Gapers Block has ceased publication.

Gapers Block published from April 22, 2003 to Jan. 1, 2016. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit Third Coast Review, a new site by several GB alumni.
 Thank you for your readership and contributions. 

TODAY

Thursday, March 28

Gapers Block
Search

Gapers Block on Facebook Gapers Block on Flickr Gapers Block on Twitter The Gapers Block Tumblr


The Mechanics
« What It Means to Love Your Students Pensions Should Not Be Sacrificed in Chicago's Budget Crisis »

Local Government Wed Mar 12 2014

Sun-Times Political Website Hosts Youth in Politics Forum

IMG_0042.jpgThe Chicago Sun-Times is serving up politics, deep dish style.

Early & Often is the paper's brand new website for all things Chicago, Springfield and Washington politics. It includes traditional news stories but also video stories, a data-portal, aggregated content, opinion pieces and event coverage and listings--all in one place.

"We are confident you'll find Early & Often to be the most comprehensive look at the local political scene," wrote Jim Kirk, Sun-Times publisher and editor-in-chief, to readers in yesterday's paper.

Early & Often hosted its kickoff event yesterday--"Youth in Politics with David Axelrod," held at the University of Chicago Gleacher Center.

Axelrod addressed a number of topics, including social media in campaigns, saying that technology today will probably be obsolete by 2016, to gubernatorial candidates and Rahm Emanuel.

Will someone run against Rahm next year? Axelrod said that Rahm will take any challenger seriously. "He loves the city. I think he's going to fight very hard to keep that job."

The audience, made up mostly of high school students, was encouraged to ask Axelrod questions using #EOAxelrod. One guest asked about Harold Washington. Axelrod worked as a Tribune reporter during Washington's campaign.

"Harold was about inclusion. Everyone needs to be a full citizen here in Chicago, full participant," said Axelrod.

He explained that the Barack Obama logo used in the 2008 campaign was influenced by a blue and white pin that Harold Washington supporters wore in the 80s.

Axelrod said they were badges of pride.

Another student asked how best to get involved in politics while still in school.

He answered that it's best to get involved in small campaigns and to learn as much as you can from them.

Early & Often plans to host monthly live events like these to connect readers with the top newsmakers and leaders on important topics.

 
GB store
GB store

Feature

Parents Still Steaming, but About More Than Just Boilers

By Phil Huckelberry / 2 Comments

It's now been 11 days since the carbon monoxide leak which sent over 80 Prussing Elementary School students and staff to the hospital. While officials from Chicago Public Schools have partially answered some questions, and CPS CEO Forrest Claypool has informed that he will be visiting the school to field more questions on Nov. 16, many parents remain irate at the CPS response to date. More...

Civics

Substance, Not Style, the Source of Rahm's Woes

By Ramsin Canon / 2 Comments

It's not surprising that some of Mayor Emanuel's sympathizers and supporters are confusing people's substantive disputes with the mayor as the effect of poor marketing on his part. It's exactly this insular worldview that has gotten the mayor in hot... More...

Special Series

Classroom Mechanics Oral History Project
GB store



About Mechanics

Mechanics is the politics section of Gapers Block, reflecting the diversity of viewpoints and beliefs of Chicagoans and Illinoisans. More...
Please see our submission guidelines.

Editor: Mike Ewing, mike@gapersblock.com
Mechanics staff inbox: mechanics@gapersblock.com

Archives

 

 Subscribe in a reader.

GB store

GB Store

GB Buttons $1.50

GB T-Shirt $12

I ✶ Chi T-Shirts $15