The economy is spiraling down, but the stimulus bill managed to keep its millions for the National Endowment of the Arts. Surely that means artistic endeavors will be made more accessible for all, so that if we can't feed our bellies we can at least feed our souls through these trying times.

Wrong.

A committee of the city's park board today approved a price hike for the Art Institute of Chicago, and the full board meets to consider the measure at 4 today. If approved, art lovers will face a 50 percent increase in the admission price -- from $12 to $18 -- and students and seniors would see prices rise from $7 to $12, a 71 percent increase. Just three years ago, admission was free.

Follow the developing story here.