Progress Illinois

The city of Chicago has requested an extension of the federal deadline to strike a deal to privatize Midway Airport. The plan has been slowed down due to financing issues caused by the recession.

While it is illegal in the city of Chicago to let diesel vehicles idle for more than 3 minutes, the Chicago Tribune reports that the law has not been enforced very rigidly.

Chicago City Council Finance Committee Chairman Edward Burke as well as Budget Committee Chairman Carrie Austin are proposing a $1 surcharge to taxicab rides to boost revenue for the city. Cab drivers, who according to a survey make $4.38 an hour, have petitioned the Council for a 22 percent hike, but would be shut out from any of the new incoming revenue.

Wisconsin Gov.-elect Scott Walker is reportedly reconsidering his opposition to federal funding for high-speed rail.