5 Things to Know: It's all about wheels in Chicago
Transit troubles. Train system? It's been more like a rollercoaster ride in Chicago, as directors of the local transit network have engaged in a tense stare-down with Gov. Rod Blagojevich and other state officials over chronic funding shortfalls.
With the clock ticking closer to Sept. 16 - the day the Chicago Transit Authority was set to hike fares and discontinue some bus routes - Blagojevich kept offering increasing piles of quick-fix cash to avoid the so-called "doomsday."
On Friday, the umbrella transit agency for the Chicago area OK'd the governor's stopgap aid, which includes a $24 million cash advance for the CTA. Blagojevich agrees there is a need for a long-term solution, but he has been resistant to an increase in the regional sales tax that helps pay for the CTA, Metra and Pace.
"The old saying is that you should never let the perfect be the enemy of the good," the governor said at a news conference near a CTA platform. "While a long-term solution is better than a short-term solution, a short-term solution is far, far better than placing undue and unnecessary hardship on tens of thousands of people who ride the CTA, Metra and Pace."
The new CTA doomsday clock is set to Nov. 4.
Wheels of rage. Dozens of disabled protesters in wheelchairs staged what would have to be considered a successful demonstration Tuesday at the James R. Thompson Center, the state's main office building in Chicago.
The activists, who champion community settings for the disabled over institutions, clustered their wheelchairs to block escalators, elevator banks and lobby entrances. Thousands of state workers on the floors above were effectively trapped for nearly the entire work day. The governor's office agreed to meet with representatives of the disruptors.
A day earlier, the protesters struck the American Medical Association building.
First verdicts in Family Secrets. A federal jury found the five defendants in the high-profile mob trial known as Family Secrets guilty of racketeering conspiracy. In the next deliberation phase, jurors are evaluating which of four defendants can be linked to a series of murders at the core of the case.
What's new. The 15-story Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier logged its 10 millionth rider on Thursday. The lucky rider was Debbie Curulewski of south suburban New Lenox, who won airfare to London and other goodies as part of a promotion for the benchmark.
The Ferris Wheel at the Pier (Chicago's most popular tourist attraction) operates year-round and began operating in July 1995.
What's next. Cheapskates, unite. The Art Institute of Chicago is offering free - free! - admission on Thursday evenings (5 p.m. to 8 p.m.), courtesy of retailer Target. Looking further ahead, the entire month of February will be free at the museum.
Mike Ramsey is Chicago reporter for GateHouse News Service. He can be reached at (312) 857-2323 or ghns-ramsey@sbcglobal.net <mailto:ghns-ramsey@sbcglobal.net> .