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 The Morning Shift gets down to brass tacks on TIFs that may be used for improvements a Navy Pier and McCormick Place. And as the south branch of the Red Line shuts down for the summer, CTA is on hand to answer questions. 

Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced this week the latest round of Tax Increment Finance, or TIF, reforms. TIFs are an economic tool meant to spur development. But for some, there's a rub.

The questions Wednesday night ranged from potholes to bus fares, from school-day hours to traffic-aide layoffs.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel says he wants to reform the city's tax increment financing program. The mayor called for transparency and accountability in the program, and for TIF dollars to only be spent as part of a larger, long-term economic plan.

Chicagoans who punch cards for their favorite aldermanic candidates might have the issue of crime on their minds. But depending on where they live, they will have heard more—or less—about crime from their candidates.

A proposed ordinance to designate more affordable housing won’t happen before the Feb. 22 Chicago municipal election. For months, Ald.