Metro & Tri-state 'Bad' boot plan marching on Some Chicago cops hired despite arrests, rejections Colleges want students to help ID troubled students CTA to cut 80 administrative employees Shedd Aquarium moves 7 whales to Conn. $66 million in the hole, CTA to announce cuts Woman meets donor who saved her life United Airlines shares plunge on erroneous bankruptcy report One dead, one injured in SW Side hit and run The Fixer: Here's how you can help me help you S. Side fire destroys meat market, vacant building Chicagoan 'spiritually in tune' with youth

STNG Video View more local videos Chicago 24/7 Crime One dead, one injured in SW Side hit and run Man shot in pinkie on North Side Man slain at New Lenox Township business S. Side fire destroys meat market, vacant building Wheaton hostage suspect shot himself in head Two wounded in South Side drive-by Altercation leads to South Side homicide Education Colleges want students to help ID troubled students 'A low-grade fear' hangs over NIU

Sports Forte, defense turn it on as Bears shock Colts 29-13 The victory before a national-television audience served notice that the Bears are over their Super Bowl hangover. "This is the way you want to start off your season," coach Lovie Smith said.

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 State Supreme Court Justice calls Cardinal George dishonest in new book Why did God allow another Gulf disaster? Horoscopes Holiday Mathis horoscopes for September 8 Georgia Nicols horoscopes for September 8

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.

Photos: Video Music Awards 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
Books 'The Tragic Wives' of Drew Peterson Chicago Lit: 'Travel Writing' by Evanston author Peter Ferry Review: 'The Elegance of the Hedgehog' by Muriel Barbery Classical Lyric night starts with one star, ends with three 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 Federal government takes 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.

Candidates discuss stabilizing Fannie, Freddie Feds may soon back Fannie, Freddie
United Airlines shares plunge on erroneous bankruptcy report An economic scorecard for Obama, McCain Angel investors brought together Alberto-Culver purchases Noxema brand