Chicago Proposes $1,500 Littering Fine

Those opting to pitch their garbage onto the sidewalk or street will have to pay up under a newly proposed city council measure.

BuzzFeed Calls Quigley Most ‘YOLO’ Congressman

The Lincoln Park representative’s Facebook antics caught the attention of the writers at Buzz Feed, voting him the most YOLO congressman. “You Only Legislate Once”

City Files Suit: 'Big Blue' Statue Owner in Big Trouble

After ongoing "behind-the-scenes" efforts to negotiate, the city of Chicago has filed a lawsuit against the Burling Street property owner whose towering blue windmill statue is not up to code.

City Council Approves Crackdown on Dooring, Rule-Breaking Bicyclists

The new measure more than doubles fines for bikers who break traffic laws, as well as doubles the fine for drivers who hit cyclers when opening their car door.

Neighborhood Receiving 9 Bike Share Kiosks in June Launch Cycle

Lincoln Park will be home to a slew of new bike sharing locations as the program kicks off. Check out our map to see which ones are first to open. Just 75 locations were chosen in the city for the June launch date.

Cook County to Receive $52M in Federal Flood Aid

Those affected by floods should register for federal assistance.

Legislation to Ban Teen Tanning in Illinois Heads to Gov. Quinn

The bill would prohibit all teens 17 years old and younger from using UV tanning beds.

Area Officials Consider Stricter Rickshaw Rules

Attempts to regulate Chicago’s pedicab business in the past have failed, but an area alderman's list of rules in a newly proposed ordinance aren’t quite as strict as in the past.

Is Medical Marijuana Coming to Illinois? Bill Passes Senate Committee

Now, only Governor Pat Quinn stands in the way of Illinois legalizing medical marijuana, and he already said he's open to the idea, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Emanuel Calls for Crackdown on Doorings, Rule-Breaking Bicyclists

The Chicago City Council is considering several measures centered on bicyclists including increased fines for drivers convicted of dooring, stiffer penalties for bikers who break the laws and an awareness campaign aimed at taxi drivers.

City Council Considers Car Dealership on Elston

A tax incentive presented before the Chicago City Council this week would allow for a Ford dealership at 2501 N. Elson Ave.

Crews Finish Wells Street Work Several Days Early

The bridge construction known for putting a pinch on Brown Line riders was completed Monday morning, ending a tricky CTA commute for some.

Local Representative Spotlights 'Youth in Transition'

May is National Foster Care Month and one local official is putting youth in the spotlight.

'Boutique' Grocer Coming to Former Hospital Site

A Connecticut and New York-based grocer will soon be landing in Lincoln Park.

Chateau Hotel Yanks Iconic Sign, Battles Bed Bugs (PHOTO)

The neon sign is pulled down in preparation for a gut-rehab project, turning the former SRO into market rate housing.

Officials Give Homeowners 'Road Map' to Decrease Property Taxes

State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz is hosting a workshop Tuesday night aimed at giving residents the tools they need to decrease their property taxes.

New Law May Hamper Wild Hare's Third License Application

Ald. Michele Smith recently sent a letter to residents about how a new law will affect Wild Hare's recently filed third request for a Public Place of Amusement License. The reggae club has been struggling since its move from Wrigleyville to Lincoln

Lawmakers Lobby to Curb Reckless Driving During Funeral Processions

After increasingly disruptive gang funerals, local elected officials have worked together to give law enforcement more power over processions.

Chateau’s Former Owner Dismissed from Court After $18K Fine

Ald. Cappleman says they're still working on finding new homes for the Chateau Hotel's residents, with one who was immediately hospitalized after being found covered in bed bugs.

Crosswalks in the Crosshairs: Resident Pushes for Repainting

A Lincoln Park resident says she's been trying to get local officials' attention directed to two unsafe crosswalks adjacent to the Lincoln Park Zoo. Though she hasn't had much success, a nearby crosswalk is set to get a face-lift.

Bike Share Plan Peddles on, Local Kiosks Pending

The program has ward officials already selecting the locations for bike sharing kiosks after meetings with the Chicago Department of Transportation.

Cubs Reach Wrigley Renovations Deal, Detail Plans

Mayor Emanuel, Ald. Tunney and the Chicago Cubs finally approve the $500 million renovation and changes to Lake View, and they detail ever aspect of the new plan.

City Releases Renderings of Long-Awaited 6-Way Intersection Revamp

The area where North Damen, North Elston and West Fullerton avenues cross, just along Bucktown's northern border slightly shy of Lincoln Park, is one of the most dangerous in the city. Officials are finally taking the necessary steps to fix it, the

'Violence Tax' Goes into Effect in Cook County

A lawsuit supported in part by Chuck’s Gun Shop in south suburban Riverdale is not enough to get in the way of President Preckwinkle’s new $25 firearm sales tax.

IRS Agents: Time's Ticking on 2013 Tax Filing Deadline

It's that time of year again. The deadline to file your taxes is April 15. Have you been putting it off?

New Traffic Signals Will Manage Clark Street Congestion (MAP)

The alderman, Cubs and Department of transportation are working together to put new traffic lights down Clark Street to move traffic quicker during game times.

County Clerk Defends Same-Sex Marriage Ban Lawsuit

Cook County Clerk David Orr's lawyers filed a brief in defense of a lawsuit attempting to overthrow the state's ban on same-sex marriage.

New Homeslice Restaurant May Get Outdoor Seating

A local restaurant that recently opened in the Sheffield Neighborhood area on Webster Avenue and Bissell Street has requested a sidewalk cafe, city officials said. A community meeting on the matter is scheduled for tonight.

Better Government Association Suing Cook County for Denying FOIA Request

The organization claims President Toni Preckwinkle's office refused to divulge information on dozens of her appointments to various county positions.

Speed Cameras Coming Despite Red Light Snafu

The mayor says Chicago will still receive speed cameras although they’re tied to the company behind the red light camera bribery scheme.

Near-Capacity Cook County Jail Bleeds Budget

County President Toni Preckwinkle is asking that 1,500 inmates be transferred to home-monitoring, to prevent an overcrowding crisis.

'Complicated' New Card System May Frustrate CTA Riders, Board Member Says

Ventra, a new system of paying for transit, will be phased in during the summer thanks to a Wednesday approval by the Chicago Transit Board.

Waguespack Spearheads Caucus to Combat Gang Violence, 'Right the Ship'

Scott Waguespack (32nd) is among aldermanic leaders who formally announced their plans this week to fight the Chicago City Council's "business as usual." Public safety, education and equal opportunities are all items on the group's a

Quigley to Lawmakers: Join 'Right Side of History'

Members of Congress sent letter of support for same-sex marriage to the General Assembly.

Officials Bringing in the Big Guns to Fix Clark Street

Chicago-based urban design experts are starting a massive study on how make the stretch of Clark Street north of Diversey Parkway significantly more vibrant.

Feigenholtz Mental Health Legislation Clears Hurdle

House Bill 1017 allows for real-time electronic health record sharing through the Illinois Health Information Exchange by using a secure, closed network of patient information.

Wells Bridge Reopens, Ending Brown Line Rerouting

Commuters and other L riders facing delays this month can take a breather until the end of April. Service on the Wells Street bridge resumed on Monday.

YMCA Legislators Honor Feigenholtz (PHOTO)

Representatives from the nearby Lake View YMCA present state Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) with the Legislative Champion award in recognition for her advocacy for supportive housing.

Waguespack Tries Tweaking 'Mini-Billboard' Codes to No Avail

The 32nd Ward alderman says his office does not support the recent additions to area neighborhoods, including one at Fullerton and Janssen avenues in Lincoln Park.

Officials on Dawn Clark Netsch: 'Illinois has Lost a True Trailblazer'

After losing a political trailblazer, local officials show their love for the woman who made an impact in Illinois.