Chicago is hoping to cash in on popular boat tours along the Chicago River.
The City Council on Wednesday approved new tour boat license agreements at two Chicago River docks, which officials say should generate $43 million for the city over the next decade.
Wendella Sightseeing Co. will operate on the north side of the river, west of Michigan Avenue. Mercury Skyline Yacht Charter will operate from the south side, east of Michigan Avenue.
The 10-year agreements would include a minimal annual guarantee for the use of the city's docks. The amount would escalate by 3% annually, and companies would pay a fee of 5% of their annual gross revenue.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel calls tour boat operations "a colorful and valued amenity for visitors to Chicago's downtown."
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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.
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Friday, May 17 2013 10:37 PM EDT2013-05-18 02:37:06 GMT
On Friday, the current Chicago Teacher's Union President Karen Lewis announced that she has been re-elected and says she won with 80 percent of the vote.
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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.
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