Here's a budding politician with a residency issue not named Rahm Emanuel. Meet Sylvester "Junebug" Hendricks, a self-styled "Obamaican" (that's a Republican who supports Barack Obama) who's made a habit in recent years in running for various offices. Currently, Hendricks is looking to run for 5th Ward Alderman against incumbent Leslie Hairston. The only thing holding Hendircks back is a permanent address; he's homeless. more ›

Driving on some Chicago streets is like navigating a mine field. The city is supposed to fix potholes because that's where our taxpayer dollars go. But if you're fearful a city employee won't do their job you can go through a middle man, another city employee. Hyde Park Progress details their experience. more ›

Yet another candidate has announced implied he may or may not enter the race for mayor. Fox Chicago is reporting that former State Senate President Emil Jones has been talking about maybe giving it a go against Mayor Daley come the February 2011 civic elections. Well, that's if you believe political insiders because when actually asked about the run, Jones was, like Ald. Leslie Hairston, less than enthusiastic: more ›

It's been quite a week for 5th Ward Ald. Leslie Hairston. After putting feelers out about running against Daley for mayor of Chicago she then backpedaled and played the "misunderstood" card. So it was only a little awkward yesterday when she appeared before the fourth estate with Mayor Daley to laud the opening of a Walgreens that sells fruit and vegetables in a South Side food desert that only a mega-corporation could love. more ›

So that report from the Sun-Times' Fran Speilman that Ald. Leslie Hairston (5th) was considering a run at Mayor Daley? Seems now Hairston is saying Speilman misunderstood and that she's not really serious about challenging the "vulnerable" incumbent mayor. Hairston told ABC 7 she had received phone calls from supporters congratulating her on the challenge but that it was a misunderstanding. "That is really reassuring to know that there are people behind you. But, you know, right now, I'm focused on the aldermanic piece ... I am running fo re-election. I am not giving up my seat to run for anything else." This is, of course, a change from her quote to Speilman: "But, I won't rule anything out. You always keep your options open." more ›

There must be something in the coffee in the City Council chamber these days. While a number of aldermen are packing it in or thinking about it come next February's civic elections, a few are actually considering taking a run at Mayor Daley. Aldermen Scott Waguespack (32nd), Robert Fioretti (2nd), and Tom Allen (38th) have all expressed some form of interest in kinda/sorta/maybe considering a run. And you can now add Ald. Leslie Hairston (5th) to that list. Like Waguespack, Hairston voted against the parking meter lease, a topic of conversation that's seen new life of local political discourse thanks to the fact it's making someone a boatload of money while the city has almost blown through all the money it got from the deal. more ›

Following a course similar to previous transparency ordinances that he's proposed, 1st Ward Alderman Manny Flores, along with Leslie Hairston (5th), Eugene Schulter (47th) and Joe Moore (49th), introduced the long awaited Olympics oversight ordinance (PDF). City Hall introduced a competing proposal that would put two aldermen on the organizing committee for the games if Chicago wins the 2016 bid. Flores's ordinance establishes three levels of oversight, including a City Council oversight committee and authority for the city's inspector general to monitor the games. The Flores ordinance also requires Olympic committee members who earn more than $50,000 to publicly disclose their financial dealings with the games. more ›

Seven months after they approved Mayor Daley's parking meter privatization deal, the City Council held a hearing to angrily express their outrage over the deal. This from the same City Council that voted 45-5 to approve the deal and, when one alderman complained about the lack of time for review, prompted the classic response from Ald. Mell (33rd), "How many of us read the stuff we do get, OK?. I try to. I try to. I try to. But being realistic, being realistic, it's like getting your insurance policy. It's small print, OK?" Small print, indeed. more ›

Judge Joan Lefkow handed 28 aldermen their asses today, denying their request to force the City to disclose the names of the police officers accused of brutality. Lefkow said that the case is currently being appealed (busy day at the 7th Circuit), but if the aldermen want to sue the City, they can. Have you been wondering which 28 aldermen signed the petition? We sure have. We called Manny Flores's office and were told there... more ›

Amidst all the hoopla leading to U.S. Senator-elect Barack Obama's coronation -- er swearing-in -- some other interesting Chicago political doings happened this past weekend: Obama's successor for the State Senate was selected and sworn in on Saturday. Chicago City Colleges senior attorney, Kwame Raoul, 40, was selected to fill out the remaining two-year term of the South Chicago lakefront 12th State Senate District. Because the seat was held by a Democrat, Obama's replacement was... more ›

This week has been a rough one for the amateur impersonation circuit here in Chicago. Police are no longer fooled as two members of the Chicago guild gave less than stellar performances this week. more ›

The Starbucks at 71st and Stony Island celebrated its July opening yesterday, and Magic Johnson, Mayor Daley, and Alderman Leslie Hairston (5th) were on hand for the ceremony. The tone wasn't all smiles and caffeine though, as Daley, of course, unleashed some haterade. more ›

Many neighbors see the shop as a mark of newfound respect for black buying power and a harbinger for more new stores. Hairston, for one, dreams of a Target, a Best Buy and maybe a Kinko's. ... more ›

Known to Hyde Parkers as simply "The Point", Promontory Point at 55th and Lake Shore Drive is a favorite place for bar-b-ques, frisbee, and just hanging out. The former Nike missile base is one of the best places to catch a breeze on a sweltering summer day, and is protected from the lake by giant limestone blocks that have crumbled from decades of stormy lake weather. Last winter, then-Park District Superintendant David Doig announced replacement of the limestone with concrete barriers, similar to barriers constructed further north. But Hyde Parkers strongly protested the plan, Doig left his job, and a stalemate ensued. more ›