Probably not. But in the wake of a series of tax hikes levied around the Chicago area, it seems people are downright pissed. more ›

++ Only 34 percent of Illinois sex ed teachers talk about condom use, 68 percent talk about birth control, and 30 percent have never been trained to teach sexual health courses, according to a study commissioned by the Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health. The authors of the study blame abstinence-only federal funding. more ›

In a political season that has been marked by the theme of change, Illinois's 3rd Congressional District has become one of the battle grounds over what the Democratic Party might look like going forward in 2008. Critics of the incumbent, Dan Lipinski, are unhappy with his opposition to abortion rights and stem cell research, and his siding with moderate Republicans on the war in Iraq and domestic spying. Besides his voting record, they also don't like how he came to congress: If you don't remember the 2004 general election, the elder Lipinski won renomination in the primary, withdrew during the campaign year, and then led the process to pick his replacement on the November ballot - his son Dan, a political science professor from Tennessee. Although Dan won handily in 2004, angry challenges in 2006 held him at only 54% in the primary, with the opposition split between two opponents. more ›

To say that it isn't hard to stumble into a taqueria in Pilsen is an understatement. Focus on the Blue Island corridor, however. and the question becomes trying to avoid one. We took advantage of yesterday's thaw to walk around, enjoy the weather buy some pirated movies (you should see our copy of "Untraceable"). Then, after we worked up an appetite, we headed into the first taqueria we saw for a quick bite, which wound up being an old favorite. more ›

Finally, the State Senate voted about a budget for the state of Illinois, even if it did not exactly vote on one. By a margin of 34-19 it adopted a sense-of-the-Senate resolution, spelling out objections to the budget document endorsed by the Illinois House last month. Mayor Daley's stalled plan to put the financial squeeze on parents of young graffiti vandals will be advanced by City Council, but only after the maximum fine is... more ›

Finally, the State Senate voted about a budget for the state of Illinois, even if it did not exactly vote on one. By a margin of 34-19 it adopted a sense-of-the-Senate resolution, spelling out objections to the budget document endorsed by the Illinois House last month. Mayor Daley's stalled plan to put the financial squeeze on parents of young graffiti vandals will be advanced by City Council, but only after the maximum fine is... more ›

All ready for the CTA charley-foxtrot tomorrow, Chicago? Us neither. more ›

A fire on the roof of the Heller International Building at 500 W. Monroe St. broke out just before noon today. We've been seeing lots and lots of smoke, but aren't sure how large the actual fire is. The Trib isn't reporting any injuries — yet — but that hasn't stopped the media from hurrying over. Between the sirens, the helicopters and the fire trucks racing around, it sort of feels like a war... more ›

Yet another rundown of weekend crimes, tragedies and tribulations: more ›

Yesterday the original Belmont El station was closed, and a temporary entrance was opened 75 feet to the east, similar to the relocation of the Fullerton stop. The temporary entrance will be in use for the next two years, during construction of a new accessible station with improved lighting, turnstiles and platforms. The old station will be preserved and relocated across the street. Transit superfan Tony Coppoletta’s Flickr stream notes that the station initially “opened as a local and express stop on the Northwestern 'L's initial line from downtown to Wilson.” more ›

Chicagoist wanted to get out of the neighborhood for brunch on Sunday. We thought about heading down to Blue Island's Maple Tree Inn, but remembered that the junior varsity was out en masse. Eventually we decided to hop on a train and take our chances. more ›

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