Robert Vanecko, the mayor's nephew who's use of city pension funds for real estate investments is now under federal investigation, is moving forward with a planned development in the South Loop. According to the Sun-Times, DV Urban Reality, the real estate investment firm run by Vanecko and Daley ally Allison Davis, are moving forward with plans to demolish the Chicago Letter Carrier's union building to construct a 220-unit apartment building. The letter carriers will move to a new building at 38th and Wabash. more ›

An update on our earlier post regarding Mayor Daley's nephew, Robert Vanecko, and the federal investigation into the dealings with his real estate company, DV Urban Reality. The company announced Vanecko's resignation earlier today. The Tribune reports that, per the company's announcement, "Vanecko no longer will be a general partner or investor in the real estate venture." more ›

One last, self-indulgent note before we bow out for the day. Chicagoist went live on May 10, 2004 featuring a design you can see above (via the Wayback Machine). Since then, we've had ups and downs but it's been one hell of a ride. Five years is an eternity in internet time, so thanks to Jen, Jake and all our benefactors in NYC, thanks to Rachelle and Margaret for getting the ball rolling here, thanks to every single writer who has posted - past and present - for your hard work, and last but most importantly, thanks to all of you readers who keep coming back every day. We hope to see you tomorrow night at our celebration, and we'll see you back here next week as we start the next five years. - M.G. more ›

If Al Sanchez's conviction for steering undeserving patronage workers into city jobs over a decade ago indicates anything about the nature of due process in this country, it's that the gears of justice turn slowly. That's why news that Mayor Daley's Patrick, and his nephew Robert Vanecko have hired a defense attorney shouldn't come as a surprise. You may remember Vanecko, whom the city Inspector General is investigating for his involvement in the management of millions of dollars of city pension funds. But Vanecko doesn't need an attorney for that investigation. At least not yet. more ›