- Blogs, Bleader Apr 16, 2018
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Aldermen's absolute veto power over ward projects gets unlikely court challenge
A challenge to the age-old custom of aldermanic prerogative finds a champion in a luxury developer pushing a building with affordable housing.
- Blogs, Bleader Jan 5, 2018
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How’s Chicago supposed to desegregate when developments with affordable housing can be blocked by aldermen on a whim?
Yet another planned development with affordable units is killed on the northwest side.
- Blogs, Bleader Dec 20, 2017
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The activists and the aldermen: The #NoCopAcademy campaign’s crash course in Chicago civics
After a City Council setback, the #NoCopAcademy campaign reflects on strategy—and aldermen on both sides of the issue respond.
- Blogs, Bleader Aug 15, 2017
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How northwest-siders are countering their NIMBY neighbors’ backlash against affordable housing
Galvanized by protests against an affordable housing proposal, Jefferson Park residents are looking to leverage their nascent organization for further community uplift.
- Blogs, Bleader Feb 23, 2017
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Opposition to affordable housing in Jefferson Park is nothing new for Chicago
The city has a long history of opposition to real estate developments perceived as a conduit for African-American families, especially poor ones, to move into white neighborhoods.
- Blogs, Bleader Jan 18, 2016
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Too little, too late from aldermen on Rahm's DePaul deal
Two years too late, the City Council takes a tough stand on Mayor Rahm's $55 million DePaul basketball arena/Marriott hotel.
- Blogs, Bleader Nov 6, 2015
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CPS blunder: No carbon monoxide detectors at Prussing School
There were no carbon monoxide detectors in the northwest-side elementary school where more than 70 students fell ill last week, according to 45th Ward alderman John Arena.
- Blogs, Bleader Oct 30, 2015
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Tax on tickets to Lyric Opera and the CSO? Not for now.
A proposal to tax ticket sales for Lyric Opera and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra has been tabled, for now.
- Blogs, Bleader Jun 19, 2015
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All aboard Mayor Rahm's O'Hare express train to bankruptcy
As the City Council voted to borrow $1.1 billion to pay off the debt on some of Mayor Daley's boondoggles, Mayor Rahm was vowing to waste even more money on the O'Hare express train.
- Blogs, Bleader Dec 4, 2014
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Rahm Emanuel's evolving position on the minimum wage
The mayor is certain that the city's new minimum wage law will help people, starting with him.
- Blogs, Bleader Nov 20, 2014
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That time in '77 Jane Byrne and I were on TV together
As a young, mop-topped lad of 22, the Reader political columnist was on WTTW . . .
- Blogs, Bleader Jul 18, 2014
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Mayor Rahm drifts to the left on the minimum wage
The politics behind Mayor Rahm's slow—very slow—creep to the left on raising the minimum wage.
- Blogs, Bleader Jun 27, 2014
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The politics behind Chicago's garbage bins
The City Council passed a new fee on Dumpsters—without knowing who's going to pay, who's going to profit, and whose idea it was.
- Blogs, Bleader Aug 21, 2013
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The Northwest Chicago Film Society and the Patio Theater are both alive and well
After near extinction, the film society and movie palace have found happiness together.
- Blogs, Bleader Jun 5, 2013
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City Council approves Rahm's new parking meter deal
Chicago's parking meter money will continue to flow to private investors.
- Blogs, Bleader May 28, 2013
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The best of times and worst of times for Chicago moviegoing
The Portage and Patio theaters may be closing, but screenings go on for the Northwest Chicago Film Society.
- Blogs, Bleader Nov 16, 2012
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Why your alderman (and mine) always votes yes on the Chicago city budget
Analysis of the latest rubber-stamp budget vote by the Chicago City Council
- Blogs, Bleader Nov 12, 2012
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The inevitable food truck lawsuit has arrived
The Institute for Justice is suing the city over the food truck ordinance
- Blogs, Bleader Jul 27, 2012
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The week in food trucks and other food news bites
Food truck testimony, 25 tacos, pickled flower buds and more
- Blogs, Bleader Jul 25, 2012
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Food truck ordinance passes. Watch out, eloteros: you're next.
Will the city overregulate pushcart vendors next?
