We look forward to seeing everyone tonight at Sheffield's! more ›

Despite a failed attempt at securing the 2016 Games in Chicago, Patrick Ryan still has work to do on the Olympics front. Ryan, who was the head of the Chicago Olympics bid, was named chairman of the board of World Sport Chicago on Thursday, an organization whose focus is to get Chicago youth to participate in the wide range of Olympic sports. Ryan had promised that the city's work for the Olympics wouldn't end with the failed bid and this new position will test that promise. more ›

After reworking the deal to appease aldermen who were worried about a lack of minority- and women-owned contracts, Mayor Daley's plan for the $1.1 billion Olympic Village at the site of Michael Reese Hospital has been passed by a City Council committee and is expected to be passed by the entire Council later today. The change: "Instead of demanding that union apprentices fill 5 percent of the "worker hours in the building trades" generated by Olympic construction projects, Chicago 2016 will make its "best efforts" to achieve 10 percent." Several aldermen expressed concern after Chicago 2016 chairman Pat Ryan admitted earlier this week that minority-led companies have only accounted for six percent of contracts thus far. more ›

Lest we should forget amongst talk of birth certificates, factory sit-ins, and clemency, the City of Chicago is still competing for the 2016 Summer Olympics and supporters got a boost today when Chicago 2016 Chairman Pat Ryan announced a deal with the property owner of Michael Reese Hospital has been restructured such that both parties can agree, meaning the proposed Olympic Village will go up on the site.

Under the new plan, Medline’s “charitable contribribution” will rise to $32.5 million. And instead the overall purchase price will rise by $1 million — to $86 million. more ›

As Mayor Daley heads east to join Pat Ryan in Turkey today to lobby the European Olympic Committee on behalf of Chicago 2016, the pair will be joined by President-Elect Barack Obama. Sort of. Obama has recorded a message which will be played at the meeting supporting Chicago 2016's efforts. Daley is hoping that at next year's final presentation in Copenhagen, the real Obama will join the Chicago delegation. more ›

Now that Mayor Daley has addressed the Obama security issue and passed his 2009 budget, it's time for more important things: like a trip to Turkey to make a pitch for Chicago 2016. The Mayor's packing his bags as we speak because he'll leave tomorrow to attend a European Olympic Committee gathering and press the flesh to sway those members to vote for Chicago. Chicago 2016 Chairman Pat Ryan, who is already in Istanbul for the meeting, said, "It’s not critical that a government leader be at each of these meetings. But it’s important to be at some of them. We have very strong support from Mayor Daley and city government. It’s important that he be here to demonstrate that strong partnership." Ryan also added that the city's bid was aided by the Obama election: "The Obama election has been helpful in that it’s putting a very bright spotlight on Chicago. The acceptance speech in Grant Park, the multi-culturalism and passion of the people, the outstanding acceptance speech resonated around the world. The fact that President-elect Obama is managing the transition from Chicago continues to put a spotlight on Chicago." more ›