A delegation from the International Olympic Committee arrives here this week, ready to be romanced by Mayor Richard Daley, who is in desperate lust to host the 2016 Olympic Games in Chicago. And we need to help him.

You can give the IOC some suggestions for real, Chicago-style Olympic sporting events, so that the 2016 Olympics will have an authentic Chicago flavor:  Please send them to me at jskass@tribune.com

Read complete column here

Banner on Michigan Avenue bridge over Chicago River promotes the city's Olympic bid on Monday.  (Tom Van Dyke/Tribune)

To secure the support of African American aldermen, the committee leading the effort to bring the 2016 Summer Olympics to Chicago agreed today to increase the level of contracts going to companies owned by minorities, disabled people and women. Read more in Clout St

DENVER - International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge effectively blew away two heavy clouds that had been hanging over Chicago's bid for the 2016 Summer Games. Read full report

IOC President Jacques Rogge addresses the media Friday during Sportaccord in Denver, Colorado. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

International torch relays ahead of the Olympics have been scrapped by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

It follows the controversy that surrounded the Beijing Olympic relay which was dogged in 2008 by protests as the torch made its way around the world, according to the BBC.

DENVER -- Chicago's rivals for the 2016 Summer Games distinguished themselves from the Windy City during sales pitches Thursday by trumpeting the full government guarantees behind their bids, something Chicago is not able to bring to the table.

And to top it off, two of its rivals, Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro, borrowed inspiration from Chicago's highest-profile success story, President Barack Obama. "We know Tokyo can, we know Madrid can, we know Chicago can, but yes, we can," said Sergio Cabral, governor of the state of Rio. Read full report

Members of the Chicago 2016 delegation, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, right, laughs with Jackie Joyner-Kersee during a news conference after making their presentation for the 2016 Olympics at SportAccord conference in Denver Thursday. (David Zalubowski/AP)

  Leaders of Chicago's police union are considering taking the growing acrimony over contract negotiations public at a most inopportune time for Mayor Richard Daley--picketing on the day International Olympic Committee evaluators arrive next week to see the city. Read more in Chicago Tribune

When Chicago 2016 Olympics boosters make a critical sales pitch Thursday, they will have to work hard to be heard over a freshly erupting international financial dispute that could hurt their campaign. International Olympic Committee officials this week cranked up the heat on their longstanding crusade to reduce the share of Olympic television and sponsorship money that funnels to the United States Olympic Committee, Chicago's bid partner. Read full report

Mercedes Coghen, CEO of Madrid 2016, said a Madrid Olympics in 2016 would be a "fiesta" for the Spanish speaking peoples of the world. The Madrid 2016 bid team is at the SportAccord conference in Denver presenting its bid to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Read full report at gamesbids.com

As workers continued spiffing up proposed Olympic sites, Chicago's bid committee pulled back the curtain--just a bit--Tuesday on its plans to woo and wow Olympics officials headed here next week to evaluate whether this city should hold the 2016 Games. Read more in Chicago Tribune

Bob Berland, Chicago 2016 board member and 1984 Olympic medalist, discusses the upcoming International Olympic Committee Evaluation Commission visit with the media at Soldier Field Tuesday. (Michael Tercha / Tribune)

Rick Telander in the Sun-Times writes: A simple note from [Mayor] Daley saying, ''We're fixin' da streets down here 'cause big shots are comin', den we'll get to yers,'' would've gone a long way in helping us believe the 2016 Olympics in Chicago wouldn't be a hog-feeding slopfest of the nastiest kind.

Chicago 2016 Olympics bid leader Patrick Ryan will be in Denver on Thursday to argue Chicago's case to win the Games for Chicago. (AP)

Key members of the International Olympic Committee, in a rare appearance, are convening in Denver this week for the SportAccord convention and IOC executive board meetings, with all sorts of political intrigue whirling in the background. Read Ron Judd's Olympics Insider blog at The Seattle Times

Chicago won't appear as gung-ho as Olympics boosters would have hoped when international
officials arrive in early April to assess the city's 2016 plans. Read more

Denise Dixon of Action Now is pushing for contracts and housing for the poor and minorities. (Tribune / Tom Van Dyke)

Some members of Chicago's film community are voicing concerns that they were passed over for key assignments in favor of out-of-towners. Read more in Chicago Tribune

Film crews frequently shoot in Chicago, as cameraman Dean Simmon (right) did in January in Uptown for "ER."  He was not involved in the films for the Olympics bid. (Bonnie Trafelet / Tribune)

As city crews repaired streets at another potential Olympic site Thursday, a Chicago alderman clashed with an aide to Mayor Richard Daley, telling him more heavily traveled, pothole-plagued roads should be fixed first. Read more

Workers rake leaves and tend to trees in Douglas Park Thursday, the second South Side site cleaned up in recent days in preparation for an April visit by Olympic officials. (Terrence Antonio James / Tribune)

SPRINGFIELD---Illinois House lawmakers approved legislation today guaranteeing the state would put up $250 million if a 2016 summer Olympics comes to Chicago and loses money.

The measure, sent to the Senate on a 100-14 vote, comes as Chicago competes with Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo for Games that Illinoisans hope could add $22.5 billion to the state economy, including 315,000 jobs. Full report on Clout St

Workers put on finishing touches on a re-paved South Payne  Drive in Chicago's  Washington Park. (Terrence Antonio James / Tribune)  More photos

When an International Olympic Committee team arrives in Chicago early next month to scrutinize Chicago's suitability to host the 2016 Games, they will see smooth, pitch-black pavement ringing the Washington Park ball fields where Mayor Richard Daley wants to build an Olympic Stadium. The work raised questions for some who fear taxpayers will suffer as the city directs scarce resources towards impressing Olympic officials.  Read more from the Chicago Tribune.

Inside Indiana Business reports: The president of the Indiana High Speed Rail Initiative says "it would be a challenge, but possible" to have a Midwest high speed rail system in place if Chicago lands the 2016 Summer Olympics. Roger Sims says the Olympic Planning Committee reports national and international visitors will travel as far as six hours for lodging or to watch Olympic-related events. He adds, a passenger rail system could efficiently take visitors to and from attractions in northwest Indiana and Indianapolis. Organizers of the Golden Spike Seminar, set to begin today in Merrillville, will take a critical look at the Olympic Games proposed for Chicago. International officials will also discuss the positive impact rail transportation is having on their nations' economies.

There were new threats for disruptive protests during next month's visit by the International Olympic Committee. They come after the city council failed to vote on community benefits agreement. It would have put in writing long-talked-about promises to people who may be impacted if the Olympics come to town. Full report from ABC Channel 7

(AP) -- The International Olympic Committee could end its revenue-sharing deal with the U.S. Olympic body unless the Americans agree to a revised formula and smaller share of the money pie, according to a top official involved in the negotiations. Read more

Chicago's Olympics fundraising ambitions target some of the industries hardest hit by the financial crisis. The city is counting on a major bank, a home-improvement firm and companies in nine other categories to pony up an average of $100 million each toward a 2016 Summer Games. Patrick Ryan, CEO of the Chicago 2016 bid committee, already faces a daunting task in reaching the committee's $1.8-billion corporate sponsorship goal, which would be a record for an Olympics. Full report at chicagobusiness.com

The City Council's Finance Committee plans to hold a special meeting March 27 to consider an agreement on jobs, transportation improvements and housing commitments sought by neighborhoods affected by the 2016 Olympics. Read chicagobusiness.com

TOKYO: Japan's upper house passed a resolution Wednesday in support of Tokyo's bid to host the 2016 Olympics, giving the campaign the full backing of parliament.

Japan's lower house affirmed its support of the bid Tuesday.

"The backing of the upper and lower houses of parliament in Japan offers the Olympic and Paralympic Family the complete assurance of passionate support and full guarantees for Tokyo 2016," Tokyo 2016 chairman Ichiro Kono said Wednesday. Read the full report

An anti-Olympics group's rally on April 2 coincides with international officials arriving  in Chicago to assess its bid for the 2016 Summer Games.

No Games Chicago said it expects 2,000 people to attend the rally at 5 p.m. at Federal Plaza at Dearborn and Adams. Read full story from the Chicago Tribune

The proposed rowing venue on Chicago's lakefront. More photos, images (Courtesy Max Wave Media Inc./Chicago 2016)

Leave it to the U.S. Olympic Committee to indulge in hair splitting worthy of medieval scholasticism rather than give a straightforward answer to questions about its recent leadership change.

And, since the Chicago 2016 bid group cannot call on St. Thomas Aquinas to provide a rational answer, it may struggle to explain the USOC situation to international sports leaders at a meeting next week in Denver and the International Olympic Committee evaluation visit to Chicago in early April, the LATimes reports.

Meanwhile, a national search is announced for a new CEO, the New York Times reports.

Peter Nicol, the former world No 1, believes that squash will finally get Olympic backing over the six other sports vying for inclusion to the 2016 Games, according to Telegraph.co.uk.

As the date for the IOC evaluation commission's visit to Chicago draws near, the Chicago 2016 Olympic organizing committee said Friday it is dumping its "Stir the Soul" tagline and replacing it with "Let Friendship Shine. Read Sun-times report

 In its push for the 2016 Olympics, Chicago is presenting itself as a leading green city of the  world. But just how green is Chicago? Medill Reports Chicago

Chicago, Madrid and other bidders for the 2016 Olympics should continue to plan thousands of apartments for athletes even with the collapse of house prices, Gilbert Felli, the International Olympic Committee executive director said. Daily Herald story.

Since 1984, all cities selected as Olympics hosts have agreed to take full financial responsibility for the Games. That included the last two U.S. hosts: Atlanta in 1996 and Salt Lake City in 2002. But Mayor Richard Daley's inability to provide anything more than a limited financial guarantee could make it difficult, if not impossible, for the city to win the 2016 Summer Games, many Olympics experts say. Full report

Olympics supporters are asking for a much higher financial guarantee from the state--$250 million--to help Chicago win its bid for the 2016 Games. Full report

Humbled by a growing number of supporters, Jim Scherr says he holds "no regrets or bitterness" toward the U.S. Olympic Committee after resigning as chief executive officer of the Colorado Springs-based organization. Read full story

The Olympics may come to this city soon. But with Chicago 2016's proposed stadiums, centers and villages come alterations to Chicago's historic landscape and an outcry from the city's preservation community. Most notably, historians are clamoring to protect the more than 1,000-acre Washington Park and the Michael Reese Hospital campus on the city's near South Side. Full report

By A.J. Perez, USA TODAY

Stephanie Streeter wasn't one of the more recognizable faces in the U.S. Olympic movement, although that changed last week -- and not to everyone's liking.
"People always react in interesting ways to change," Streeter told USA TODAY in a phone interview Monday night. "The organization has tremendous upside. We'll just move forward."

Streeter was tapped Thursday to become the interim CEO of the U.S. Olympic Committee, a move almost as unexpected as the ouster of Jim Scherr. The heads of some national governing bodies -- including representatives of triathletes and gymnasts -- have sought more information regarding why the change was made, while Jim Ravannack, president of USA Wrestling, has called for Scherr's reinstatement. USA TODAY's full report

Without the participation of big league players, Olympic baseball has always been relegated to a low-profile status behind basketball, swimming and even track and field. While I certainly understand the concerns of the International Olympics Committee, I say good riddance. Baseball doesn't need the Olympics. Read this column

Among other peculiarities Tokyo plans to offer natural hot springs spas (called onsens) for the athletes and spectators.

There is the Oedo onsen in walking distance of the proposed 2016 Olympic village. The mineral water comes here from 1,400 metres below. The Oedo onsen offers a wide choice of baths and is visited by some 6,500 bathers on weekends. The Olympics' visitors would have the opportunity to enjoy the 50 metre long footbath to give their soaring feet a rejuvenating bath. They also could rest while watching stars from the outdoor baths it the middle of the Tokyo Bay. Those who get hungry receiving massages may appease their hunger in one of the 16 restaurants. full story at Tourism Review

A sports consultant working on a potential Wrigley Field deal asked Gov. Rod Blagojevich's top aide for a committee post and tried to pitch a business proposal.

Marc Ganis is a consultant helping Tribune Co. with a potential sale of Wrigley Field. He says there is no conflict with that role and his e-mails with John Harris, then chief of staff to Blagojevich.

In those e-mails -- obtained by The Associated Press -- Ganis asks Harris for a post if a committee is created to lure the Olympics to Chicago in 2016. He also asks to meet Harris about a "wind power" opportunity.

The Chicago-based sports consultant says the Olympics post would be volunteer and he was not proposing setting up his own wind-power business, but one for the state to create jobs and save energy.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. See Associated Press report

Jim Scherr's abrupt resignation as Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Olympic Committee leaves several questions: Why is he out, what does it mean for the USOC and could his resignation affect Chicago's chances to land the 2016 Olympics when the IOC awards those Games in October? Full story

The surprise resignation of USOC Chief Executive Jim Scherr gives the rest of the world the old impression the USOC still can't get its act together. Read more.

  Stephanie Streeter, the new interim chief of the United States Olympic Committee, has a big job on her hands.  

Chicago Tribune columnist Eric Zorn, in his Change of Subject blog, challenged readers to help the city avoid paying $10.5 million to find and finance a mascot for the 2016 Games. 

And boy, did you come through.  Here are edited versions of some of the ideas posted online.

TV Week reports that bidding for TV broadcast rights on the 2014 and 2016 Olympics might not take place until the second half of the year, until the economy improves.

NBC Universal Sports and Olympics Chairman Dick Ebersol said the Olympic committee was waiting until there is a brighter economic picture worldwide, but particularly in the U.S., where a big chunk of the television money supporting the games originates.

"I certainly don't see it in any immediate future and perhaps they'll wait till after the decision for the 2016 games is made in the first 10 days of October," he said. The International Olympics Committee will be making a decision about where the 2016 games will take place. Finalist cities include Chicago, Madrid, Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro. Read more

The image is a joke, a statement, a warning to potential visitors coming to Chicago for the Games. It's the brainchild of some Chicago police bloggers and there are plenty of people (i.e. The 2016 Committee members) who don't see a lot of humor in the image -- a chalk drawing fashioned after the familiar marking of a victim at a murder scene, but with an Olympic torch held high in his hand. Read more

The Rockford Register Star reports that just because Rockford isn't being tapped to host 2016 Olympics competitions as part of Chicago's official bid doesn't mean the Rock River Valley wouldn't benefit from the games.

Chicago's bid book, released last month, includes venues around Madison, Wis., and in DeKalb County, but nothing in the Rock River Valley.

That doesn't surprise local leaders, who say the biggest potential benefit to the Rockford area are teams training here and visitors staying in its hotels. Read more

The rough economy forced leaders of the U.S. Olympic Committee to vote Tuesday to cut the federation's work force by up to 15 percent as a way of saving more than $7.1 million in the 2009 budget.

Chief executive officer Jim Scherr said the decision was more of a pre-emptive move than a reflection on the USOC's less-than-full slate of sponsors. But he conceded the bad economy was too big an issue to ignore.

"It's a factor of the economy," Scherr said after the USOC board meeting in Washington. "It's a factor of making sure we're in a position where we can react later if the economy gets worse." Read more

The Chicago Tribune reports that Chicago's 2016 Olympic bid committee strengthened its links to President Barack Obama Tuesday by naming Chicago businessman Martin Nesbitt to its board of directors.

Nesbitt served as national treasurer of Obama's presidential campaign. He was appointed to the Chicago 2016 board as a replacement for Valerie Jarrett, who stepped down when she became senior adviser and assistant to Obama for intergovernmental affairs and public liaison.

Obama is the bid's highest-profile supporter, and the bid team is hoping he will make a personal appearance on its behalf immediately prior to the host-city vote by the International Olympic Committee on Oct. 2 in Copenhagen. Read more

Crain's reports that opposition to Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is stiffening at City Hall even as the retailer pitches its expansion as an antidote to recession. The Arkansas-based discount giant, which operates a single Chicago store, says it can bring thousands of jobs to the city at a time when many are disappearing. But aldermen remain mostly opposed, and Mayor Richard M. Daley, who three years ago engaged in a bitter political battle over an ordinance dictating minimum wages at "big-box" retailers, isn't itching for a rematch.

The reason: Organized labor, a powerful Chicago interest, isn't budging from its stance that Wal-Mart shouldn't build stores unless it agrees to allow workers to form unions. Mr. Daley wants to keep labor's support to draw the 2016 Olympics to Chicago. Read more