Mayor Emanuel gave labor unions two choices today: either agree to $20 million in savings through work-rule changes or he'll be forced "on behalf of the taxpayers" to lay off 625 workers. more ›

Amongst the hiring freezes, layoffs, and roundabout pay cuts in the current Chicago budget crisis are a number of smaller items being eliminated. Things beyond garbage pickup and pothole repair, they're collectively the stuff that helps give Chicago "character" -- you know, what we supposedly have in spades that should have made everyone want to come here for the Olympics in 2016. more ›