We're still trying to figure out exactly...why? Was it the wooden performance by members of the bid team last night? Was there an anti-American sentiment? Was it something as seemingly small but actually big as the world-wide exposure of the Derrion Albert video, a single, visceral act of horrific violence? Who knows? What we do know is that there will be much speculation over the next few days - including here - and maybe we'll come to an answer. Though many of us here at Chicagoist were wary of the Games being held here, to lose in the first round is still...insulting? Hurtful? Because though we might not have wanted the Olympics here, that doesn't mean we don't have civic pride. We love this city. That's why we're here, writing day-in and day-out on this website about this city of ours. Out of love for a city we marvel at. So call us conflicted this afternoon as we try to figure out what happened. And, for some of us, catching up on sleep. more ›

Chicago 2016 has been eliminated in the first round in a stunning development. The crowd here at Daley Plaza is absolutely stunned. The crowd has thinned considerably and an alderman is trying to rally the remaining attendees. Most of the people remaining are walking around stunned. We'll have more photos and information as it becomes available. Speculation has already begun as to why not and now the memory of New York being eliminated in the second round for the 2012 Olympics is fresh on our minds. more ›