Metro & Tri-state Lawsuit: Funding system violates civil rights Alderman gets powder-filled letter Wardens don't care that you used to be the governor Man killed in West Side shooting Daley not sold on lowering drinking age Two men, one boy shot on Far South Side Durbin proposes bill to replace, rehab Amtrak trains Past 'separate and unequal' lawsuits failed Rezko gets sentencing delayed till October Theater revival in Portage Park Assessor seeking re-election scoffs at e-mail controversy Drew's lawyer: Cops knew Stacy's scheme Sheriff checks himself into jail Dispute between compliance chief and sex harassment officer

STNG Video View more local videos Chicago 24/7 Crime Alderman gets powder-filled letter Man killed in West Side shooting Two men, one boy shot on Far South Side Family of alleged McCormack victim sues archdiocese Wardens don't care that you used to be the governor Rezko gets sentencing delayed till October Cicero shooting ends with residential takeover Education Lawsuit: Funding system violates civil rights Past 'separate and unequal' lawsuits failed

Sports Lilly's gem is flawed Games like this are why managers like Lou Piniella tolerate postgame media sessions for barely a minute, why veteran players don't talk much about division leads in August and why nobody from Chicago older than a Chinese gymnast should take the Cubs' coronation for granted.

Sox beat Mariners for 5th in a row Ken Griffey Jr. had just crossed home plate for home run No. 609 when he turned for the White Sox’ dugout — a first in his career after completing his classic trot — and faced a surprise party of sorts. Such a milestone blast — one that tied him with Sammy Sosa for fifth on the all-time list — deserved a nice reception from his new teammates, complete with plenty of high fives, hugs and back slaps.

'Lightning' Bolt's gold medal act a breath of fresh air Jay Mariotti: He's a showboat, a hot dog and a clown, the sprinting version of Chad Johnson and Terrell Owens, all those things that cause Bob Costas and the purists to cringe. And thank God for that, by the way. Because if it wasn't for the show-business flair of Usain Bolt, we merely would know him as that fast guy who became the first man ever to break world records in the 100 and 200 meters at the same Olympics.

Lifestyles Feds release online database with death rates Need a new car? Check out consumer safety ratings. Feeling chest pain? Now health-care consumers can review hospital mortality rates for heart attacks, heart failure and pneumonia. On Wednesday, the federal government released an online searchable database of hospital death rate estimates at more than 4,300 hospitals nationwide.

Compare hospitals for yourself
At Home Interior Affairs: Chinese design, American Style Weather's seedy side brings avalanche Religion Family of alleged McCormack victim sues archdiocese Controversial pastor lands job at Orland Hills church Horoscopes Holiday Mathis horoscopes for August 21 Georgia Nicols horoscopes for August 21 Astrological topics

Entertainment The Boys are back

They may be older, wiser and short one original member, but the Backstreet Boys are still a hot ticket. Reserved seats for their concert at Ravinia are sold out, and the remaining lawn tickets are going fast.

Books Southern exposure Memoirs of a fortysomething Olympic hopeful Obama book falls victim to booksellers' rivalry Classical Beaux Arts Trio bows out in style Stage Latin music stars put on explosive performances Chat live with Hedy Weiss and guest Chicago Dancing Festival celebrated at Harris

Business You, too, can sell Chicago Lewis Lazare: After the release last week of the considerably less-than-stellar "Chicago Surprises" video -- shown to International Olympic Committee members in Beijing -- came word Wednesday the Chicago 2016 Committee is reaching out to all the city's citizens and asking them to create their own video take (60 seconds or less) on why Chicago is the best place to host the 2016 Olympics. A special channel has been established at Chicago2016.org that will allow video makers to post their finished efforts online.

Special section: Chicago 2016
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