To help folks separate spin from fact, we’ve put together this analysis to help you understand how local rules have changed in ways that undercut protest and political speech. While these revisions will not deter us from speaking out and protesting, they do change the excuses the police may use to try to prevent us from protesting.

It’s also important that we understand these changes so we can educate our friends and neighbors – and fight for meaningful change that puts people’s rights and the greater good ahead of the fear-mongering and greed that drove Mayor 1%’s push for these changes.

The city of Chicago has finally awarded a permit to Chicago groups seeking to organize a demonstration during an upcoming NATO/G8 meeting, but the city now claims the parameters of the permit awarded depend on the federal government.

Joe Iosbaker, lead organizer of the NATO/G8 Working Group in Chicago, reports the permit process will be scrutinized by the Secret Service. They may allow a protest in the location and a march on the route approved by the city or they may not. It all depends on the “security perimeter” that is set around McCormick Place, the convention center where the meetings are to be held from May 15 to May 22. And, it also depends on the “security perimeter” set around the five major hotels up and down Michigan Avenue where heads of state and other officials are expected to be staying.

Okay, quick business quiz for everyone: What do you do with an employee who is incompetent, insubordinate, and constantly sneaking around behind your back? If you’re Barack Obama you force him to keep working for you.

Congratulations, Chicago! You’ve got a new motherfucking mayor!

For all that is holy, be authentic at whatever you decide to do. Judges used to sitting in cushy offices might not be able to see through you, but voters can, and that’s what really matters. Here’s some pointers for you, laid out as simply as possible in terms you’ll understand.

In a unanimous, 7-0 decision, the Illinois Supreme Court said that Rahm Emanuel will appear on the February 22 ballot for Mayor of Chicago. This overturns a previous ruling from a state appeals court.

With regard to former White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel’s bid for Mayor of Chicago, I do not know about you, but I cannot think of any instance in which a White House and President, especially one so intimately related to one side of the issue, has so directly stepped into a state and local court proceeding at such a critical moment with its opinion on the ultimate legal determination.

The Supreme Court of Illinois has granted Rahm Emanuel a stay of the appellate court’s ruling, so his name will still appear on the ballot for Chicago mayor.

After winning a series of cases over his residency, Rahm Emanuel has apparently been tossed from the Chicago mayoral ballot by a state apellate court. The case will almost certainly move to the Illinois Supreme Court, which will have the final word.

Characterizing an Emanuel mayoralty as an outcome with “no winner” seems to clearly indicate Jackson’s opinion that Rahm must be stopped. Is unity, and a consensus candidate among the African-American community, likely to do that? In any event, it’s certainly not a great way for Rahm to start the year.