the election: if you notice anything out of the ordinary at your polling place, call them at 312-948-4650. You can also submit election day photos to their flickr group.
Oh, where to watch the Super Tuesday Election returns? Well, if you're of the mind and inclination, you can join the drinkinest group of political junkies around, the Drinking Liberally crew, who will be assembling at Sheffield's, at Sheffield and School. For more information check out the cool Drinking Liberally site for the occasion: SuperFatTuesday. NOTE: I looked for a conservative analog to this, but searches for "Drinking Conservatively" turned up significantly unrelated results.
Common, Scarlett Johannson and John Legend duet with a Barack Obama speech in this song written by will.i.am from the Black-Eyed Peas.
If you're just as confused as I am about who to vote for tomorrow, take a look at endorsements made by the Sun-Times, the Tribune, the Chicago Free Press, the Chicago Federation of Labor [pdf], Chicago Appleseed Fund for Justice/Vote for Judges (judicial offices only), Chicago Bar Association (judicial offices only) and Daily Herald (Fox Valley and DuPage County). That should give you enough fodder for your noggin.
Tony Rezko has raised a lot of money for politicians over the years. Chicago Public Radio has a PDF list of who got how much.
You're probably already fed up with all the political junk mail you've been getting due to the February 5th primary, but the more info the better I say. In that spirit, here are some links that may be helpful for making an informed decision. All three major papers have endorsements online: the Trib, the Sun-Times and the Herald. There are a slew of good blogs, but if you haven't yet check out Clout City at the Reader and Capitol Fax, both of which are easily searchable. And for the nitty-gritty, as in voting records and bios, Vote Smart is a little slow but extremely useful. If you don't know what district you're in, the Trib has a handy gadget that will list your races based on address. Good luck navigating in these waters!
If you aren't going to be in town for the February 5 Primary Election, today is your last day to cast your early ballot. Each ward has its own early voting site [pdf], but you can vote anywhere you like, including the lower level of the Cook County Administration Building at 69 West Washington.
The legendary Swap-o-Rama-Rama -- part swap meet, part political statement, part DIY Project Runway -- finally hies itself to Chicago on March 29 at the AV-aerie, 2000 W. Fulton. Bring $20 and a bag of your cast-off clothes, linens, and other goodies, then raid other people's stuff and gussy it up with the sewing machines, silkscreens, and other supplies on the premises. There will also be workshops and a fashion show. What is Swap-o-Rama-Rama, you ask? Watch this.
This year's list of most endangered Chicago landmarks from Preservation Chicago includes the idea of landmark designation itself.
Flor Crisostomo, a Latin American immigrant arrested in 2006 on immigration charges, may flout her deportation orders and seek refuge in Adalberto United Methodist Church, the same church where Elvira Arellano sought refuge.
"Rock over Chicago," as Wesley Willis used to sing. How about "winter dome over Chicago?" (Don't laugh -- Moscow's getting one.) Andrew Mason of local start-up The Point -- which applies the principles of Malcolm Gladwell's The Tipping Point to enable people to organize fund-raisers, boycotts and other campaigns for change -- estimates the collapsible weather shield would cost "$10 billion." Campaign contributors won't pay a dime until the project reaches its funding goal.
It may be more embarrassing than meaningful, but Obama supporters are taking glee in the photo featuring Bill and Hillary Clinton posing with Tony Rezko.
Documenting the governor's woes is getting popular.
It looks like the AP decided it doesn't like Blago so much either.
East Lake View Neighbors and 44th Ward Alderman Tom Tunney are holding a meeting this Thursday to gather community feedback about a proposed plan to construct 150-unit apartment building, a 137-room hotel, parking, and 100,000 sq. ft. of retail space on the block of Addison across from Wrigley Field. Details in Slowdown.
Maya Soetoro-Ng, the half-sister of Barack Obama, gets grilled by the questionable Deborah Solomon in today's New York Times about her brother's campaign, why he was attracted to Chicago (a need for "rootedness"), and growing up in the multicultural Obama family.
Ending the recent struggles over the Co-op lease, the U of C has announced Treasure Island will fill the Co-op's current home.
If you aren't going to be in town for the February 5 primary election, you can take advantage of early voting, which begins today and ends January 31. You can find your early voting location in the red, white and blue Voter Guide brochure you recently received in the mail, or by visiting the Chicago Board of Elections online.
A 114-year-old woman registered to vote yesterday; the downside is she probably won't vote because "she doesn't know who any of the candidates are."
The Cook County Board of Commissioners is proposing a $4/month, $48/year tax on all phones — land, cell, cable and otherwise. The tax would also increase with inflation — at five years, your total amount paid would be over $250 a phone. Read more at NoPhoneTax.org. Update: Outside the Loop Radio will discuss the likelihood of the tax's success along with other taxes proposed at the end of 2007 on Friday's show. Look for Episode 68 on the main page around noon or listen to WLUW at 6pm.
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom hired Astrid Haryati, formerly Chicago's Assistant to the Mayor for Green Initiatives to "make sure the greening of our urban landscape is not an afterthought but is central to all of our activities."
The official voter registration deadline has passed, but there's a grace period in effect until January 22. You'll have to register in person and vote at the Chicago Board of Elections headquarters.
Aramark and the Kane County Sheriff are being sued by three inmates for $2,000,000 in damages due to food being "insufficient" on a variety of measures, including nutrition, sanitation and sogginess.
The president's visit to Chicago today hasn't gone without the arrest of four demonstrators.
If you're not registered to vote, you have till tomorrow (Jan. 8) to do it, and it's going to be a hassle. (I'd say check here to see if you're registered, but the form appears to be broken.) Details on last-minute registration after the jump...
With more than 75% of the votes in, it looks like Obama will take the caucus.
Conservative Sun-Times columnist Robert Novak, outer of Valerie Plame, puts forth a theory about Hillary Clinton's political strategy under the possibly offensive headline, "Hillary's premature triangulation."
Bloggers, especially local ones, are buzzing about an incident in which a Rogers Park lawyer is alleged to have keyed the car of a marine about to be deployed to Iraq, possibly for political reasons.
Olympic coverage already seems plenty stale, but some important deadlines are coming up. The most significant date before the June decision on formal candidacy is the January 14th filing deadline for the vision, venues and budget. Prepare for the first real look at the plan and some serious politics.
Chicago News-Star picks the top 10 local news stories of 2007. Number 10: the rise of the neighborhood blogs.
Senator Dick Durbin earmarked some cash for a few local projects in the big Federal spending bill this week. Included were millions for CTA Circle Line development, Brown Line reconstruction, Metra expansion and bus and train service statewide. (Thanks, Sarah!)
The Chicago Reporter has a scathing new story, Lost Voters, Lost Voices, regarding the evisceration of a once-influential (and essential) political force, public housing tenants. Has dispersal been de facto disenfranchisement? And why have CHA residents been disappearing from the voter rolls? Jeff Kelly Lowenstein has the scoop.
In a significant policy change, most adult CHA residents will be required to work or attend school at least 15 hours a week to remain eligible for housing. Further expansion of the plan may include Section 8 users. I can't wait to see what Residents' Journal has to say about the change.
In a warning to artists and other small businesses throughout the city, 30 tenants of the Fine Arts Building were issued $200 fines for not possessing a business license. The licenses cost $225 for a two-year period.
Alderman Tom Tunney was the victim of a botched robbery on Saturday. Of course, two suspects have already been charged.
In another case of bird hate and time ill-spent, a couple of alder-folks are working on that pesky pigeon feeding habit some people have. UPDATE: In case you missed it, City Council is still sitting on the Chicken ban.
US Rep Danny Davis was inspired by a run in with Chicago police. He believes he was ticketed unjustly by two white cops because, in his words, "I was driving while being black". The charge is alleged, but it's hard to argue with his response; introduction of the End Racial Profiling Act of 2007 to the House.
Someone at the Sun-Times thinks the Rev. Al Sharpton, a New Yorker, should "butt out" after his Chicago Police Department reform ultimatum to Mayor Daley. They cite inconsistencies in his policy and the same ignorance of the facts that the folks at Secondcitycop pointed out.
YouTube is a funny place. (Thanks, Dubi!)
Speaking of doomsday scenarios, the Lyric Opera's upcoming run of Doctor Atomic gave the Tribune reason to explore the opera, its Chicago connections and the life of Robert Oppenheimer.
"When I drive, I'm literally unable to stop myself from factoring the numbers I see on license plates. The plan is that after I win, I'll spend all that energy working out the state budget." -- Daniel Biss, people-powered candidate for State Rep and a prof at U of C, in an interview with Chicago blogger Claire Zulkey.
The Barack Obama team has launched a new website to track Hillary Clinton's mudslinging. [via]
Chicagoland Bicycle Federation advocates for better bicycling in Chicago with events like Bike the Drive. They're hiring a full time Membership Manager to coordinate the organization's membership programs and campaigns.
Presidential hopefuls beware: what you did as a 5-year-old may come back to haunt you. The Clinton campaign is waging an attack on Sen. Barack Obama's credibility based on an essay he wrote in kindergarten titled, "I Want to be a President." They also tracked down a second essay with a similar title that Obama wrote in third grade. No word yet on how many times he was sent to the corner for not playing well with others.
Daley made the announcement this morning that he has appointed J.P. "Jody" Weis to the position.
...or side yard or ...anyway, a group of Edgewater residents is seeking to block the construction of a proposed 45-story condo slated to be built on the parking lot of a Greek Orthodox church on Sheridan Road.
The emperor of Japan recently publicly apologize for the scourge of bluegills which have killed native species; the fish were a gift from Mayor Richard J. Daley 50 years ago. John Kass thinks the current Mayor Daley should do the honorable thing.
Bust out the party hats and dust off the Robert's Rules: it's special election time! Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert left Congress yesterday before the end of his term, blaming a lack of bipartisanship in the Democratically controlled House. One possible scenario has the public voting twice on the same ballot Feb. 5 to both select an interim replacement and nominate a permanent successor. It's up to the Guv, who has five days in which to schedule the special election.
The best part about today's news that Oprah will campaign with Obama is that the same AP story is the top headline under three separate categories on the Sun-Times website: Politics, Elections, and Barack Obama. If only Oprah had her own category, too.
The city is currently exploring selling naming rights to public places, events and other assets.
20 years ago tonight, Max Headroom the Video Pirate hijacked Chicago's Airwaves. He's never been caught. If anyone cares to confess please drop us an email.
Iraq war veterans join artist Aaron Hughes to discuss their anti-war projects on Sunday, Nov. 25, 3-5 p.m. at the Hyde Park Art Center. The discussion is an extension of the Center's current "Consuming War" exhibit.
To be filed under They Must Have Something Better to Do: the Alder-folks are working on a citywide residential chicken ban.
It's lonely for Cook County President Todd Stroger's proposed tripling of the sales tax. At a press conference meant to show support for Stroger's 2008 budget proposal, State's Attorney Richard Devine (among others) declined to wrap an arm around the tax hike and smile for the cameras. "I think the public has a concern about a tax scheme that puts into the coffers more revenues than are necessary to balance the budget, " Devine said. A vote on the budget is due Nov. 30.
Bring a nonperishable food item or cash to tomorrow's Sharing it Day Food Drive in the south lobby of the Merchandise Mart and receive a coupon for a free Potbelly's sandwich, a slice of Eli's cheesecake and a warm fuzzy feeling for doing good. Donations benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
Jen Rude, a lesbian who refuses to take a vow of celibacy, has been ordained by a Lutheran church in Chicago. It comes about as a test of a new resolution that gives bishops room to discipline or not, such actions. Wayne Miller, Chicago's bishop, said, "My goal is to keep people in the conversation, and I do not see this as an issue that should be dividing the church."
Chicago's very own Judge Mark Filip has been picked as the new number 2 man at the Justice Department. Filip is a loyal republican but he seems to have an independent streak. Filip recused himself in 2004 from a challenge brought by independent candidate Ralph Nader to get on the Illinois ballot, because Filip said he signed a nominating petition for Nader while attending a Cubs game.
Who's giving and who's getting? Open Book, unveiled in late October by State Comptroller Dan Hynes, allows users to search political contributions made by state contractors. Follow the money, baby! [Via]
The presidential candidates have posted nearly 2,500 videos to YouTube, but almost no one is watching them, according to Stump Connolly at The Week Behind. [via]
Senator Obama Goes to Africa, a feature documentary by Chicago-based Media Process Group, comes out on DVD this month. The film chronicles Obama's journey around the continent, including such stops as the prison where Nelson Mandela was held, a Darfur refugee camp in Chad, and Kisumu, Kenya -- where he reconnects with his family's past. Pre-sales of the DVD began Nov. 10, with a ship date of Nov. 20. [via]
If idle hands are the devil's workshop, former Police Superintendent Phil Cline seems to be keeping the tools put away in his early retirement. He hopped straight over to the Executive Director slot at the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation (an organization he helped get off the ground as Superintendent) and there's a loose rumor/ allegation over at SCC that he'll benefit from a $96,678 consulting contract with Cook County.
The Mayor may be stiff-arming the City Inspector General, but that doesn't seem to be stopping David Hoffman from hiring people to help stop corruption in Chicago. The Chicago Police Weblog has a posting for Detectives who will "make arrests, conduct searches, and other police related activity".
A peek inside the federal prison camp that will house former Governor George Ryan reveals cooking classes and high-tech fitness equipment. Still, Ryan will share a "Spartan barracks-like bunk room and single toilet" with two other inmates, and will work for $.12 an hour as a cook or groundskeeper. Sounds just like SONA.
After several failed attempts to overturn his 6 1/2 year jail sentence, former Illinois governor George Ryan must report to prison in Oxford, Wisconsin by 5pm tomorrow.
Yesterday was the last day to file nominating petitions for Chicago and Cook County ward committeeman, among other races, to be held in February. And while Machine Dems have had a lock on the city for decades, for the first time the Green Party now has access to the committeeman ballot in the city's 50 wards and statewide.
Two area luminaries-- one who is nuts for numbers and the other was is known for a youthful indiscretion-- were awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom today. Gary Becker was honored for "broadening the understanding of economics and social science" and a former Illinois Congressman Henry Hyde was pimped as a "'powerful defender of life' and an advocate for strong national defense."
The City Council finance committee rubber stamped Mayor Daley's $83 million proposed tax hike this afternoon, proving that constituent outrage really can make a difference.
Now through Earth Day 2008 (April 22), take your real fur apparel -- including trims, accessories and shearling -- to any Buffalo Exchange used clothing store and donate it to the Humane Society's Coats for Critters: a campaign to collect used furs to provide bedding and comfort to orphaned and injured wildlife. Don't worry if Aunt Ursula's mink still has that nasty rip from the dramatic spill she took on New Year's Eve 1955: Condition of the fur is unimportant. Chicago has two Buffalo E's -- one in Lakeview, and a new Wicker Park location at 1478 N. Milwaukee.
The Better Government Association has a nifty new lookup that allows you to browse the salary of every employee of the City of Chicago and Cook County. Fun fact: Police Officer Anthony Abbate, by dint of his surname, appears on the first page when you choose Chicago from the pulldown menu. He makes (made?) $70,656.
The City of Chicago has just launched a new jobs website. See all jobs here (there's currently only 11). The Tug Boat Deck Hand position looks pretty good.
Nau, the outdoor atelier whose clothes are eco-friendly is hosting a Film & Fashion Night in the South Loop on Tuesday, November 7th from 8pm to midnight. There's going to be BMX Ballet, food and drink (first drink free or so we hear) and other festivities. Learn about sustainable economy! It's free if you download, print and bring this ticket. More details in Slowdown.
Todd Stroger apparently doesn't write his own speeches.
Today is the National Student Pledge Against Gun Violence's Day of Concern. If you're so inclined you can still catch the end of a special broadcast on B96 that will feature Obama, Durbin, Lisa Madigan, Dick Devine, and Arne Duncan.
In an article that will give a shiver to anyone who remembers standard-issue 1980s-style anti-Soviet fervor, Pravda reports on the Chicago City Council's attempts to get the names of police officers with citizen complaints against them.
Why trim the fat when you can just pile it on? Let's see who's reaching into our pockets now. Well it's County Board Pres Todd Stroger of course. The Citizens Utility Board says his tax hike could cost the average family several hundred a year and has enough support that we should be nervous. What's that called again when the government takes all your money and decides where it goes?
The City Council is currently considering a moratorium on controlled burns, which are used to restore native plants by reducing growth that might be blocking out sunlight, to get rid of invasive species, and to release nutrients back into the soil. Naturalists at Friends of the Forest Preserve and the Forest Preserve District of Cook County say burns are a best practice in conservation. A group of people living near forest preserves would rather look at trees.
The Sun-Times has a short, hard-hitting piece linking the Mayor's proposed tax hikes with the hard costs of 13 recent corruption scandals.
Apparently a batch of activists from the Rainforest Action Network scaled the Chicago Board of Trade Building this morning and unfurled a large banner protesting the CBOT for its trading of palm oil and soy. (Update) Naturally, it's already been flickred.
Ah yes: (If you drive a car), I'll tax the street, (If you try to sit), I'll tax your seat, (If you get too cold), I'll tax the heat, (If you take a walk), I'll tax your feet.
Speaking of surveillance, three and a half years after it was announced, the City Council Webcam finally went live last week. We missed it completely here at GB HQ, but Chicagoist liveblogged it. You can tune in again at ChiCityClerk.com for the next one on Oct. 31. Yep, Halloween. Bet that'll be scary.
Chicago Carless was granted "unfettered access to interview the administrative staff of the Chicago Children's Musuem" and came away with a fresh take on the controversy and a new pitch for the museum.
GB alumni and fellow teammate Luke Seemann recounts a hit-and-run during the team's weekly Saturday morning ride up to Highland Park and back on his excellent Chicago Bike Racing. Clearly an attack on the riders who were paying attention to the rules of the road, the culprit turned himself in and is now facing felony charges in court. Luke has further details on Thomas Lynch.
The Sun-Times brings us more on the brewing battle between Loop Alderman Brendan Reilly and Richard M. Daley, Mayor. Best part of the article? "The mayor is nuts," said Donald Jacobsen, an area resident. Wonder what's going to show up on Donny J's front stoop this a.m.
The Heartland Institute, a conservative Chicago think tank, is currently running advertisements asserting "global warming is not a crisis" featuring Czech president Vaclav Klaus. I'm sure that has nothing to do with the $800,000 in funding and executive assistance it's received from ExxonMobil in the last ten years, including $115,000 last year [pdf].
This Friday is Parking Day, which is an attempt to reclaim greenspace within cities by turning parking spaces into greenspaces for a day. In Chicago at least one action is planned in Pilsen (highly recommended background YouTube vid here) and it's worth defending: a community garden is under threat to be developed... into a parking lot. There is also another effort going on Saturday too.
The Community Media Workshop has posted information and a schedule of events inspired by the Federal Communications Commission's public hearing on media ownership this Thursday in Chicago.
Former carpetbagging senate candidate Alan Keyes has announced he's running for President again. I wonder if he still claims Illinois as his primary residence...
An excellent resource for keeping up with the City Council: the Reader's lovingly researched Your City Council map and scorecard. Meeting schedule here.
To commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Macy's takeover of Marshall Field's, join the folks with Fields Fans Chicago, who will be protesting under the famous clock at the State and Washington store location today from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
Berny Stone, our vice-mayor, is being investigated for absentee ballots cast in his favor in the hotly contested 50th Ward elections earlier this year. He says it's probably happening all over the city, but no other alderman report similar investigations. Meanwhile Stone's name is coming up a lot in the convoluted story surrounding the closing of the Lincoln Village Theaters at Devon and McCormick.
The City Council today voted 43-6 to approve the Mayor's new Office of Compliance, the one that Inspector General David Hoffman says, "has the potential to undermine the effectiveness of the inspector general's office." In other news, 50th Ward Alderman Bernie Stone, who won his seat in a runoff, contends that Hoffman "is going all over different wards in this city issuing subpoenas to various people in this city" in an investigation of absentee ballots. You can anonymously report Chicago corruption here.
The Green Party selected Chicago over three other cities for its 2008 nominating convention. You can check out the full proposal at the Chicago convention bid website.
Given the pending fare hike, the CTA is waiving the $5 fee for the Chicago Card and Chicago Card Plus until Halloween. The cards will make riding 50¢ to $1 cheaper, depending on the time of day and location, so it's worth the effort to find a sales location [pdf] or use the separate online ordering sites for the Chicago Card or Chicago Card Plus.
Apparently seriously concerned about its public image, BP has taken to purchasing (regionally specific?) advertisements via google to tout its pledge to not increase discharge limits. This advertisement was embedded in a NYTimes.com article about the Maison de Verre.
Following the announcement that the Sun-Times is going liberal, it called for a boycott of BP gasoline. Editorial page editor Cheryl Reed was recently on On the Media to talk about the boycott call and the paper's future political orientation.
As posted on IndyMedia today, this Friday night (8/10) there will be a rally with speeches by Rev. Al Sharpton, Rev. Paul Jakes, Jr. and Harrison's mother, Ms. Annie Johnson. The action starts at 8 PM, Friday, August 10th rally at Wallace's Catfish Corner, 2800 W. Madison Street (at California). The rally will also demand an independent federal investigation into the Monday night shooting and the post-shooting campaign of police harassment.
Today's Sun Times features an column by Anna Quindlen about a YouTube segment about a Libertyville, IL abortion clinic. The filmmakers asked protesters about the appropriate punishment for an abortion, if abortion were illegal. Not one of them had an answer.
Alex Kotlowitz penned a very troubling article in today's New York Times Magazine that documents the growing tensions between suburban Carpentersville's "native" folks and its growing Hispanic immigrant community, which accounts for an estimated 40% of its population. Kotlowitz follows the successful efforts of two city Board of Trustees (who dub themselves "The All-American Team") to make English the official language of the city, which unravels a whole mess of legal and cultural problems along the way.
Police Superintendent Phil Cline had his last day on the job yesterday, capped by a $100 per ticket party over at the Hyatt. He also left behind a final PAX 501 and 54-page PDF touting his work over the last four years. Who's the next superintendent? No one knows. Daley asked the Police Board to go back to the drawing board. As usual, Second City Cop & commenters like to think out loud.
Zorn points to a blog panning our governor: BloggingOnBlagoBlog, from the Illinois Republican Party.
If recent talk of some riders wanting to disband the Chicago Critical Mass has you riled up, you may want to weigh in on the matter.
A Tribune article and corresponding video about the legal battles between Bensenville residents and Chicago over O'Hare expansion suggests visual artists could have a field day in the area.
A new Whole Foods store is scheduled to open today at the corner of Addison and Halsted, in the Center on Halsted building, which is a community center for GLBT persons. According to an article in the Tribune, the Center is happy to have Whole Foods as a tenant, as it will not only act as a grocery store, but will also serve as a vehicle for promoting the Center's activities. Sounds warm and fuzzy, right?
Starting on Sunday, the Stockyard Institute, AREA Chicago and other organizations will initiate "Pedagogical Factory: Exploring Strategies for an Educated City" at the Hyde Park Art Center. Throughout its run, topics will include "How We Peoples Make a People's Atlas of Chicago," "How We Grow: Self-Education and Urban Farming Gathering" and "How We Brew/Bake/Mead Etc Cottage Expo."
Expanding her focus on the plight of the chronically ill in today's healthcare system, past GB contributor Kimberly Soenen and friends have launched Project Sin Alma.
Following its recent transgendered library fund, Oak Park is again on the forefront of GLBT issues in Illinois with their official support of state legislation that would establish civil unions for same-sex couples.
CBS News Chicago is breaking with news that the State of Illinois and big electric utilities are on the verge of announcing a deal that would bring a cool $1 billion in rate relief to consumers.
What about Hillary? Or Barack? If you've wished you could say to someone in Congress, "Have some balls." Then be happy because now you can pay Balls to Congress $3.50 to send a super ball or $6.50 to send a basketball along with your message of choice. And if you lack balls yourself, they'll even let you send your ball-bearing message anonymously.
The Tribune reports that Barack Obama's campaign contributions have reached a whopping $34 million for the first half of the year, likely making him the candidate with the largest fund for the 2008 election.
Following the lead of Gapers Block (or possibly Oprah), Barack Obama is starting a book club. Alas, it's in New Hampshire, so rid your head of the idea that you'll be hanging out on a coffeehouse sofa talking literature with the senator. The first book? Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama.
...can't possibly hurt him! State Senate President Emil Jones' opposition to legislation that would make lists of state subcontractors available on the internet may (or may not) have something to do with the fact that his step-son has millions of dollars in "under-the-radar government business".
Mr. Obama has set a fund raising record; most ever for a democratic candidate.
Now comes a new entry in the burgeoning civil servant subdivision of the blog world: the "Cook County States Attorneys Denied My Charges" blog. Subtitled, "Wonderful Stories of our States Attorneys Not Approving Charges on Criminals." The laser-beam focus is on the real-life Law & Order relationship between police officers, who investigate crimes, and the state's attorney, who prosecute them. Sometimes they disagree.
First there were the Cool Globes. Now there are Mini Cool Globes, basketball-sized globes designed by everyone from Sheryl Crow to Joe Lieberman. If you'd like to see them in person, head to the Wacker Lobby and the Jackson Pavilion of the Sears Tower.
A circuit court judge has upheld the right of a former member of the Walgreens family to keep her three pigs on her Lake Forest property until at least 2011. Her next-door neighbors and 300 other locals aren't pleased. The decision will be appealed.
Kirk Johnson, a journalist whom we've written about before, has launched The List Project, an effort to help resettle Iraqi translators and others who have assisted American and British troops in the war and who are now targets of insurgents. (Thanks, Nate.)
Alderman Ed Burke wants to ban a certain kind of radar detector that tips drivers off about camera-rigged stoplights. Oh, not for safety's sake, but because it warns drivers about the lights, causing them to stop, and avoid the fines... which added up to $19.8 million last year. Put the pedal to the metal for financial solvency, and damn the pedestrians!
If you haven't yet, check out the Reader's City Council graphic and get to know the fine aldermen (and women) of Chicago.
Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois is holding a conference on preservation this weekend, starting tonight with free tours of the K.A.M. II Synagogue and Hyde Park Bank. Much more is planned throughout the weekend, and it's not too late the register.
This past Tuesday, hundreds of residents from Humboldt Park and Logan Square marched for peace. The rally, held at Humboldt Park boathouse, featured a high school band, hip-hop artists, and remembrances of lives lost to violence. Read the full take by the New Communities Program.
Today's New York Times has a lengthy article about the brewing Obama-Rezko debacle. It's an interesting overview, but the Beachwood Reporter's take on the piece is even more chewy.
In yet another public works project designed to win favor with the IOC (and area boaters), the Park District has released tentative plans to build three additional harbors. The Trib provides renderings.
An ordinance to privatize the selection of public art, among other things, proposed by Mayor Daley and the Department of Cultural Affairs is being considered by the City Council this morning. Artists and activists will be protesting the silencing of artists' voices at City Hall starting at 10am. You can help keep public art meetings open by calling or emailing your alderman's office -- look it up here -- or head on down and join them.
Norman Finkelstein, controversial professor of political science at DePaul, has been denied tenure. Read his collection of articles about the situation. UPDATE: He spoke on 848 this morning.
The New York Times reports that happy days are here again for 40 surprised states, all of which ended up with more tax revenue than planned. The list ranges from Texas (nearly $7 billion extra) to South Dakota (a cool $7 million). Illinois? Nowhere to be found.
A billboard for a spa in Glenview diagramming a woman's physical flaws (and their cosmetic solutions) is drawing fire from local women. "I don't want to sound like a chauvinistic pig, but this is a man's world," the spa owner said, refusing to take the ad down.
Center on Halsted, the most comprehensive LGBT facility in the Midwest, is now officially open.
Starting tonight, the CTA will be holding a series of public hearings at different locations in the city to discuss proposals to cut service and/or raise fares. Click here for a schedule. To get some background on the dog and pony show that is CTA management, CTA Tattler has a nice discussion on their site.
The Department of Streets and Sanitation has a special treat for Bucktown and Wicker Park residents -- and, no, it's not the usual orange one. The city is testing out a new light program that will signal when it's ok to park on a street after it's been cleaned.
It's a last minute scramble for cash down in Springfield and the Transit Riders' Alliance wants you, person exiting Chicago public transportation station, to "Tell Springfield that you ride transit!" Click through to tell your elected leaders to stand up and fight for transit funding.
Liberal bias exposer Newsbusters is outraged, OUTRAGED!, that Sun Times TV critic Doug Elfman made a joke about a bird defecating on the president's face, when in fact it only dribbled on his sleeve. And in case you missed it, you can see the bird's bombing run right here. Posted without bias, of course.
A nine-foot bronze statue of a policeman at the Haymarket Riot is being rededicated with a new location and a new pedestal on June 1st at the Chicago Police Headquarters, 3510 S. Michigan. The storied statue has had its ups & downs over the years-- it's caused traffic problems, been run over by a streetcar, and blown up by the Weather Underground (twice).
Well, maybe not, but the MacArthur Foundation is investing $26 million for community and economic development in 16 Chicago neighborhoods, such as Englewood, Logan Square, Pilsen, and Woodlawn. View the community map and relevant organization listing [pdf].
At a speech at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Bank of Canada Governor David Dodge hinted at the possibility of a regionally unified currency. Don't think it's going to happen any time soon, however, considering thickening "labor flows" are currently in the way.
Learn about said riot and nine other bits of trivia about the Chicago City Council in this fine Trib article.
Estrogen Fest 2007: Back on the Fringe starts its 10-day lady-made extravaganza of performance/dance/theater/music/vaudeville/etc. Wednesday night at Prop Thtr., 3502 N. Elston. Watch people do stuff in the performances and panels, learn to do stuff in the workshops, and buy stuff at the craft fair (curated by DIY Trunk Show and featuring GB staffer Cinnamon Cooper). The All Est Fest Pass is $50, but you can see individual events for various prices.
Holy moly! The Bulls loss doesn't look so bad when you consider Blago took it on the chin 107 to 0.
We'll give you a second to guess who it is. Got your guess? Okay, it's Ed Vrdolyak, former alderman of the 10th Ward. When he was in office, "Fast Eddie" was known for wheeling and dealing in real estate. On Thursday, he was indicted for kick backs.
Wafaa Bilal, an Iraqi-born artist, has set up a little target practice in Flatfile gallery -- and he's the target. Domestic Tension is an installation involving Bilal, a room and a motorized paint gun controlled by a webcam; line it up and try to shoot him. Follow his video diary and learn more on CrudeOil.us, or see it in person; the installation lasts till June 1.
The Inspector General's office reports that foreman Kevin O'Gorman and Carpenter Anthony Pilas were charged today with official misconduct and theft for allegedly using city funds to obtain thousands of in unauthorized materials from Arrow Lumber, a company with a city contract. Some of their loot? Kitchen cabinets, power tools, custom counter tops, folding chairs, etc. etc. etc.
A revolt is underway in the suburbs. The target: new sidwalks. After all, with sidewalks, "who knows what you'd be encouraging to come through?" The Trib's online readers are having none of it, with approximately 90% saying sidewalks in neighborhoods are "a positive addition."
Remember the divorce billboard from yesterday? It was removed for permit violations before the end of the day.
Don't tell Hillary Clinton Chicago is Obama-Land. The Park Ridge native and presidential contender was in town today and says she'll be a player here.
Tomorrow's immigration rally has been moved from Daley Plaza to Hutchinson Field in Grant Park because of expected overflow crowds. Meanwhile Cook could become the first County in America to become a sanctuary for all immigrants regardless of legal status.
Former U.S. Senator Carol Moseley Braun was mugged last night.
Donald E. Stephens, Rosemont's only mayor, died in office after 51 years of service. He saw the transformation of "a collection of septic fields and houses of prostitution" into a convention destination.
The results of yesterday's aldermanic run-off election are in! We'll be saying goodbye to four incumbents, including Dorothy "The Hat" Tillman, Ted Matlak, Shirley Coleman and Madeleine Haithcock. The Sun-Times credits heavy union support for several victories.
Yesterday, All Things Considered ran Edward Lifson's fine examination of the architectural preservation photography book Richard Nickel's Chicago. Bonus: the song that plays at the end of the piece is from the Rachel's album Music for Egon Schiele, which was composed for a Chicago theater production.
No matter what your leaning you have good reason to be active this week. There are plenty of charitable events taking place like the Sudan Freedom Walk, the AIDS/Lifecycle Charity Ride fund raiser and the ongoing Restaurants Against Hunger. For those that are a bit more...skeptical, or even just inquisitive, The Illinois Humanities Council presents The Revolution Will Not Be Funded, a panel on the non-profit "industrial complex" this coming Thursday; details in slowdown.
These people want to give the Nobel Peace Prize to George Ryan. Headline quote kudos to local rocker John Greenfield's Illinois First! rock band, who wrote a little song about the former governor.
The Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) who have been so active in their organizing throughout Chicago this spring (see Friday and Saturday slowdown's for more info) has had a huge victory. McDonalds USA, based in Oak Brook IL, has agreed to work with the CIW and its produce suppliers to improve the wages and conditions for the tomato workers. The CIW has had a victory but still needs you to join them at their events this weekend to celebrate and move forward.
Breaking news over at City Hall: Chicago Police Supt. Cline resigns. See what Second City Cop readers think about it over here.
The latest in wacky Jesus statuary news: First his supporters had him battling Big Sister; now he's appearing as the Son 'o God at the Art Institute.
Seems the meeting in Chicago between Attorney General Gonzales and his team here in the Chicago office was more aggressive than awkward. The New York Times reports that about six Chicago prosecutors "complained that the dismissals had undermined morale and expressed broader grievances about his leadership". Both the local papers got a bit scooped on this detail. The private meeting was the lead headline in the NYT and wasn't even mentioned in the local stories, which focused on the AG bolting out of a press conference prematurely.
Embattled U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales is scheduled to make a stop in Chicago today to tout the "Project Safe Childhood" campaign. He'll share the lectern with Chicago-based U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, who was recently dubbed "not distinguished" by a former aide to Gonzales.
According to this week's Chicago Journal article There goes the neighborhood, long time Wicker Park hipster hangouts Filter and Swank Franks will be no more by late this year or early next. The owner of the Flat Iron Building, which the two businesses are located in, is Bob Berger, a big time Chicago real estate mogul who also owns the landmark Fine Arts Building on Michigan Avenue. The article explains that yet another Bank of America will fill the void left by the two departures. Berger is also the reason why South Loop residents don't have Rain Dog Cafe anymore.
Join the Rogers Park Young Women's Action Team this may in their 2nd Annual Day of Action Against Street Harassment and supporting women and girls' safety in Chicago. The group defines "taking action" broadly and encourages groups and individuals to work together on that day in creative street actions, conventional protests, and advocacy work of a wide variety. For more information and to get involved, email rpywat@hotmail.com.
Former Streets and San Chief Al Sanchez committed a big oops when he got caught funneling jobs to political cronies, strong-arming employees out of time or cash for campaigns, and even making workers shovel his snow. He is the 48th person to be indicted in the Hired Truck scandal.
Congressperson Tim Walberg (R-MI), recently noted most of Iraq is "reasonably under control." Well, you know, "at least as well as Detroit or Chicago ... or Harvey, Illinois."
Well not quite, but it looks as if Zack de la Rocha and Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine will be in town Saturday April 14 at Federal Plaza to protest McDonalds of all things. It's still unclear whether the two of them will play music or what time they will be around, but it's interesting nonetheless.
The Chicago Center for Working-Class Studies presents the Interactive Labor Trail, a map of 140 significant locations in the history of labor, migration, and working-class culture in Chicago and Illinois.
More county budget cut fallout. Sneed is reporting that the Cook County state's attorney's office is doing away with its Cold Case squad (scroll down past Conrad Black's wife calling a reporter "a slut"). These are the people who solved the Brown's Chicken Murders w/ saliva and an ex-girlfriend.
Critical Resistance Chicago who are known for their "abolitionist" stance towards prison, have just announced their "No Child Left Behind Bars" campaign which will launch with a Public Forum on Saturday, March 31, 2007 From 2:00 to 5:00pm at The Jacob Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies (Northeastern University), 700 East Oakwood Blvd.
It's been on YouTube for two weeks, but the video mashup of Hillary's "conversations" with the famous Ridley Scott "1984" Mac commercial, purportedly made by an anonymous Obama supporter, has made worldwide news since it was picked up by the Drudge Report this weekend. Obama's camp is disavowing any involvement, but I imagine internally they think it's pretty awesome.
A small blurb was posted on the Tribune's website last night about Chicago anti-war activist Andy Thayer filing a federal law suit against the City of Chicago. According to the article, the suit alleges infringement upon Thayer's 1st, 4th and 15th Amendment rights. A quick search of Cook County's Clerk of the Circuit Court website finds a case where it appears the charges have been dismissed.
You're probably overwhelmed by articles about Barack Obama by now, but if you're still interested in learning about his local roots, you may want to check out the Hyde Park Herald's special Obama issue. The entire 24-page issue is Obama-centric, including a lengthy article about his wife, Michelle.
Governor Blagojevich will float his budget before the Illinois General Assembly tomorrow. The proposal calls for gigantic increases in health and education spending, financed by a proposed new tax on large businesses.
Even as National Death Penalty Awareness Week (Feb 26 - Mar 2) winds down, there are still some Chicago area events being sponsored by Depaul University. FYI: Depaul has been the Chicagoland university most actively involved in National Death Penalty Awareness Week.
No one is declaring victory yet, but North Chicago Alderman Shaunese Teamer may have lost the primary to her challenger, Bobby Allen, by one vote.
Crain's is reporting that Frank Krusei may be skating on thin ice over at the CTA.
The super-perky and ambitious Sandi Jackson reminds one of Reese Witherspoon's character from the movie "Election." Her perkiness is warranted, seeing as how she's in the middle of Chicago's hottest new dynasty -- comprising of father in law, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, and husband, the U.S. Rep from the 2nd District of Illinois, Jesse Jackson Jr. Sandi easily unseated incumbent Darcel Beavers in the city's 7th ward.
You voted today, right? Keep an eye on the results for your ward and others on the Board of Elections site, and/or tune in to WBEZ, who'll be running special election night coverage tonight, including a live visit to Ald. Ed Bus' campaign headquarters.
When at the polls today, don't forget that votes for wannabe Aldermen Virgil Jones or Ambrosio Medrano will not count.
Hey all you would-be Clark Kents and Lois Lanes! Don't forget that the Chicago Reader is looking to post your "offbeat tales" and photos of tomorrow's elections to their blog, Clout City.
(Does that fine Chicago joke ever get old?) Don't forget to vote tomorrow in Chicago's municipal public election. (you can check your registration status and verify your polling place here.) The Board of Election Commissioners is promising several improvements (including an optional stylus for touchscreen machines) to help the election go off smoothly.
The city's oldest registered voter just passed away at the age of 109. Not that that will stop her from voting on Tuesday, of course.
Cook County Commissioners voted 13-4 to pass Todd Stroger's county budget at 2:30 am. The budget closes a $500 million deficit by cutting 1,000 jobs in the Department of Health and the Cook County Sheriff's office. The revised budget added some management level positions to that list of cuts.
Staying true to his base, Obama's current "O" logo was designed by locals Sender LLC. They got the job through an interesting chain that includes Chicago firms AKP Message & Media and mo/de.
The Logan Square Yahoo! Group has long been a lively venue for venom and information of all kinds. From now until the election, you can track the charges of sign-stealing, anonymous mailers, record-distortions, and other wild and wacky hi-jinx near your favorite Chicago boulevard.
The keystone building of a unique five house crescent development is currently threatened by demolition in Park Ridge. The houses are significant for a variety of reasons, including the fact that they were designed by Barry Byrne, one of Frank Lloyd Wright's disciples, and the sculptor Alfonso Iannelli. UPDATE: More photos are now available.
Is Wal-Mart playing nicey-nice? Whatever your opinion, execs see the West Side Chicago store as a success, and are citing it as one reason for further expansion into areas with high unemployment.
It's 1961 and the communists have overthrown the government of the United States of America. Prepare yourself for the U.S.S.A.! What is the communists' first step? Move the government to Merchandise Mart! As J. Edgar Hoover says, read this comic now in order to "help us recognize and detect communists as they attempt to infiltrate the various segments of our society."
Add another to the canon of Daley quotes, as appeared in Fran Spielman's article tonight on snow removal: "Snow has defeated candidates in the city. I've had snow in every one of my elections. I just want to tell you. Write that down. It snows in Chicago in November, December, January, February and sometimes in March. And it does get cold."
University of Chicago economist Steven D. Levitt (via the Freakonomics blog) directs us to some further reading about "the time that the Gangster Disciples, the biggest gang in Chicago, ran a candidate for alderman."
Not satisfied with frontline budget cuts in areas like health and public safety, county commissioners today proposed an alternative budget. Board President Todd Stroger wants to cut the meat, commissioners want to cut the fat. They're targeting bureaucratic, patronage, administrative level jobs.
City of Chicago Inspector General David Hoffman will hold a press conference today at 2:00 pm to announce criminal charges brought against a City of Chicago employee for improper political activity, and to make other announcements relating to the municipal election on February 27. Ooh! We wonder who it will be!
UPDATE: Lester Cioch, a supervisor in the City's Water Department, was arrested for violating the election laws. Allegedly, he solicited signatures on nominating petitions for Mayor Daley's campaign while on City time at his City worksite. All-around illegal.
It seems the freshman senator from Illinois is a strange source of inspiration for the members of YTMND.com. (SFW, but LOUD)
Famed economist Jeffrey Sachs spoke at the University of Chicago on Monday in support of CHICAGO PROMISE a city-wide effort to raise money for a Milleninum Village in Africa (specifically Nyandiwa, Kenya) and to raise awareness about extreme poverty in Africa.
Oxymorons: Tragic Comedy, Jumbo Shrimp, Cook County Republican. Is it a "safe bet" Cook County Commissioner Elizabeth Doody Gorman can lead Cook's GOP out of oblivion? Well, there's "real potential."
Alternet's profile of Obama political advisor (and U of C grad) David Axelrod reads like a history of Chicago politics. Prior to working with Obama, Axelrod worked with Chicago Mayors Daley & Washington and developed a reputation for being able "to help black politicians convince white voters to support them."
David Hoffman, the Chicago Inspector General, announced the arrest of a City Water Dept. employee today for bribery. The Sun-Times' Fran Spielman does her usual thorough job in covering the story, including a detailed explanation of the tool used to turn water service on and off (it "looks like an elongated fish hook"). Trib story here. Bonus document: the actual complaint (PDF, 3.8MB), published on the IG's website.
Speaking of Sandi Jackson, there's something fishy going on with the photo on one of her campaign billboards. (Thanks, Martha!)
The resurgence of "local politics as family business" seems to be continuing on the South Side, as Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.'s wife Sandi Jackson campaigns to be the Alderman for the 7th Ward. For more on the Aldermanic races, you should read Revenge of the Second City.
Citing the 1967 Kalven Report [pdf], the University of Chicago will not divest from companies involved with Sudanese business. It is the first top-tier university to make such a statement.
Now that Kenosha, Racine and Milwaukee are seriously considering feeding into Metra, a Milwaukee historian has summarized the interesting transportation history we have with our neighbors to the north.
The Chicago Auto Show is back in town again from Feb. 9 until Feb. 18. On Saturday Feb. 10, however, the Critical Mass folks are planning an Auto Show Shutdown. The website set up was actually sent a "cease and desist letter" from the actual Chicago Auto Show. The Electronic Frontier Foundation, an Internet advocacy organization is supporting the Critical Massers and issued this press release on their behalf.
How's this for an unusual look into the lives of our senior senator and his three high-powered roommates! Juicy tidbits include Durbin killing mice with his bare hands and his insistence on having a big screen television.
Illinois is one of four big states looking to move their presidential primaries to early February next year, creating a new Super Tuesday early in the race. With primary races often decided in early states and in the media long before Illinois's traditional May voting date, this move could go a long way toward making our votes count for a change. (In case you're wondering, the New York Times comes right out and says it: "Illinois lawmakers are talking about moving their primary to help Senator Barack Obama, a Democratic contender.")
Thanks to Neighbors Project, you don't have to get off of the train or bus to meaningfully express your frustration with the CTA. Power up your phone and text cta[your zip code]@npjt.org to send the message featured here to Mayor Daley, as well as your alderman, state representative and state senator. Their website also offers the means to spread the word.
Ahead of next month's election, Time takes a look at Mayor Daley and the political environment that has allowed him to reign for so long. (Thanks, Dee.)
More details are emerging about the Chicago Board of Elections' release of 1.3 million voters' personal information.
Yesterday, the 34th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision, US District judge David Coar ordered the Illinois secretary of state's office to start cranking out "Choose Life" license plates by the end of February. Choose Life Illinois filed the lawsuit after failing twice to get the General Assembly to approve an anti-abortion plate. Proceeds from the plates will support adoption services. No word yet on whether we'll also get the option of a pro-choice plate.
He says he's still "concerned" about corruption in the administration, but Barack Obama still thinks Daley should be mayor. Having Da Mare on his side probably won't hurt that presidential bid, either.
Chicago-born, Park Ridge-raised Hillary Rodham Clinton is officially running for president.
UPDATE: Citing a "second nuclear age" and "climate change," the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has moved the Doomsday Clock to five minutes to midnight.
Barackwatch rolls on: rumor has it he'll announce his presidential candidacy on Oprah sometime this week. In the meantime, he delighted crowds yesterday with appearances at two MLK Day events as he tantalized politicos with why he's going to run. UPDATE Obama filed paperwork to form an exploratory committee today, which isn't quite announcing his candidacy, but darn close. Watch his video statement here.
What's going to happen to the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists' Doomsday Clock on January 17?
To honor the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, the Metro, The Peace Museum and Sacred Heart Schools have launched an exhibition that pays tribute to the life and work of the Nobel Prize-winning civil rights leader. The show emphasizes his work in Chicago, and runs January 16-24 in the 6200 House at Sacred Heart Schools at 6250 N. Sheridan. Remember that respecting the work of Dr. King shouldn't stop after today, his birthday.
This should make the 20th Ward aldermanic race a bit more interesting: Alderman Arenda Troutman was arrested by federal agents today, on charges that she took bribes related to a mall built in the ward.
Conscious Choice provides a quick rundown of Chicago's environmental status, including an interview with Mayor Daley.
A group of Chicago cyclists (myself being one of them) have organized a ride to raise awareness of the growing number of cyclist fatalities in the Chicagoland area. Named the "Fallen Rider Memorial Ride", the ride will start at the Thompson Center at 6pm tomorrow, January the 3rd and will ride to Diversey and Pulaski at an easygoing and respectful pace. The goal? To highlight how important driving and cycling are to Chicago and how the two require attention and respect. A PDF flyer can be viewed, downloaded, printed and passed along from here.
While I'm sure you've read several national tributes to President Ford, his local connections deserve a mention.
The Coast Guard's plan to establish 34 permanent live-fire zones in the Great Lakes has been withdrawn due to citizen concerns.
Crain's provides an interesting profile of the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and their business and political influence. Bonus: Parker and Latin alumni get a little catty.
Via the comments on RotSC: Prediction markets for the 2007 aldermanic races, powered by locally based Inkling Markets.
The Community Renewal Society is requesting nominations for their 35 Under 35 Leadership Awards. This Chicagoland-oriented award recognizes individuals under the age of 35 who are "using fresh approaches to tackle pressing social issues."
Following on Monday's Times article, the front page of Friday's Washington Post takes a look at the perceived power play between Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton as they ponder their presidential possibilities. The dynamic between the two will be the subject of much scrutiny in coming months -- to the chagrin of some Democrats, who worry it will overshadow their legislative agenda. With "Don't tell Mama I'm for Obama" emerging as an unofficial slogan, Clinton and her camp are said to be surprised by her would-be rival's rise; fellow Illinois senator Dick Durbin responds, "'They ain't seen nothing yet.'"
If you'd like to know more about the Chicago Public Schools than what you can discern from short, mass media pieces, check out Catalyst Chicago, the local outpost of the urban education magazine. Be certain to visit the guide to CPS and research sections, which provide original content and links to research institutions.
We don't normally carry a column over from one week to the next, but Richard Carnahan has the week off and his column from last week is still generating discourse -- including comments from one of the aldermanic candidates mentioned. So it's staying up.
Following the recent sentencing of an Urbana woman who killed a cyclist while driving and downloading a ringtone to her cellphone, the parents of Matt Wilhelm the deceased, have started a coalition to lobby for a law and education to reduce distracted driving. Looks like that cellphone ban hasn't been working out too well.
The upheaval surrounding the recent Mexican inauguration has played itself out locally, albeit more peacefully. Although Chicago hosts an official consulate for the country, supporters of the PRD opposition have set up an "alternate" to what they see as an outpost of the Calderon government. With over 1.5M persons of Mexican descent living in the area, such a move could have an impact on the country's political landscape. NPR's Cheryl Corley has more.
As the Hardball discourse picks up on to the fact that Hussein holds the middle position between Barack and Obama, Maureen Dowd asks, "What's in a name?" [sub. reqd.]
Jennifer Stark of Urbana kills a cyclist while downloading a ringtone on her phone while driving. She gets the maximum penalty... for improper lane usage! Six months probation, $1K fine and traffic school. Oh yeah, she has a myspace. A bizarre, tragic and ridiculous event.
As fellow Illinois senator Dick Durbin drummed up support for Barack Obama's possible presidential bid, Obama met with Ludacris earlier today. "We talked about empowering the youth," the rapper said. No word on whether Pepsi was served.
It had to happen at some point: the Barack Obama's bum real estate deal ended up in the national media today, as Morning Edition broadcast a story describing the arrangement's shady appearance as a mar to the senator's sunny image.
Follow-up from February: A federal judge ruled that Craigslist was not liable for running housing ads that discriminated against particular groups of people. The ruling stated that CL is a service, not a publisher, and therefore is protected under the 1996 Communications Decency Act.
As a barometer of his popularity, Barack Obama could do worse than refer to his book sales. The senator's The Audacity of Hope, currently ranked 5th among books on Amazon and set to be no. 1 on the Times non-fiction list Sunday, has become nothing short of a best-seller. In less than a month, it has sold 182,000 copies and is in its seventh printing. By way of comparison, Trent Lott's latest has moved a mere 11,000 units since its publication in August 2005; Jesse Helms has fared even worse at 3,000.
Malachi Ritscher, a local musician and peace activist, apparently set himself on fire on the side of the Kennedy last week as a protest against the Iraq War. I recall hearing a mention of this as a suicide on traffic reports, but never the political side of it. UPDATE: Peter Margasak has much more information on Post No Bills.
Given yesterday's election results, Crain's "what if" article about House Democratic committee positions deserves a closer read.
Regardless of who wins, tomorrow will bring some sense of relief when we finally see an end to the televised blitzkrieg of political attack ads. A couple of years ago, political science professor John G. Geer published a book in which he argued that such negative ads were actually good for the democratic process. Fair enough, as one of Geer's colleagues has recently demonstrated, provided you don't mind wearing the target.
Television news reports this morning showed a problem with an electronic voting machine in Lincoln Park. The Tribune ran a story on washing your hands before voting. With the mess that is bound to ensue on this election day, all voters should know that they can request a paper ballot if uncomfortable with the electronic technology. Also, report issues or fraud associated with voting if you unfortunately encounter it.
Y'all are voting today, right?
If you wanted to take advantage of early voting in Illinois, you'd better get on the ball, because according to the County Clerk's Website early voting concludes tomorrow. After that, of course, you'll have to wait until Election Day, November 7th, to cast your ballot.
Oh, dear. Barack Obama and Dick Durbin have aligned themselves with the monarchy. The senators from Illinois will appear at a rally for Todd Stroger on Monday, touting the candidate's "'experience to usher the county into an era of progress'" -- and serving as little more than cogs in The Machine. [via]
More Obama coverage, this time on the New Yorker's website. (Includes an mp3 of the whole 45-minute interview!)
No longer willing to say "no" outright, Barack Obama tells Tim Russert running for the presidency is now a "possibility," one he'll give further thought to after next month's elections. The drumbeat -- he's taken over the Times Op-Ed page: like David Brooks earlier in the week, Maureen Dowd gave him yesterday's column (sub. req'd); Frank Rich followed suit today -- has apparently had an impact. (The video clip only works on Windows machines running IE; those using other platforms may have better luck with the entire interview. Discussion of POTUS possibilities occurs around minute 25.) [ETA: Bob Herbert chimed in on Monday. Naturally.]
Speaking on NPR, it's Obama on the current Fuel topic (itself inspired by the seemingly never-ending discussion): "If I decide to run for president, I'll make an announcement. Everybody'll be invited, and that will end the speculation at that point." (For more, watch the senator's appearance on Charlie Rose.)
Conservative NYTimes columnist David Brooks joins the chorus recommending Barack Obama run for president. Meanwhile, Oprah tried and failed to get Obama to commit, but she did get him to agree to announce it on her show ...if he does. (Meanwhile, somebody thinks that both of them should run.)
Looks like the Chicago Bike Federation has a new website for their Drive With Care campaign. At first, I thought it was real, but then I knew that any memorial like "The Brittany" had to be too good to be true. Well done, chaps.
Bell's is one of my favorite microbreweries (mmm, Oberon), so I was dismayed to find out their delicious beers would no longer be available in Chicago because of a distribution dispute. In response, members of the Logan Square Draught Beer Preservation Society will be meeting at Weegee's Lounge, 3659 W. Armitage, Tuesday night at 9pm to develop a plan of action. If you're mad as hell and can't take it anymore, join in!
Joe Klein joins the parade with a story on why Barack Obama should be the 2008 Democratic presidential candidate.
It's three weeks before the 2006 midterm election, but you can vote today. For the first time in an Illinois general election you can cast an early ballot without needing an excuse. Check out the Voterinfonet site for details and a list of the early voting locations.
Despite recent presidential backing, Denny Hastert's House speakership continues to be the subject of speculation. Today's Washington Post assesses "the Coach" and his situation, not to mention his appearance, describing it in not particularly charitable terms as "a cross between actor Wilford Brimley and Jabba the Hutt."
The Coast Guard has proposed establishing 34 permanent live-fire zones in the Great Lakes. The 2,500 square miles of water would be closed to public while in use. As you might expect, people throughout the Great Lakes are more than a little upset. Currently, the Coast Guard's information site is offline although a comment page and a press release are available.
YearlyKos, an annual convention for the Democratic blogsite DailyKos, has announced plans to hold next year's event at McCormick Place in August. [via]
The Cook County Clerk's office wants you to know that tomorrow's the deadline for registering as an Illinois voter if you want to vote in the midterm elections next month. See Voterinfonet.com for registration forms, election dates, and even a form to check your registration status online (for suburban Cook County only; Chicago residents should check out ChicagoElections.com to get polling place and district information).
A bit quiet of late, the "Run, Barack, Run!" cheerleaders are back with renewed vigor, featuring the outspoken Oprah Winfrey, Mayor Daley, Halle Berry, and--hey, hey!--State Comptroller Dan Hynes. (See also: recent coverage of the juggernaut that wasn't. Or was?)
While the big-box issue may currently be at an impasse, living wage concerns will not soon go away. We've asked your opinion in the past; today, the Wall Street Journal's Econoblog solicits the competing counsel of two experts.
Another week, another starstruck, will-he-won't-he profile of Barack Obama (this week it's New York magazine).
Nation columnist Katha Pollitt is in town this week, riffing on feminism and her latest collection of essays, Virginity or Death!, and you've got two chances to hear her: tonight in Logan Square at the offices of In These Times (details in Slowdown) or tomorrow in Andersonville at Women & Children First (details at the store's site).
You've got to hand it to Nigerian scammers: they're on top of current affairs. The May Report published an email scam using the George Ryan corruption case as its set-up. [via]
Last week, State Comptroller Dan Hynes made news by holding a press conference to support a presidential candidate who is not, so far as anyone knows, a presidential candidate. That small detail apparently didn't matter much over the weekend, either: the Times reports on Barack Obama's reception at Sen. Tom Harkin's steak fry, and whether or not it was a campaign stop doesn't seem to have kept it from being a successful one.
Tonight, if there's commotion outside the House of Blues, it's because Buju Banton is in, well, the house. The Gay Liberation Network will be protesting the dancehall artist in response to lyrics that graphically portray and advocate the killing of gay men (there are, for instance, Uzis involved). The controversy's no surprise: over the years, a number of Banton's concerts, especially those scheduled in the UK, have been either cancelled or banned due to concerns over hate speech and incitement to violence. [via]
Ostensibly, at least, Fran Spielman is a reporter. But sometimes, by golly, she sounds like she's got a point of view to get across. Check today's lead, for example: "Five months ago, the City Council opened itself up to ridicule by banning foie gras, a controversial delicacy that most Chicagoans have never tasted and cannot afford." Never mind that the entire state of California has taken such a step, so far as I can tell by reading the article, the only people still focused on this "ridicule" are those folk who didn't get their way the first time around. Compared to the Trib's 'just-the-facts' approach, the framing of this piece sure sounds like Foie Gras Follies to me.
Back in July, we asked your opinion of the proposed "big-box" ordinance. Today, Mayor Daley has what may be the final say, announcing his veto of the measure. Ald. Joe Moore plans for an override vote later this week, but, with Ald. Manny Flores out of town, the mayor needs only convince one former supporter to switch sides.
Slate's "Explainer" asks the $100,000 question: Why is Chicago so corrupt?
Christopher Bollyn, a right-wing "truthseeker" and journalist for the American Free Press, was arrested last weekend and shot with a Taser gun. He says it's because of his claims that the Israelis were behind the 9/11 attacks; the cops say they thought he was trying to go get a weapon. We report, you decide.
In 2001, braiders, twisters and lockticians came under the purview of the state Department of Professional and Financial Regulation. Prior to that, they'd just done their thing; suddenly, they were required to go to cosmetology school and be licensed in techniques they had no interest in practicing. This week, the Reader profiles, among others, Taalib-Din Uqdah, who calls himself a "modern-day abolitionist," and Amazon Smiley, the local "queen of the braiders," as they seek to emancipate themselves from the Illinois Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics and Nail Technology Act.
Candidate Stroger announces, if elected, he'd establish "an inspector general's office that is independent of politics and free to investigate any claims of corruption filed against any county official." Since, you know, there are so many Cook Co. jobs independent of politics. (By way of comparison, the current inspector general, whom he couldn't name but whose position Stroger says he'll make "'tougher, more independent,'" donated over $3,000 to Stroger's father's campaign.)
Fans of Marshall Field's have one last chance to demonstrate their anger with the department stores' conversion to Macy's. At 9:30am on September 9, the day of the official switch-over, FieldsFansChicago is holding a protest in front of the State Street store.
Taking another step away from scissors, glue, and late night photocopying sessions, our city's very own Punk Planet has redesigned and expanded its website. Of particular note is the addition of user blogs.
Chicago-opoly: The City That Cheats, a new game from the Beachwood Reporter. Not to be confused with the Chicago Monopoly.
Chicago's got a great new start-up, Bob Fuller's Roadside Memorials. (via hnk)
Women with disabilities face a barrage of challenges, but FRIDA (Feminist Response in Disability Activism) aims to break down barriers. Join organizers at a meeting this Monday, Aug. 21, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Access Living, 614 W. Roosevelt Road. An ASL interpreter will be present. Call Access Living at 312-253-7000 to learn more about FRIDA and accessibility issues in Chicago.
The city's recent appointment of Melissa Turner as Chicago's fashion czarina brought a challenge from treehugger: become the green fashion capital of the U.S. Designers, will you embrace the challenge?
Love to shop? Feeling generous? The Lupus Foundation of America, Illinois Chapter (LFAI) and Bloomingdale's are teaming up to raise some cash. Purchase $10 tickets to The Shopping Benefit, and LFAI gets every penny; turn your ticket in at one of Bloomingdale's four Chicagoland locations on August 30 and the store will donate an additional $5 to the cause.
Last week, the AFL-CIO announced it was teaming up with the National Day Laborer Organizing Network to help protect the rights of day laborers. MR Zine provides a local case in point for why this battle is so important.
So we know the results of the vote, but editorials are telling too. I've compiled a round-up of reporting about the topic from editorials and such. If you have others from sources I've missed, please send them in.
The Big Box Living Wage Ordinance has passed the City Council with a margin of 35 to 14, enough to override a Mayoral veto.
No matter how hard Daley blusters, Zorn's got it right. The chains are coming to Chicago, like it or not, because Lincolnwood and Libertyville and Lemont and Lockport are already filled to the brim with Wal-Mart (map). So why not ask for a living wage, and watch them appear anyway? If Wal-Mart can order custom elevators and modify the store design, they'll be able to pay.
While the Big Box Ordinance is getting all the attention, City Council is also considering a long list of dog-related ordinances today. The biggest is mandatory microchipping (so pooches can be tracked and returned to their owners more easily), but there are also new ordinances regulating conditions at kennels and how and for how long owners can keep their dogs on tethers in the yard. Should be a much less controversial set of votes.
The Chicago Grassroots Collaborative, a coalition of labor, religious, and community groups, invites you to join them for a candlelight vigil in support of the Big Box Living Wage outside of City Hall tonight at 9pm.
The Chicago City Council will be voting on the Big Box Living Wage Ordinance tomorrow, and things are getting ugly. Chicago Tribune columnist and blogger Eric Zorn has a good piece up exposing the real issue (that this is about precedent and ideology, not economics), which is decidedly at odds with his paper's editorial board's opinion. Ald. Joe Moore, chief sponsor of the ordinance, had a heated debate with a retail industry representative this morning on WBEZ's 848 program. A poll by Lake, Snell, and Perry earlier this year showed 84% support for the measure among Chicagoans. This is your last chance--call your alderman today and let them know how you feel!
The Beachwood Reporter has some great snaps of Daley in San Francisco. Please, caption this photo. Or this one. Or this solo portrait, which might use a little clown paint perhaps?
The so-called Burge Report on police torture is finally out, and the Tribune has been nice enough to post a 15MB PDF of it. The Reader's John Conroy has some thoughts; read his coverage over the years here. UPDATE: Indymedia has the report broken up into more digestible chunks. (Thanks, Mitchell)
If you have a Chicago phone number and are a regular voter, you may be getting a one-question "Ask Illinois" automated survey today! I'll post the text of the survey, and you tell me who you think commissioned it: "Members of the Chicago City Council want to stop new retail stores from opening in the city because the union bosses don't want the competition. These new stores would create thousands of new jobs in underdeveloped neighborhoods. Here's our question: do you want to see retail development and thousands of new jobs in Chicago's underdeveloped neighborhoods? If you want to see the jobs, press 1, if you think the council should stop the jobs press 2 if you're not sure press 3." What a fortuitous time to get asked such a question.
It's official: Alderman Todd Stroger will replace his father as the Democratic choice for Cook County Board President in November. What are your thoughts? Post'em in Fuel, and/or vote on Zorn's blog.
Sun-Times columnist Robert Novak finally spilled the beans today about who leaked the identity of CIA operative/ambassador's wife Valerie Plame back in '03. Well, sort of: He didn't say who told him about Plame, but he said Karl Rove confirmed the source's info.
You already know that July is Chicago Hip Hop Heritage Month, but did you know that Chicago is also hosting this year's National Hip Hop Political Convention? If you're one of those people who likes to get academic with their pop culture (not that there's anything wrong with that), check out Slowdown for more details on the July 20-23 convention.
Former Dead Kennedys singer and spoken-word artist Jello Biafra will be appearing tonight at the Lakeshore Theater, but if you've got the afternoon free you can stop by the nearby Reckless Records on Broadway, where Jello will be doing an in-store appearance at 4:30. You can bring your old classic DK merch for Jello to sign, but please don't bring any of the newer re-releases on Manifesto Records, as those were issued without Jello's consent and he won't sign them.
Reader Chad D. writes, "This morning, in a 5-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Hamdan v. Rumsfeld that President Bush's decision to try alleged al Qaeda combatant Salim Ahmed Hamdan for conspiracy before a military commission was illegal under U.S. and international law. The opinion, written by native Chicagoan, U. of C. and Northwestern alumnus John Paul Stephens, also expressed concern that 'conspiracy,' as a stand-alone offense, 'is not a recognized violation of the law of war.' Relief may be in order."
The excellent Beachwood Reporter has a run-down of all the comings and goings now that John Stroger is planning on stepping down. This whole Cook County Board mess is so disgusting and so shows how little the board cares about democratic process; instead of merit, we get nepotism. So instead of editorials and moaning and complaining, I ask you: what's to be done? Protests? Letter writing campaign? Vote Republican? Email our inbox with your idea.
A well-researched look at the problem of obesity in Chicago that asks the question: when advocacy fails, what role should policy take? Is it ok to outlaw junk food, or change zoning requirements to encourage more people to walk? Is reducing car traffic not just an environmental issue, but also one of public health? (via Payton)
Today's Washington Post launches the latest volley in the Obama '08 recruitment game.
A large group of people opposed to DRM (Digital Rights Management by the true believers, Digital Restrictions Management by the skeptical) got together to protest for digital freedom at the Apple Store on Saturday. Wearing Hazmat suits, they handed out flyers for Defective By Design, a grassroots digital freedom campaign. And of course, they took photos of the action...
Fran Spielman reports on Alderman Edward M. Burke's musing aloud yesterday on how Chicago might ultimately regulate the sort of oil in which restaurants can fry their food. First, though, he wants to tackle sales of carbon monoxide-treated meat. Meantime, a sidebar accompanying the article reads like something out of The Onion. Pick your favorite Ridiculous Nanny State Proposal To Come Out of the City Council! Requiring diapers on horses pulling carriages may be mine.
Mayor Daley announced yesterday that proposals are now being accepted for the proposed city-wide wireless service. Take a look at the RFP. (Thanks, Mitchell)
A few weeks ago, the Tribune reported on opposition to proposed ordinances requiring "big box" retailers to pay workers a higher minimum wage ($10/hr, with an additional $3/hr for benefits). Now, according to today's Times, over three-fifths of the City Council has signed on to the idea. If passed -- a vote could come within the month -- Chicago would be the first US municipality to take such a step.
Today marks the conclusion of the Sun-Times's three-part series on the continuing political influence of mobster Bruno Roti Sr., even fifty years after his death. Let's just say his family sounds pretty well-connected.
After the death of a very young pedestrian at the intersection of Belden Ave and Lincoln Park West this weekend, Eric Zorn features a proposal for improving safety for walkers and drivers. He also points to the website for America Walks, which has a number of affiliated groups if you're interested in (foot) traffic safety activism.
Barack Obama is about to release another book entitled The Audacity of Hope this fall. To keep you excited about its release, you can download an "exclusive preview" from his website. And if you had no idea he's written other books, check out some of the others.
A coalition of civil rights groups has begun a volunteer effort to stop the anti-gay ballot initiative put forth by Project Marriage Illinois, a spinoff of the Illinois Family Institute, by scrutinizing the petitions for invalid signatures. The advisory referendum would ask voters to ask the legislature to ban all same-sex legal unions, including civil unions and domestic partner benefits. It would be non-binding and might or might not pass, but just having it on the ballot would allow the right to stir up a major anti-gay campaign; the Gay Liberation Network notes that anti-LGBT violence in Colorado increased 129% in the year following the Amendment 2 campaign there. To volunteer, email fairillinois AT yahoo DOT com or call 773-477-7173. (Thanks, Tony.)
When I was 12 my mother left my father and for a short while we moved into a shelter for women and children leaving domestic abuse situations. If that shelter hadn't existed, my mother (at least) would not be alive today. Due to financial problems and the lack of an executive director (although not a dedicated and hard-working staff), Rainbow House will close for at least the next month, and maybe longer. Rainbow House is the largest shelter of its kind in Chicago, and the only shelter which takes women with mental illness or substance abuse problems. I implore you to make a tax-deductible donation before its too late.
Barack Obama continues to say that he's not running for President in 2008, but even without running he's already got an endorsement from Neil Young, who namechecks the Illinois Senator on the song "Lookin' For A Leader" from his new album Living With War. Obama met Young at last year's Farm Aid concert, a meeting which Obama called "one of the best times we've had" since becoming a Senator.
Liberia's first female president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, will be in town this week thanks to an invitation to appear on Oprah (which, no doubt, will touch on the significance of her leadership and the growth of the fragile democracy in Liberia). The city's Liberian Consolate is planning several events in honor of this special guest, including a special Q&A celebration-reception at the DuSable Museum. More on this historic and significant event here.
If healthcare issues get you hot under the collar, you'll want to check out this month's Public Health Forum, sponsored by the Public Square of the Illinois Humanities Council and the Neighborhood Writing Alliance. Panels scheduled over the next couple of weeks will address healthcare as a human right, reproductive health and sexual identity, and building healthy communities. Details in Slowdown.
The Inspector General of Chicago launched a new website and tip hotline yesterday that gives residents a way to report wrongdoings by city workers easily and anonymously. Submit tips here, or call 1-866-IG-TIPLINE. You can also keep track of what's happening with the department's news page, which features the first RSS feed of any city department; hopefully that begins a trend.
If you're stuck in your office without a TV, you can still follow the march on Flickr (here's a good search to start from), and the Trib has your text-based hook-up.
In case you've been living under a rock, there's a big immigration rally and march downtown today. Plenty of businesses back the march, which is expected to draw 300,000 to 500,000 people. The Trib has a list of buses expected to be disrupted, and you might as well forget about driving down there. It may be crazy, but business owners aren't concerned.
There's a group in Chicago called Bound 4 Life. No, it's not a band — well, not that kind of band. This group of young adults aims to demonstrate, through "Prayer Seiges," their opposition to abortion. At first I was just really excited to see what a "Prayer Seige" was, but after reading some history of the group I had these flashbacks of driving down Ridge with all these graphic anti-abortion posters surrounding me and... well, you can read about Bound 4 Life right here.
The Daily Herald's John Patterson rounds up some opinions on the good and bad of graft in Illinois politics. Depending on whom you ask, either "the breadth and volume of the problem in this state is absolutely without compare" or "that's what we get periodically as the price of getting things done." [via]
I can count the number of people I know who waited to have sex until they were married on one finger. And now that this person is married, sex is a given. Which means that all folks, even the children of the future, need to have age-appropriate and accurate health information. If you want think its important for Chicago Public Schools students to have this info, then you might be interested in telling the CPS Board of Education to vote for the Family Life and Comprehensive Sexual Health Education Policy. Click now since they're voting on Wednesday.
Mayor Daley will be making his first-ever trip to Israel to check out security measures, which are "way ahead" of ours, according to Daley's press secretary. Exact dates have not been set, but it's been acknowledged that the trip might coincide with the beginning of
