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Health Care Bill Heads To U.S. House Floor For Debate, Vote
The battle over health care is revving up this weekend as a deal among U.S. House Democrats has paved the way for a potential House vote on President Obama's health care reform bill. The deal would allow for an amendment to the public option portion that would prevent the the government's plan, as well as private plans involved in the government-run exchanges, from covering elective abortions. However, coverage would still be available in the cases of rape, incest, or when the mother's life is in danger. The amendment is expected to pass with support from Republicans and conservative Dems and gives Dem leaders hope of swaying enough of those conservative Dems to secure the 218 necessary votes to pass the bill on to the Senate. There are concerns, though, that there won't be quite enough votes to get the bill passed. Clout Street explains: One veteran lawmaker expected that when the voting starts, more lawmakers will come over. "I don't believe all those people who say no," said 19-term Rep. Pete Stark (D-Fremont). "When they look up at the board, do they really want to vote against providing coverage to millions of people?" But Maryland Rep. Chris Van Hollen, who heads the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said party leaders are reluctant to go to a floor vote without a sure result. "You don't want to roll the dice on this," he said. 
AP Photo/Alex BrandonHouse Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer expressed concern Friday that GOP lawmakers might attempt to disrupt the voting by making repeated motions to adjourn, as they have in the past. House Minority Leader John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) said Friday that party leaders had not decided what they would do during the vote.
According to a report by Reuters, Hoyer claims the vote may not happen later today, as originally expected, but could move to tomorrow or further into next week, saying, "There are many people who are still looking to get a comfort level that this is the right thing to do. We're trying to answer any concerns they might have." President Obama is paying a visit to lawmakers this weekend in an effort to shore up support for his bill, which would still have a long way to go even if it does get passed by the House this weekend.
Thomas Fractures Forearm, Out 4-6 Weeks
X-rays confirmed the fracture and team physicians will perform surgery on Thomas Saturday at Rush University Medical Center.
AP Photo/Charles Rex ArbogastThe fourth-year forward fractured the radius in his left forearm while performing pull-ups in the weightlifting portion of practice.
Taj Gibson, who's already been filling in for Thomas, will continue to play the power forward spot. This latest injury leaves the Bulls with just 10 healthy players on their rosters, so expect some kind of signing soon. Thomas could miss as many as 20 games due to the injury.
Morning Box Score
Avalanche Edge 'Hawks in Shoot-Out Wolves Fall To Griffins
AP Photo/David Zalubowski
The Blackhawks' road woes continued last night, dropping their third straight away game as the Avalanche edged the 'Hawks 4-3 in a shoot-out. It was a game of runs as the Blackhawks opened up a 2-0 lead in the first half of the opening period. Dustin Byfuglien got a power play game early on and Duncan Keith added a second goal a few minutes later. But the Avalanche countered with a three-goal run that spanned the rest of the first and most of the second period to take a 3-2 lead. The 'Hawks answered, courtesy of Andrew Ladd, to tie the game at 3-3. After a scoreless third period and overtime, it was on to the shoot-out where Patrick Kane was the only 'Hawk to net a goal and by a 2-1 shoot-out margin, the Avs took game. Niemi took the loss in goal for the 'Hawks making 17 saves in regulation, two in overtime, and six saves on eight shots in the shoot-out. The 'Hawks return home Monday night to take on the Kings (7 pm, VS), the first of four home games next week. If you haven't had a chance to catch the team live in person, now's a good chance to do it before the team goes on the infamous two-week Circus Trip.
Like their NHL counterparts, the Chicago Wolves jumped out to an early 2-0 lead but let it get away as Grand Rapids came from behind to top the Wolves 5-4. Brett Sterling and Andrew Kozek got the Wolves' first two goals but the Griffins netted four straight goals to take full momentum of the game. Johnny Pohl cut the lead to 4-3, but Grand Rapids took a 5-3 lead and the final Wolves goal came from Joey Crab with just a few seconds left, too little, too late. The Wolves have a week off before a three-day, three-game weekend in Texas starts next Friday in San Antonio.
Today's Weather: Dazzling
It appears fall's not ready to give way to winter quite yet and, in fact, it feel like the Spring we never quite had. Gorgeous, sunny skies are overhead with that bright, little guy we call the sun. Temps will warm themselves up to 70 today for the warmest temps in almost a month and a half (tomorrow is already looking like more of the same, as well). So we think this is Mother Nature's make-up gift to us, her "sorry about taking away your spring and making the first half of your summer cold and wet" gift. If so, we accept it. Now if you'll excuse us, we have some bike riding to do.
Extra, Extra
Oprah Sorta Clears The Air
The Great O addressed the rumors of a new cable network but her silence on the possible departure from Chicago for Los Angeles may have been just as loud. She confirmed the formation of a new network (OWN, short for Oprah Winfrey Network) but on the subject of the relocation, she told CBS 2 simply, "I am going to make that announcement soon. I am going to make that decision and make the announcement soon." And what of the numerous local jobs at Harpo, Inc? "They should not worry." Sooooo.. they're going with you? You're gonna compensate them handsomely when you ditch town? We guess it's just more wait-and-see.
Chicago's Mental Health Services Still in Jeopardy
While we've been lamenting things like the loss of the Outdoor Film Festival and the shrinking of the Chicago Christmas tree, there are certainly more serious issues at stake in the midst of the city's enormous budget deficit, one being the quality of mental health care in Chicago. The city's mental health centers have been in limbo since January when it was announced that some of the city's 12 centers would be closing, and while 4 of the centers were reopened, they still won't be avoiding a hit -- their operating budget is being reduced next year. Staff has been shrunk by half to 108 from 216, and the clinics are only serving 8,000 patients, down from 12,000. The state says the 4,000 are being treated elsewhere -- perhaps in nursing homes. Making matters worse, billing issues that resulted in the city losing some crucial state funds still haven't been resolved, which is something Ald. Ricardo Munoz took the city's health commissioner to task on at a recent budget hearing: According to an internal memo that the Tribune managed to get its hands on, Health Department first deputy Matthew Beaudet told staff that fixing the billing system properly was "not doable at this time.""That's a huge risk to take with this population, commissioner, in 18 months, to deal with a billing system, when we know what they're asking for and they know what we can provide," Munoz said. "I'm not a computer whiz, but I'm sure there are computer experts somewhere that can figure it out."
Jay-Z Announces 2010 Tour Dates. Chicago Not On List.
We thought the announcement of Jay-Z's 2010 Blueprint 3 second leg tour dates would more than make up for missing the free show, but amongst the list of every major city from DC to Dallas to LA, Chicago is not mentioned. We're both surprised and disappointed, but area Jay-Z fans aren't without all hope of a performance from the NYC-based hip-hop artist who plays a few hour drive away in Champaign next Thursday night. Now who wants to give us a ride? Jay-Z with N.E.R.D., Wale and J. Cole, Thursday, November 12, at the Assembly Hall, Champaign, IL, 8 p.m., $36-$76 via Ticketmaster
Original photo via Jay-Z's MySpace.
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"Batman" Headline Is a Stretch, But Prison Escape Story Could Be Its Own Movie
The Tribune is calling today's story about "Dark Knight" director Christopher Nolan's incarcerated brother and his planned prison escape "Batman-like," which is good bait to get you into the story. But when you read deeper, it turns out that the tale being told isn't terribly Batty at all - it's only barely Dark Knight related. Which is not to say it's not a hell of a story - one which we're surprised hasn't been talked about much to date. (The conspirator part of our brain is saying "yeah, but that kind of talk might keep away other film companies, and that's bad for the city, so maybe...") Matthew Nolan has been incarcerated in the Metropolitan Correctional Center for the past few months, and over that time amassed a cache of escape tools, including a razor, 31 feet of "rope" made from bedsheets and a metal pick that could open locks. He was arrested as he left bankruptcy court in Chicago on charges of involvement with a murder and kidnapping in Costa Rica, where he posed as a jewel dealer. Beyond that, the rest of Nolan's troubles stem from a check scam that allegedly took place in Chicago during the filming of "TDK," and he's also claimed to be part of the British Special Forces as part of his shady dealings. Again, none of this sounds like something that the World's Greatest Detective would be involved with. "Mission Impossible?" Maybe. "The Thomas Crown Affair?" Getting closer. Any "James Bond" movie? Much more like it. "Escape from Alcatraz?" Since very few prisoners, if any, have ever escaped from the MCC, totally. But "Batman-like?" Considering there's no bats, no true wealthy playboys, no maniacs with green hair, no leather-clad S&M catpeople - unless it turns out that Nolan's parents were killed as they were leaving a screening of "The Mark of Zorro," we're going to go ahead and call BS bat guano on the misleading Batmannery.
Chili Cook-Off Countdown
We're getting closer to tomorrow's Half Acre Brewery's Charitable Chili Cook-Off this Saturday benefiting The Arts of Life and if you haven't gotten your tickets yet, get a move on! They're still only $5 through 5 p.m. today; you'll pay $10 at the door tomorrow. And if you think your chili has what it takes to win it all, $20 will get your entry in (besides other prizes, we'll also be featuring the winner right here). Last we heard, there are almost 20 different chili entries so you'll be able to stuff your face with some quality food. There will also be six different raffle prizes handed out, there'll be Half Acre beer, and the folks from Nice Cream will have samples at the ready. So what are you waiting for? Grab some tickets and swing by. I'll be there as will Rob, who gets to taste all of the entries as one of the cook-off's judges, so be sure to come say hi if you can make it. The Cook-Off is Saturday, November 7, 5PM at The Arts of Life Studio, 2010 W. Carroll, $5 advance, $10 at the door, $20 per chili entry
Friday Afternoon Diversion
The sun is shining! It's kind of warm! And this is how that all makes us feel! Thanks to Bryan for the tip!
Last Second Plans: The Interview Show Returns To The Hideout
Tonight's show features actress/writer/star of the one-woman-show/DVD "Letting Go of God" Julia Sweeney, award-winning fashion designer Maria Pinto, Leo Burnett chief creative officer Susan Credell, and performances by rockers Brighton, MA. Videos of past shows can be found here. Interview Show, Friday, November 6, 2009, 6:30-8 p.m., The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, $5
The Interview Show is a humorous monthly Chicago-based talk show hosted by quick-witted syndicated columnist Mark Bazer the first Friday of every month. The show is a similar format to late night TV talk shows set in the intimate space of the Hideout. Past guests have included writer Jen Lancaster, chef Rick Bayless, interior designer Nate Berkus and filmmaker Steve Conrad.
Grates To Tear Up Schubas
The songs surf on waves of childish abandon and connect on a very basic simple level. But like most things that plug directly into the pleasure center there's more going on than is immediately apparent. Yes, most of the songs follow simple punk structures, but then a plinking piano or brightly plucked string suddenly pops through an abbreviated silence indicating the great care that goes into the actual compositions. And, like all true professionals, The Grates make it all look effortless. Their live shows have a reputation for being raucous, lively affairs filled with pandemonium and glee, so we recommend catching them at Schubas tomorrow night. Show up, let the boisterous teenager in you out, and let loose with The Grates. MP3: The Grates "Burn Bridges" Saturday, November 7, Schubas, 3159 N. Southport, 10:30pm, $10, 21+
The whirlwind that is The Grates hails from Australia and threatens to take down everything in its path. Singer Patience Hodgson dominates the proceedings with voice that flips from sweet trill to all encompassing roar into playground chant without missing a beat. Through it all she rides a pleasant melodicism that contrasts brightly with the churning three-chord punk guitars carrying most of the songs forward.
Blackface Controversy Spurs Northwestern University Forum
Northwestern, in turn, hosted a forum last night for students and faculty about the photos and race relations as a whole. Hundreds showed up to the forum held in Evanston, which lasted a few hours. While most who attended found the forum productive, they felt the people that really need the education weren't there.
Every year the boundaries for acceptable Halloween costumes are tested. Every year those boundaries are most certainly crossed, if only for a few of us at Chicagoist that insist on wearing the Ninja Turtles costume we've worn since we were eight. Halloween in some ways has become a social experiment, measuring the capacity for tolerance by exploring what really is in fact taboo by today's standards. For some, we found out where the line was drawn after photos of two local individuals dressed as "blackface" for Halloween surfaced on the Internet a few days ago. The two who dressed in blackface are believed to be students at Northwestern University and, as a result, there has been considerable public outcry in Evanston. The university even publicly addressed the photos, calling the costumes insensitive and in poor judgment, although not in violation of any university rules.
I Fight Dragon$
Who says music can't prosper in this economy? Local nerd power-pop-rockers I Fight Dragons just raised a cool $10,000 for their band in under 48 hours. They offered fans a chance to buy a lifetime subscription to the band's music -- including anything and everything they ever release -- for $100, and limited the number of available subscriptions to 100. When we saw this offer we thought it was a plucky move by the group. Considering the problem other artists have had in their own fund-raising efforts (we're never going to see that book on '90 Chicago rock, are we?) we wrote it off as a neat idea that was more successful as a publicity move. Obvious we underestimated the band's fan-base! For that we're quite happy. Granted, you can't just strut out there and offer this sort of thing without first giving fans a taste, but I Fight Dragons were already doing an exemplary job of offering fans and mailing list members a steady stream of free high-quality MP3s while leveraging social media to deepen their connections with their audience. We view this latest move as the payoff for all that community building and we hope that this provides an example for other groups to follow in the future.
Another Fenger Student Charged In Albert's Death
A 14 year old student from Fenger High School has been charged in the September beating death of fellow student Derrion Albert. The student is the fourth currently charged in the murder; Silvonus Shannon, 19, Eugene Riley, 18, and Eric Carson, 16, are all being held for the murder. Another teen, Eugene Bailey, has since been released after charges against him were dropped. [Tribune]
Sox Shuffle Continues
The White Sox continue to shuffle their lineup around. First, a day after the rumors first leaked about a trade sending Chris Getz and Josh Fields (plus some cash) to Kansas City, the trade has been confirmed. Sox general manager Ken Williams tells the Trib the newly acquired Mark Teahen will play third while Gordon Beckham will be shifted over to second base. But that wasn't the only move. The Sox have decided to part ways with outfielder Jermaine Dye. Dye, the 2005 World Series MVP, had an option for 2010 which would have paid him $12 million. Instead, the Sox opted to buy out that final year for $950,000. The Sox could still re-sign him to a new contract, but speculation is that they've decided to move on. There were rumors of a trade, specifically to the Giants, during the season, but the Sox held onto Dye.
AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast
Eccentric Soul Revue Returns To Chicago
If you missed the Eccentric Soul Revue last spring, or if you went and had such a great time pretending you were rolling around 1970's Chicago in a blue soft-top Monte Carlo with bench seats and options air conditioning, fear not! The one-of-a-kind live-action reissue is back! Chicago's very own Numero Group is bringing the amazing show back to the stage tomorrow night at Lincoln Hall. Numero and the rest of the Twinight recording artists will be kicking off their multi-state tour Saturday night at 9 p.m. Purchasing advance tickets now means that you'll be able to get in - the show sold out Park West last time around.
Second Chicago-Area Victim At Fort Hood
A second Chicago-area victim of the Fort Hood shooting has been identified. CBS 2 is reporting that 21-year-old Francheska Velez of Chicago was among the 13 people killed. Velez, a 2006 graduate of Kelvyn Park High School, had just returned from Afghanistan and was pregnant, according to her uncle who spoke with CBS 2. Earlier, it was reported that Bolingbrook's Michael Pearson was also shot and killed in yesterday's shooting rampage.
Friday Morning Diversion: Moline Teen's Jeopardy Joke
We couldn't pass this up. Bonny Jain, a teen from Moline, brought the giggles on a recent episode of Jeopardy when, in his Final Jeopardy answer, he made a reference to those SNL Celebrity Jeopardy skits and got a laugh out of even Alex Trebek. It would have been funnier, though, if he had gotten the answer correct. [via]
Save Chicago's Free Music
Remember all those cuts we talked about a few weeks back? Several of them involved some of the FREE music festivals and events we love about the city. Now, the Friends of Chicago Music are fighting back with a petition to help save those programs from being cut as the City Council tries to hash out Mayor Daley's 2010 budget plan. Swing by and sign it today. [via Pitchfork]
Put Down Your Nanowrimo And Leave The House
But just because the jobs have gone away doesn't mean that the passion has followed them. Although we have no evidence that thousands of you writer-types out there are busy at work right now, refilling your Starbucks lattes and making Nanowrimos, we will throw it out there as a possibility. Typing. Imagining. Stone cold scone crumbin' all over your laptop. Developing complex characters who do things like fall in/out of love or become Alaska governor or win big in the stock market, only to lose it all when the market crashes, because life is the baker of tough cookies. Whether this is your current lot or not, you deserve a break this weekend — a chance to put down your dictionary and shine beyond the realm of the computer screen's glow. The following events will not help you develop an original plot, but they will let you do that shining thing. Tonight, Marwen hosts its Art Fair — one of its two annual fundraisers. The show features work by students as well as Marwen teaching artists — including Hilesh Patel, Kathryn Rodrigues, and Jeremy Bolen. Proceeds benefit Marwen’s programs for under-served Chicago youth and the participating artists. Also tonight, 360SEE hosts Iron Pastorals: new paintings by Curtis Frillmann, with functional art pieces by Jesse Hooker. Frillman describes his work as "paintings of rural and natural scenes on discards objects of industry and culture." moniquemeloche presents Sign of the Times, a group exhibition exploring the current global economic crisis (speaking of tough cookies). Features work by Kim Beck, Máximo González, Kenneth Tin-Kin Hung, Michael Patterson-Carver and Carrie Schneider. Also on Saturday, Golden Age in Pilsen — where many residents say "los Nanowrimos" — hosts the release party for The Incredible Journey That Is Consciousness, a new publication by locals Alex Fuller and Gabe Usadel. The book is not a 50,000-word novel — no, it has colorful triangles and other shapes inside. Recession 2009: Photo by Carrie Schneider
This month is National Novel Writing Month — Nanowrimo for short. A time for cranking (crunking?) out 50,000 words of elegant prose — or crap, depending. A time (30 days, to be precise) within a time (that lacks a foreseeable end, to be depressing) of widespread unemployment among writers, many of whom used to get paid to wordsmith. Damn, man. Those were the days.
Opening night Friday, Nov. 6. 6:30-10 p.m. (A suggested donation of $20 is requested at the door.) Show through Nov. 13. Marwen, River North gallery space, 833 N. Orleans St.
Friday, Nov. 6. Show through Dec. 15. 6-9 p.m. 1924 N. Damen.
Opening reception Saturday, Nov. 7 from 4-7 p.m. Through Jan. 9. 2154 W. Division.
Saturday, Nov. 7. 7-11 p.m. 1744 W. 18th St.
threewalls is closing for renovations, but they'll put away their Nanowrimo (about an art gallery owner whose life changes forever when he discovers that applying spackle to walls has awakened his true self ... perhaps?) to host two events this Sunday. In the afternoon, they'll join Green Lantern Press for the book release of The Artists Run Chicago Digest, which archives the activities of Chicago's artist-run spaces between 1999-2009. And in the evening, they'll have Time Out Chicago Associate Features Editor David Tamarkin over for "Wine and Time," a lecture and tasting.
Book release Sunday, Nov. 8. 2-5 p.m. at Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell Ave. Wine tasting Sunday, Nov. 8. 7 p.m. (Suggested donation of $5; no one turned away.) 119 N. Peoria, #2D.
Stroger Makes Hollywood Play
Given the success of recent summer blockbusters like The Dark Knight and Public Enemies that were filmed in the city, Cook County Board President Todd Stroger wants to ensure studios keep coming back even with the current recession. Stroger has proposed a Cook County Film and Entertainment Commission and Office to work with the current Chicago and Illinois Film Offices to that end.
Hyatt IPO raises $950 million
The Pritzker family stands to benefit from the cash raised by the IPO, the result of a $6 billion lawsuit filed by Liesel Pritzker against her father and 11 older cousins. The family has agreed to sell off the family assets and divide the funds among Jay Pritzker's heirs though they initially claimed that Hyatt would remain private. The positive stock news comes as the hospitality industry has taken a beating in the rough economy. The hotel chain is also facing tough labor negotiations, as Unite Here, the union that represents hotel and hospitality workers throughout the U.S. and Canada prepares for a possible standoff over layoffs and health care.
Hyatt, the hotel chain owned by Chicago's storied Pritzker clan, raised $950 million in its initial public offering Thursday, as the hotel chain took its shares public. Shares were priced at $25, but closed up 12 percent Thursday, near $28 a share. "We are delighted at the success of our initial public offering and with our new partnership with the NYSE," Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian said of the IPO. "Our focus will continue to be providing authentic hospitality to our guests and driving preference for our brands."
Morning Box Score
Bulls Edge Cavs Coyotes Trip Up Blackhawks
Joakim Noah lent a hand (literally) to help the Bulls stop LeBron James and the Cavs in the final seconds, 86-85. Noah's defensive play of James helped the Bulls preserve the win in a game that wasn't as pretty as some might have expected but was a win nonetheless. Luol Deng once again led all Bulls with 15 points while Derrick Rose had a solid outing with 14 points and 11 assists; Noah also pulled down 11 rebounds in the effort. And though the offense still struggled, the defense held one of the NBA's superstars in check (enough) to get that hard-fought victory. Said Noah after the game, "It's a big win for us. When our offense starts clicking, we're gonna be even tougher." With the win, their second in a row, the Bulls move to 3-2 on the year. Next up are the Charlotte Bobcats tomorrow night at the United Center (7 p.m., WGN).
The 'Hawks fell behind early and never caught up to the Coyotes who sent the 'Hawks home with a 3-1 loss. The Coyotes had netted all three goals by mid-way through the second period before the Blackhawks finally got on the board themselves courtesy of Kris Versteeg who scored a short-handed goal. Huet made 20 saves in net besides allowing the three goals. It was the second loss in three games for the 'Hawks, who are 2-3 on the road this year, not a good sign with the impending Circus Trip. The loss also dropped the 'Hawks into second place in the division behind Columbus. They'll try to turn their road (mis)fortunes around tonight in Colorado (8 p.m., CSN).
Debate Round-Up
There were a pair of debates last night of interest to voters with the approaching primaries in February. Of particular interest to local voters is the The Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA) Cook County Board President forum. ABC 7 has video of the complete forum that you can check out here. The participants were current Democrat candidates Pres. Todd Stroger, Ald. Toni Preckwinkle, and MWRD Pres. Terrence O'Brien, Green Party candidate (and former No Games Chicago leader) Tom Tresser, and only one Republican candidate, John Garrido. Also going on last night was the GOP's gubernatorial candidate debate, featuring the seven Republican candidates vying for their party's nomination. WBEZ has full audio of the debate and it may be worth listening to at least the beginning just to hear the homage to the classic Chicago Bulls intro.
The Cook County Board President candidatesLeft to Right: Stroger, Preckwinkle, O'Brien, Tresster, Garrido
City Hires "Mayoral Troubleshooter" for Schools
At the time, Lumpkin called those sign-offs "routine for the role that I served in." She said she did not recall having discussions about Torres with Victor Reyes, the Hispanic Democratic Organization chieftain who ran the Mayor's Office of Intergovernmental Affairs at the time. That wasn't the only controversy to cloud Lumpkin's City Hall tenure. During a brief stint as city treasurer -- before Santos was released from prison and re-claimed the office only to turn around and plead guilty -- Lumpkin downplayed as "routine" $445.6 million in transaction errors that cost a top employee his job and deprived taxpayers of $102,428 in interest and penalties.
With a massive budget deficit looming, property taxes on the rise, and the mayor talking about more furloughs and service cuts, the Chicago Public Schools have still found over $150,000 to hire a city hall insider to handle "forging partnerships with the business community to support school programs," the Sun-Times is reporting. Better yet, the hire is Barbara Lumpkin, who has served as Daley's city comptroller, budget director and city treasurer, and who was involved in several city hall scandals during her previous tenure. In 2005, her name turned up on city documents as one of four officials who signed off on some of the 14 pay raises over eight years -- three within two months -- granted to former gang member-turned convicted Hired Truck czar Angelo Torres.
Meanwhile, schools chief Ron Huberman has said that increasing class size, laying off teachers and cutting benefits are all possible options for closing a budget gap in the schools that could approach $1 billion. Nevertheless, CPS spokeswoman Monique Bond defended the move to hire Lumpkin. "We need to continue to do outreach to major corporations. We cannot function without fulfilling those responsibilities. We have high-level jobs like this that we always intended to fill," she told the Sun-Times.
Area Soldier Killed In Fort Hood Rampage
We were all shocked yesterday afternoon watching coverage of the shooting rampage in Fort Hood, Texas. This morning, the tragedy hits close to home as it's been learned one of the 13 people killed, Army Pfc. Michael Pearson, 21, was from Bolingbrook. Pearson's mother Sheryll told the Tribune, "We thought it was going to be okay, because we thought it was another building. Mike won't be there because he already he got his inoculations ... He shouldn't be in that part of that building. Since we weren't contacted, we felt we were okay." The Trib's report continues: About 10 p.m., an Army surgeon called to say that Mike hadn't made it. He said doctors had brought Mike back to life twice on the operating table but were unsuccessful the third time. "His father is still in shock and very angry," Sheryll Pearson said. "We're all very angry."
Soldiers from the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment storm the grounds of the Soldier Readiness Center in a show of force as they help in the apprehension of Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan Thursday. (AP Photo/David Morris, Killeen Daily Herald)But as they were driving home about 6:30 p.m., they received a call on their cell phone from Mike's sergeant at Ft. Hood. Mike, he said, had been shot three times--in the spine and chest. He said Mike had lost a lot of blood.
There are still plenty of questions about what happened yesterday afternoon but details are slowly starting to emerge about Nidal Malik Hasan, the Army psychiatrist who is being held for the shooting rampage yesterday that killed 13 (12 soldiers and 1 civilian) and wounded 30 people, including Hasan himself who is in stable condition. This morning, the AP is reporting that soldiers who witnessed the shootings claim Hasan, a devout Muslim, shouted "Allahu Akbar!" - the Arabic phrase "God is great!" - just before the shooting started. According to the NY Times, Lt. Gen. Robert W. Cone has said that though terrorism has not been ruled out, preliminary evidence suggested the rampage was not an act of terrorism; investigators are looking into reports that Hasan had expressed anger about plans to be delpoyed to Afghanistan.
Today's Weather: Gratifying
It's cloudy now but don't worry, the sun is coming out later. And when the clouds do break, it's going to start warming up. How warm? Hard to say, we're not weathermen, but Skilling Sayz it's going to get into the mid 60s and maybe even near 70 by tomorrow. The National Weather Service is a bit more modest in their forecast, but either way, we're shaking the chill for a few more days so enjoy it.
Extra, Extra
Police Respond To Strollergate Doubts
The stroller in question from ATU handout, via the Trib
Funny Ha Ha Returns To Celebrate Geek Love
This time around, titled "Geek Love," Zulkey's bringing in the Trib's TV critic Maureen Ryan, Cast of Shadows author Kevin Guilfoile, Bruised Orange Theater Company's "I Saw You," an members of The AV Club, fresh off the release of their awesome new book, Inventory, to which Zulkey contributed. Proceeds benefit the Neighborhood Writing Alliance, which will assuage your guilt of the impending hangover as you down High Life after High Life between laughs. Funny Ha-Ha: Geek Love, Wednesday, November 11, 2009, 6:30-8 p.m., The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, $5 suggested donation at door 
Writer Claire Zulkey is bringing the funny back to the Hideout for another round of her excellent Funny Ha Ha series. Funny Ha-Ha rounds up Zulkey’s funny friends for a reading of pieces they’re particularly proud of and a few performance pieces. Low-key literature plus a dash of multimedia from Zulkey’s husband, Steve Delahoyde, equals big laughs at the Hideout next Wednesday.
Foundation Funds Local Chicago News
The 12 recipients were chosen from 86 requests totaling $5.7 million. Community News Matters was funded by a lead grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Knight Community Information Challenge, and by the Chicago Community Trust and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. The goal of Community News Matters is to encourage truthful, accurate, and insightful news and information in the area and hopefully support the creation of new business models for news. A full list of recipients and award amounts are available on the Chicago Community Trust website. Among the winners are Gapers Block, which received $35,000 to increase coverage of under served communities; The Beachwood Reporter, which was awarded $35,000 to create a sustainable business model and upgrade its site and content; Brad Flora, founder of The Windy Citizen, received $35,000 to help upgrade that site's software; and the Chicago News Cooperative, which got $50,000 to create a business model and build a new website called The Chicago Scoop. The New York Times recently announced that it will buy coverage from the Chicago News Cooperative for its upcoming local Chicago edition. Community News Matters will accept the next round of award proposals in spring 2010.
The Chicago Community Trust, a foundation that funds programs to benefit Chicago, announced today that it will award 12 local news organizations with $500,000. The awards are part of a new program by the trust, Community News Matters, designed to support the sources of Chicago news and information.
Today In "You Can't Make This Stuff Up"
A Northwest Indiana man with the last name "Duis" was pulled over early this morning and found to have a blood-alcohol level four times the legal limit, earning him a, yes, DUI. So already the young man is showing an extreme lack of judgment. But it carried over even further when the man told the state trooper who had pulled him over, "Dude, I do this every night; I'm straight up and not drunk!" A field sobriety and, later, breath test proved, yeah, dude, you were. [WBBM 780]
Stolen Booze Truck Found
A stolen semi containing more than 1,200 cases of liquor was found on the South Side on Monday. The truck was reported stolen around 12:30a.m. on Friday from a National Wine & Spirits in Indiana, according to Sgt. Matthew Mount. Two men allegedly wearing ski masks commandeered the delivery truck by gunpoint after attacking the truck's driver and handcuffing him and throwing him in an empty trailer of a parking lot. After the two men drove off, the driver exited the trailer and called for help. The truck was recovered over three days later at the 12000 block of South Avenue O in Chicago and two men were arrested. It is unknown if the liquor was still in the truck when it was found. Rumors have been circulating that the 1,200+ cases were headed to Chicagoist Editor-in-chief Marcus Gilmer's house for a Halloween party.
Thursday Afternoon Diversion: Where The Wild Things Really Are
Had Jonze and Eggers been honest in just what audience their adaptation of a beloved and twisted children's book truly was, the end result would've looked like this. Thanks to @bembang_us for the tip!
Burge Trial Postponed Until Spring 2010
Plenty of people are skeptical of Burge’s claims. Flint Taylor, who helped spearhead the investigation into torture allegations against Burge said “It makes one wonder if their motivation is to avoid trial altogether and never give the victims of torture a day in court.” U.S. Attorney Barney Miller pleaded with U.S. District Judge Lefkow to push the trial forward. Judge Lefkow wagged her finger at Burge’s lawyers, saying “If you come back and say you can’t do it, I’m going to scrutinize that pretty carefully.” The charges against Burge stem from initial allegations of coerced confessions and police torture from multiple victims. For a comprehensive analysis, click here. For an interview with Flint Taylor and one of Burge’s accusers, click here. The trial has been pushed back to May 10, 2010. 
Former Chicago Police commander John Burge, arrested last year on charges of obstruction of justice and perjury, has successfully postponed his trial for the third time. The Chicago Sun Times reports Burge has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and will be undergoing radiation treatment in Florida when his January trial is scheduled to begin. Burge’s lawyers requested the postponement, saying that it was “nonsense” to imply he is using his illness to further stave off the trial. In fact, Burge’s legal team appeared disappointed in not beginning the trial, with one of his lawyers saying he “would have loved a Christmas jury with a cancer patient. That’s a combination for an acquittal.”
Chicagoist
Chicagoist is a website about Chicago. MoreEditor: Marcus GilmerPublisher: Gothamist
How to Build a Chicago Blues Record Collection
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Chicago Triathlon 2009 Results (Other than "Very Tired")
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Burnham Beyond the Quote: One Book, One Chicago Fall 2009
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Grant Park Movies End with "Tootsie" on Tuesday
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MSI Cancels Remaining Farmers Markets
Citing "scheduling conflicts," the Museum of Science and Industry has announced it will cancel its farmers markets for the rest of the season, which had extended into October. That includes...
About Chicago
Chicago
Praise, criticism in Fenger brawl case
Police superintendent thanks witnesses against teen charged in beating, says they should have stepped up sooner
Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis praised witnesses who identified a 14-year-old boy as taking part in the infamous fatal beating of a Fenger High School student but at the same time chastised them for taking too long to come forward.
Police chief worries about mass retirement of officers
Department says it's working to develop plans for beat realignment
Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis told aldermen Friday he's "extremely nervous" about the potential for a mass retirement of police officers next year from the already understaffed department.
Child care pays off in support network for parents
Early childhood programs can provide valuable friendships, resources
Everyone may call it child care, but it could just as easily be dubbed "parent care," judging by the benefits reaped by those who have kids in high-quality early-childhood settings, according to recent research at the University of Chicago.
Brian Dugan declines to testify at death-penalty hearing
Testimony wraps up; jurors to hear closing arguments Tuesday
After five weeks of testimony and about 70 witnesses, a DuPage County jury will hear closing arguments Tuesday in the death penalty sentencing hearing for Brian Dugan for the 1983 rape and murder of 10-year-old Jeanine Nicarico, of Naperville.
Unemployment hits blacks hardest
Staggeringly high unemployment among black middle class wipes out a generation of wealth
The robust job market of the 1990s eased the way for millions of African-Americans to join the middle class, and Barbara Mitchell was among them.
Boyfriend is held in beating death
A man accused of fatally beating his 16-year-old girlfriend at their West Side residence was charged Friday with first-degree murder, Chicago police said.
$100,000 bribe offer to Chicago alderman alleged
Businessman wanted Ald. Isaac Carothers to help him open restaurants at O'Hare and Midway, feds say
Businessman wanted Ald. Isaac Carothers to help him open restaurants at O'Hare and Midway, feds say.
Lawmakers to discuss improving safety at nursing homes
A high number of mentally ill felons in nursing homes have led to reports of violence
State senators will hold a hearing Thursday in Chicago to examine ways to improve safety at nursing homes, where a high number of felons with mental illness has led to reports of assaults, rape and even murder.
Mary Schmich: Street-sweeping tickets spawn Web idea
Greg Bukowski is living the impossible dream, Chicago style.
Chicago police adopt 16-month-old Labrador
Adoption part of department's new initiative to avoid expensive breeders
A new police dog will help take a bite out of crime, while taking only a tiny nibble from the city budget.
chicagotribune.com - Chicagoland
Headlines from chicagotribune.com
Top cop 'nervous' about likely retirement surge
Chicago Police Supt. Jody Weis said Friday he is "extremely nervous" that a wave of police retirements next year -- after an arbitrator rules on the new police contract -- will stretch a burgeoning manpower shortage beyond levels he considers safe.
Laid-off workers tapping 401(k) funds to survive
As the last of his severance pay dwindled away in March, Brad
Cleghorn of northwest suburban Marengo cashed out his 401(k) plan in
order to pay his mortgage and feed his family. Cleghorn is not alone. A Hewitt Associates study shows that 46
percent of workers with 401(k) plans who lost or switched jobs cashed
the plans in, a trend that could lead to serious problems when younger
generations of people working today reach retirement.
4 charged in lottery scam targeting elderly Hispanics
Police arrested two men and two women earlier this week who allegedly ran a lottery ticket scam that targeted elderly Hispanic victims.
Speeding tickets get tossed, but no LIDAR letup
Chicago Police will stick to their speed detector guns -- churning out tickets generated by LIDAR detectors purchased to slow neighborhood speeding -- despite widespread dismissals in Traffic Court, Supt. Jody Weis said Friday.
Chicago Firefighters get new tool to revive pets
Up to 150,000 pets die in fires every year, succumbing mostly to smoke inhalation. But, increasingly, fire departments across the country are using pet oxygen masks to revive the animals.
Aurora man who robbed 16 banks caught again in Kentucky
After admitting to 16 bank robberies and being sentenced to more
than five years in federal prison, Daniel Vincent could have reformed.
After being released from federal custody in April 2008, the Aurora
resident could have turned his life around.
Gary mayor urges city to resist surge in city's violent crime
Gary Mayor Rudy Clay and the Gary Police Department are urging citizens to stand together against criminals causing a surge of violence in their neighborhoods.
Three teens shot at Southeast Side party
Gurnee cabbie held in Ohio corpse tampering case
A Gurnee cab driver is being extradited to Ohio for gross abuse of a
corpse and tampering with evidence in connection with a skeleton
discovered in southwest Ohio two years ago.
Buffalo Grove police charge alleged fire, police impostors
Two men have been charged by Buffalo Grove police this month with pretending to be something they're not: firefighters and police officers.
Obama meets with Democrats to lobby for health care bill
WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama made a last-minute personal appeal to Democrats to pass landmark health care legislation Saturday as the House opened debate on a bill to expand coverage to millions of the uninsured.
Still no answer as to 'Why?' in Fort Hood shootings
FORT HOOD, Texas -- As if going off to war, Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan
cleaned out his apartment, gave leftover frozen broccoli to one
neighbor and called another to thank him for his friendship -- common
courtesies and routines of the departing soldier. Instead, authorities
say, he went on the killing spree that left 13 people at Fort Hood,
Texas, dead.
Unemployment hits 10.2%, worst since '83
WASHINGTON -- Just when it was beginning to look a little better, the economy relapsed Friday with a return to double-digit unemployment for only the second time since World War II and warnings that next year will be even worse than previously thought.
Gunman kills 1, hurts 5 in Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. -- A man so broke that he said he didn't have the money to visit his son 30 minutes away opened fire Friday at the engineering firm that fired him two years ago, killing one person and wounding five, authorities said.
'DWI chair' brings $10,000 in cops' eBay auction
DULUTH, Minn. -- Operating a motorized recliner while drunk apparently drives up the chair's value. Police in northern Minnesota listed the "DWI chair" on eBay after the owner was arrested for driving it into a parked car last year. It sold Thursday for $10,099.99.
L.A. City Council rushing out cat claws clause
LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles City Council has given preliminary approval to an ordinance that would ban the declawing of cats.
Baltimore mayor's trial to start in gift-card scandal
BALTIMORE -- The accusations that Mayor Sheila Dixon used holiday gift cards for the needy during personal shopping sprees may sound like a minor embarrassment at worst, a small-time case of a politician enjoying the perks of power.
Obama extends jobless benefits, mortgage break
President Obama signed a $24 billion economic stimulus bill into law Friday, giving tax incentives to prospective home buyers and additional jobless benefits to those idled by the business slump.
Ex-Gov. Palin to headline at Gridiron Club
WASHINGTON -- Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin -- on a book tour to promote her memoir, Going Rogue: An American Life -- will headline the Gridiron Club winter dinner here, along with Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.).
Two men from northwest suburbs charged with beating sleepwalker
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Two suburban Chicago men have been charged with beating an Iowa man who sleepwalks after they found him asleep in the Iowa City apartment of a third accused man.
South Korean woman passes driver's exam on 950th try
The aspiring driver spent more than 5 million won ($4,200) in application fees, but until now had failed to score the minimum 60 out of a possible 100 points needed to get behind the wheel for a driving test.
British Columbia already gets $821M Olympics bonus: study
Chicago aimed to win the 2016 Olympics -- citing job creation and a storm of new dollars blowing into the Windy City.
Britain wants G20 insurance against future bailouts
Germans commemorate fall of Berlin Wall
BERLIN -- Massive colorful dominoes painted by German students were placed Saturday along the former path of the Berlin Wall to mark the 20th anniversary of the opening of the barrier that divided the city for nearly three decades.
Snows of Kilimanjaro rapidly melting
The snows of Kilimanjaro may soon be gone.
2 GIs missing in Afghanistan
KABUL -- Two American soldiers disappeared in western Afghanistan after a routine resupply mission, and more than 25 NATO and Afghan security forces members were wounded during the search for them, the alliance said Friday.
Chicago Sun-Times :: News ::
News
Thief attacks, robs employee at Cubby Bear
An employee of Wrigleyville’s Cubby Bear lounge was beaten and robbed by a man who broke into the bar early Friday morning.
About 2:30 a.m., an armed man gained entry to the Cubby Bear at 1059 W. Addison St. and tied up a man -- reportedly an employee of the bar -- before striking him on the head an unknown object, police News Affairs Officer JoAnn Taylor said.
The suspect showed the
Woman sexually assaulted in Lincoln Park alley
A woman was sexually assaulted early Friday in the Near North Side Lincoln Park neighborhood.
'Dark Knight' director's brother accused in jail escape attempt
Evidence supports mother's story in CTA toddler stroller incident COMMENT
Truck with 900 doses H1N1 vaccine stolen
Holiday drive kicks off for troops
A holiday collection drive is under way in Illinois for troops overseas.
House opens debate on health care overhaul bill
President Barack Obama's landmark health care overhaul moved toward a vote in the House Saturday.
Auroran suspect caught in 17th robbery
After admitting to 16 bank robberies and being sentenced to more than five years in federal prison, Daniel Vincent could have reformed.
Joliet police nab teen after bomb threat
A freshman at Joliet West High School was arrested Friday for writing a bomb threat on a urinal that spurred two searches at the school, police said.
Chicago Firefighters get new tool to revive pets
Increasingly, fire departments across the country are using pet oxygen masks to revive the animals.
Four arrested in lottery ticket scam
Police arrested two men and two women earlier this week who allegedly ran a lottery ticket scam that targeted elderly Hispanic victims.
Police: LA celebrity burglaries led by 19-year-old
Investigators cracked a youthful burglary ring that preyed on Hollywood's rich and famous, authorities said.
Official Christmas tree lifted into place
Chicago's official Christmas tree has been placed into its new home for the holiday season.
Report: 75 percent unfit for military duty
Shocking statistics from a new report reflect military leaders' fear that the next generation of America's armed forces may not be fit to defend this country.
Top cop 'nervous' about likely retirement surge
Roughly 1,000 officers are eligible to retire now that Mayor Daley has promised to extend premium health benefits to officers who call it quits at 55.
Dugan sentencing enters final phase
All that remains in the 26-year saga is closing arguments, which will take place on Tuesday.
Mega Millions rolls over, jackpot grows
There were no grand prize winners in Friday night's Mega Millions multi-state lottery drawing.
Jeff Joniak's Keys To The Game
Get ready for this weekends game as your Chicago Bears take on the Arizona Cardinals with BEARS RADIO HQ! Pre-game starts at 9a.m. C.T. and kick off is at Noon C.T.
Two local soldiers among the dead at Fort Hood
Two area soldiers were among the 13 shot and killed at the Fort Hood military base Thursday. Among the dead are a 21-year-old southwest suburban man and a 21-year-old Northwest Side woman.
Man charged with drunken driving after 911 call about pot theft
Oregon police have charged a man with drunk driving after he called 911 to report his marijuana as stolen but the dispatcher couldn’t understand him because he was vomiting while on the road.
Pregnant Chicago Woman Among Fort Hood Victims
A woman from Chicago was one of the 13 people killed in a shooting spree at Fort Hood, Texas, on Thursday.
Orlando office building locked down after shooting
Police have surrounded a Florida high-rise after gun shots were reportedly fired.
Oprah taking her show to cable?
Rumors circulate about if she'll continue with daily talk show on CBS when her contract expires. COMMENT - PHOTOS
Kane County Sheriff may be running out of money
Drivers caught by LIDAR could beat speeding ticket
Device used by Chicago police to catch speeders has not been legally upheld in Illinois courts. COMMENT
Local soldier is among Fort Hood dead
Army private was Bolingbrook H.S. grad.
Store's video may show Ft. Hood suspect
Man appears to be Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan.
Inmates come to guard's aid in jail attack VIDEO
Now, jailed men who came to guard's rescue may be getting some help of their own from sheriff.
Fourth teen charged in fatal Fenger beating
He's 14 years old, could be charged as adult.
Army post shooting rampage leaves 13 dead, 30 hurt PHOTOS
Barricade situation in Northwest suburbs
Schaumburg authorities say a possible barricade situation has prompted a warning to some residents this afternoon.
Car crashes into home and lands in basement
William Carpenter was at his son's funeral in northwest Indiana on Wednesday when police came to tell him a car had hit his house.
Chemical fire burning in Naperville warehouse
At least four ambulances are on the scene of a chemical fire at a west suburban warehouse Thursday afternoon, the Naperville Sun is reporting.
DUI suspect to cops: 'Dude, I do this every night'
That's what an Indiana man pulled over for drunken driving allegedly told a state trooper.
Where Did My Fur Go?
Dolores the Bear has lost her fur coat and veterinarians at the Leipzig Zoo In Germany are completely baffled.
Sanitizer called better than soap and here's why
Get the 411 on how we should be washing hands, but probably don't.
Home schooled girl dies of H1N1
Oops, design flaw let inmates leave cells
Asian Carp barrier needs work, no money for it
Fish isn't 'Jaws', but it's still bad news. SEE OUR ASIAN CARP PHOTO GALLERY
Party ejection led to death Of DePaul student, court today PHOTOS
Two men have been charged in the shooting death of an accomplished DePaul University student. PHOTOS
Suburban spruce meets ax, to head for Daley Plaza as Christmas tree
The City of Chicago is about to get its Christmas tree for Daley Plaza.
Fla. baby missing for 5 days found alive under bed
Critics: system for monitoring sex offenders like Phillip Garrido is broken
Scathing report outlines massive missteps and missed opportunities to catch him.
Chunk of ice falls onto North Side home
Large chunk of ice fell from the sky, leaving a gash in the roof of a house.
Yankees win World Series crown, Matsui drives in 6
The New York Yankees have won the World Series, beating the defending champion Philadelphia Phillies 7-3 in Game 6 behind Hideki Matsui's record-tying six RBIs.
Elaborate pot-growing operation found in suburban home
Nearly $290,000 worth of marijuana, seven kilos of cocaine, 300 grams of heroin, guns and ecstasy pills were seized Tuesday from a west suburban home that police say contained an elaborate indoor garden for growing plants.
Vote Clears Path For Abortion Notification Law
A vote by Illinois' Medical Disciplinary Board has cleared the path for the state to start enforcing a hotly debated abortion notification law.
3 Shot While Trying To Stop Invaders In Building
The search is on for two armed men who shot and critically wounded three people who were trying to detain them in an apartment building in the South Shore neighborhood.
Woman attacked by man in Halloween costume SKETCH
Chicago cops could get reality TV show
It would be called "Missing Persons: Chicago"
Illinois tax scofflaws get outed on Web GET NAMES
Chicago parking meter rates to go up, again COMMENT
Got quarters? You'll need more of them come New Year's Day.
Get ready for 11-digit dialing Chicago COMMENT
Say hello to 872 and goodbye to dialing 7 digits to call next door.
Woman accused of sending naked pictures of girl
3 ND college students found dead in sunken Jeep
Softball players found in vehicle pulled from pond two days after women disappeared.
Body count in Cleveland home hits 11
Community's outrage builds as sex offender's home scoured for more victims. PHOTOS FROM THIS STORY
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Man Found Dead After Fire Was Beaten To Death
A man found unresponsive by firefighters after a Friday morning fire in the Northwest Side Albany Park neighborhood was beaten to death, an autopsy determined Saturday.
Man Critically Wounded In Burbank Shooting
A man was listed in critical condition Saturday morning after he was shot outside of a lounge in southwest suburban Burbank.
Chicago Firefighters Get New Tool To Revive Pets
Up to 150,000 pets die in fires every year, succumbing mostly to smoke
inhalation. But, increasingly, fire departments across the country are
using pet oxygen masks to revive the animals.
3 Teens Shot At Southeast Side Party
Three teens were shot at a party in the Southeast Side South Chicago neighborhood early Saturday by two gunmen who asked about gang affiliations before firing shots.
Dugan Sentencing Enters Final Phase
For the jurors seated in Judge George Bakalis' DuPage County courtroom,
October was a month of true horror. For weeks they sat face-to-face
with a serial killer as prosecutors outlined the unspeakable crimes he
committed.
Top Cop 'Nervous' About Likely Retirement Surge
Chicago Police Supt. Jody Weis said Friday he is "extremely nervous"
that a wave of police retirements next year -- after an arbitrator
rules on the new police contract -- will stretch a burgeoning manpower
shortage beyond levels he considers safe.
Gages Lake Husband Gets 33 Years For Murder
Nadine Dean was fatally stabbed in a rage just yards from her Gages
Lake home, said Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Britta Peffer. On
Friday, nearly three years later, husband John Dean was sentenced to 33
years in prison by Lake County Circuit Court Judge Christopher Stride.
He killed his wife following an argument in February 2007.
Teen Arrested For Joliet Bomb Threat
A freshman at Joliet West High School was arrested Friday on a charge
of disorderly conduct for writing a bomb threat on a urinal that
spurred two searches at the school, police said.
Teen Gets 11 Years For Robbing Pizza Delivery Man
A 19-year-old Chicago man has pleaded guilty to beating and robbing a pizza delivery man in Waukegan.
Two Charged With Impersonating Cops, Firefighters
Two men learned this month that playing pretend does not go over well in Buffalo Grove, police said.
Chicago news, weather, traffic - CBS 2 - WBBM
Chicago news, weather, traffic - CBS 2 - WBBM
Chicago news, weather, traffic - CBS 2 - WBBM
Chicago news, weather, traffic - CBS 2 - WBBM
Errors In Water Dept. Bills Cause Collection Chaos
The city water department says it is owed more than $30 million for water bills. But is it? The 2 Investigators and The Better Government Association found errors in its list of deadbeat accounts and collection chaos for some consumers when it comes to calculating what's owed. As Pam Zekman reports, all too often innocent people get hurt.
Officers Say Racism Led To Firing From VA Hospital
Three officers, stripped of their police powers and deemed psychologically unfit for duty, are speaking out to CBS 2 Investigator Dave Savini. The men say it was retaliation that cost them their jobs, and even their part-time security work. They are financially devastated and say the backlash was for speaking up about racism.
11,000 Sex Offenders Taken Off State Registry
According to Illinois State Police officials, 11,000 sex offenders were removed from the state registry just in the last two years. Any one of them could be living in your neighborhood and you would not know it. When Mindy (shown in picture on the left) was just 7 years old, she was abducted and sexually assaulted. Her attacker is one of the offenders not on the list. As CBS 2 Investigator Dave Savini reports, as an adult, she's on a mission to change that.
City Trimming Daley Plaza Christmas Tree Budget
Chicagoans love the Christmas tree in Daley Plaza, but the massive tree we've grown accustomed to is not coming back. The city is giving it the axe in favor of something more scaled down. Pam Zekman reports that thanks to a 2 Investigator report, the city will be saving taxpayers at least $150,000 this year by Trimming the Tree.
How Do Aldermen Spend Their 'Piggy Bank' Money?
Chicago's 50 aldermen have a multimillion-dollar piggy bank. It's referred to as a "menu" because they use the money to pick and choose improvements for their wards. CBS 2 and the Better Government Association joined forces to see how the money is being spent.
Burglar Alarm Company Sued For Consumer Fraud
The 2 Investigators warned viewers to beware of door-to-door salesmen selling burglar alarms back in August. Homeowners in the city and suburbs said they had been ripped off by a company called Pinnacle Security. Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is now suing Pinnacle for consumer fraud.
Faulty Halloween Flashlights Pulled From Shelves
Hazardous Halloween flashlights have been pulled from Target stores after CBS 2 Investigator Dave Savini exposed the potential dangers of toys targeted for Trick-or-Treaters.
2 Investigators Expose Neighborhood Nightmares
Fuel that leaked out of storage tanks and into the land of neighboring homes has some local residents outraged. They say no one is going to want to buy their homes now. They are worried about their investment and worried about their health. CBS 2 Investigator Dave Savini reports on their neighborhood nightmare.
2 Investigators: Justice For Jennifer
Jennifer Washington uses a wheelchair and allegedly got ripped off by a contractor hired to build a wheelchair accessible addition to her home. Dozens of CBS 2 viewers responded to her story and the contractor is now under investigation as CBS 2 Investigator Dave Savini reports on Justice for Jennifer.
Insurers Use 'Trigger List' To Deny Medical Plans
There's an inside secret among insurance companies. Many of us don't know anything about it, but it's the reason why many people who apply for health coverage are denied. 2 Investigator Pam Zekman discovered the secret while investigating why so many people are falling through the cracks.
Chicago news, weather, traffic - CBS 2 - WBBM
Chicago news, weather, traffic - CBS 2 - WBBM
Mega Millions rolls over, jackpot grows
There were no grand prize winners in Friday night's Mega Millions multi-state lottery drawing.
Oprah Confirms She's Starting OWN Network
Oprah Winfrey confirmed today that she will be starting her own network, but declined to say whether she would move her talk show empire from Chicago to Los Angeles. COMMENT - PHOTOS
Holiday drive kicks off for troops
A holiday collection drive is under way in Illinois for troops overseas.
Auroran suspect caught in 17th robbery
After admitting to 16 bank robberies and being sentenced to more than five years in federal prison, Daniel Vincent could have reformed.
Joliet police nab teen after bomb threat
A freshman at Joliet West High School was arrested Friday for writing a bomb threat on a urinal that spurred two searches at the school, police said.
Chicago Firefighters get new tool to revive pets
Increasingly, fire departments across the country are using pet oxygen masks to revive the animals.
Top cop 'nervous' about likely retirement surge
Roughly 1,000 officers are eligible to retire now that Mayor Daley has promised to extend premium health benefits to officers who call it quits at 55.
Dugan sentencing enters final phase
All that remains in the 26-year saga is closing arguments, which will take place on Tuesday.
Thief attacks, robs employee at Cubby Bear
An employee of Wrigleyville’s Cubby Bear lounge was beaten and robbed by a man who broke into the bar early Friday morning.
About 2:30 a.m., an armed man gained entry to the Cubby Bear at 1059 W. Addison St. and tied up a man -- reportedly an employee of the bar -- before striking him on the head an unknown object, police News Affairs Officer JoAnn Taylor said.
The suspect showed the
'Dark Knight' director's brother accused in jail escape attempt
Four arrested in lottery ticket scam
Police arrested two men and two women earlier this week who allegedly ran a lottery ticket scam that targeted elderly Hispanic victims.
Official Christmas tree lifted into place
Chicago's official Christmas tree has been placed into its new home for the holiday season.
Report: 75 percent unfit for military duty
Shocking statistics from a new report reflect military leaders' fear that the next generation of America's armed forces may not be fit to defend this country.
Jeff Joniak's Keys To The Game
Get ready for this weekends game as your Chicago Bears take on the Arizona Cardinals with BEARS RADIO HQ! Pre-game starts at 9a.m. C.T. and kick off is at Noon C.T.
Two local soldiers among the dead at Fort Hood
Two area soldiers were among the 13 shot and killed at the Fort Hood military base Thursday. Among the dead are a 21-year-old southwest suburban man and a 21-year-old Northwest Side woman.
Pregnant Chicago Woman Among Fort Hood Victims
A woman from Chicago was one of the 13 people killed in a shooting spree at Fort Hood, Texas, on Thursday.
Park Ridge rescues its Christmas lights
Christmas was looking very iffy for 7-year-old Ben Ryles and the other children of Park Ridge.
Woman sexually assaulted in Lincoln Park alley
A woman was sexually assaulted early Friday in the Near North Side Lincoln Park neighborhood.
Lawmakers investigating nursing home abuse told of possible civil rights violati
Quiet debate for GOP candidates for Ill. governor
Truck with 900 doses H1N1 vaccine stolen
Man run over by tow truck dies
Chicago health center to mark 50th anniversary
Suburban businessman arrested in alleged bribery plot
Illinois teen driving program receives honor
Kane County Sheriff may be running out of money
City seeks savings with fewer streetlights
Drivers caught by LIDAR could beat speeding ticket COMMENT
Device used by Chicago police has not been legally upheld in Illinois courts. COMMENT
Local soldier is among Fort Hood dead
Army private was Bolingbrook H.S. grad.
Fourth teen charged in fatal Fenger beating
He's 14 years old, could be charged as adult.
Barricade Situation In Northwest Suburbs Ends
Schaumburg authorities say a possible barricade situation has prompted a warning to some residents this afternoon.
Car crashes into home and lands in basement
William Carpenter was at his son's funeral in northwest Indiana on Wednesday when police came to tell him a car had hit his house.
Murder suspect charged with failing to disclose HIV
A northwest Indiana murder suspect has new felony charges filed against him allegedly failing to disclose that he's HIV-positive.
Chemical fire burning in Naperville warehouse
At least four ambulances are on the scene of a chemical fire at a west suburban warehouse Thursday afternoon, the Naperville Sun is reporting.
DUI suspect to cops: 'Dude, I do this every night'
That's what an Indiana man pulled over for drunken driving allegedly told a state trooper.
Sanitizer called better than soap and here's why
Get the 411 on how we should be washing hands, but probably don't.
Hyatt Hotels rises from IPO price in debut on NYSE
Home schooled girl dies of H1N1
Five killed in Gary in six days
M.E. investigator still critical after shooting
Oops, design flaw let inmates leave cells
Air Jordans cost school future deal with adidas
Sex offender convicted of trying to kidnap teen
Postponement sought in police torture case
GOP gubernatorial candidates to debate
Bus monitor accused of dropping boy on head
Dog hailed as hero for alerting family to fire
Asian Carp barrier needs work, no money for it
Fish isn't 'Jaws', but it's still bad news. SEE OUR ASIAN CARP PHOTO GALLERY
Suspects held without bail in slaying of DePaul student
A Cook County judge ordered suspects held without bail Thursday in the killing of a DePaul University student at a weekend Halloween party. PHOTOS
Suburban spruce meets ax, to head for Daley Plaza as Christmas tree
The City of Chicago is about to get its Christmas tree for Daley Plaza.
Chunk of ice falls onto North Side home
Large chunk of ice fell from the sky, leaving a gash in the roof of a house.
What really happened at Morse "L" Stop? COMMENT
Union says this is the stroller. Mother of the toddler who fell to the tracks tells Newsradio 780 her daughter is doing fine.
Power restored to Brown Line, 2 reported hospitalized
Power has been cut off to the CTA Brown Line tracks between the Loop and Fullerton on the North Side after an incident in the River North area in which at least one CTA employee was injured.
Judge: Pedophile priest's hearings will remain open
A Cook County judge ruled that court hearings dealing with ex-priest Daniel McCormack's mental health will be open to the public.
Fed again pledges to hold rates at record-lows
Film studio planned for West Side
The owner of a Toronto film studio said Tuesday he has purchased 48 acres on Chicago's West Side as the home of a complex for movie and TV show production.
Degorski sentenced to life for Brown's Chicken killings
CHICAGO (AP) - A former handyman convicted of killing seven people at a suburban Chicago fast food restaurant has been sentenced to life in prison.
Pit bulls, puppies rescued from dog-fight site
Police rescued six dogs and five puppies Tuesday night from a southwest suburban home apparently being used to train pit bulls for fighting.
Mega Millions rolls over, jackpot goes up
No one matched all six winning numbers in Tuesday night's Mega Millions multi-state lottery drawing and the estimated grand prize has increased to at least $63 million for Friday night's drawing.
Elaborate pot-growing operation found in suburban home
Nearly $290,000 worth of marijuana, seven kilos of cocaine, 300 grams of heroin, guns and ecstasy pills were seized Tuesday from a west suburban home that police say contained an elaborate indoor garden for growing plants.
ACLU WINS TEMPORARY BATTLE AGAINST ABORTION NOTIFICATION
Judge issues temporary restraining order
3 Shot While Trying To Stop Invaders In Building
The search is on for two armed men who shot and critically wounded three people who were trying to detain them in an apartment building in the South Shore neighborhood.
Doctors say Dugan's brain is abnormal
"A good sociopath can play a concerto on anyone's heart strings." - Robert Hare, "Without Conscience"
Gary dispatchers trapped by faulty door
While Gary police officers were responding to the latest in a string of homicides in their city Monday at midnight, dispatchers at the public safety building say they were trapped in the radio room because of a faulty electronic lock.
Old fashioned safe too heavy for burglars
A safe with nothing inside it and which was being used as a table was apparently too heavy for burglars to take.
11,000 Sex Offenders Taken Off State Registry
According to Illinois State Police officials, 11,000 sex offenders were removed from the state registry just in the last two years.
Food left cooking overnight leads to fire
Fire investigators say that food left cooking on the stove of a townhouse overnight led to a fire Wednesday morning that caused $5,000 in damage and sent sent two women to a hospital.
Security expert: no way to secure Internet voting
Woman attacked by man in Halloween costume SKETCH
Former Merc trader wins $11M case against ex-NYSE boss
West Side man arrested in beating death of teen mom
County employee shot after helping detain burglary suspect
Man gets 10 years after approaching cops with cocaine in his mouth
Family sues Northwestern hospital for alleged neglect that led to suicide
Turns out T. Rex 'Jane' was bitten on snout
Sentencing hearing set for Degorski
Chicago cops could get reality TV show
It would be called "Missing Persons: Chicago" COMMENT
Illinois tax scofflaws get outed on Web GET NAMES
Chicago parking meter rates to go up, again COMMENT
Got quarters? You'll need more of them come New Year's Day.
Get ready for 11-digit dialing Chicago COMMENT
Say hello to 872 and goodbye to dialing 7 digits to call next door.
Amtrak train hit, kills 2 in suburb
Men in their 50s described as trespassers.
Woman accused of sending naked pictures of girl
Extra alarm fire at SW Side cup factory
Blaze sends hundreds of Solo Cup employees into streets.
Firefighters Respond To High-Rise Blaze
Firefighters responded to a fire on the roof of a downtown apartment/condo building on Tuesday afternoon.
No injuries after Pace bus driver passes out while driving
A Pace bus driver apparently passed out behind the wheel Tuesday morning and ping-ponged between parked cars in west suburban Oak Park.
Feds: Chicago men discussed terror attack in India
Federal prosecutors say two Chicago men charged with scheming to launch a terrorist attack on a Danish newspaper also discussed an attack on a military college in India.
Woman Killed When Van Tries To Flee Police
A 42-year-old woman was killed when two drug suspects rammed her car while fleeing from Chicago police in the Woodlawn neighborhood.
Activists press Obama to stick with change promise
CHICAGO (AP) - Activists will gather in Chicago's Grant Park to both celebrate the one-year anniversary of the election of President Barack Obama and urge him to press on for change.
Police find 1,455 pounds of pot in central Ill.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (AP) - Illinois State Police found 1,455 pounds of marijuana inside a rental truck that was pulled over in rural Champaign.
Local Marine is cancer survivor 'star'
African-American city contract numbers up, by a little bit
Elgin man convicted of sexual assault of young boys
32-year-old Michael J. Jackson found guilty.
Transit meeting today, some free rides could go
Budget whack! City trims Daley Plaza Christmas tree
It will be there, but much smaller.
Pregnant woman crashes into hydrant after 2 pina coladas
Trial for man accused of killing 11 women
Construction accident brings down power lines on Tri-State
Police search for clues in fatal hit-and-run
Chicago Police were searching for the driver of a silver four-door vehicle they say struck and killed a 25-year-old woman who had just finished a busy Halloween shift tending bar.
Multi-vehicle collision reported on South Side
Caregiver charged in unattended baby's overheat death
Soldier's book chronicles a year at war
Tribune Co. newspapers to test axing AP
Drunken driver reports herself
Quinn aide quits, gov won't say why
Stroger files for re-election in Cook County board
Report: Problems continued at Ill. VA hospital
Activists press Obama to stick with change promise
Hunters can test shotguns at state firing ranges
Man charged in terrorism case renews freedom bid
Prison for man who stole heating coils from school
Chicago restaurant scene loses two mainstays
Nick's Fishmarket is closed. Next, Don Roth's Blackhawk to go.
Toddler hurt when train starts moving with stroller stuck in door
CTA investigating incident at Morse station.
Woman sues ex-lover, former boss for calling her names
She says it caused her to lose business, Facebook friends.
Man gives judge the single digit salute, gets contempt of court
Probably not the smartest courtroom decorum.
CTA Drivers Threaten To Strike To Stop Layoffs
CHICAGO (CBS) â They admit it's "scary" in this economy. But leaders of the CTA bus drivers' union say they'll consider a strike if that's what it takes to stop nearly 2,000 layoffs.
Lions Of Tsavo Ate Far Less Men Than Reported
The film was suspenseful, but the true story even more chilling. The man-eating lions of Tsavo reportedly ate some 135 people before being killed.
Lawry's settles male sex discrimination suit
The Lawry's restaurant chain will pay $1 million to settle a federal lawsuit that claimed it barred men from waiting tables at its fancy steakhouses.
70-year-old gets 20 years for sexually abusing children
A 70-year-old southwest suburban man was sentenced to 20 years in prison Monday for sexually abusing two little girls while babysitting.
Teen charged as adult with Halloween shooting
A 15-year-old boy has been charged with attempted murder for his alleged role in a gang-related Halloween night shooting in northwest suburban Streamwood.
Daley Suffers Minor Injury During Workout
Mayor Daley showed up at a news conference Monday with a welt near his right eye.
Woman struck, killed in hit-and-run on North Side
Police are seeking a silver Lexus in a hit-and-run that claimed the life of a Chicago woman early Sunday on the North Side.
Paying a lot for health insurance? Maybe it's your zip code
A new analysis suggests that how much you pay for health insurance depends, in part, on your zip code.
Fate of Ill. abortion notification law unclear COMMENT
CHICAGO (AP) - It's unclear if Illinois will start enforcing a hotly debated abortion notification law this week after all.
Suspect charged with lighting man on fire
A man suspected of dousing another man with gasoline and lighting him on fire has been charged in the incident.
Group to fight closing of embattled Tinley Park center
A coalition of families of Howe center residents, a labor union, and politicians on Monday announced a petition drive aimed at keeping open the embattled Tinley Park developmental center.
Health care plan hits rich with big tax increases
WASHINGTON (AP) - The typical family would be spared higher taxes from the House Democratic plan to overhaul health care, and their low-income neighbors could come out ahead.
Columbia professor says bias complaint drew retaliation
A Columbia College professor is alleging her conflict with the school is threatening an upcoming conference of international scholars.
Lines shorter at city H1N1 vaccination sites GET CITY, SUBURBAN DETAILS
Dentist offers cash for Halloween candy
Suburban dentist will pay a dollar a pound for it.
Robber escapes under cover of trick-or-treaters
Charges filed against suspect charged with lighting man on fire
Man robbed of phone at gunpoint aboard CTA train
2 charged after police chase turned fatal
Brother thwarts man?s attempt to lure, kidnap girl in park
Police investigate death of teen mom
Bystander killed at party tried to improve her life
Jim Ryan to run for governor, again
Final link in trails connecting Ill., Ind., Mich. planned
Wis. camp serving Chicago youth in danger
Burris stops in Chicago for health-care speech
'Precious' makes a 'surreal' premiere in Hollywood
DePaul student killed in Halloween party shooting
College senior was recently excellence in academics and extracurricular activities.
Scientists decode DNA of pig, a research favorite
U of I prof leads research that may prove useful in finding new treatments for people.
H1N1 vaccinations still free this week
Still want to get an H1N1 shot? The City of Chicago says it will be giving the vaccinations free again this week. SEE WHERE
Two trains derail in Northbrook PHOTO GALLERY
No serious injuries were reported when two freight trains derailed in Northbrook Sunday afternoon, but a road near the scene may be closed for up to two days.
Millions without sick leave fear swine flu
For millions of Americans the rule is simple: If you don't come to work, you don't get paid.
Changes on Brown, Red and Blue lines
Construction work this week will affect the Brown, Red and Blue lines. Passengers should allow extra travel time.
Mechanical problems cause Metra delay
Mechanical problems have delayed a University Park-bound Metra train about 30 minutes Sunday morning.
Mayor irritates judge, talks of murder case
Hammond, Ind. Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr., was on the radio Thursday and Friday commenting on a felony murder after he was informed of a gag order in the case.
Crime down in state; up in Kendall County
Crime is on the decline in Illinois and throughout the Fox Valley, according to recently released Illinois State police crime numbers.
Three buildings damaged in extra-alarm fire in Pilsen
Firefighters battled an extra-alarm fire in the Pilsen neighborhood on the Near Southwest Side early Sunday.
Friends pay tribute to fallen soldier
Both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly honored Army Spc. Jared Stanker, of Evergreen Park, with a moment of silence Friday morning.
U.S. Steel landfill exceeds cancer-causing levels of pollution
Over the last two months, U.S. Steel has exceeded levels of possible cancer-causing air pollution near its hazardous waste landfill in Gary, Ind. several times.
Woman killed in hit-and-run accident on North Side
A woman in her 20's was reportedly killed when she was struck by a car on the North Side early Sunday.
Woman works to help needy kids
The way Michelle Maxia sees it, you have two choices when things get tough.
Class ring found after 44 years
In 1965, Clarence ``Corky'' Iversen Jr. gave his girlfriend his class ring. About 44 years later, it was found buried in a cave in a Skippy peanut butter jar about 115 miles away.
Governor eager to sign campaign limits bill
Quinn says reform will allow the "little guy" more of a chance to compete and be heard.
Illinois doctors say Halloween should be healthy
Doctors in Cook County say they're hoping children across Illinois have healthy options this Halloween along with the bags of trick-or-treat candy.
October was a gloomy month in Chicago
If you are having trouble remembering what a sunny day in Chicago looks like, you are not alone.
Far South Side woman, 25, dies of Swine Flu
A pregnant South Side woman died Friday in part from the H1H1 virus, making her the 12th person to die from the virus in Chicago.
Low-performing Ill. students not tested
A new analysis of state data has found that school districts across Illinois are using a loophole to define what constitutes a junior-year student.
872: Chicago's newest area code to begin use
Chicago will officially start use of its third area code, 872, next week.
Safe Passage introduced to South Shore neighborhood
Extra eyes and ears are watching and listening for trick-or-treaters this Halloween in the South Shore neighborhood.
Autopsy: Three-month-old murdered
Police are investigating the death of three-month-old girl from the South Side Stony Island Park neighborhood as a murder.
Daley: Free rides decision shows lack of 'backbone'
Mayor Daley is not pleased with the state legislature's failure to halt free rides for seniors on public transit.
Mother, daughter found slain in Gary
Police are investigating the apparent double-murder of a mother and daughter found unresponsive at their Gary home Friday night.
Health Department: No flu outbreak in St. Charles East High
The Kane County Health Department made official Friday what they have been saying unofficially: there was no outbreak of H1N1 flu at St. Charles East High School.
High schools lobby Guinness Book for record
Students from Glenbrook North and Glenbrook South High Schools are asking the Guinness Book of World Records to recognize their feat.
Quinn calls free rides measure 'piecemeal'
Gov. Pat Quinn said he is calling legislative and transit leaders to his office Tuesday to discuss legislation that could mean changes in the free rides programs.
Mixed Reaction To Saving Free Rides
The reaction is mixed to the decision by legislative leaders not to seek a vote on a proposal to limit free mass transit rides to seniors who can least afford it.
Ricketts: Cubs Are Going To Win The World Series
CHICAGO (AP) - The new owner of the Chicago Cubs didn't wait long to make a promise: Tom Ricketts says the Cubs are going to win the World Series.
HazMat Situation At Fenger High School
CHICAGO (Sun-Times Media Wire) â Emergency crews are responding to a hazardous materials situation Thursday afternoon at Fenger High School on the Far South Side.
A Level 1 HazMat was reported at Fenger, 11220 S. Wallace St., at 1:45 p.m., Fire Media Affairs Cmdr. Will Knight said.
Knight said crews remained at the scene at 2:20 p.m., although circumstances regarding the incident were unclear. Police could not immediately provide information.
A suspicious package was reported at the school, according to unconfirmed dispatch reports. Two envelopes containing a white substance were reported.
Further details were not immediately available.
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2009. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
What Would Happen If Ill. Had No Late Payments?
CHICAGO (CBS) â It cost Illinois taxpayers $30 million last year in late payments to its vendors and contractors. Now we've learned the Quinn administration may be trying to cut those costs. But let's face it, what would happen if you weren't faced with a penalty for late payment? Wouldn't that make a bad situation worse?
Funeral directors may soon double as traffic cops
Mike Gill has been involved in the funeral business for 31 years. He soon will be adding another line to his resume - traffic cop.
Rumors of Costco at site of Kiddieland are true
Long-standing rumors of Costco planning to open one of its warehouse membership clubs on the former Kiddieland site in Melrose Park are true, according to the company’s chief operating officer.
Chicago Men Arrested In Alleged Terrorism Conspiracy
Two Chicago men are under arrest, accused in an alleged terrorism conspiracy against targets in western Europe.
Police seek assistance in solving teen's murder
Police are seeking information about an apparent armed robbery that left a teenager fatally shot Saturday night on the Far South Side.
Jeff Joniak's Keys To The Game
Check out Jeff Joniak's Keys To The Game as your Chicago Bears face the Cincinatti Bengals this Sunday. Pre-game starts at 9AM C.T. kick off is at Noon C.T. BEARS RADIO HQ
SEE WHERE TO GET H1N1 VACCINE
At your own doctor, at local pharmacies and at these locations...
Jeff Joniak's Keys To The Game
Check out Jeff Joniak's Keys To the Game! Pre-Game stars at 4:30 PM C.T. this Sunday! Kickoff at 7:30 PM C.T.
Mom charged after leaving newborn in basement
Peter Ueberroth on Chicago 2016 loss
The lure of South America and Rio de Janeiro’s impassioned plea had more to do with Chicago losing the Olympics than any real or perceived bad blood between the United States Olympic Committee.
Rested Bears Begin Week Six
In the big picture, the Bears are one of the healthier teams in the NFL entering week six. Get the latest from Jeff Joniak at BEARS RADIO HQ
School hired jailed teacher despite felony
Jeff Joniak's Keys To The Game
Jeff Joniak's Keys To The Game as your Chicago Bears face the Detroit Lions. Pre-game starts at 9:00 AM C.T. Kick Off at 12:00 PM C.T.
Frank Lloyd Wright-designed gas station gets new life SEE IT
Ranking shows tight 2016 race
With four days and counting until the selection of the 2016 Olympics host city, a new ranking of the candidate cities showed a very close race between Rio de Janeiro and Chicago. Key members of Chicago 2016 also spent the weekend rehearsing the final presentation.
Jeff Joniak's Keys To The Game
Jeff Joniak's Keys To The Game as your Chicago Bears face the Seattle Seahawks. Pre-game starts at 12:00 PM C.T. Kick Off at 3:00 PM C.T.
Obama could swing 2016 vote
President Obama’s attendance at next week’s Olympics host city vote in Denmark could make or break Chicago’s chances of winning, Newsradio 780 has learned.
Man shot by police charged in Logan Square incident
Cops: Woman sexually assaulted at knifepoint in Wicker Park
Report: Olympics' financial boost may not be all that
The impact from the games, should Chicago be awarded them, could only be a quarter of the size claimed by the bid committee.
Dry wall installer finds grenade in wall
Defense rests case in Degorski 'Brown's Chicken massacre' trial
Chicago zoning inspector charged in payoff case
Report: More transit riders mean big fuel savings
Lincoln Park Zoo gets recognition for chimp program
Japan's new PM writes IOC backing Tokyo 2016 bid
Bid leader: Rio has 2016 advantage
Olympic organizers in Rio de Janeiro said Wednesday that Brazil has the advantage over its three rivals for the 2016 Summer Games. Observers consider Rio and Chicago are the top contenders for host city with Madrid and Tokyo trailing behind.
Burr Oak Cemetery civil cases due back in court
Nurse who was handcuffed sues city
Race for the Rings: Obama Olympic Factor
An advance team from the White House began scouting out Copenhagen just in case President Obama decides to join Chicago 2016 to make the final pitch for the 2016 Olympics.
Daley sizes up Olympic competition
With 10 days and counting until the International Olympic Committee selects the host city for the 2016 Summer Games, bid organizers rank Chicago NOT in first place among rival cities Rio de Janeiro, Madrid and Tokyo.
Door left open for Obamas to attend Olympics vote
Michelle Obama is getting ready to make a personal appeal in Denmark on behalf of Chicago's bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics. Meanwhile, the White House is leaving open the possibility that President Barack Obama could join her.
Fan goes over railing at Soldier Field
NW Ind. water park closes, faces auction
Off duty-cop carjacked in Englewood; his gun gone too?
Kitten found dead, hanging from kids tree house
Jeff Joniak's Keys To The Game
Jeff Joniak's Keys To The Game as your Chicago Bears face the Pittsburgh Steelers at Soldier Field. Pre-game starts at 12:00 PM C.T. Kick Off at 3:15 PM C.T.
Rogge: USOC Tensions Won't Hurt Chicago's 2016 Bid
IOC Chief Predicts 2016 Host City Vote Will Come Down To "A Couple Of Votes"
Obama: Michelle Can Seal 2016 Olympics Without Me
President Saying Home, But He Quips That First Lady Is A 'More Compelling Superstar'
Obama no show could hurt Chicago 2016
President Obama's possible no show in Copenhagen next month could hurt Chicago’s chances of being selected host city for the 2016 Olympics.
Brian Urlacher Is Out For This Season
Brian Urlacher Is Out For This Season
U of I faculty decide on calling for leaders' ouster
Cutler flops in debut as Bears fall to Pack 21-15
New season, same old story. Interceptions plague Bears in loss at Lambeau. CHICAGO BEARS RADIO HQ
Obama Phone Call Speculates Olympic Visit
Mayor Daley interrupted his own press conference on post-Sept. 11 security improvements Friday morning to take a call from President Obama.
Suspected Milwaukee serial killer charged in 5 more deaths
Walter Ellis is suspected in a string of murders from 1986 to 2007.
Pit bull owner to plead breed's case
Chicago to vote on Olympic host city contract
Chicago aldermen will vote on whether to put taxpayers on the hook for millions of dollars if the city gets the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Chicago Olympics bid chief downplays poll
It showed public support for the bid has slipped.
Bears Win In Preseason Finale GAME PHOTOS HIGHLIGHTS
The Chicago Bears beat the Cleveland Browns 26-20 in their preseason finale. Regular season begins September 13th against the Green Bay Packers. Pregame begins at 4 p.m. C.T.
Judgment Night For Final Roster Spots
It marks the end of the preseason, and the 10-day countdown to the opener at Green Bay on September 13th.
Online tool offers connections to food pantries LINK
Chicago Scores High Marks in New Poll
An independent survey conducted by a German sports consulting firm paints a rosy new picture for Chicago's bid to host the 2016 Olympics.
Boy shot while walking dog
13-year-old boy hears gunfire, realizes he's been hit.
4 years later: 'Katrina' church getting new-old stained glass
Reward offered in Napervile cemetery statue vandalism
Girl's anti-chewing tobacco slogan wins contest
Byrne reflects on Kennedy, endorsement
*A WBBM Local Stories
Obama Presidential Inaugural
- Presidential Inaugural History
- Obama Inauguration Schedule & Events
- Obama Inauguration Facts & Information for Kids
- Obama's new Home was Slow to Integrate
- Memorable Speeches from Past Inaugurals
- America's Leading Man for the Dramas Ahead
- Don't Take that Oath, Barack
- Riding on the Wings of Change
- America in Shock
- Great Expectations
- Awaiting the Transformational Presidency
- Europeans Love 'Alabama'
- Is This the End of Black
- A New Way of Being on this Planet
- As Decider, True Obama will Become Clear
- Special Inaugural Crossword Puzzle
- Obama Not Only One Being Inaugurated
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