Full hotels attract investors to Chicago – Crain's Chicago Business Crain’s Chicago BusinessFull hotels attract investors to ChicagoCrain’s Chicago BusinessRising occupancies and room rates, coupled with low interest rates and a strong lending environment, have kept investors coming to Chicago the past few years. Though local hotel sales have yet to top $1 billion annually […]

'Thrones' author George RR Martin: 'It's been an exciting ride' – Chicago Sun-Times Chicago Sun-Times'Thrones' author George RR Martin: 'It's been an exciting ride'Chicago Sun-TimesMayor Rahm Emanuel noted that he heard similar sky-is-falling concerns when he raised Chicago's hotel tax in his first city budget. It didn't happen. The hotel industry is booming with thousands […]

From Chicago to Mackinac Island, a Tour of Lake Michigan – San Antonio Express-News (subscription) From Chicago to Mackinac Island, a Tour of Lake MichiganSan Antonio Express-News (subscription)When I told the woman who was to become my wife that I, too, grew up on the beach, she laughed: “Lake Michigan? That's not … We stayed […]

Amphitheater, zip line, proposed Ottawa riverfront attractions – The Times (subscription) The Times (subscription)Amphitheater, zip line, proposed Ottawa riverfront attractionsThe Times (subscription)In addition, a regular program of park concerts from spring to fall were suggested. “It is likely that these concerts will primarily appeal to the Illinois River Valley population and the local greater Ottawa […]

POLITICO Illinois Playbook: DOROTHY BROWN appeals for continued support … – Politico POLITICO Illinois Playbook: DOROTHY BROWN appeals for continued support …PoliticoOUT WITH DOWNTON — “Aaron Schock Has Spent Thousands Since Resigning,” by NBC's Phil Rogers: “On Capitol Hill, the House Committee on Administration approved sweeping new rules, governing how much members of congress can […]

Cartoon: Don't look to Springfield for help with Chicago Public Schools scandal – Reboot Illinois Reboot IllinoisCartoon: Don't look to Springfield for help with Chicago Public Schools scandalReboot IllinoisConversation about Rauner's connection to the scandal arose at the Intercontinental Hotel in Chicago, where he was speaking with education writers, says the Chicago Sun-Times. At first, […]

Pittsfield Building hotel deal in the works—or maybe not – Crain's Chicago Business Pittsfield Building hotel deal in the works—or maybe notCrain’s Chicago BusinessWith occupancies and room rates eclipsing the levels of the last hotel boom, developers are building thousands of hotel rooms in downtown Chicago. Yet some in the industry, worried about a potential […]

Latest Illinois sports – WGEM Latest Illinois sportsWGEMNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Duncan Keith scored at 7:49 of double overtime, and the Chicago Blackhawks rallied from a three-goal deficit after the first period in beating the Nashville Predators 4-3 Wednesday night. The Blackhawks finished only two points …and more » The Great Blizzard Snowmelt of 2011 Two […]

Northbrook company trains dogs for owner protection – Chicago Tribune Chicago TribuneNorthbrook company trains dogs for owner protectionChicago Tribune"It's almost like a game," said Elly, who has been a volunteer for over a decade at Midwest Rescue of Illinois and Chicagoland Bully Breed Rescue. "As the dog progresses in the training and matures mentally, we […]