Let's see what Wal-Mart brings Chicago

03/02/2011

Wal-Mart’s announcement last week of a new West Loop grocery store made news around the city. The controversial grocer has been doing battle to get a foothold in the city, and a location so close to downtown caught many off guard. With so many vicious battles being fought over the massive warehouse-like stores set for the West and South sides, the store’s announcement that it was simply moving in was a slick move.
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Hendon's replacement

03/02/2011

As longtime State Sen. Rickey Hendon leaves his 5th District post, it’s time again for that most sacred of Chicago traditions: the appointment of the successor.
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Businesses keep coming back

02/23/2011

We’re weeks away from spring and Easter and thoughts of resurrection. But after making a few observations in the South Loop recently, all I can think about is the resurrection — of our retail landscape.
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Chicago aldermen to star in new Rahm-com

02/23/2011

After six months of campaigning, Chicago finally has a new mayor this week. It’s no surprise, really, that Rahm Emanuel won the mayoral election. Since Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart dropped out of the race early on, it quickly became apparent that there wasn’t a candidate — or a political organization — that could knock Emanuel off his track.
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Pilsen residents need change

One View

02/16/2011

The residents of Pilsen face many challenges. Many residents are undocumented immigrants. The majority of residents are working class and many are low-wage workers who have been hit hard by the current economic crisis. Their health has been adversely effected by pollution from the Fisk coal fired power plant on Cermak.
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Fifteen questions for Chicago's new mayor

02/16/2011

Dear Mayoral Candidate: Congratulations on your campaign. This is an important election as we choose a new mayor to lead us into the post-Daley era in Chicago. Chicago city government faces its first real opportunity in more than 50 years to shed its notorious reputation for having a culture of corruption.
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Supercali-fragilisticexpiali-SNOW-cious in Chicago

02/09/2011

A lot of people suffered during and after last week’s thunder snow. Businesses lost money, people lost their lives, and for a hot second the mayor lost some credibility.
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Let Chicago firehouses be firehouses

02/03/2011

Several old firehouses surrounding the Loop currently contain everything from an upscale restaurant, a quirky boutique and a Potbelly sandwich shop to chic residences, various business offices, a church and — coming soon — an art gallery.
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Snow problem for Chicago

02/03/2011

Snowstorms like this week’s tend to stick in people’s heads for a long time. 1967 and 1979 live in infamy, as each wreaked havoc on the city and people’s lives.
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A very West Loop inauguration

01/26/2011

A couple of weeks ago, my friend Sylvestre and I went down to Springfield to take in Illinois’ inaugural festivities against the backdrop of the last days of the legislative session.
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