Protesters organized by Stand Up! Chicago staged a “die-in” yesterday
at Chicago's City Hall lying motionless on the floor to represent what
they say is the devastation that Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s budget will
inflict on Chicago neighborhoods.
The advocates' message has
mostly fallen on deaf ears in the city council. Aldermen are expected at
a council meeting tomorrow to easily pass a budget that Emanuel
presented just last month. The only questions are whether the vote will
be unanimous and what, if any, items in the $6.54 billion package will
be modified.
There was hope
when Emanuel became mayor last year of more give and take between
the city manager and council on the Windy City’s annual budget. Why has
this not happened? Read more »
The Chicago City Council approved a plan yesterday that green lights a 20-year lease of city property, which — for some — conjures up bad memories of the much lamented 75-year parking meter deal. 
The United States prison industry continues to shift towards private ownership of facilities, and the immigrant and minority populations in most prisons now disproportionately outnumber white inmates.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced a plan yesterday for which the
city will spend $2.5 million a year to help its homeless residents.
AFSCME Council 31 public employees union is upset about the plan because the strategy
will outsource the city’s overnight homeless transport service.