Local Smokers Inhale Extra $1 Per-Pack Price

Cook County hopes to help smokers quit the habit and raise more money with a recent tax hike.

State's Attorney: 'Protect Yourself from Identity Theft'

Anita Alvarez says identity theft is on the rise, so she's pulled together tips on how to stay on top of identity theft.

Inside Chateau: Residents Face Homelessness, Rent Could Double

With the residents’ 30-day lease terminations looming, one group plans another protest while the new owners plan their gut-rehab.

Quigley Celebrates Expanded of Violence Against Women Act

The North Side representative said he's in favor of the new law that will now provide protections for the LGBT, immigrant and tribal communities.

Official Wants 'Million-Dollar Venture' for Telscer Park

The playground in Lincoln Park near Belmont Harbor is getting some big upgrades, but Ald. Tom Tunney said he'd love to see a more upscale renovation.

Proposed Law Bans All Illinois Minors from Tanning Beds

Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) introduced legislation Friday that would prohibit teens 17 years old and younger from tanning in sunless tanning beds.

Waguespack, Fellow Aldermen Demand Red-Light Camera Answers

Ald. Scott Waguespack (32nd) is among those who recently proposed a resolution to the city seeking answers regarding local red-light cameras. The company responsible for installing the devices is now under fire.

UPDATE: City Council Approves Tougher Parade Drinking Restrictions

An ordinance sponsored by Ald. Matt O'Shea to increase restrictions on public drinking during parades, including the North Side's Pride Parade, was passed by the City Council.

Obama's 'Fix it First' Program Would Mend 'Deficient' North Side Bridges

In his 2013 State of the Union Address Tuesday, President Barack Obama touched on immigration policy, gun control and the economy, among other national issues. In terms of infrastructure, he proposed a "Fix it First" plan that may affect the N

New Lincoln Park CTA Cameras Combat Rail Crime

With several reports of theft on trains in Lincoln Park this year, CTA officials hope the added surveillance will decrease crime.

State Comes Between Emanuel and Protected Bike Lanes

Though it was unclear Monday if any of North Center's potential bike lanes will be affected by recently announced state-mandated measure, more than 100 miles of proposed protected bicycle lanes in Chicago likely will be, according to reports.

Parade Route Boozers May Face Harsher Fines

The City Council's Public Safety Committee approved an ordinance that would level harsher punishments to those caught drinking within 800 feet of a parade route.

Illinois Takes Step Toward Gay Marriage

Legislators in support of same-sex marriage have a long way to go, but the ball is rolling.

'State of Ward' Gives Perspective on Evolving Local Landscape

An annual luncheon event this week, which included appearances and a "casual conversation" with three local aldermen, addressed the future of Lincoln Park, its businesses and its landscape.

FCC Considers Free National Public WiFi

Internet and phone bills may be a thing of the past if this proposal succeeds.

March, Protest Planned in Wake of Hotel Chateau Sale

Members of an area coalition say Hotel Chateau's residents were given a 30-day lease termination notice. With more than 700 affordable housing units lost in the area this past year, and Chateau next on the chopping block, they're planning a pr

More Night Games, Concerts Pushed by Cubs, Not Neighbors

Multiple surveys were issued to ticket holders and Lake View residents regarding a shake-up at Wrigley Field, but the responses the Cubs received are quite different than what the neighbors are saying.

Quigley Earns His Dough at Local Bakery

North Side Rep. Mike Quigley served as a baking assistant Tuesday at Dinkel's Bakery on Lincoln Avenue.

Unemployment: December 2012 Jobless Numbers

Unemployment rates in Illinois increased slightly from November 2012 to Decemeber but are still down compared to the the end of 2011, according to new figures released last week.

Chateau Owners to Uproot Tenants for Gut Rehab

While the hotel's new owners still hadn't been announced Tuesday, plans for the residents and the interior were divulged. The alderman is beginning work to help residents relocate, officials said.

Wrigley Rooftops Offer 100 Percent Ad Revenue

Ald. Tom Tunney said he fully supports the rooftop clubs offering up all the advertising revenue to help fund the renovation of Wrigley Field.

Alderman Cracks Down on Wage Theft with New Ordinance

More than $7.3 million is taken from employees each week in Chicago and Cook County, and more than two dozen instances of wage theft have been reported in the wards that cover Lincoln Park.

Rep. to Boost Accessibility Via Satellite Hours

State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz wants to improve constituents' ability to reach her, according to a recent news release. She's making a few changes to her office hours come February.

Ald. Michele Smith on Gun Control: 'Get Serious'

Local 43rd Ward Ald. Michele Smith is asking residents to get serious about gun control. "Some people believe that a gun is necessary to defend themselves against the possibility of home invasion. But alas, that is not the case," she writes.

Nonprofit Applauds Local Alderman's Voting Record, CPS Support

32nd Ward Alderman Scott Waguespack and seven other City Council members have been named finalists in an upcoming award ceremony.

Local Legislators Collaborate for Coffee, Conversation

Three local legislators are hosting a special community event this coming weekend on the North Side.

Officials Urge Seniors to File for Property Tax Breaks

The Cook County Assessor's Office recently mailed a reminder to county senior citizens to file for 2012 property tax breaks. Forms must be completed and mailed to the Assessor's Office by Wednesday, Feb. 6.

TBOX Organizers Launch New Monthly Party, Prep for BeadQuest

In the wake of TBOX, Festa Parties plans for its upcoming BeadQuest event while simultaneously launching a new charity-based monthly bar crawl. But District 19 officials are still concerned.

USPS Stamp Prices to Increase, Yet Again

The debut of the U.S. Postal Service's 46-cent Forever stamps brings rate changes on Jan. 27.

Lathrop Developers to Present 1 Feedback-Based Design

The development team working on a redesign of our local Lathrop Homes is planning to present one draft plan at the end of February primarily based on feedback it received at open houses during the fall.

New Wrigley Field Plans Include Hotel, Huge Courtyard

The Cubs are planning a massive renovation of the park and surrounding neighborhood, but with new preliminary drawings on the way, there's still no word on funding.

Feigenholtz: Home Heating Help Available Until Money Runs Out

Don't let an unseasonably warm winter prevent you from getting the help you need, officials say.

'Widespread' Influenza Continues Contagious Path, CDC Says

Chicago and its surrounding suburbs are seeing a steady rise in flu cases.

IRS: Tax Season Will Only Be 'Shortly' Delayed

Tax season will soon be upon us. But this year, the filing date is later than expected, according to reports.

North Side Legislators to Address Pension Crisis

Ameya Pawar, Ann Williams, John Fritchey and Bridget Gainer will answer residents' questions at a town hall meeting tonight.

There's Still Time for Condo Trash Rebates, Alderman Says

Calling all Lincoln Park condominium owners: The city has extended the deadline for its Condo Refuse Rebate program from Dec. 31 to Jan. 15. See what you need to do to save what a local alderman said may amount to "hundreds, if not thousands."

Energy Efficiency Can be Affordable, Company Rep. Says

A representative from Energy Impact Illinois recently presented in front of the Wicker Park Committee to discuss ways to create a more energy-efficient home.

Shared Cost Sidewalk Repair Program Already Closed

Lincoln Park residents who didn't apply to get half off their sidewalk repairs through the city have already missed out; the popular program is already closed because of too many requests.

Feigenholtz Invites Senior Citizens to Advisory Committee Meeting

Let your local politician know issues, comments or requests regarding the senior citizen community in Lincoln Park.

Rumored Sale of Hotel Chateau has Area Residents Buzzing

After a slew of court dates and a buyer expressing interest in the property, tenants and business owners in the mixed-use building say Hotel Chateau may be under new ownership.