Small businesses up against big-box titans
Andre Guichard is hosting his four-year-old art gallery's first Black Friday door buster -- but as a small business going against big-box giants, he's staying open two hours later rather than opening earlier than usual.
Andre Guichard is hosting his four-year-old art gallery's first Black Friday door buster -- but as a small business going against big-box giants, he's staying open two hours later rather than opening earlier than usual.
Early shoppers brace for rush of Black Friday deals
Cousins Karen Wilson and Vernita Calbert have proudly sat in the No. 1 or No. 2 lawn chairs outside the 5 a.m. Black Friday opening of Toys R Us or Target for seven years. They head out at midnight or 1 a.m. with necessities in tow: sales coupons, copies of their favorite stores' e-mailed sneak-preview alerts, a store map, lawn chairs, picnic basket and a plan to quickly grab the best door-buster deals.
Cousins Karen Wilson and Vernita Calbert have proudly sat in the No. 1 or No. 2 lawn chairs outside the 5 a.m. Black Friday opening of Toys R Us or Target for seven years. They head out at midnight or 1 a.m. with necessities in tow: sales coupons, copies of their favorite stores' e-mailed sneak-preview alerts, a store map, lawn chairs, picnic basket and a plan to quickly grab the best door-buster deals.
Was Grundy beating of Mideast man a hate crime?
A Middle Eastern man working at a Grundy County slaughterhouse raided as part of a wide-scale terrorism probe in Chicago has paid the price for his boss' alleged crimes: Police say he was pummeled at a Kinsman bar by two men, one of whom allegedly shouted racial slurs. Police say Scott Finch, who was charged with aggravated battery, told officers he was defending himself and his country "from terrorists," when he allegedly kicked and punched an employee of a Kinsman plant that slaughters animals according to Muslim tradition.
A Middle Eastern man working at a Grundy County slaughterhouse raided as part of a wide-scale terrorism probe in Chicago has paid the price for his boss' alleged crimes: Police say he was pummeled at a Kinsman bar by two men, one of whom allegedly shouted racial slurs. Police say Scott Finch, who was charged with aggravated battery, told officers he was defending himself and his country "from terrorists," when he allegedly kicked and punched an employee of a Kinsman plant that slaughters animals according to Muslim tradition.
15 couples involved in sham marriages: Feds
Love and marriage: in Cook County, it's an institution you can disparage. In at least 15 cases, nuptials in the county were a complete sham, a component of an immigration scheme run in part by traffic court employees who were trying to make money on the side, federal prosecutors say. Allegedly at the helm was Maria F. Cruz, 49, formerly of Chicago. Cruz, a onetime traffic court worker, doubled as a fake wedding planner extraordinaire -- driving people to their weddings and even snapping the wedding pictures.
Love and marriage: in Cook County, it's an institution you can disparage. In at least 15 cases, nuptials in the county were a complete sham, a component of an immigration scheme run in part by traffic court employees who were trying to make money on the side, federal prosecutors say. Allegedly at the helm was Maria F. Cruz, 49, formerly of Chicago. Cruz, a onetime traffic court worker, doubled as a fake wedding planner extraordinaire -- driving people to their weddings and even snapping the wedding pictures.
Michael Scott honored for efforts to seek peace
Chicago School Board President Michael Scott received a hero's send-off Sunday in a public memorial service where he was recalled as a man both forceful and indefatigable, and charming and conciliatory -- whatever it took to make peace and get things done. The most poignant moment happened when Scott's children addressed the crowd. They were met with a standing ovation.
Chicago School Board President Michael Scott received a hero's send-off Sunday in a public memorial service where he was recalled as a man both forceful and indefatigable, and charming and conciliatory -- whatever it took to make peace and get things done. The most poignant moment happened when Scott's children addressed the crowd. They were met with a standing ovation.
Illinois' Gitmo could bring 3,000 jobs: White House
Lynn Sweet: A White House analysis of a federal purchase of the nearly vacant northwestern Illinois prison to house Guantanamo detainees and other federal prisoners, obtained by the Sun-Times on Saturday, concludes that in the first year 2,290 to 2,960 jobs would be created, and local residents would be "excellent candidates" for 1,240 to 1,410 of those jobs.
Lynn Sweet: A White House analysis of a federal purchase of the nearly vacant northwestern Illinois prison to house Guantanamo detainees and other federal prisoners, obtained by the Sun-Times on Saturday, concludes that in the first year 2,290 to 2,960 jobs would be created, and local residents would be "excellent candidates" for 1,240 to 1,410 of those jobs.
Motorist shot in head, crashes into South Side church
New Israelite Missionary Baptist Church had minimal damage when the van slow-rolled into the front of the church, Rev. Chenier A. Alston said Sunday morning. No one was in the church at the time, and no one was injured.
Ft Hood suspect in confinement in hospital
FORT WORTH, Texas -- The Army psychiatrist charged in one of the worst mass shootings on a U.S. military base will be confined until his military trial, initially staying in a hospital where he is recovering from gunshot wounds, his attorney said Saturday.
Gov. Quinn ushers in deer season, encourages outdoor recreation
Gov. Quinn was joined by Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Director Marc Miller and Pike County Farm Bureau President Terry Rush at Blue River Farm near Pittsfield, according to a press release from the governor's office.
Jackson moonwalk glove sells for $350K in NYC
Winning bidder Hoffman Ma of Hong Kong will pay $420,000, including taxes and fees, for the rhinestone-studded, modified golf glove Jackson wore on his left hand for his moonwalk on Motown's 25th anniversary TV special.
Did Daley's jab at media mean he's ready to leave?
Analysis: Mayor Daley's decision to blame the media for Oprah Winfrey's career-altering choice to pull the plug on her syndicated talk show after her 25th season is preposterous. But it's also incredibly revealing. When the mayor said, "You keep kicking people, and people will leave," he just might have been talking about himself. Daley has been on the warpath about the media in recent months -- to the point of aggressively challenging reporters.
Analysis: Mayor Daley's decision to blame the media for Oprah Winfrey's career-altering choice to pull the plug on her syndicated talk show after her 25th season is preposterous. But it's also incredibly revealing. When the mayor said, "You keep kicking people, and people will leave," he just might have been talking about himself. Daley has been on the warpath about the media in recent months -- to the point of aggressively challenging reporters.
Senate ethics panel admonishes Burris, but no charges coming
Sen. Roland Burris (D-Ill.) was admonished today by the U.S. Senate ethics committee over his testimony in Springfield concerning how he got appointed to Barack Obama’s vacant Senate seat. But his actions following his appointment by then Gov.-Rod Blagojevich did not rise to level of pursuing ethics charges against Burris, the committee ruled.
Sen. Roland Burris (D-Ill.) was admonished today by the U.S. Senate ethics committee over his testimony in Springfield concerning how he got appointed to Barack Obama’s vacant Senate seat. But his actions following his appointment by then Gov.-Rod Blagojevich did not rise to level of pursuing ethics charges against Burris, the committee ruled.
Oprah to Ebert: Like breaking up the most beautiful relationship
Oprah Winfrey told the Sun-Times’ Roger Ebert it wasn’t the decision that made her emotional — it was thought of the break up. “When I made the decision, no tears,” Winfrey told Ebert. “Thinking about talking to the viewers is what brought the tears, like breaking up what has been the most beautiful relationship.”
Oprah Winfrey told the Sun-Times’ Roger Ebert it wasn’t the decision that made her emotional — it was thought of the break up. “When I made the decision, no tears,” Winfrey told Ebert. “Thinking about talking to the viewers is what brought the tears, like breaking up what has been the most beautiful relationship.”
Ft Hood victim honored as 'great American' at funeral
Yellow was her favorite color. So that was the shade of T-shirts worn by many of the hundreds who came to say goodbye Thursday at the funeral of Francheska Velez, the 21-year-old soldier from the Near Northwest Side who was killed in the shooting rampage at Fort Hood.
Yellow was her favorite color. So that was the shade of T-shirts worn by many of the hundreds who came to say goodbye Thursday at the funeral of Francheska Velez, the 21-year-old soldier from the Near Northwest Side who was killed in the shooting rampage at Fort Hood.
Swine flu update: Illinois reports 9 new deaths
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Illinois is reporting nine new deaths and 241 new hospitalizations from swine flu.
Did probes take deadly toll on Scott?
Mary Mitchell: We may never know what drove Chicago School Board President Michael Scott to take his life. At the time of his death, Scott had been subpoenaed by a federal grand jury looking into the admissions practices at Chicago's selective-enrollment schools.
Mary Mitchell: We may never know what drove Chicago School Board President Michael Scott to take his life. At the time of his death, Scott had been subpoenaed by a federal grand jury looking into the admissions practices at Chicago's selective-enrollment schools.
Scott's death leaves giant void in Daley team
Michael Scott's death leaves a giant void in Mayor Daley's shrinking inner circle that will take a long time to fill, if it ever can be filled.
Michael Scott's death leaves a giant void in Mayor Daley's shrinking inner circle that will take a long time to fill, if it ever can be filled.
Daley: Medical examiner grandstanding about Scott death
Mayor Daley today accused the Cook County medical examiner of grandstanding and jumping to conclusions about the death of Chicago Board of Education President Michael Scott.
Detectives agreed Scott killed self, brass balked
Autopsy evidence leaves no doubt that Chicago Public School Board President Michael Scott killed himself, Cook County Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Nancy Lynne Jones said Tuesday. Scott’s gunshot wound is the type the medical examiners office sees in suicides, not homicides, Jones said.
Autopsy evidence leaves no doubt that Chicago Public School Board President Michael Scott killed himself, Cook County Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Nancy Lynne Jones said Tuesday. Scott’s gunshot wound is the type the medical examiners office sees in suicides, not homicides, Jones said.
Friends, colleagues offer comfort to Scott's family
Some of Chicago's most powerful people crumpled with disbelief and pain Monday upon hearing the Cook County medical examiner's ruling that School Board President Michael Scott died at his own hand.
Operation 'Oust Stroger'?
Political double agents -- that seems the right phrase to describe some volunteers working on the Cook County Board president's race. Their true allegiance might not be clear. But their mission is: to topple incumbent County Board President Todd Stroger.
Political double agents -- that seems the right phrase to describe some volunteers working on the Cook County Board president's race. Their true allegiance might not be clear. But their mission is: to topple incumbent County Board President Todd Stroger.
Durbin, Quinn see economic boon
WASHINGTON -- Detainees at the Guantanamo Bay military prison in Cuba may be transferred to a nearly vacant maximum-security state prison in northwest Illinois, the Obama White House said Saturday.
Illinois prison in running to house Gitmo detainees
WASHINGTON—A nearly empty state prison in northwestern Illinois has emerged as a possible site to house detainees transferred from the Guantanamo Bay military prison in Cuba, the Obama White House told the Chicago Sun-Times on Saturday. Gov. Quinn and Obama discussed the federal purchase of the Thomson Correctional Center when Quinn was in Washington on Nov. 4 and visited the White House. Quinn and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) will outline proposals for the future of the prison at press conferences Sunday.
WASHINGTON—A nearly empty state prison in northwestern Illinois has emerged as a possible site to house detainees transferred from the Guantanamo Bay military prison in Cuba, the Obama White House told the Chicago Sun-Times on Saturday. Gov. Quinn and Obama discussed the federal purchase of the Thomson Correctional Center when Quinn was in Washington on Nov. 4 and visited the White House. Quinn and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) will outline proposals for the future of the prison at press conferences Sunday.
Illegal immigrant earns support of City Council committee to stay
After an emotional appeal from a straight-A student facing deportation in 33 days, a City Council committee agreed Friday to champion the cause of Rigo Padilla and others caught in the switches while awaiting immigration reform.
Student's killing puts spotlight on illegal 'vacation rentals'
Maybe you've heard the story. College-age kids rented a sleek, uber-modern Humboldt Park pad -- fireplace, rooftop deck and fancy fireplace included -- for a Halloween bash. But it turned into a murder scene when a neighborhood gang-banger allegedly crashed the party, got tossed out, returned with a TEC-9 semiautomatic pistol and started shooting in the wee hours of Nov. 1. The tragic, random bloodshed has shined a spotlight on a local real estate trend fueled by the slumping home sales market: condos, two-flats and even vacant McMansions being rented a day at a time like motel rooms.
Maybe you've heard the story. College-age kids rented a sleek, uber-modern Humboldt Park pad -- fireplace, rooftop deck and fancy fireplace included -- for a Halloween bash. But it turned into a murder scene when a neighborhood gang-banger allegedly crashed the party, got tossed out, returned with a TEC-9 semiautomatic pistol and started shooting in the wee hours of Nov. 1. The tragic, random bloodshed has shined a spotlight on a local real estate trend fueled by the slumping home sales market: condos, two-flats and even vacant McMansions being rented a day at a time like motel rooms.
Did Dugan kill even more?
Now that a DuPage County jury has given serial killer Brian Dugan the death penalty, authorities are investigating his possible connection to other long-unsolved crimes. Dugan has been convicted of three murders, but authorities think he may have committed up to four more.
Now that a DuPage County jury has given serial killer Brian Dugan the death penalty, authorities are investigating his possible connection to other long-unsolved crimes. Dugan has been convicted of three murders, but authorities think he may have committed up to four more.
8th-graders' chances at elite high schools better
Poring over data about eighth-graders who applied to the city's elite college preps, Chicago Public Schools officials discovered an alarming pattern. High-scoring kids were being rejected simply because of the order in which they listed their college prep preferences. "I couldn't believe it,'' schools CEO Ron Huberman said. "It's terrible.''
Poring over data about eighth-graders who applied to the city's elite college preps, Chicago Public Schools officials discovered an alarming pattern. High-scoring kids were being rejected simply because of the order in which they listed their college prep preferences. "I couldn't believe it,'' schools CEO Ron Huberman said. "It's terrible.''
Chicago cop/Army Master Sgt. called 'a miracle guy'
When the mortar rounds started exploding around him, Master Sgt. Pedro Medina scrambled for cover. "I needed to get to a solid structure, fast," Medina said. He ran to a building on his military base in mountainous southeastern Afghanistan. But the building proved to be anything but solid. A Chinook helicopter was taking off to escape the attack, and a violent downdraft from the rotors collapsed the building. An iron I-beam landed on Medina.
When the mortar rounds started exploding around him, Master Sgt. Pedro Medina scrambled for cover. "I needed to get to a solid structure, fast," Medina said. He ran to a building on his military base in mountainous southeastern Afghanistan. But the building proved to be anything but solid. A Chinook helicopter was taking off to escape the attack, and a violent downdraft from the rotors collapsed the building. An iron I-beam landed on Medina.
City magnet school admissions get makeover
A greater share of prized Chicago magnet school seats would go to the brothers and sisters of current magnet students -- as well as to neighborhood kids -- under a long-awaited magnet admission plan expected to be unveiled this week.
A greater share of prized Chicago magnet school seats would go to the brothers and sisters of current magnet students -- as well as to neighborhood kids -- under a long-awaited magnet admission plan expected to be unveiled this week.
Artist behind iconic album art struggling to get by
Thick dust covers the gold lame shirt and silver leather coat in Pedro Bell's closet. The clothes are remnants from a brighter time when Bell, a rainbow Afro wig on his head and platform shoes on his feet, strutted through Chicago as a charter member of the '70s funk revolution whose sound is heavily sampled in rap songs today. "It was psychedelic from a black perspective," Bell said.
Thick dust covers the gold lame shirt and silver leather coat in Pedro Bell's closet. The clothes are remnants from a brighter time when Bell, a rainbow Afro wig on his head and platform shoes on his feet, strutted through Chicago as a charter member of the '70s funk revolution whose sound is heavily sampled in rap songs today. "It was psychedelic from a black perspective," Bell said.
Quinn sets stage for sales tax rollback
Gov. Quinn signed into law Saturday a measure that slices away some of Cook County Board President Todd Stroger's authority and sets the stage for county commissioners to slash a controversial sales tax increase as the 2010 elections loom.
Muslim leader found talks with Ft. Hood suspect disturbing
FORT HOOD, Texas--An Army psychiatrist who authorities say went on a shooting rampage at Fort Hood was so conflicted over what to tell fellow soldiers about fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan that a local Islamic leader was deeply troubled by it, the leader said Saturday.
FORT HOOD, Texas--An Army psychiatrist who authorities say went on a shooting rampage at Fort Hood was so conflicted over what to tell fellow soldiers about fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan that a local Islamic leader was deeply troubled by it, the leader said Saturday.
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.
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.
How to beat a Chicago speeding ticket : Challenge it
For at least the past year, speeding tickets produced by Chicago police officers using high-tech LIDAR speed detectors have been routinely dismissed in Cook County Traffic Court for any defendant bothering to show up to contest the case. When challenged, the tickets are being voluntarily waived by the city's Law Department because of legal challenges to the laser technology underlying the LIDAR (light detection and ranging) equipment.
For at least the past year, speeding tickets produced by Chicago police officers using high-tech LIDAR speed detectors have been routinely dismissed in Cook County Traffic Court for any defendant bothering to show up to contest the case. When challenged, the tickets are being voluntarily waived by the city's Law Department because of legal challenges to the laser technology underlying the LIDAR (light detection and ranging) equipment.
Chicagoans to get first seating at Millennium Park?
Fed up with suburbanites who park their fannies in Millennium Park’s 4,000 seats, a Northwest Side alderman on Wednesday suggested preferential seating for Chicago residents. “You have people from the suburbs who get there earlier and glom onto all the seats. ... They’re putting their blankets across rows and rows of chairs,” said Ald. Eugene Schulter (47th).
Fed up with suburbanites who park their fannies in Millennium Park’s 4,000 seats, a Northwest Side alderman on Wednesday suggested preferential seating for Chicago residents. “You have people from the suburbs who get there earlier and glom onto all the seats. ... They’re putting their blankets across rows and rows of chairs,” said Ald. Eugene Schulter (47th).
Chicago’s inspector general’s office sues the city
NBC5 and the Chicago Sun-Times have learned the city Inspector General’s Office is taking the Daley administration to court after issuing a subpoena last month. The IGO is demanding the city Law Department and its boss, Mara Georges, turn over documents and records concerning an unspecified no-bid contract awarded in 2006.
NBC5 and the Chicago Sun-Times have learned the city Inspector General’s Office is taking the Daley administration to court after issuing a subpoena last month. The IGO is demanding the city Law Department and its boss, Mara Georges, turn over documents and records concerning an unspecified no-bid contract awarded in 2006.
How moms make ends meet
Moms are cutting back on household spending, making more home-cooked meals, sacrificing quality for everyday value for themselves and making special shopping trips to save money, according to a survey on how the recession is changing family habits. While mom is buying herself lower-quality clothes -- if she's buying any at all -- and cutting back on the quality of cosmetics and health products she buys for herself, she's not scrimping on the quality of food or clothing for her kids, the survey showed.
Moms are cutting back on household spending, making more home-cooked meals, sacrificing quality for everyday value for themselves and making special shopping trips to save money, according to a survey on how the recession is changing family habits. While mom is buying herself lower-quality clothes -- if she's buying any at all -- and cutting back on the quality of cosmetics and health products she buys for herself, she's not scrimping on the quality of food or clothing for her kids, the survey showed.
Half of all kids on food stamps at some point
If she didn't get food stamps, Angie Minix and her two boys would have had to survive on the peanut butter-and-jelly diet. The Sauk Village mom isn't alone. In fact, nearly half of all U.S. children and 90 percent of black youngsters will be on food stamps at some point during childhood, and fallout from the current recession could push those numbers even higher, researchers say.
If she didn't get food stamps, Angie Minix and her two boys would have had to survive on the peanut butter-and-jelly diet. The Sauk Village mom isn't alone. In fact, nearly half of all U.S. children and 90 percent of black youngsters will be on food stamps at some point during childhood, and fallout from the current recession could push those numbers even higher, researchers say.
Health-care insurance cheaper in the suburbs
Why would people who live in inner-ring suburbs such as Berwyn, Evanston, Oak Lawn and Oak Park be able to obtain health-care insurance quotes that are 14.6 percent, on average, lower than their Chicago neighbors?
Why would people who live in inner-ring suburbs such as Berwyn, Evanston, Oak Lawn and Oak Park be able to obtain health-care insurance quotes that are 14.6 percent, on average, lower than their Chicago neighbors?
Faulty doors at Cook County Jail lead to fights
A Sun-Times/BGA Investigation: Accused murderers, robbers and rapists in Cook County Jail's oldest maximum-security complex often use toothpaste caps and toilet paper to jam their cell doors and sneak out. Sometimes, they don't even need to resort to such tricks. The aging locks in the doors malfunction on their own.
A Sun-Times/BGA Investigation: Accused murderers, robbers and rapists in Cook County Jail's oldest maximum-security complex often use toothpaste caps and toilet paper to jam their cell doors and sneak out. Sometimes, they don't even need to resort to such tricks. The aging locks in the doors malfunction on their own.
Ricketts outline game plan for owning Cubs
Thomas Ricketts spent $845 million for, among other assets, a baseball team that in a good year will record a profit of around $30 million.
Chicagoans taxes up 9 percent, Obama's taxes up 1 percent
Many Chicago homeowners will see their property taxes rise sharply in the tax bills going out this week. But not President Obama. His taxes on his Kenwood mansion are up just 1 percent, records show.
Many Chicago homeowners will see their property taxes rise sharply in the tax bills going out this week. But not President Obama. His taxes on his Kenwood mansion are up just 1 percent, records show.
Police shortage a growing problem; city 2,000 shy
Heading into year No. 2 of a hiring slowdown, the Chicago Police Department is now nearly 2,000 officers short of its authorized strength of 13,500, counting vacancies, medical leave and limited duty, records show -- with 36 percent of police jobs at O'Hare Airport unfilled. After hiring only 46 police officers this year, Mayor Daley's 2010 budget counts on federal stimulus funds to boost manpower next year.
Heading into year No. 2 of a hiring slowdown, the Chicago Police Department is now nearly 2,000 officers short of its authorized strength of 13,500, counting vacancies, medical leave and limited duty, records show -- with 36 percent of police jobs at O'Hare Airport unfilled. After hiring only 46 police officers this year, Mayor Daley's 2010 budget counts on federal stimulus funds to boost manpower next year.
