Amongst the hiring freezes, layoffs, and roundabout pay cuts in the current Chicago budget crisis are a number of smaller items being eliminated. Things beyond garbage pickup and pothole repair, they're collectively the stuff that helps give Chicago "character" -- you know, what we supposedly have in spades that should have made everyone want to come here for the Olympics in 2016. more ›

We're a short time away from hearing all about Mayor Daley's budget for 2010 - hint: it won't be pretty! - and Daley continues to slash at the budget like Jason Voorhees so that he can avoid raising taxes to help fill a budget gap in the neighborhood of $500 million. Items have been trickling out in the days ahead of his presentation to the City Council and now we've got a clearer idea of what's going to be cut. We already know that the city's non-union workers will be asked to take nearly five work weeks worth of furlough days (24 to be exact), that there will be no cost of living increases in wages, and at least three more reduced services days. Daley has also suggested that while money from the Skyway lease will remain untouched, he could borrow heavily from the parking meter lease to help cover the budget gap. more ›

Venetian Night falls upon us Saturday, which means that the crowds coming downtown to witness the fireworks and boats on the lake will rival Taste of Chicago's. Chef Luca Corazzina's of 312 Chicago has put together a Venetian-themed menu available from tomorrow through Sunday. He's also bringing in his mother, Gabriella, to give him a helping hand in the kitchen. Corazzina lists his mother as an influence on his becoming a chef and this brings certain full circle closure to his chef's career to this point. It would also be cool to see Gabriella Corazzina walkign around the dining room, giving it a classic Italian mother's touch. more ›