Of 18 car washes across the city chosen by the Sun-Times at random, they found only one, Latino's Hand Car Wash at 3117 S. Archer in the McKinley Park neighborhood, did not have a water meter to measure water usage. As a result, the business is billed a flat fee for water and sewage usage, based on the antiquated system for billing in which a property owner is billed a flat fee determined by the width of the lot and building, regardless of use. more ›

According to the Tribune, there's been a jump in tickets issued - up 26 percent in January through August 2009 over the same time period last year - and an increase of revenue. But CBS 2 points out that the jump in revenue may have more to do with the parking ticket amnesty that was offered early this year than the new tickets actually being paid. more ›

Still reeling from the spike in parking meter fees and where that money's going? Rest assured, the price to park in a Chicago garage daily is up only $1 from last year, according to a new parking rate survey released this week. more ›

The Chicago Park District has announced it will begin charging $1 for parking along the lake in the fall, ending free lakefront parking. Along with the charges being applied to the 4,400 once free parking spots, 537 metered spots will see fees double or quadruple according to the Tribune. more ›

There's never a shortage of events going on in Chicago on Fat Tuesday, but we decided to highlight two shows from opposite ends of the musical spectrum that accompany the spirit of the holiday without falling into cliche. more ›