Given the lousy search functions for the Tribune and SunTimes, it is hard to tell whether our major local print newspapers have neglected to cover an issue, or just have another bug.

However, after an hour searching, I can find no mention of Title 10, Chapter 8 of the Municipal Code banning distribution of free “newspapers, periodicals and directories” in any Chicago daily newspaper, which is an ordinance that passsed the City Council 50–0. Sponsored by great American Manny Flores, no less.

So, here is a short list of banned publications:

1) The Chicago Reader
2) Hoy
3) Red Eye
4) The Onion
5) The Chicago Journal

The long list includes pretty much every neighborhood and civic newsletter distributed in the City of Chicago.

Given that the Tribune owns Hoy and Red Eye, and that the Reader is owned by…well…the Reader, you might assume that the press had some vested interest in the Freedom of the Press.

But it would get in the way of stories about scandal at Oprah’s school (Sun Times), a house full of cats (Tribune) and a bicycle falling off a bus (Chicago Reader).

Perhaps we get the Press we deserve.