Mary Mitchell exclusive: Till's casket left to waste
Broken. Rusted. Battered. The image of a glass-covered casket with the body of Emmett Till was shown around the world in the 1950s. But on Thursday, as hundreds of African Americans searched frantically for the graves of love ones, the battered casket of Till was rusting in the back of a shack at Burr Oak Cemetery in Alsip.
Broken. Rusted. Battered. The image of a glass-covered casket with the body of Emmett Till was shown around the world in the 1950s. But on Thursday, as hundreds of African Americans searched frantically for the graves of love ones, the battered casket of Till was rusting in the back of a shack at Burr Oak Cemetery in Alsip.
Burris cites fundraising in opting out of Senate race
U.S. Sen Roland Burris made it official this afternoon, telling reporters and a few disappointed supporters he won’t seek re-election in 2010. In making his decision, Burris said he was called to choose between “spending my time raising funds or spending my time raising issues for my state.
Ex-aide to Blago: I tried to stop him
In his 47 years, one of John Harris' biggest regrets, his lawyer said Wednesday, is what he did in 2005. He took a job with one Rod R. Blagojevich. "Working for Gov. Blagojevich was an extraordinarily difficult thing to do for the most honest of public servants, which John Harris is," said Harris' attorney, Terry Ekl.
In his 47 years, one of John Harris' biggest regrets, his lawyer said Wednesday, is what he did in 2005. He took a job with one Rod R. Blagojevich. "Working for Gov. Blagojevich was an extraordinarily difficult thing to do for the most honest of public servants, which John Harris is," said Harris' attorney, Terry Ekl.
Michael Jackson memorial service as normal as can be
Richard Roeper: For all the madness that engulfed Michael Jackson in life and all the craziness that has ensued since his death, perhaps the biggest surprise about his memorial service was that it was so normal — at least as normal can be when there’s a golden casket onstage and the eulogists include Brooke Shields, Magic Johnson and Queen Latifah.
Richard Roeper: For all the madness that engulfed Michael Jackson in life and all the craziness that has ensued since his death, perhaps the biggest surprise about his memorial service was that it was so normal — at least as normal can be when there’s a golden casket onstage and the eulogists include Brooke Shields, Magic Johnson and Queen Latifah.
City plumbing inspector busts himself
James Kendrick is a city plumbing inspector assigned to a task force that busts people for doing work without permits. On Sunday, Kendrick could have busted himself. Sources said the $85,068-a-year inspector was working a side job installing a flood-control system in the 3500 block of North Octavia -- with no permit and none of the required city licenses -- when he inadvertently broke the water pipe leading to the home.
James Kendrick is a city plumbing inspector assigned to a task force that busts people for doing work without permits. On Sunday, Kendrick could have busted himself. Sources said the $85,068-a-year inspector was working a side job installing a flood-control system in the 3500 block of North Octavia -- with no permit and none of the required city licenses -- when he inadvertently broke the water pipe leading to the home.
Indicted Chicago developer made big profit on city deal
Three years ago, City Hall approved giving $5.3 million in taxpayer funding to a labor organization so it could buy land from a client of Ald. Edward M. Burke's law firm. Burke (14th) was among 49 aldermen who approved the deal that allowed the Chicago Construction and General Laborers' Council to buy the 24-acre site from since-indicted Chicago developer Calvin Boender.
Three years ago, City Hall approved giving $5.3 million in taxpayer funding to a labor organization so it could buy land from a client of Ald. Edward M. Burke's law firm. Burke (14th) was among 49 aldermen who approved the deal that allowed the Chicago Construction and General Laborers' Council to buy the 24-acre site from since-indicted Chicago developer Calvin Boender.
Big nuclear cuts in sight, Obama, Medvedev declare
Presidents Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev confidently committed to a year-end deal to slash nuclear stockpiles by about a third on Monday, but the U.S. leader failed to crack stubborn Kremlin objections to America's missile defense plans -- a major stumbling block to such an agreement.
Presidents Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev confidently committed to a year-end deal to slash nuclear stockpiles by about a third on Monday, but the U.S. leader failed to crack stubborn Kremlin objections to America's missile defense plans -- a major stumbling block to such an agreement.
Heroics at Taste of Chicago
A 52-year-old woman who went into cardiac arrest on her way to the Taste of Chicago on Thursday was resuscitated, thanks to a quick-thinking passerby and a pair of paramedics on bicycles. The unidentified woman, an Arizona tourist, was walking to the Taste when she collapsed near Balbo and Columbus around 10:30 a.m., Chicago Fire Department officials said. A good samaritan on her bicycle spotted the woman and began administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
A 52-year-old woman who went into cardiac arrest on her way to the Taste of Chicago on Thursday was resuscitated, thanks to a quick-thinking passerby and a pair of paramedics on bicycles. The unidentified woman, an Arizona tourist, was walking to the Taste when she collapsed near Balbo and Columbus around 10:30 a.m., Chicago Fire Department officials said. A good samaritan on her bicycle spotted the woman and began administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Theft of commercial-grade fireworks worries cops
The recent theft of at least 5,000 pounds of high-powered, commercial-grade fireworks from a storage facility has DuPage County authorities worried that the missing shells, in the hands of an amateur, could be deadly. With July 4th approaching, officials fear the powerful shells will end up being fired off in backyards and local parks -- where they could cause serious injuries or death because users don't know how to safely ignite them.
The recent theft of at least 5,000 pounds of high-powered, commercial-grade fireworks from a storage facility has DuPage County authorities worried that the missing shells, in the hands of an amateur, could be deadly. With July 4th approaching, officials fear the powerful shells will end up being fired off in backyards and local parks -- where they could cause serious injuries or death because users don't know how to safely ignite them.
Congrats! The value of your home has gone down
As real estate values shrink, so, too, have property tax assessments on the city's far North Side -- but whether that leaves a few extra dollars in your wallet remains to be seen. Notices sent Tuesday to some 20,000 homeowners, excluding condominium owners, in and around Rogers Park show a median 6.1 percent drop in assessed values, according to the Cook County assessor's office.
As real estate values shrink, so, too, have property tax assessments on the city's far North Side -- but whether that leaves a few extra dollars in your wallet remains to be seen. Notices sent Tuesday to some 20,000 homeowners, excluding condominium owners, in and around Rogers Park show a median 6.1 percent drop in assessed values, according to the Cook County assessor's office.
Effects of Madoff's Ponzi scheme reach Chicago
David Roeder: Bernard Madoff was sentenced Monday to 150 years in prison for fleecing billions of dollars from investment clients across the country, as his victims said the fraud case is anything but closed. "There is so much going on with this that we don't know about," said Stuart Borg of Northbrook, a 78-year-old retiree who lost money invested with Madoff.
David Roeder: Bernard Madoff was sentenced Monday to 150 years in prison for fleecing billions of dollars from investment clients across the country, as his victims said the fraud case is anything but closed. "There is so much going on with this that we don't know about," said Stuart Borg of Northbrook, a 78-year-old retiree who lost money invested with Madoff.
Ald. Edward Burke helped friends with city deals
Ald. Edward M. Burke wrote a letter in his official capacity that helped a client of his law firm win City Council approval to develop a blighted stretch of land near Midway Airport. It's the second time Burke has written such a letter so someone he's done business with could get a zoning change from City Hall. After writing those letters, Burke abstained from voting on both cases to avoid any conflicts of interest.
Ald. Edward M. Burke wrote a letter in his official capacity that helped a client of his law firm win City Council approval to develop a blighted stretch of land near Midway Airport. It's the second time Burke has written such a letter so someone he's done business with could get a zoning change from City Hall. After writing those letters, Burke abstained from voting on both cases to avoid any conflicts of interest.
Taxpayers last to pay if Olympics loses cash: Daley
Mayor Daley said Saturday he wants a deal in which private insurance money would be tapped before public money if an Olympic Games in Chicago suffered any losses. Daley previously had said he wanted a provision ensuring that $2.5 billion in public and private insurance and guarantees would be exhausted before taxpayers would be on the hook. But that $2.5 billion already includes a $500 million guarantee against operating losses, approved by the City Council.
Mayor Daley said Saturday he wants a deal in which private insurance money would be tapped before public money if an Olympic Games in Chicago suffered any losses. Daley previously had said he wanted a provision ensuring that $2.5 billion in public and private insurance and guarantees would be exhausted before taxpayers would be on the hook. But that $2.5 billion already includes a $500 million guarantee against operating losses, approved by the City Council.
Jackson's family said to want second autopsy
LOS ANGELES--The Rev. Jesse Jackson says Michael Jackson's family wants an independent autopsy following the pop star's sudden death at age 50.
Michael in instant demand
All around the Chicago area, the answer was the same. "We're out of it. And you won't find any anywhere else either," said Qubah Rahsan, manager of George's Music Room, a record store at 5700 S. Cicero. "People have been calling and coming in. Everyone's asking for it," repeated Allison Keane, assistant manager at Disc Replay in Skokie, which sells used records.
All around the Chicago area, the answer was the same. "We're out of it. And you won't find any anywhere else either," said Qubah Rahsan, manager of George's Music Room, a record store at 5700 S. Cicero. "People have been calling and coming in. Everyone's asking for it," repeated Allison Keane, assistant manager at Disc Replay in Skokie, which sells used records.
Police search for Jackson's cardiologist for questioning
LOS ANGELES--Police investigating Michael Jackson's death were looking for one of the pop king's doctors after seizing a car that they said may contain drugs or other evidence. As medical examiners began an autopsy for Jackson, police towed a BMW from rented home "because it may contain medications or other evidence that may assist the coroner in determining the cause of death," police spokeswoman Karen Rayner said.
LOS ANGELES--Police investigating Michael Jackson's death were looking for one of the pop king's doctors after seizing a car that they said may contain drugs or other evidence. As medical examiners began an autopsy for Jackson, police towed a BMW from rented home "because it may contain medications or other evidence that may assist the coroner in determining the cause of death," police spokeswoman Karen Rayner said.
A tribute to Michael Jackson, a gifted artist
Richard Roeper: It’s the most shocking death of an entertainment superstar since John Lennon in 1980. All due respect to the memories of Kurt Cobain, Heath Ledger, Chris Farley, Aaliyah, Selena and the far too many other celebrities who died suddenly, Michael Jackson was in another universe as an entertainer. He has had his health problems over the years, but we had no inkling he was anything but healthy before Thursday afternoon.
Richard Roeper: It’s the most shocking death of an entertainment superstar since John Lennon in 1980. All due respect to the memories of Kurt Cobain, Heath Ledger, Chris Farley, Aaliyah, Selena and the far too many other celebrities who died suddenly, Michael Jackson was in another universe as an entertainer. He has had his health problems over the years, but we had no inkling he was anything but healthy before Thursday afternoon.
911 call released: Jackson wasn't breathing
The Los Angeles Fire Department released the emergency call Friday.
Report predicted heat waves, flooding
Chicago sweltered Wednesday: O'Hare's high was 94. The extended outlook? From the 80s to the low 90s through Saturday. The really extended outlook? Deadly heat waves at least every other year. More frequent flooding and droughts. And an increase in diseases transmitted by insects and caused by contaminated water. That's what could happen in Illinois by the end of the century if global warming continues unabated, according to a new government report.
Chicago sweltered Wednesday: O'Hare's high was 94. The extended outlook? From the 80s to the low 90s through Saturday. The really extended outlook? Deadly heat waves at least every other year. More frequent flooding and droughts. And an increase in diseases transmitted by insects and caused by contaminated water. That's what could happen in Illinois by the end of the century if global warming continues unabated, according to a new government report.
5,000 protesters at Capitol call for budget deal
Waving signs such as "GM got a bailout. Where's mine?," thousands of protesters converged on the Capitol Tuesday to pressure lawmakers into cutting a budget deal to stave off billions of dollars in cuts to human-service programs. With some in wheelchairs, the rally drew more than 5,000 people, according to the secretary of state's office, and aimed to boost Gov. Quinn's languishing push to pass an income tax hike to fund spending for the state's new fiscal year, which begins next Wednesday.
Waving signs such as "GM got a bailout. Where's mine?," thousands of protesters converged on the Capitol Tuesday to pressure lawmakers into cutting a budget deal to stave off billions of dollars in cuts to human-service programs. With some in wheelchairs, the rally drew more than 5,000 people, according to the secretary of state's office, and aimed to boost Gov. Quinn's languishing push to pass an income tax hike to fund spending for the state's new fiscal year, which begins next Wednesday.
North Chicago's 'Top cop' accused of beating up chief
North Chicago's "Officer of the Year" allegedly pummeled and seriously injured Waukegan's police chief after finding him in his estranged wife's home. North Chicago Officer Carl Sain was charged with felony aggravated battery following the Wednesday altercation in Waukegan, which left Police Chief Artis Yancey with several broken bones in his face, Lake County State's Attorney Michael Waller said.
North Chicago's "Officer of the Year" allegedly pummeled and seriously injured Waukegan's police chief after finding him in his estranged wife's home. North Chicago Officer Carl Sain was charged with felony aggravated battery following the Wednesday altercation in Waukegan, which left Police Chief Artis Yancey with several broken bones in his face, Lake County State's Attorney Michael Waller said.
City spends $22 million on rent, often to well-connected landlords
The city of Chicago spends more than $22 million a year leasing property, usually from clout-heavy landlords and often at higher rents than other tenants pay, a Chicago Sun-Times investigation has found. One of those landlords has been in the public spotlight of late -- Mayor Daley's nephew Robert Vanecko. His real estate investment firm used city pension money to buy a Southwest Side warehouse that the city leases to park dump trucks, the Sun-Times has reported.
The city of Chicago spends more than $22 million a year leasing property, usually from clout-heavy landlords and often at higher rents than other tenants pay, a Chicago Sun-Times investigation has found. One of those landlords has been in the public spotlight of late -- Mayor Daley's nephew Robert Vanecko. His real estate investment firm used city pension money to buy a Southwest Side warehouse that the city leases to park dump trucks, the Sun-Times has reported.
Bonds with dad key for girls
It's hard to imagine how the rock climbing, archery and bonfires Brian McCaffrey and his two daughters have shared will one day help them navigate the world of dating. But the time the Hoffman Estates dad has invested in building open, trusting relationships with Alaina, 13, and Emily, 9, will pay off as they mature and create dating relationships with men, a researcher has found.
It's hard to imagine how the rock climbing, archery and bonfires Brian McCaffrey and his two daughters have shared will one day help them navigate the world of dating. But the time the Hoffman Estates dad has invested in building open, trusting relationships with Alaina, 13, and Emily, 9, will pay off as they mature and create dating relationships with men, a researcher has found.
2nd teen pleads guilty in slaying of student on bus
The second teenager charged with murdering Julian High School honors student Blair Holt pleaded guilty Friday to firing the deadly shots on the CTA bus Holt had been riding with friends when he was gunned down. Michael "Mario" Pace, 18, pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated battery for the May 10, 2007, crime. He faces 45 years to life in prison when he is sentenced by Cook County Judge Nicholas Ford on July 20.
The second teenager charged with murdering Julian High School honors student Blair Holt pleaded guilty Friday to firing the deadly shots on the CTA bus Holt had been riding with friends when he was gunned down. Michael "Mario" Pace, 18, pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated battery for the May 10, 2007, crime. He faces 45 years to life in prison when he is sentenced by Cook County Judge Nicholas Ford on July 20.
Claypool won't run for County Board President
Exclusive Carol Marin interview: Forrest Claypool, calling it "the most difficult decision of my life," shocked political friends and enemies by announcing Thursday he would not run for president of the Cook County Board. His decision has unleashed a political free-for-all for the post now held by embattled President Todd Stroger -- who stands to benefit from his main rival's withdrawal.
Exclusive Carol Marin interview: Forrest Claypool, calling it "the most difficult decision of my life," shocked political friends and enemies by announcing Thursday he would not run for president of the Cook County Board. His decision has unleashed a political free-for-all for the post now held by embattled President Todd Stroger -- who stands to benefit from his main rival's withdrawal.
Two heads together can stretch one income
Curtis Corbige got an unwelcome birthday surprise at work -- a call from his wife, Nancy, telling him her job was being cut. With the unemployment level nationally at 9.4 percent and 9.9 percent in the Chicago metropolitan area, the Rolling Meadows family is far from alone in dealing with the loss of a spouse's job. "It was like, well, we'll do what we have to do," said Curtis Corbige, who works as a misdemeanor probation officer for Cook County.
Curtis Corbige got an unwelcome birthday surprise at work -- a call from his wife, Nancy, telling him her job was being cut. With the unemployment level nationally at 9.4 percent and 9.9 percent in the Chicago metropolitan area, the Rolling Meadows family is far from alone in dealing with the loss of a spouse's job. "It was like, well, we'll do what we have to do," said Curtis Corbige, who works as a misdemeanor probation officer for Cook County.
Sosa goes from hero to zero after testing positive
Rick Telander: In the rain-soaked visitor's dugout at Wrigley Field on Tuesday, White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen shook his head as he pondered the report from the New York Times stating that former Cubs star Sosa (once a White Sox, too) tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug back in 2003.
Rick Telander: In the rain-soaked visitor's dugout at Wrigley Field on Tuesday, White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen shook his head as he pondered the report from the New York Times stating that former Cubs star Sosa (once a White Sox, too) tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug back in 2003.
'Public option' not yet decided for health care
Lynn Sweet: Some of the biggest questions in President Obama's push for health care reform are over the creation of a "public option" to compete with private companies in the health insurance marketplace. Whatever the phrase "public option" suggests to you when you hear it, Obama told the American Medical Association in Chicago on Monday that it is not "about socialized medicine and government takeovers, long lines and rationed care, decisions made by bureaucrats and not doctors."
Lynn Sweet: Some of the biggest questions in President Obama's push for health care reform are over the creation of a "public option" to compete with private companies in the health insurance marketplace. Whatever the phrase "public option" suggests to you when you hear it, Obama told the American Medical Association in Chicago on Monday that it is not "about socialized medicine and government takeovers, long lines and rationed care, decisions made by bureaucrats and not doctors."
Tired of being harassed on the CTA, women fight back
When Lillian Matanmi and her friends get on the L, they often hear catcalls and other unwelcome remarks from male passengers. Like: "Don't you look sexy today." And: "I like how that little skirt fits on you." One time, a man reached over and, uninvited, started massaging Matanmi's shoulders.
When Lillian Matanmi and her friends get on the L, they often hear catcalls and other unwelcome remarks from male passengers. Like: "Don't you look sexy today." And: "I like how that little skirt fits on you." One time, a man reached over and, uninvited, started massaging Matanmi's shoulders.
FBI probe focuses on North sponsor
A rift between flamboyant Chicago sports commentator Mike North and his estranged business partner, David Hernandez, took a turn Saturday when the FBI confirmed it's investigating a Hernandez company. The firm, NextStep Medical Staffing, is the main sponsor of North's morning talk show on Comcast SportsNet.
A rift between flamboyant Chicago sports commentator Mike North and his estranged business partner, David Hernandez, took a turn Saturday when the FBI confirmed it's investigating a Hernandez company. The firm, NextStep Medical Staffing, is the main sponsor of North's morning talk show on Comcast SportsNet.
Bill to curb youth smoking races through Congress
Foes of smoking can finally exhale. After decades of attempts, the U.S. Senate and House, by whopping bipartisan majorities and just a day apart, voted to give the Food and Drug Administration the power to regulate tobacco.
Foes of smoking can finally exhale. After decades of attempts, the U.S. Senate and House, by whopping bipartisan majorities and just a day apart, voted to give the Food and Drug Administration the power to regulate tobacco.
Durbin cashed out during big stock collapse
As U.S. stock markets plummeted last September, the Senate's No. 2 Democrat, Dick Durbin, sold more than $115,000 worth of stocks and mutual-fund shares and used much of the money to invest in Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
As U.S. stock markets plummeted last September, the Senate's No. 2 Democrat, Dick Durbin, sold more than $115,000 worth of stocks and mutual-fund shares and used much of the money to invest in Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
Over 1,500 city employees to get layoff notices today
More than 1,500 city employees -- 400 more than anticipated -- will receive layoff notices today, one day after union leaders boycotted Mayor Daley's 11th-hour appeal for shared sacrifice over job cuts. Uniformed police officers and firefighters will again be exempt from the July 15 cuts, forcing the ax to fall heavily on two housekeeping departments: Streets and Sanitation (323) and Water Management (295).
More than 1,500 city employees -- 400 more than anticipated -- will receive layoff notices today, one day after union leaders boycotted Mayor Daley's 11th-hour appeal for shared sacrifice over job cuts. Uniformed police officers and firefighters will again be exempt from the July 15 cuts, forcing the ax to fall heavily on two housekeeping departments: Streets and Sanitation (323) and Water Management (295).
