The City Council passed Mayor Daley's insane budget with a vote of 36-14. Only in Chicago is that "a departure from the overwhelming victories" of years past. The tax package was a closer call, but still passed 29-21. The approved plans include doubling the phoneline surcharge to $2.50 per month to support the city's 911 centers, raising the tax on wine and beer, a 5-cent tax on bottled water, higher parking tickets, and dozens of... more ›

Just when we thought it was safe to look up when walking downtown or driving our cars, the billboards have begun attacking again. This time they aren’t happy with reminding us about our big nose, fat thighs, and horrible mates – this time they’ve attacked what our ears are getting out of those earbuds. St. Sabina Church is erecting billboards that decry disrespectful rappers. There are seven artists, per a call to St. Sabina, who... more ›

Several subjects of past Chicagoist posts are back in the news this week: Remember that guy who drunkenly stumbled onto a runway at Midway last month? He pleaded guilty to criminal trespassing and was sentenced to 18 months of court supervision and 10 days in the Cook County sheriff’s work program. Oh, and he isn’t welcome at Midway anymore. And then there’s Megabus, that new dollar bus line. We hope none of your were on... more ›

Until his actual trial, barring another suicide attempt or yet another aggravated assault, this will probably be our last post on Dickhead Michael L. Jackson. You know the guy. Here's one long sentence to bring you up to speed. He was charged with driving over and killing cabbie Haroon Paryani in February, turned himself into police, went free on bond on April 7, overdosed on Xanax and Ambien on April 9 and went to the hospital, allegedly tried to punch a nurse and spit bloody spit at her at the hospital, was charged with aggravated assault and reckless conduct charges, left the hospital this weekend and was in Bond Court for the most recent assault charges yesterday. Labeling Jackson a "flight risk", a Dupage Judge set his bail at $250,000. more ›

Well, we're not quite sure how to handle this, but Michael L. Jackson, the man accused of running over cabbie Haroon Paryani three times with Paryani's cab and killing him, was admitted to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital this weekend. Apparently he had overdosed on pills tying to commit suicide. Someone found him lying on the floor of the residence where he was staying. Jackson's attorney has said Jackson is recovering and in good health. As we told you last week, Jackson went free on $750,000 bond last Thursday. more ›

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Next week, Chicago will play host to Fireball, a massive gay/lesbian circuit dance party held every February by the Hearts Foundation. Last year, nearly 4,000 Chicagoans and visitors attended Fireball parties. In turn, Hearts gives proceeds to various Chicago-based HIV/AIDS charities. more ›

Michael L. Jackson, director of communication and policy for the STD/HIV/AIDS division of the Health Department, has been charged with murder for repeatedly driving a cab over Haroon Paryani, the cab's 61-year-old driver, last Thursday night in 500 block of West Briar Place in the Lakeview neighborhood. Jackson turned himself into police on Friday. more ›