Metro & Tri-state 'Bad' boot plan marching on Got a rap sheet? Step right up Getting students to ID troubled students Here's how you can help me help you 'Andrea was the answer to my prayers' World traveler died pursuing his passions Cookie poll a sweet sign for Obama? Property owners really got their kicks in '06 Chicagoan 'spiritually in tune' with youth Making ends meet on eBay Czech out these wheels on Route 66 Trying to get train on track

STNG Video View more local videos Chicago 24/7 Crime Wheaton hostage suspect shot himself in head Two wounded in South Side drive-by Altercation leads to South Side homicide Six killed in weekend violence on South Side Man shot multiple times on SW Side Student, 19, found slain in basement of his home Man killed in possible gang shooting in Englewood Education Getting students to ID troubled students 'A low-grade fear' hangs over NIU

Sports Bears shock Colts 29-13 If there was an oversight in the construction of new Lucas Oil Stadium, it's that the media room isn't soundproof. The rally cries came through loud and clear after the Bear's 29-13 victory Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts.

Not a total loss for Sox The magic number is down to three for the Los Angeles Angels, who might have as much as three weeks to plan their postseason strategy as American League West champs. For the White Sox, still leading the AL Central despite a 3-2 loss Sunday to the Angels, the next three weeks will be anything but restful.

Cubs not panicking -- yet Is it time to panic yet? Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee says no. But the state of the team after what might have been its toughest loss of the season Sunday makes you wonder. And the manager wasn't saying -- anything.

Lifestyles Spotted: TV's style icons Paige Wiser: The season two premiere of "Gossip Girl" last week scored its highest ratings yet among the young audiences it's after. Many tuned in to see how the privileged pals spent their summer in the Hamptons. But surely more tuned in to see what they were wearing. Now that school's back in session, here's a crash course in "Gossip Girl" elegance. And don't forget to watch tonight on the CW.

Blog: Shopping deals
At Home Interior Affairs: Wall-to-wall timekeeping Most oaks in area are at least 160 years old Religion Why did God allow another Gulf disaster? Ali, Farrakhan honor Elijah Muhammad's son Horoscopes Holiday Mathis horoscopes for September 8 Georgia Nicols horoscopes for September 8 Holiday Mathis horoscopes for Sept. 7

Entertainment Britney steals the VMA show It took a year, but Britney Spears' comeback on the MTV Video Music Awards is finally a reality. Spears nabbed all three VMAs she was nominated for, including video of the year, and made a triumphant appearance in an attempt to erase the career low of last year's ceremony.

Russell Brand hosts the VMAs with candor Chris Brown writing songs for Britney Spears In the house: The view from the VMA audience Russell Simmons, T.I. get political at MTV Awards
Weekend Leading ladies take 'Stand' against cancer My kind of gown Fall films offer plenty to sink your teeth into Books Chicago Lit: 'Travel Writing' by Evanston author Peter Ferry Review: 'The Elegance of the Hedgehog' by Muriel Barbery Review: 'Legally Dead' by Edna Buchanan Classical Classical music preview: Big names take the baton Stage Fall theater preview: The 20th century rocks Fall dance preview: Troupes put best feet forward The padre from 'MASH' dons a different collar Galleries

Business Feds take over Fannie, Freddie David Roeder: The federal government Sunday took over operations of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, drastic action designed to avert a breakdown of the financial markets and reassure investors worldwide. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson said the takeover is needed because continuing declines in housing prices and rising default rates in mortgages threaten the balance sheets of Fannie and Freddie.

Candidates weigh in on stabilizing Fannie, Freddie Government may soon back Fannie, Freddie
An economic scorecard for Obama, McCain Angel investors brought together Ads trip over themselves Property owners really got their kicks in '06