ChicagoTalks - Latest Articles

ChicagoTalks - Latest Articles /news The latest articles from the ChicagoTalks space with comments Wed, 14 Jan 2009 17:49:29 +0000 en-us Near-Time release 2008.42.0 (rev. 27101 - 2008-12-29) Welcome to Chicagotalks where Neighborhood News Matters Wed, 14 Jan 2009 17:49:29 +0000 Illinois advocates say successful stimulus package must include affordable housing /news/2009/1/14/illinois-advocates-say-successful-stimulus-package-must-include-affordable-housing <div class="mceContentBody"><p>
With the  <a href="http://communitymediaworkshop.org/newstips/?p=329" target="_blank">still-growing</a>
housing crisis at the core of the sharpest economic downturn since the
Great Depression, advocates called for affordable housing to be a key
component of stimulus and recovery plans.</p><p>"Housing is infrastructure," said Jack Markowski of the Chicago-based <a href="http://www.cicchicago.org/" target="_blank">Community Investment Corporation</a>,
alluding to massive infrastructure investments planned in the
forthcoming stimulus program. "It employs people. It provides the
foundation to allow people to be part of the workforce." And with a
growing need for energy conservation, "it's part of the green economy.</p><p>"We have proposals that are shovel-ready," he added, speaking at a
gathering of over 200 community housing practitioners convened by the <a href="http://www.chicagorehab.org/" target="_blank">Chicago Rehab Network</a> at Roosevelt University Monday.</p><p><a href="/wiki/illinois-advocates-say-successful-stimulus-package-must-include-affordable-housing">Read more...</a><br /></p></div><br class="no-line-height" clear="both" /> Categories: Citywide Editor's Choice Money Matters Nationwide Planning & Development Politics Public Social Issues <br /> Tags: affordable housing chicago rehab network economy jan schakowsky <br /> Curtis Black of Community Media Workshop /news/2009/1/14/illinois-advocates-say-successful-stimulus-package-must-include-affordable-housing Wed, 14 Jan 2009 17:48:42 -0000 Citywide Editor's Choice Money Matters Nationwide Planning & Development Politics Public Social Issues Illinois students to embark on inauguration trip /news/2009/1/13/illinois-students-to-embark-on-inauguration-trip <div class="mceContentBody"><p>Jan. 13, 2008 - A group of Illinois students will embark on a once
in a lifetime trip on Sunday to witness a piece of history – the
inauguration of the country’s first African American president. </p><p>The “<a href="http://centerforcommunityadvocacy.com/WitnesstohistoryTour.html">Witness to History Bus Tour</a>,” organized by Clarence Davidson at the Chicago-based <a href="http://centerforcommunityadvocacy.com/">Center for Community Advocacy</a>,
will take approximately 25 students from around Illinois on a free
4-day bus trip to Washington D.C. for the Inauguration on Jan. 20. </p><p>Recognizing
the historical significance of the upcoming event, Davidson was
inspired to organize the trip as a way for students to be a part of
history and engage in numerous learning experiences along the way. </p><p><a href="http://chicagotalks-space.near-time.net/wiki/illinois-students-to-embark-on-inauguration-trip">Read more...</a><br /></p></div><br class="no-line-height" clear="both" /> Categories: Editor's Choice Politics Public Schools & Education Statewide Travel <br /> Tags: education inauguration obama youth <br /> Alyx Sariol /news/2009/1/13/illinois-students-to-embark-on-inauguration-trip Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:12:39 -0000 Editor's Choice Politics Public Schools & Education Statewide Travel New Eastside CAPS meeting addresses biased-based policing, homeless problem /news/2009/1/12/new-eastside-caps-meeting-addresses-biased-based-policing-homeless-problem <div class="mceContentBody"><p>Jan. 12, 2008 - Racial profiling, hate crimes and vagrancy were
among the issues raised by residents of Chicago’s New Eastside
neighborhood during their Beat 124CAPS meeting Thursday.  </p><p>The bi-monthly <a href="http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/portalContentItemAction.do?contenTypeName=COC_EDITORIAL&contentOID=10912&topChannelName=HomePage">Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy</a> meetings aim to address issues, past and present, with officers who work in the area. In
concurrence with recent media coverage about biased-based policing,
guest speaker Sgt. Dan Mahoney from the Internal Affairs Division was
on hand to address the issue.</p><p>“The
department has a strict policy prohibiting racial profiling and
biased-based policing,” said Mahoney. “We are looking to make sure that
officers are not engaging in either and we’re committed to stopping
this.”</p><p><a href="http://chicagotalks-space.near-time.net/wiki/new-eastside-caps-meeting-addresses-biased-based-policing-homeless-problem">Read more...</a><br /></p></div><br class="no-line-height" clear="both" /> Categories: City Life Editor's Choice Justice & Crime Public <br /> Tags: caps chicago police department crime new eastside <br /> Alyx Sariol /news/2009/1/12/new-eastside-caps-meeting-addresses-biased-based-policing-homeless-problem Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:58:42 -0000 City Life Editor's Choice Justice & Crime Public Michigan Avenue horse carriage companies challenged /news/2009/1/9/michigan-avenue-horse-carriage-companies-challenged <div class="mceContentBody"><p>Jan. 9, 2009 - In response to complaints by animal
rights activists, one horse carriage company is no longer operating on North Michigan
Avenue as of January 1 for violations of city code.</p><p>Kerri Stojack of Ald. Scott Waguespack's
32nd Ward office said the Department of Consumer Services has not renewed the
business license of JC Cutters Ltd.</p><p>The company houses its horses in an
unpermitted tent on the Chicago River which lacks electricity and running
water, and it has racked up numerous complaints from the city's Animal Care and
Control Commission for inadequate shelter and unsanitary conditions, with
horse's hay mixed with manure and urine. It was the subject of a WMAQ-TV
investigation in October (<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZJNBo1iqdE" target="_blank">video</a>).</p><p><a href="/wiki/michigan-avenue-horse-carriage-companies-challenged">Read more...</a><br /></p></div><br class="no-line-height" clear="both" /> Categories: Business Editor's Choice Justice & Crime Public Transportation <br /> Tags: 32nd ward animal rights city code <br /> Curtis Black of Community Media Workshop /news/2009/1/9/michigan-avenue-horse-carriage-companies-challenged Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:15:22 -0000 Business Editor's Choice Justice & Crime Public Transportation Chicago attorney representing Guantanamo detainees discusses complexity of prison closure /news/2009/1/8/chicago-attorney-representing-guantanamo-detainees-discusses-complexity-of-prison-closure <div class="mceContentBody"><p>Jan. 8, 2009 - Prisoners sit in an 8-by 6-foot cell, built from a wire frame. The cells sit
in two rows facing each other out in the open air. They are covered with
a tin roof, which traps the heat of the sun. There are no fans or air
conditioner provided.</p><p>As President-elect Barack Obama takes office, one of his highest executive
priorities is to close Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, but the new administration will
face difficult challenges on how to process the detainees for trial and
possible release.</p><p>Jeffrey Colman, a Chicago attorney who has represented prisoners at
Guantanamo, said he still has two clients imprisoned there indefinitely.</p><p><a href="http://chicagotalks-space.near-time.net/wiki/chicago-attorney-representing-guantanamo-detainees-discusses-complexity-of-prison-closure">Read more...</a><br /></p></div><br class="no-line-height" clear="both" /> Categories: Editor's Choice Justice & Crime Politics Public <br /> Tags: guantanamo bay human rights obama prison <br /> Agnes Masnik /news/2009/1/8/chicago-attorney-representing-guantanamo-detainees-discusses-complexity-of-prison-closure Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:58:35 -0000 Editor's Choice Justice & Crime Politics Public Chicago-based Project Harambee works to fight African AIDS epidemic /news/2009/1/7/chicago-based-project-harambee-works-to-fight-african-aids-epidemic <div class="mceContentBody"><p>Jan. 7, 2009 - Kathleen Harrison was never that interested in Africa.</p><p>But that was 2001 - before the former Loyola University
medical professor visited an orphanage for HIV positive children in Kenya. On the long trip home, the images of the parentless
children played back in her head. She
knew she wanted to help, but was discouraged by the fact that she was just one
person. </p><p>That's when she took matters into her own hands.</p><p><a href="/wiki/chicago-based-project-harambee-works-to-fight-african-aids-epidemic">Read more...</a><br /></p></div><br class="no-line-height" clear="both" /> Categories: Editor's Choice Global Public Social Issues <br /> Tags: africa aids berwyn chicago united nations <br /> Jessica Rosenberg /news/2009/1/7/chicago-based-project-harambee-works-to-fight-african-aids-epidemic Wed, 07 Jan 2009 16:25:58 -0000 Editor's Choice Global Public Social Issues Shelter to school conversion sign of the times in South Loop /news/2009/1/6/shelter-to-school-conversion-sign-of-the-times-in-south-loop <div class="mceContentBody"><p>Jan. 6, 2009 - With the demolition of the former Pacific Garden Mission
building on South State Street complete,  <a href="http://www.jonescollegeprep.org/">Jones College Preparatory High School</a>  is
gearing up for big change in 2009. Chicago
Public Schools has changed construction plans for the now-empty lot immediately
south of the school from an extension to a new seven-story, $130 million
building. </p><p>The school council announced the change at an open meeting
in late November where students, parents and community members gathered to
discus the expansion. According to the
council, the new building will hold up to 1,200 students, a 60 percent increase
over current 750-student capacity. </p><p>"I think it's a good thing," said Christina Richards, a
student at Jones, "because a lot of people don't like that there's not a gym
right now. It will probably bring more
people here."</p><p><a href="/wiki/shelter-to-school-conversion-sign-of-the-times-in-south-loop">Read more...</a><br /></p></div><br class="no-line-height" clear="both" /> Categories: Editor's Choice In the Loop Planning & Development Public Schools & Education <br /> Tags: chicago public schools jones college prep south loop <br /> Christine Iversen /news/2009/1/6/shelter-to-school-conversion-sign-of-the-times-in-south-loop Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:58:43 -0000 Editor's Choice In the Loop Planning & Development Public Schools & Education Uptown food pantry seeing more in need during economic slump /news/2009/1/5/uptown-food-pantry-seeing-more-in-need-during-economic-slump <div class="mceContentBody"><p>Jan. 5, 2009 - An economic downturn sprouts many
worries. Topping the list for food pantries across the country is, "Will
we run out of food?"</p><p>That's the issue the <a href="http://www.juf.org/">Jewish United Fund</a> (JUF) is addressing. A financial crisis
means more people in need.</p><p>"We're definitely seeing more people coming to us for help as a result of
the economic downturn," said Linda Haase, the associate vice president of
marketing communications with the JUF.</p><p>And to a food pantry, more people means less food. </p><p><a href="/wiki/uptown-food-pantry-seeing-more-in-need-during-economic-slump">Read more...</a><br /></p></div><br class="no-line-height" clear="both" /> Categories: Citywide Editor's Choice Food North Side Public Social Issues <br /> Tags: economy jewish united fund lakeview pantry. greater chicago food depository uptown <br /> Evan Minsker /news/2009/1/5/uptown-food-pantry-seeing-more-in-need-during-economic-slump Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:59:52 -0000 Citywide Editor's Choice Food North Side Public Social Issues Sudanese Lost Boy committed to improving life in Chicago community, homeland /news/2009/1/2/sudanese-lost-boy-committed-to-improving-life-in-chicago-community-homeland <div class="mceContentBody"><p>Jan. 2, 2009 - Standing outside the Deluxe Diner on the North side of Chicago in Rogers
Park, Peter Magai Bul towers over the people around him. An acquaintance from
the neighborhood swerves around sidewalk pedestrians on his bike and
affectionately gives Bul a nod, calling him "Manute Bol" as he passes. </p><p>At 6 feet, 6 inches, Bul doesn't quite reach the retired NBA star's stature
at 7 feet, 7 inches. But they do have other things in common: They were both
born in Sudan and they both fled the brutal civil war. Now, in the U.S., they
both work as activists seeking to educate the community and create change in
their homeland.</p><p>Bul serves as president of the <a href="http://www.aycda.org/home.html">Ayual Community Development Association</a>. Maketh
Mabior, a fellow Lost Boy and lifelong friend, described Bul as someone who
always has a plan, someone who has the answer and someone who works extremely
hard.</p><p>"He's somebody who would put himself on the line," Mabior said.
"He makes himself busy every day. Sometimes I say, ‘Peter, you have to
take a break.' The man is everywhere. He's like an ambassador."</p><p><a href="/wiki/sudanese-lost-boy-committed-to-improving-life-in-chicago-community-homeland">Read more...</a></p></div><br class="no-line-height" clear="both" /> Categories: Editor's Choice Global North Side Public Social Issues <br /> Tags: human rights lost boys of sudan rogers park sudan truman college <br /> Erica Christoffer /news/2009/1/2/sudanese-lost-boy-committed-to-improving-life-in-chicago-community-homeland Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:18:56 -0000 Editor's Choice Global North Side Public Social Issues Daily January peace vigil aimed at Obama's agenda /news/2008/12/31/daily-january-peace-vigil-aimed-at-obama-s-agenda <div class="mceContentBody"><p>
Dec. 31, 2008 - Peace groups from around the region will hold a daily vigil throughout
January in Hyde Park, blocks from the home of President-elect Barack
Obama, to
show support for the progressive agenda on which Obama ran.</p><p>"We are trying to remain hopeful, but we understand that there is
tremendous pressure on Obama to step away from the positions he took
during the campaign," said Dan Pearson, an organizer for <a href="http://camphope2009.org/">Camp Hope 2009</a>. "We want to show that there is support for him to implement all
the changes that he campaigned for."</p><p>Spearheaded by <a href="http://vcnv.org/">Voices for Creative Nonviolence</a> and Nobel Peace Prize
nominee Kathy Kelly and joined by groups advocating immigrant rights
and action on climate change, Camp Hope will maintain a daily presence
at Drexel Square Park, 51st and Drexel, from Jan. 1 to Jan. 19,
the day before Obama's inauguration.</p><p><a href="/wiki/daily-january-peace-vigil-aimed-at-obama-s-agenda">Read more...</a><br /></p></div><br class="no-line-height" clear="both" /> Categories: Politics Public Social Issues <br /> Tags: election08 hyde park obama <br /> Curtis Black of Community Media Workshop /news/2008/12/31/daily-january-peace-vigil-aimed-at-obama-s-agenda Wed, 31 Dec 2008 18:51:37 -0000 Politics Public Social Issues Legal groups' Cook County judicial recommendations has little sway on voters /news/2008/12/30/legal-groups-cook-county-judicial-recommendations-has-little-sway-on-voters <div class="mceContentBody"><p>Dec. 30, 2008 - When Judge Vanessa A. Hopkins was reelected as a circuit court judge with
nearly 70 percent of the vote last month she felt relieved, grateful and
vindicated by the voters of Cook County. </p><p>Hopkins is one of three Cook County judges who won reelection despite not
having the endorsement of one of the most prestigious law associations.</p><p>"The Chicago Bar Association did not elect me. The people did," said
Hopkins.</p><p><a href="/wiki/legal-groups-cook-county-judicial-recommendations-has-little-sway-on-voters">Read more...</a><br /></p></div><br class="no-line-height" clear="both" /> Categories: Justice & Crime Local Politics Politics Public <br /> Tags: chicago bar association cook county election08 <br /> Heidi M. Stallings /news/2008/12/30/legal-groups-cook-county-judicial-recommendations-has-little-sway-on-voters Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:49:31 -0000 Justice & Crime Local Politics Politics Public Obama win stirs mixed feelings in biracial community /news/2008/12/29/obama-win-stirs-mixed-feelings-in-biracial-community <div class="mceContentBody"><p>Dec. 29, 2008 - When
Angela Pham looks at President-Elect Barack Obama, she sees a black president.</p><p>Pham, 22, who is half Vietnamese, half white, says Obama doesn't truly
represent other biracials, citing a speech about race given in March, where
Obama focused chiefly on the black community.</p><p>Pham said she's seen Obama reach out to the black community and wishes the
president-elect spoke out more to the biracial and multi-racial voters.</p><p>Raised by her white mother, Pham doesn't have strong Vietnamese features. She
may consider herself "more white" but identifies as biracial and
checks "biracial" or "other" on government forms and
college applications.</p><p>She knows what it's like to be raised by the "white side" of the
family like Obama, who was raised by his white mother and later by his maternal
grandparents, so she wants to be able to better relate to him.</p><p>Richard Schaefer, a professor of black world studies and racial attitudes at
DePaul University, said racial identity in American society is socially rather
than biologically constructed.</p><p><a href="/wiki/obama-win-stirs-mixed-feelings-in-biracial-community">Read more...</a><br /></p></div><br class="no-line-height" clear="both" /> Categories: Politics Public Social Issues <br /> Tags: election08 obama race <br /> Meha Ahmad /news/2008/12/29/obama-win-stirs-mixed-feelings-in-biracial-community Mon, 29 Dec 2008 14:55:04 -0000 Politics Public Social Issues Chicagoans complain about access to city council /news/2008/12/26/chicagoans-complain-about-access-to-city-council <div class="mceContentBody"><p>Dec. 26, 2008 - Chicagoan Bruce Jordan took a day off from work to attend a Chicago City Council Committee meeting last summer, but he sat waiting for almost two hours before learning his alderman would not be there.<br /><br />Jordan, president of Concerned Citizens of Auburn-Gresham, said Ald. Howard Brookins Jr. (21st) did not attend the August zoning meeting at which Jordan and other community residents wanted to voice their safety concerns about a commercial district the alderman wants to develop in their southwest side neighborhood. <br /><br />"I'll take off work for important issues," said Jordan, an 11-year Chicago resident. "But when we go for nothing, it's inconvenient and disappointing."</p><p><a href="/wiki/untitled-4-3">Read more...</a><br /></p></div><br class="no-line-height" clear="both" /> Categories: Citywide Editor's Choice Politics Public <br /> Tags: chicago city council city clerk miguel del valle. better government association transparency <br /> Elisa Tavares Bell /news/2008/12/26/chicagoans-complain-about-access-to-city-council Fri, 26 Dec 2008 16:18:44 -0000 Citywide Editor's Choice Politics Public Board to study how Cook County awards contracts to women and minorities /news/2008/12/24/board-to-study-how-cook-county-awards-contracts-to-women-and-minorities <div class="mceContentBody"><p>Dec. 24, 2008 - Looking to save money and increase efficiency in the way minority and women-owned businesses secure contracts, Cook County Commissioner Elizabeth “Liz” Doody Gorman (17th) proposed eliminating a county department earlier this month.<br /><br />Gorman’s move to approve two ordinance amendments that would eliminate the county’s Department of Contract Compliance elicited a request for a roll call vote from Commissioner William Beavers (4th), and later in the board meeting Gorman agreed to send her proposals to a committee for further study.<br /></p><p><a href="http://chicagotalks-space.near-time.net/wiki/untitled-4-2">Read more...</a><br /></p></div><br class="no-line-height" clear="both" /> Categories: Citywide Editor's Choice Politics Public <br /> Tags: business contract cook county board of commissioners minority women <br /> Travis Truitt /news/2008/12/24/board-to-study-how-cook-county-awards-contracts-to-women-and-minorities Wed, 24 Dec 2008 17:12:48 -0000 Citywide Editor's Choice Politics Public Groups on both sides of the same-sex marriage debate fight for change in Illinois /news/2008/12/23/groups-on-both-sides-of-the-same-sex-marriage-debate-fight-for-change-in-illinois <div class="mceContentBody"><p>Dec. 23, 2008 - Lauren Hasselson and Christy Fairbairn of Bloomingdale know they're up against a tough fight. The couple, who demonstrated against the approval of California's Proposition 8 in Downtown Chicago last month, plan to wed May 2 in a commitment ceremony. They want nothing more than their vows to be recognized under Illinois law.<br /><br />Momentum has gained on both sides of this controversial debate since Nov. 4 when three states - Florida, Arizona and California - passed referendums against same-sex marriage.<br /><br />Protect Marriage Illinois board member Peter LaBarbera said his group would like to see even stronger legislation enacted in Illinois.</p><p><a href="/wiki/groups-on-both-sides-of-the-same-sex-marriage-issue-fight-to-change-law-in-illinois">Read more...</a><br /></p></div><br class="no-line-height" clear="both" /> Categories: Editor's Choice Politics Public Social Issues Statewide <br /> Tags: gay rights illinois general aseembly proposition 8 same-sex marriage <br /> Erica Christoffer /news/2008/12/23/groups-on-both-sides-of-the-same-sex-marriage-debate-fight-for-change-in-illinois Tue, 23 Dec 2008 16:22:27 -0000 Editor's Choice Politics Public Social Issues Statewide A makeover for Welles Park play lot /news/2008/12/22/a-makeover-for-welles-park-play-lot <div class="mceContentBody"><p>Dec. 22, 2008 - As <a href="http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/parks.detail/object_id/48f1f9e9-5d6d-4f53-8eb5-49f01a1d5623.cfm">Welles Park</a>
in the Lincoln Square neighborhood creeps towards its 100-year
anniversary, a group of local residents want to restructure the park's
playground.</p><p>The <a href="http://www.friendsofwellesparkplaylot.com/">Friends of Welles Park Play Lot</a>
is raising money for the rejuvenation project and hopes to have the
necessary funds by the end of the year. The group, formed in 2006,
hopes to raise an additional $330,000, combining it with $470, 000 from
the Chicago Park District.</p><p><a href="/wiki/a-makeover-for-welles-park-play-lot">Read more</a><br /></p></div><br class="no-line-height" clear="both" /> Categories: Eco & Environment Editor's Choice Parks & Public Land Public <br /> Leo Moskal /news/2008/12/22/a-makeover-for-welles-park-play-lot Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:56:17 -0000 Eco & Environment Editor's Choice Parks & Public Land Public With Inaugeration Coming, Whither 2008 Campaign Gear? /news/2008/12/19/with-inaugeration-coming-whither-2008-campaign-gear <div class="mceContentBody"><p>Dec. 19, 2008 - Long after the polling machines have been put away and the campaign
yard signs taken down, political memorabilia stores and online auction
sites still have plenty of presidential campaign items to get rid of.
Candidate buttons, bumper stickers, T-shirts and masks are still being
sold -- even from the losing candidate. </p><p><a href="http://chicagotalks-space.near-time.net/wiki/with-inaugeration-coming-whither-2008-campaign-gear">Read more...</a><br /></p></div><br class="no-line-height" clear="both" /> Categories: Editor's Choice History & Preservation Money Matters Nationwide Politics Public <br /> Tags: election08 obama <br /> Kaitlyn McAvoy /news/2008/12/19/with-inaugeration-coming-whither-2008-campaign-gear Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:52:51 -0000 Editor's Choice History & Preservation Money Matters Nationwide Politics Public Chicago Lawn Neighborhood Serves as Example of Growing Foreclosure Crisis /news/2008/12/18/chicago-lawn-neighborhood-serves-as-example-of-growing-foreclosure-crisis <div class="mceContentBody"><p>Dec. 18, 2008 - It was the red dots-scores of little red specks
sprinkled across a map of just one neighborhood on Chicago's southwest
side-that spoke the loudest.</p><p>Several high-powered experts spoke Dec. 4 in Chicago at a field hearing
of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services. But
Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.), who chairs the subcommittee, and as
assistant majority leader figures to play a key supporting role in the
upcoming Obama administration, seemed just as impressed by the
testimony of the dots.</p><p><a href="/wiki/chicago-lawn-neighborhood-serves-as-example-of-growing-foreclosure-crisis">Read more...</a><br /></p></div><br class="no-line-height" clear="both" /> Categories: At Home City Life Civic Associations & Community Groups Editor's Choice Local Politics Money Matters Public Southwest Side <br /> Tags: chicago lawn foreclosure sen. durbin <br /> John McCarron /news/2008/12/18/chicago-lawn-neighborhood-serves-as-example-of-growing-foreclosure-crisis Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:25:49 -0000 At Home City Life Civic Associations & Community Groups Editor's Choice Local Politics Money Matters Public Southwest Side New Ordinance May Bring Higher Costs for Downtown Valet Parking /news/2008/12/17/new-ordinance-may-bring-higher-costs-for-downtown-valet-parking <div class="mceContentBody"><p>Dec. 17, 2008 - Costs
for using valet services in downtown Chicago might soon rise under an
ordinance proposed by Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd) that would require
parking companies to have insurance coverage of at least $1 million
and prove all their drivers have a valid license.</p><p>This
ordinance is long overdue," said Reilly. The issue, he said,
"has only grown more frustrating and more complex Downtown as
time has gone by." </p><p><a href="http://chicagotalks-space.near-time.net/wiki/new-ordinance-may-bring-higher-costs-for-downtown-valet-parking">Read more...</a><br /></p></div><br class="no-line-height" clear="both" /> Categories: Business Citywide Editor's Choice Local Politics Money Matters Politics Public Transportation <br /> Tags: alderman bob fioretti chicago city council valet <br /> Nick Orichuia /news/2008/12/17/new-ordinance-may-bring-higher-costs-for-downtown-valet-parking Wed, 17 Dec 2008 02:17:56 -0000 Business Citywide Editor's Choice Local Politics Money Matters Politics Public Transportation Ordinance to Bring More Winter Classic Revenues to Wrigleyville /news/2008/12/16/ordinance-to-bring-more-winter-classic-revenues-to-wrigleyville <div class="mceContentBody"><p>Dec. 16, 2008 - Baseball season may be nearly four 
months away, but Wrigleyville rooftop owners are among the Lakeview 
businesses looking to cash in on the first hockey game ever played at 
Wrigley Field. </p><p>Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) last week paved 
the way for rooftop owners by introducing an ordinance that would allow 
fans to view the game from the rooftops on Waveland and Sheffield avenues 
overlooking the ballpark. </p><p>The New Year's Day game will feature 
the Chicago Blackhawks hosting the Detroit Red Wings in a rare outdoor 
event the National Hockey League calls the "<a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/eventhome.htm?location=/winterclassic/2009">Winter Classic</a>." </p><p><a href="http://chicagotalks-space.near-time.net/wiki/ordinance-to-bring-more-winter-classic-revenues-to-wrigleyville">Read more...</a><br /></p></div><br class="no-line-height" clear="both" /> Categories: At Play Business Civic Associations & Community Groups Editor's Choice Local Politics Money Matters North Side Public Sports <br /> Tags: 44th ward alderman tom tunney blackhawks hockey winter classic wrigley field wrigleyville <br /> Travis Truitt /news/2008/12/16/ordinance-to-bring-more-winter-classic-revenues-to-wrigleyville Tue, 16 Dec 2008 13:06:18 -0000 At Play Business Civic Associations & Community Groups Editor's Choice Local Politics Money Matters North Side Public Sports City Council to Consider Ordinance Targeting Parking Company Accused of Assault, Other Abuses /news/2008/12/15/city-council-to-consider-ordinance-targeting-parking-company-accused-of-assault-other-abuses <div class="mceContentBody"><p>Dec. 15, 2008 - Ald. Scott Waguespack (32nd) asked a Chicago City
Council committee last week to stop parking companies from booting cars
on private property in his West Side ward. </p><p>The Committee on
License and Consumer Protection unanimously approved the ordinance,
which could go to the full city council as early as Dec. 17th.</p><p>Legally
parked residents and business owners in the 32nd Ward -- which includes
parts of the Roscoe Village, Bucktown, Lakeview and Lincoln Park
neighborhoods, among others -- have reported being harassed and, in
some cases, assaulted by employees of  <a href="http://globalparkinginchicago.com/">Global Parking Management</a>, said Waguespack.</p><p><a href="/wiki/gray-submission-2">Read more...</a><br /></p></div><br class="no-line-height" clear="both" /> Categories: Business Civic Associations & Community Groups Editor's Choice Justice & Crime Local Politics Money Matters Public Transportation West Side <br /> Tags: 32nd ward parking roscoe village scott waguespack shopping center <br /> Stephanie Gray /news/2008/12/15/city-council-to-consider-ordinance-targeting-parking-company-accused-of-assault-other-abuses Mon, 15 Dec 2008 12:50:38 -0000 Business Civic Associations & Community Groups Editor's Choice Justice & Crime Local Politics Money Matters Public Transportation West Side Chicago Youth Protest Police Armed With Assault Rifles /news/2008/12/12/chicago-youth-protest-police-armed-with-assault-rifles <div class="mceContentBody"><p>Dec. 12, 2008 - Chicago youth continued to push for a meeting with
Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis on Thursday night to discuss
his decision to equip police officers with M4 military assault rifles. </p><p>Over 20 youth from the <a href="http://www.swyc.org/">Southwest Youth Collaborative</a>
protested in the cold, chanting "One, two, three, four; no more M4s"
outside the Chicago Police headquarters before attending a board
meeting. </p><p><a href="http://chicagotalks-space.near-time.net/wiki/chicago-youth-continue-protests-against-police-armed-with-assault-rifles-2">Read more...</a><br /></p></div><br class="no-line-height" clear="both" /> Categories: Justice & Crime Local Politics Politics Public Schools & Education <br /> Tags: chicago police department <br /> Jennifer T. Lacey /news/2008/12/12/chicago-youth-protest-police-armed-with-assault-rifles Fri, 12 Dec 2008 17:58:46 -0000 Justice & Crime Local Politics Politics Public Schools & Education Sudanese Refugees Find a Home in Chicago /news/2008/12/12/sudanese-refugees-find-a-home-in-chicago <div class="mceContentBody"><p>Dec. 12, 2008 - Maketh Bul Mabior walks
into a downtown Starbucks ten minutes late. However, he does not
appear to be in a rush. His six-foot frame turns as the revolving,
see-through door twirls around. He stops. He looks around. He pulls out
his cell phone, proceeds to dial a number, not realizing that he has
already been noticed.</p><p>Mabior, a Sudanese refugee, has a huge smile
on his face, highlighting the contrast between the color of his skin
and his pearly white teeth. Even though it is warm in Chicago,
26-year-old Mabior has seen some not so warm nights in his past.</p><p><a href="http://chicagotalks-space.near-time.net/wiki/sudanese-refugees-find-a-home-in-chicago">Read more...</a><br /></p></div><br class="no-line-height" clear="both" /> Categories: At Home City Life Civic Associations & Community Groups Editor's Choice Global Public Schools & Education Social Issues <br /> Tags: ayual community development program chicago immigration refugees sudan <br /> Ebony L. McCline /news/2008/12/12/sudanese-refugees-find-a-home-in-chicago Fri, 12 Dec 2008 12:45:23 -0000 At Home City Life Civic Associations & Community Groups Editor's Choice Global Public Schools & Education Social Issues $9.8 Million Medical Malpractice Settlement Puts County on Track to Spend 12% More in 2009 /news/2008/12/11/9-8-million-medical-malpractice-settlement-puts-county-on-track-to-spend-12-more-in-2009 <div class="mceContentBody"><p>Dec. 11, 2008 - Three days into the new fiscal year, the Cook
County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved an unprecedented $9.8
million medical malpractice settlement last week, as President Todd Stroger
seeks $280 million in bonds to cover day-to-day costs.</p><p>Commissioner
Peter N. Silvestri (9th) called the
settlement, involving the 2005 death of 27-year-old Farrah Dickerson,
atypical. He said he expected a 12 percent increase in total
settlements for
2009 from last year's $80 million due to the large size of the
settlement. <br /></p><p>Still, Silvestri said $90 million is just a drop
in the bucket considering the county's $3.2 billion annual budget. </p><p>Others disagree. </p><p><a href="http://chicagotalks-space.near-time.net/wiki/9-8-million-medical-malpractice-settlement-puts-county-on-track-to-spend-12-more-in-2009">Read more...</a><br /></p></div><br class="no-line-height" clear="both" /> Categories: Citywide Civic Associations & Community Groups Editor's Choice Justice & Crime Local Politics Mind & Body Money Matters Public <br /> Tags: budget cook county board of commissioners medical malpractice stroger hospital <br /> Dimitrios Kalantzis /news/2008/12/11/9-8-million-medical-malpractice-settlement-puts-county-on-track-to-spend-12-more-in-2009 Thu, 11 Dec 2008 13:16:36 -0000 Citywide Civic Associations & Community Groups Editor's Choice Justice & Crime Local Politics Mind & Body Money Matters Public Economic Hard Times Hit South Loop /news/2008/12/10/economic-hard-times-hit-south-loop <div class="mceContentBody"><p>Dec. 10, 2008 - It
is touted as being one of the hottest and fastest-growing residential
neighborhoods in the city, but despite the rapid rise in development
that has occurred in this trendy area, even the South Loop is not safe
from the ill effects of the looming recession.
</p><p>It
is perhaps most evident at night, when the myriad of new condominium
buildings stand tall and dark against the city's skyline.  The
construction on most of these buildings has come to an end and
residents of the purchased units are fully moved in.  But their lit-up
windows are outnumbered by dark, empty units.
</p><p><a href="http://chicagotalks-space.near-time.net/wiki/economic-hard-times-hit-south-loop">Read more...</a><br /></p></div><br class="no-line-height" clear="both" /> Categories: At Home City Life Editor's Choice In the Loop Money Matters Planning & Development Public Social Issues Youth Matters <br /> Tags: alderman bob fioretti financial crisis foreclosure south loop <br /> Christine Iversen /news/2008/12/10/economic-hard-times-hit-south-loop Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:03:25 -0000 At Home City Life Editor's Choice In the Loop Money Matters Planning & Development Public Social Issues Youth Matters