Ex-hospital chief back as consultant
Last month, Dr. Robert Simon retired from his top job of running the troubled Cook County hospital system. But just as quickly, he became a taxpayer-funded consultant to the new "independent" county hospital board.

Bikes save a wad of cash
Sky-high gas prices aren't giving Bill Figel the blues. He's managed to save money by navigating around them. Two years ago he gave the family van to charity and, instead of buying another second car, he invested in bicycles.

Judge orders private guards for juvy center
The Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center is "dangerously understaffed" and must hire private security guards to help make it safe again. That ruling came Thursday from a federal judge, who rejected complaints from the Teamsters union representing detention center guards that bringing in private guards would be unfair to employees.

Juvenile center chief dressed down Bond denied for 2 men charged in woman's murder Firehouse will be museum honoring black firefighters Court clears way for Stroger to oust public defender Car crashes into South Side elementary school Police seize cache of guns in Lake Forest Judge OKs private guards for Juvenile Center Bubbly Creek OK for rowing -- but don't fall in Feds hope to bring ailing mobster to trial Cole Hall renovation and new building decided Power restored on Near West Side Fat tax break for felon Archbishop Tutu helps raise funds for the disabled St. Francis Hospital to stay open, get new name Couple finds ways to save on prescription meds Pedestrian struck by vehicle in Loop New security checkpoint system unveiled at Midway R. Kelly seeks delay in pornography trial Arrest in '81 murder of pizza deliveryman Family will celebrate a very special Mother's Day Rules inspired by E2 stampede approved Shooting victim found lying dead on sidewalk Committee acts to avoid repeat of Duff slap on wrist Fire survivor testifies in homeless woman's trial Cops: Teacher caught smoking pot at school MSI looks to past for futuristic green house One held in S. Side standoff Ex-teacher gets five years for sex with teenage boy Students put Operation Twinkie into action for soldiers Critics: Too many holes poked in plastic bag law Raises for lawmakers now up to Jones Lucky number 26 Enodis backs $2B buyout offer from Illinois Tool Works Clout corner Aurora cops to release johns' photos Cop cleared in fatal crash Mayor defends Lake Geneva trip Rapist tries to lure girl, kills self in jail: police Sox vs. Cubs: Fan thrown through window Disabled riders blast Pace 3 charged in beating of Glen Ellyn man Suburb offers buyers $5,000 for purchasing home Autopsy: Couple killed by train not a suicide Metro briefs Area firms, group unite to help minority businesses

Ex-prison watchdog official acquitted of payoffs Harper College resumes classes after threat Cops solve 1981 murder of pizza delivery driver Roof collapses on Near South Side One girl's story: Pimp bought me for $400 Dad died saving his little girl Teacher accused of smoking marijuana at school Fillups now a thing of the past Ex-teacher admits having sex with former student Golden Apple winner 'makes you want to dance' Couple killed by Metra train 6 hurt in S. Side hit-and-run Crews battle Far South Side blaze 2 teachers at W. Side school win 'Oscars' Daley asks where is the money for gov's anti-violence plan Reilly: Kids museum would grow after OK Teen with weapon arrested after chase Toddler shot: 'He never cried' Man found dead in Douglas Park apartment Denied Wal-Mart, developer sells site Bill would tighten state's leash on parolees Man opened fire: cop Woman who took Elgin mayor's car pleads guilty CSU hires interim president to replace Daniel Firefighters battle Far South Side blaze Guilty plea in stabbing of teacher

Woman killed in possible gang crossfire Man charged with DUI for hitting girl, killing her dad 4 kids, 2 adults injured in S. Side hit-and-run Abducted children reunited with mother Two reportedly killed by Metra train on NW Side Price check on walk down aisle Father abducts children during visit Two men dead after West Side shooting Peterson pulled over on way to help 'friend' CTA sued over "Grand Theft Auto" ads 3-year-old recovering after being shot Defense calls no witnesses, says case vs. Rezko weak Sycamore paper boy helps save customer Gov to unveil $150 million anti-violence plan today Mendenhall OK after robbery Marist band teacher ousted Cheerleading coach faces sexual assault charges Court denies requests to unseal R. Kelly court files White Sox doll blow up Lake View bank branch robbed Daley: Museum opponents using political intimidation Acts of kindness 'Grand' new principal for Marian Catholic Metro briefs

Cops: 3-year-old caught in crossfire U. of I. football star Mendenhall robbed at gunpoint Blagojevich aide owed IRS when hired Off-duty firefighter rescues man from burning car Lane Bryant shooting survivor still terrified Teenager shot on Near West Side Child, adult severly hurt after pinned against fence Chatham woman rings up almost $300 in savings Five shot in three separate South Side shootings Benson on drunk boating charges: 'I wasn't drunk' 20-year-old woman fatally shot on South Side Cop impersonator tries to abduct, assault woman I-PASS loophole allows some to escape fines Treasurer: Beware of stimulus check scams Rollover accident causes injuries in south suburbs Parent charged after son shoots himself Cadets in step with mom, dad Funding, test scores key to Catholic schools' future Construction begins on coke plant in Granite City Family told Tionda isn't 'mystery girl' Trinity members pray for Wright, Obama Dream job, with or without diploma Champion beagle visits with the president Suspected serial bank robber arrested, charged Most moms balk at HPV vaccine for young girls: study Lawyer's suit says dealership refuses to refund $10K deposit 'Food Boy' launches film career Teen does 'right thing,' leaves newborn at fire station Child injured after fall from second-floor window CTA's bumpy passage Despite debt, college still worth cost -- to a degree Elgin man dies following motorcycle crash

Woman to testify to threesome with Kelly Families try to cope months after Tinley Park slayings Helen DeGeneres? Oh 'El' no, Mr. Mayor Moms, mayor, clergy march against violence Pedestrian killed in South Side hit-and-run Entrepreneur changes homeless man's life Boy, 5, shoots himself in head, parents charged Illinois man designs beer can coffin Son denied bail, dad's set at $5 mil. for murder Man fatally shot on S. Side porch You can't have your stuff back Teen held in St. Xavier threat must see doctor Nothing elementary about haphazard school pick up He 'never stopped' going to college Cubs, rooftop owner settle profit-sharing spat State still renting space from felon Metro briefs

Student charged in St. Xavier U. threat Lynne Harvey, wife of Paul Harvey, dies Blue bags out, blue carts in Bond issued for factory murder suspects 5th time's not the charm for Children's Museum design Swindlers get only 6 months for stealing from dad Chicago Police honor fallen officers Thai restaurant destroyed in early morning blaze CTA bus driver cited following South Side crash Cubs reach deal with rooftop owner The spindle comes down Person stumbles into firehouse after being shot Man cited with DUI after hitting Sun-Times truck 38 of my law clients have city biz: Burke 3 'drug hit' victims from Calif. Stroger names finalists to oversee hospitals $15,000 bond for St. Xavier threat suspect McNabb, Rice urge peace at Hall of Fame Stroger's health board picks praised Ata took state job for 'redemption' Gov accused of trading favors to get recall plan killed Work halts weekend Blue Line service Public defender's ouster blocked

Student arrested in St. Xavier shutdown Gov's ex-aide: I gave Rezko cash For NU: Wright is wrong but Jerry's not so scary CTA bus hits S. Side building, 11 hurt Burke, aldermen release ethics statements Parents of girl killed in CTA crash sue driver Chinatown CTA station to reopen Cubs know Thompson's Wrigley secret Death of burned toddler ruled homicide Gary toddler killed by train next to his home Man charged in West Side factory shooting Two seriously injured in Near North Side crash 2 people fatally shot in triple-homicide identified Wastewater, roaches close two restaurants Children's Museum redesigned again Judge: Stroger can't remove public defender City Hall to get rid of blue bag recycling program Moms team up to battle influence of gangs Person shot stumbles into firehouse Net photo is missing girl: expert Big splash over probe of mayor's pool house 105-0: House OKs audit of gov's $1 mil. church pledge 'We are not aliens': marchers Bears fan runs in Packers gear for wounded vets Senate rejects recall proposal Daley ready to slice city spending again Cops beat teen over link to Ryan Harris case: lawyer Win for bilingual education 'I need a pay raise': Jones City aims to curb violence through jobs, park programs

Grand jury investigates suburban officials Fall Out Boy rocker Pete Wentz sued Public defender: Stroger's appointments unqualified Toddler fatally struck by Chicago-bound train Teacher dies after bicycle accident Man shot dead outside Far South Side home 3 murdered in Little Village Immigration activists join national protests Red Bull wins big against Wet bar: $680,000 Mom, 5 others arrested in melee with cops Drew Peterson offers reward for Stacy Slain cougar likely from South Dakota Aurora man pleads guilty to cyberstalking Little Village residents: Gangs a part of everyday life NU withdraws honorary degree offer to Rev. Wright Man killed in W. Side factory Two shot near South Side elementary school City a sanctuary for immigrants, but not O’Hare Three crashes in same area on Dan Ryan State Senate votes to kill recall amendment Cops: Bus driver slammed brakes, hurt kids Clout HMO pops up in Rezko case Several rescued in possibly suspicious N. Side fire Will fans own Wrigley seats? CTA to cut 100 office jobs, offer free rides to military Sen. Barack Obama, meet your new neighbors CTA may build wall at Chinatown stop State lawmakers set for another hefty pay raise More CPS students can learn Arabic Concrete mogul begins bid to hold south suburb seat for GOP Broken boards, sore hand still no ticket to Oprah Pics of jewelry from S. Side home released Hispanics drive state population growth 'Snowing in hell': Deal bans some gifts to pols Fire inspector payments for weekend tests alleged 1 Illinois-Iowa bridge reopens after crash Watch out for deer attacks, SIU warns School retreats from no-religion art policy

3 shot, killed on S.W. Side DNA shows cougar came from Wisconsin How much wood can an Oprah fan chuck — or chop? Woman fatally struck by car while riding bicycle Peterson offers $25K reward for info on Stacy Four killed in Indiana crash Pete Wentz sued for alleged post-concert beatdown Free CTA rides for military personnel begin Thursday Huntley school bus driver cited after 18 children hurt Gymnastics coach guilty of child porn charges Aurora man pleads guilty to cyberstalking Playmate No taxes in deal to buy, rehab Wrigley? Bag of cash to save gov's house? City receives $153M to address traffic issues Charges against pilot who landed on golf course 28-year-old man fatally shot at West Side factory Northwestern Medill dean concedes mistake Man in custody for firing shots at police Carnival worker gets 6 years for kissing girls Catholic teacher gunned down in SUV Asthma rates in some Cook suburbs worse than city's Wedding derailed by immigration arrest 90 at CPD get clout-fund cash Truth, justice, & rock 'n' roll NIU won't raze Cole Hall Police get call of NW Side cougar sighting Counterfeit shoes might be biggest Midwest bust Looks like electric bills going up too School bus driver suspended after caught taunting kids All aboard foreclosure bus tour Cop K-9 safer thanks to teen State may sue school in sex harassment case Parking cops on booting binge One critically hurt during pin-in crash Dead goats found in field Pepper-sprayed judge to plead not guilty to DUI Alleged threatening calls lead to felony charges Downstater's Hudson used for Depp movie 40-year Downstate radio host dies Depp movie giving props to Oshkosh Wisconsin law school OKs Sex Toys 101 Metro briefs

Trucker had someone else's prescription William Wrigley Jr. will stay as chairman-- for now Judge pepper-sprayed in DUI arrest Rezko sought cash to avoid lien on gov's home Woman pinned under dead husband's body for days NIU officials drop idea of demolishing Cole Hall Man shot in head, crashes into house Suburban school on lockdown after threat found Sun-Times, Trib ask court to unseal R. Kelly filings Astronaut returns medal to students S. Side mom faces charges over baby's death Fire suit hits $100M Rezko said prosecutor to be fired: witness Carpentersville man's trial begins in toddler's death 'It's a little sad,' but sale won't hurt Chicago Vallas hints at making run for gov in 2010 Woman given 8 years for stealing over $132,000 from employer Wheel of Fortune workout pays off Before brain death Death gives new life to friend Obama to donate funds received from Rezko friend Suburban Dominick's em ployees raise money for prostate research Bus, car collide on Northwest Side First lady, daughter tout joy of reading U. of I. grads pick new Chief Illiniwek Woman, 44, accused of planning boy sex Metro briefs Wis. Internet official fired for sex e-mail

Truck driver cited for fatal CTA crash Shootings plunge over the weekend Fatal Loop high-rise fire settled for $100 million Sweet deal: Mars buys Wrigley Co. for $23B Horse on loose in Old Town returned to stable Over 100 customers without power in Old Town State gets $3.5M to dole out for college scholarships Political donors in line to run health system Professor got a divorce, now he's out of a job Man killed in rear-end crash on Kennedy 2 injured in S. Side fire One held in fatal Ukrainian Village slaying Porch inspections taper off What's cooking? Man shot inside car on W. Side Employment security worker to fight federal bribery charges Motorcyclist seriously injured in South Side crash New Web site lets 3 million CPS alums reconnect Woman sold $100 tickets, but skipped the raffle: cops Great America ride takes you on wild run through Gotham Poor students shut out CTA closes Blue Line branch 2,900 take Sun-Times prostate cancer screening Family, friends walk to remember Lisa Wild Wisconsin deer has arrow stuck in side Johnny Depp movie filming this week in Wis. Who's ahead in Wis. presidential poll? No one Metro briefs

Ex-fugitive put up homes to spring Rezko 2 women killed in Friday crash, questions loom Lisa Stebic's family marks 1 year missing Boy and man shot while exiting bus near church Boy, 14, fatally struck by train in Hoffman Estates Daley backs plan to give assault rifles to all cops Rollover crash injures five in Willow Springs Police: Man fatally stabs brother Crash probe focuses on driver's log book: source Three police officers injured in crash Current bloodshed worsens pain for Dantrell's mom Who'll get all the trains? Woman dies following South Side collision Sun-Times staffers win 5 awards Black amputation rate rises Did female serial killer lurk in rural Indiana? CTA Red line crash victim: Delisia Brown, 18 CTA Red line crash victim: Elosia Guerrero, 47 Man fatally shot by Markham police 'Saulito' delivers Elvira message

Cops to get rifles to compete with gangs 'The lifestyle would not let go' of slain teen Legendary doctor retires, turns to activism Victims of CTA crash identified Huberman hints at CTA fare hikes Deal near to end Aurora abortion protest suit Illinois proclaims Danica Patrick Day 25-year-old fatally shot on South Side CTA service resumes at Chinatown station Man shot in West Side drive-by Bridging riverwalk gaps I-Pass users 'want the dinger back' -- may get it Judge questions soccer field deal Don't put it off any longer - free PSA testing ends today Ebertfest welcomes Ang Lee Victims were South Side women $500K bond for mentally ill man in attack on TV anchor, others

Wright says remarks taken out of context Logan takes in Sox game $500,000 bond for man charged in punching Burton Truck hits CTA station: At least 2 dead, several injured City closer to walkway under Michigan Ave. Six Flags Great America prepares for Dark Knight Slain woman's kids sighted with dad: cops Clinton to get Gary welcome Fire breaks out in N.W. Side steel factory Tornado watch for McHenry, Kendall , Kane counties Teen without a ride steals car, cop says Seniors being scammed by fake cops Judge: Latin School can build soccer fields I-PASS: A big beeping deal Ch. 7's Burton on mend after punched Autistic teen finds help at Easter Seals Obama applauds unions at convention Producer describes Rezko's shakedown Mistrial declared after bid to photograph jurors 'Jimmy T.' thrives 24 years after falling into lake CTA bus drags woman for block: attorney Woman apparently dragged by CTA bus in S. Loop Lake View man hit by Taser dies Court OKs 'Be Happy, Not Gay' T-shirt Women's advocates fight Daley merger plan Body of apparent shooting victim found on driveway Cops ask for help in South Side slaying Ex-con charged with killing his foster family Words from the street Hundreds turnout for prostate screenings Laws alone can't stop violence: Obama Anger at cougar slaying may have fueled school threat: cops Judge still shutting media out of R. Kelly hearings Bond denied for triple-homicide suspect Committee OKs corporate sponsors for seminars Judge won't give back Craig Stebic's guns, trucks Lindenhurst man gets six years for sex assaults Teacher accused of smoking pot on job

Court: Student can wear anti-gay T-shirt Sewer company linked with Daley's son closes early Daley calls for City Hall summit to curb gun violence Police: Victims of South Side shooting 'targeted' 6 hospitalized after carbon monoxide fills home Woman allegedly dragged by CTA bus 2 ISP troopers, IDOC employee hurt at prison Suspect, children of slain woman seen in Ark. store Blue and Red Line CTA changes this weekend 5 killed in S. Side home Stroger wants staff to keep quiet Two men shot while walking in Evanston Man stabbed outside CTA Red Line station Ch. 7's Burton roughed up in Loop Kimball Hill files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Plot to dump Fitzgerald? Wright to Moyers: Sermons taken out of context Men tested for prostate cancer, thanks to women Lane Bryant investigators hit talk show circuit Friends had gathered for barbecue before shooting City wants Legislature to OK radar cameras Dispute may delay R. Kelly trial again Another buyer lining up for St. Francis Hospital Relative charged in Englewood triple-homicide Clip shows cop warn man before taser Teen's sighting leads to man's arrest in triple murder Order of protection isn't enough for slain mom 'Banana boys' suspended for senior prank Men score victory in legal fight over terror list Juvy center wants security firm's help to reopen school Stroger looking to hire PR employee Impeachment talk targeting gov heats up: 2 Dems Daley farms out screening of minority firms Farmers need dry weather or food costs may soar City urges parents to get teens vaccinated against meningitis Cameraman says Black shoved him Metro briefs

Ex-aide: I paid gov for my job Slain mom had received protection order Woman, 19, charged in baby's death Punch-throwing man injures people, news anchor Six hurt as car rolls, bursts into flames on I-355 Zion-Benton 'Banana Boys' slip on prank Rezko friend: Rove was asked to dump Fitzgerald Freight train derails near Pontiac Cops question man in S. Side homicide Toddler dies after strangling self in blinds Church, former pastor named in sex abuse suit Tribune shrinks Midwest distribution area Video shows Ohio cops tasering Chicago man 1 killed, 1 critically hurt in separate W. Side shootings Sun-Times, Trib team up, fight R. Kelly case secrecy Mom's diet seen as factor in baby's gender 5 shot dead on South Side Cops investigate fetus found in cemetery High-rise fire victims settle for $26 million Dentist sues mascot Benny for being bully Matchmaker finds her perfect match -- her client Boeing profit jumps 38 percent in 1Q HIV teen charged with having unprotected sex Puppy saves owner from fire in Wisconsin Fire hits set of Johnny Depp movie Fire ravages house near Bartlett Cops find explosives on arrestee wearing bullet proof vest Truck damages bridge beam on Edens Boeing donates $5 million for black history museum

SWAT on patrol after bloody weekend Slain mother told police: 'He says he will kill me' Rezko cohort details fee scam Hero divers live for such moments Ex-Blagojevich aide pleads guilty One dead, one injured in crash near O'Hare Man killed by CTA Brown Line train 2 held in McDonald's shootout, murder Miss Crystal Lake killed in crash Man sues Benny the Bull for errant high-five County agrees to pay $9M to victims of fatal fire Two teens stabbed, one fatally, on S. Side 1 dead, 1 injured in I-90 crash True story of 'Take Me Out'? Man convicted of bribery picks death over prison Men line up for testing County cops start to police Ford Heights Engineering firm charged with bilking $1M out of IDOT Argonne revs up world's 2nd fastest computer Podiatrist guilty of sexual assault 'Die on 4/22/08' closes 2 Bellwood schools Segways help disabled Iraq vets get around Tanker truck hauling water rams overpass, 2 hurt Cops seek missing kids' dad after mom is found dead Suspect once acquitted of killing brother of 'Hoop Dreams' star Metro briefs

37 shot in city over weekend On 2nd thought, Daley rips CTA DePaul cancels classes after fake bomb threat Bug repellent found in Chicago's drinking water Daley: Parents have to know where their kids are Four shot, one fatally, in robbery attempt Man chooses death instead of prison Podiatrist guilty of sexually assaulting patient Boy blown into lake 'doing better' Bears ticket counterfeiter gets 3 year sentence No one hurt as Red Line train derails at Howard Daley: 'Know where your children are' Man slain, 4 others wounded in separate attacks Ex-city worker accused of trying to lure girl 'Blues Brothers' vet: It was fun Pope's pitch to youth at baseball 'cathedral' Elgin firm charged with overbilling state more than $1 million Slain family's cousin hounds neighbors while eluding cops Dump truck driver killed when rig overturns The spin on Chinese laundries Doctors differ on prostate cancer testing, treatment Pope's visit to Ground Zero lifts father's faith Mother found dead, Amber Alert issued for 3 children City Auto in a long-running battle over consumer fraud Motorcyclist killed in weekend crash 'KKK' sprayed on Asian family's car Another aftershock reported in southern Ill. Veteran questions location of Geneva war protest Convicted counterfeiter could get 5 years What you need to know about DEET GPS theft may be linked to numerous others Theft leaves 700,000 identities at risk Metro briefs

Special Report: Life on the transplant list Toddler rescued from lake 'doing better' Alton Logan starts catching up on 26 lost years Health care job eludes Iraq vet 'Lord of the Rings' horse coming to Wis. Teen charged with stabbing sleeping couple Equestrian site changes for 2016 plan Depp movie filming in real Dillinger hidout Two stabbed during North Side home invasion State sues woman over Little League funds 31 shot, 2 stabbed during weekend violence Man critically hurt in motorcycle crash Three shot on West Side street 'I'm praying I don't have to wait too much longer' 'I have a heart! I have a heart' 2 yrs. later, is Illinois still 'state of shame'? 'We're waiting on God for her miracle to happen' FSBO: 1864 log cabin on Milwaukee River 'That I have to do it again ... it's just frustrating' 'I want to get up and go. I want to take care of someone' Columnist: I wish I could be on the transplant list 'It's been a long 13 years' Will County board rejects Hindu temple plan Bomb threat closes Oak Lawn Jewel Dogfighting case goes to court Monday Body of woman found in lake identified Terror plotter moved to 'Supermax' prison Gun violence leaves 4 dead, 15 wounded across city Metro briefs Child, teen, one other injured in West Side shooting

Toddler critical after stroller blows into lake Rezko freed from jail -- but not free to go Artificial leg need a fix? Good! Weekend gets off to violent start Polish Chicagoans eager to see German pontiff 5 injured in Bucktown crash Logan free on bail; new evidence may convince jury of his innocence Early-morning temblor centered Downstate felt nationwide Gang member guilty in '96 murder of boy, 6 Spindle headed for scrapyard? Seized pups up for adoption Two men killed in South Side shooting DUI charge for Will County boss Man dies before police-involved shooting on S. Side Man shot on West Side Man shot sitting inside car on South Side Clinton interrupts speech to defer question Two men shot driving on South Side Teen shot in Marquette Park neighborhood Metro briefs 28-year-old man shot on South Side

Judge: Rezko can go free on bond Savio ruling could allow family to sue Drew Gunshots hit boy, 4, as he rides in minivan with mom Family friend fingers Rezko in kickback plot Couple asks: Who'll bury our son? Judge throws out Alton Logan conviction Judge sides with Stebic in-laws in visitation case Toddler, grandfather pulled from Belmont Harbor Soccer field construction may be halted Former Aurora gang leader sentenced Olympic committee changes horse venue Bridal salon employees chase down thief Train hits car after GPS unit leads man onto tracks No earthquake damage reported in Chicago Fintan finally makes it home Happiness rises with age Six elementaries in Dolton close after death threat Fed up with blackouts, Deerfield suing ComEd Obama prods TSA on O'Hare security slip Charges filed in death of CPS student Chicagoans accused of threatening famous 'Hollywood' sign Chicago faithful feel blessed to see pope New chief for city airports Tree-killing beetle in Ravenswood officially gone Store's geese attacking workers, customers Cops say they tailed burglar as he worked Sorich goes to prison Monday Suspect to appear in court for student's slaying Bomb threats didn't close Chicago Public Schools Some Chicago seniors having the time of their lives Stop putting off prostate exam Will County Executive charged with DUI