A controversial proposal by South Side aldermen Anthony Beale (9th) and John Pope (10th), which would give security guards who patrol three commercial strips the right to write tickets for minor violations such as parking, loitering, littering and graffiti, has caught the ear of both Mayor Daley and Chicago Police Supt. Jody Weis. As Mayor Daley continues to tussle with the Fraternal Order of Police over contract negotiations and pay raises, he's expressing interest in the idea. more ›

Industrial workers faced long hours, low wages, and unsafe conditions in 1936 as the Steelworkers Organizing Committee reached out to Chicago's steelworkers. After a year of organizing, U.S. Steel agreed to recognize the union in 1937, but other, smaller steelmakers refused, and on May 26, the workers struck. On May 30, the union held a picnic in front of Republic Steel, at 117th and Avenue O, to support the strike. After a round of speeches, the strikers marched toward the steel mill. As they crossed the field, they were met by a line of Chicago policemen. When the day was over, 10 strikers were dead, and dozens more had been beaten by the police. more ›