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Chicago Sun-Times
Chicago Sun-Times
National
Mitchell Armentrout

Century of progress? Modern Chicago City Council marks 100th anniversary bullish for future, sheepish about past

Ald. John “Bathhouse John” Coughlin (left) in about 1920; Ald. Michael “Hinky Dink” Kenna (front right) In 1903. (Chicago Sun-Times Archives)

A century of incremental progress, colorful characters — and rampant corruption. 

As the next Chicago City Council is sworn in Monday, the city enters its 100th year under the 50-ward system with a legislative body representing many more backgrounds and perspectives than it did in 1923 but one that has proven just as prone in recent years to illegal backroom deals.

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