The start of a new year always brings with it a bounty of hope and opportunity—to go to the gym more, to eat more healthily, to be more financially sound. But 2009 holds special promise for the Chicago area. The nation is getting a new president who calls our city home. The state will soon be getting a new senator, and perhaps a new governor. We’ll also learn whether or not Chicago will win its bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Supporters and detractors alike will no doubt pay close attention on October 2, 2009 when the International Olympic Committee announces its selection. Many are crossing their fingers but this won’t be the first time Chicago had a shot at the Olympics. Several years ago on Eight Forty-Eight, Rose Economou brought us the story of a time when Chicago was almost given the honor of hosting the Games.

Originally aired August 25, 2004