Back on July 4, I wrote about how, even though Chicago beaches were officially closed, it wasn't enforced in any practical way, and questioned the wisdom of even having the closure on the books.

The next evening, I visited Loyola Beach - and saw the police car parked smack in the middle of it.


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Back in December 15, I covered a Christmas parade and tree lighting organized in the Austin neighborhood by the local Chamber of Commerce and the local police district. But the article that was published in this week’s issue of Austin Weekly News was only a tiny person of it. And, in my opinion, it cut out most of the interesting parts. So it one ( Read more... )

Every year, a Chicago mayor proposes a budget. And, after it’s released, the City Council holds hearings for every department, asking questions and making requests. It don’t usually matter that much -most years, the budget gets approved without any significant changes. But, for those who have time to attend these hearings, it offers a great window ( Read more... )