Megan Mathias, candidate for 45th Ward alderman, speaks to constituents as a few dozen residents gathered outside Ald. Jim Gardiner's (45) office Sept. 13, 2021, demanding that he resign amid recent scandals.

The proposed ward map unveiled last week by a City Council committee would draw out the only declared challenger to embattled Ald. Jim Gardiner (45).

Left: Ald. Jim Gardiner Right: Local business owner James Suh poses for a portrait across the street from the Clarendale development, 4747 W. Irving Park Rd., at the Six Corners in Portage Park on Sept. 8, 2021. [Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago]

A business owner and Old Irving Park resident is suing Ald. Jim Gardiner (45) after leaked text messages showed the alderman used city resources in a revenge plot against him.

A rendering of plans for the old Sears site at 4730 W. Irving Park Road. [Novak Construction/MG2 Architects]

This article was first published in Block Club Chicago.

The massive Six Corners Sears development cleared a major hurdle Wednesday, overcoming disagreement about the lack of affordable units which led to one alderman pushing to halt the project.

Ald. Jim Gardiner (45th) looks on during discussions surrounding the creation of a civilian commission overseeing the Chicago Police Department during a City Council meeting on July 21, 2021. [Colin Boyle/Block Club Chicago]

This article was first published in Block Club Chicago.

Text messages between Ald. Jim Gardiner (45) and a former aide show the Northwest Side leader blasting his critics and political opponents — and punishing an employee for helping a constituent who voted against him.

Glenstar wants to build a 297-unit apartment complex at 8535 W. Higgins Rd. in the 41st Ward. [Glenstar/Chicago Plan Commission]

Despite opposition from the area’s alderman, a seven-story, 297-unit housing development near the Cumblerland CTA Blue Line station scored key approval Thursday from the city’s Plan Commission.