City Council's Committee on Health and Housing heard testimony that would make your skin crawl: Stories about bedbugs. Experts said they can show up in the cleanest, nicest environments.
The committee wants to declare bedbugs a public nuisance, after Orkin Pest Control recently announced that of all major U.S. cities, Chicago is their top client for bedbug treatment. The call for bedbug treatment increased 33% in one year.
Bed bugs are spread through the sale of second hand bedding and because of insects that hitchhike their way into homes and hotels.
The City Council committee wants landlords and condominium boards to act responsibly when infestations are reported, or face fines up to $1,000 a day.
Housing advocates who testified before the committee said tenants who report bedbug infestations sometimes face a fiercer pest: the landlords themselves.
They said landlords blame the tenant for the problem and try to bully them or evict them. The proposed ordinance is expected to address that, too.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:51 PM EDT2013-05-17 23:51:51 GMT
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn must decide if he will sign a measure allowing the use of marijuana for medical purposes after the state Senate approved legislation on Friday.
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn must decide if he will sign a measure allowing the use of marijuana for medical purposes after the state Senate approved legislation on Friday.
Fitness guru and NBA wife Larsa Pippen showed how you can get long and lean for bathing suit season with help from her favorite Midtown Athletic Club trainer Diane Gillis and a pair of hand weights.
Fitness guru and NBA wife Larsa Pippen showed how you can get long and lean for bathing suit season with help from her favorite Midtown Athletic Club trainer Diane Gillis and a pair of hand weights.
Summer is almost here, and that means spending time outside, in the sun! Baby Gizmo's Hollie Shultz shared some sun safety tips to protect your little one's skin this summer.
Summer is almost here, and that means spending time outside, in the sun! Baby Gizmo's Hollie Shultz shared some sun safety tips to protect your little one's skin this summer.
Dr. Amy Brodsky, a dermatologist who founded and leads the Pediatric Sun Protection Foundation, shared four key ways to prevent sunburns and pediatric skin cancer this summer.
Dr. Amy Brodsky, a dermatologist who founded and leads the Pediatric Sun Protection Foundation, shared four key ways to prevent sunburns and pediatric skin cancer this summer.
Nutrition specialist, certified trainer and "Power Vegan" author Rea Frey says people can find the optimal foods to power our everyday lives and get in better shape at the same time – without a fad diet.
Nutrition specialist, certified trainer and "Power Vegan" author Rea Frey says people can find the optimal foods to power our everyday lives and get in better shape at the same time – without a fad diet.
Thursday, May 16 2013 11:45 AM EDT2013-05-16 15:45:45 GMT
Since National Dog Bite Prevention week begins next week, Good Day Chicago wants to help you learn how to protect yourself in the event of a dog attack and the proper way to say hello to a pup you don't know.
Since National Dog Bite Prevention week begins next week, Good Day Chicago wants to help you learn how to protect yourself in the event of a dog attack and the proper way to say hello to a pup you don't know.
Good Day Chicago's Kori Chambers will host the Campfire Ball for the third consecutive year this weekend. It's an event to raise money for kids with cancer. Co-chair Rachel Drescher explains how the fundraiser works.
Good Day Chicago's Kori Chambers will host the Campfire Ball for the third consecutive year this weekend. It's an event to raise money for kids with cancer. Co-chair Rachel Drescher explains how the fundraiser works.
Have you heard of acrobatic yoga? It's a new trend among all the "yogis" out there. Tatiana Sanchez and Phil Blaetz from Wicker Park's Nature Yoga showed what you can do in class this summer - and so did Dawn!
Have you heard of acrobatic yoga? It's a new trend among all the "yogis" out there. Tatiana Sanchez and Phil Blaetz from Wicker Park's Nature Yoga showed what you can do in class this summer - and so did Dawn!
Sunday, May 19 2013 3:10 PM EDT2013-05-19 19:10:22 GMT
The derailment of an Amtrak City of New Orleans train on the Near South Side Sunday morning led to delays and a couple cancellations for trains on Metra's Rock Island District line.
The derailment of an Amtrak City of New Orleans train on the Near South Side Sunday morning led to delays and a couple cancellations for trains on Metra's Rock Island District line.
Sunday, May 19 2013 2:56 PM EDT2013-05-19 18:56:43 GMT
One adult and 11 juveniles were arrested Saturday night after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic around North Michigan Avenue on the Gold Coast.
One adult and 11 juveniles were arrested Saturday night after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic around North Michigan Avenue on the Gold Coast.
Sunday, May 19 2013 12:32 PM EDT2013-05-19 16:32:45 GMT
A 23-year-old woman was killed and four others were critically injured when two cars crashed into a building in the Far South Side Washington Heights neighborhood early Sunday.
A 23-year-old woman was killed and four others were critically injured when two cars crashed into a building in the Far South Side Washington Heights neighborhood early Sunday.
Sunday, May 19 2013 11:50 AM EDT2013-05-19 15:50:06 GMT
One number in Saturday night's Powerball drawing was the difference for a dozen Illinois players between being $10,000 richer and living the life of a multi-millionaire - whose ticket was purchased in Florida.
One number in Saturday night's Powerball drawing was the difference for a dozen Illinois players between being $10,000 richer and living the life of a multi-millionaire - whose ticket was purchased in Florida.
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:52 AM EDT2013-05-19 14:52:09 GMT
Four people have been killed and at least 15 other people wounded -- including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition -- in shootings around the city since Friday night.
Four people have been killed and at least 15 other people wounded -- including a 12-year-old boy left in critical condition -- in shootings around the city since Friday night.
