Springfield Spends $323,000 on Chandeliers as Part of $50 Million Renovation

Lawmakers are tasked with producing $100 billion in pension funding. So why did Illinois spend $323,000 on chandeliers? One senator called it embarrassing.

Lincoln Park Getting 6 'People Plazas' in New Chicago Plan

The neighborhood has been chosen to receive six of 50 new People Plazas, according to city officials.

How Should Rep. Mike Quigley Vote on Syria Attack?

Now is the time to tell Quigley where you stand. Should he vote in favor of the Syria attack? Vote in our poll above and let us know in the comments.

How Do TIFs Work in Chicago? WBEZ Uses Sharpies to Explain

This easy to follow explanation will leave you with plenty of TIF knowledge to impress your neighbors.

CTA Makes Case for BRT, Critics Call it a 'Glorified Ashland Express Bus'

As officials present facts on the Ashland route’s usage, a number of residents are still being vocal about their opposition to the upcoming rapid transit line.

Patch Readers Oppose Syria Strike

Most also believe Syrian government will not be weakened by a U.S. airstrike.

Minneapolis Mayor Hits Boystown, Invites Gays to Marry in MN

Mayor Ryback unveiled a new ad campaign to draw Chicago’s LGBT community to get married in Minneapolis, calling the windy city the “second city in human rights.”

Chicago's Speed Camera Plans Zero in on Lincoln Park

The controversial speed cameras are making their way to Lincoln Park, plans show. Neighboring communities will also see them by the end of the year.

First Cook County Case of West Nile Virus in 2013 Hits Nearby South Suburb

Health department issues recommendations to guard against exposure.

Fifth Rabid Bat Found in Cook County

In the most recent incident, the bat was already dead when a suburban Cook County homeowner found it.

Quinn Signs Senior Financial Disclosure Bill

Gov. Pat Quinn signed a bill designed to raise communication needs between nursing homes and residents, their families and guardians regarding financial information.

Feigenholtz Highlights New Law Aimed at Promoting Illinois-Produced Products

The Lincoln Park lawmaker says, “Every dollar spent locally allows businesses to grow and hire more employees."

Statewide Cell Phone Driving Ban Coming Soon: Quinn Signs Law

A new law recently signed will take effect at the start of next year.

Officials Look to Pedestrians for Help Making Clark 1 of CDOT's 'Complete Streets'

Bike Walk Lincoln Park is teaming up with 43rd Ward Ald. Michele Smith and the Active Transportation Alliance to improve a section of Clark Street.

Safety Plan or Cash Grab? Hundreds of Speeding Cameras Could be Coming

Speeding cameras are making their way to Chicago soon. Will you see them in Lincoln Park?

Ashland-Western Coalition Calls for 'Sensible Bus Improvements' in Lieu of BRT

Members of a Wicker Park coalition presented their thoughts Wednesday on the Chicago Transit Authority's proposed Bus Rapid Transit Route. Group members say they aren't "anti-BRT", but they do not support the endeavor.

CDOT Shares Ideas, Priorities for Lake Shore Drive Overhaul

Things like rapid transit, larger pedestrian tunnels and redeveloping high-trafficked exits are on the organization’s radar to “Redefine the Drive.”

Lathrop Homes: ‘Everyone’s Not Going to be Satisfied’

Developers went over intersection overhauls, historic preservation and traffic reduction, but while some were pleased, others yelled from the balconies.

Ald. Michele Smith Urges Residents to Oppose Sprinkler Regulations

One local alderman is rallying residents who may oppose new regulations that were proposed late last month by the State Fire Marshal.

Get a Neighborly, Historical Look at the Lathrop Homes (VIDEOS)

As a preview to a crucial Tuesday evening Lathrop Homes meeting, we're presenting you two thought-provoking videos about the future of this important community cornerstone.

New 'Redesign the Drive' Pushes to Unite Lake Shore Drive, Trail

Members of a newly formed 15-organization Chicago coalition are hoping their ideas for a redesign of Lake Shore Drive and its accompanying Lake Front Trail are seriously considered. Three upcoming meetings will broach the issues.

Designers to Present 32-Acre Lathrop Homes Plan

Lathrop Homes officials will gather this week to present a formal plan for the site's redevelopment.

UPDATE: Wrigley Field’s $500M Renovation Passes Chicago City Council

The ballpark upgrades, hotel, triangle plaza and more have all been given the green light, just one day after approval by the Zoning Committee.

UPDATE: Wrigley Renovations Head to City Council After Changes

The pedestrian bridge, hotel entrance and additional signage in the outfield are among the changes. Now City Council could vote as early as Wednesday.

Approved: Cubs Get Green Light on Downsized Video Board, Outfield Signs

The Jumbotron and right-field sign was approved, but not after the Chicago Cubs shaved off a large portion of their first proposal.

O’Halloran Takes Shots at Clifford, Makes Metra Promises

Metra board chairman Brad O’Halloran said former Metra CEO Alex Clifford only accused Metra board members of applying political pressure for decisions after learning his contract might not be renewed, during Wednesday’s RTA meeting.

Current Metra Chief Talks Outgoing Chief's $440K Severance Package

Metra Board Chairman Brad O’Halloran said costs for the severance package and settlement with former CEO Alex Clifford will not be passed on to passengers.

Feigenholtz-Sponsored Measure to Protect Early Intervention Services Becomes Law

The Lincoln Park and Lake View representative helped push a bill that increases insurance coverage so children with developmental issues can be treated.

Lincoln Park Intersection Among Most Dangerous for Bikers, Study Shows

Chicago officials recently broke down bike crash data and one Lincoln Park intersection yielded a high number of accidents. The neighborhood, overall, accounted for a large percentage of all the city's bicycle-related crashes. Read on for details.

Quigley Wants to Eliminate Loopholes for Luxury Yachts

There's currently a tax provision that allows owners to write off the mortgage interest payments on their taxes if they classify their boats as second homes.

North Side Officials Propose Solution to CPS Budget Cuts

Ward 47 Ald. Ameya Pawar and other officials are calling for an ‘all hands on deck’ approach to fixing local school budgets, with deficits in the hundreds of thousands.

North Side Officials Propose Solution to CPS Budget Cuts

Ward 47 Ald. Ameya Pawar and other officials are calling for an ‘all hands on deck’ approach to fixing local school budgets, with deficits in the hundreds of thousands.

Ventra Card Debuts in August with Fewer Fees for Riders

The Chicago Transit Authority announced the official start date to their new payment system Tuesday.

Boystown Rally Draws Hundreds, Organizers Not Satisfied with IL

DOMA was struck down, a Prop 8 challenge was dismissed, but the LGBT community in Illinois says it remains “painfully aware here in Illinois” of the shortcomings.

DOMA Struck Down, Day of Decision Rally Planned for Boystown

The ban on federally recognizing same-sex marriage was deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, so Chicago supporters are planning a huge rally in Boystown Wednesday night. California’s Prop 8 was also undone.

Quigley, Schneider: STEM Education Key to Growing Manufacturing

The representative was joined by fellow congressman Brad Schneider when hosting a roundtable discussion with local education and manufacturing leaders.

‘Drastic Shift’ in Area as Chateau is Vacated, Neighbors Say

As residents move out of the former single room occupancy hotel, area residents and business owners say it’s clear that part of the North Side is greatly improved.

Vienna Beef Secures $5 Million City Subsidy for South Side Move

Vienna Beef's giant Damen Avenue headquarters will soon be no more as long as the Chicago City Council green lights its planned move to the South Side.

Construction Workers Closing Sheffield Soon

Lincoln Park drivers will not be able to use a portion of Sheffield Avenue beginning Monday.

Better Late Than Never: Lathrop Development Designs May Be Weeks Away

The team was supposed to present their feedback-based design in March, but pushed it back. Now officials say the big reveal could just be a few weeks away.