Latest Chicago Headlines

Must be that mile-high air ...

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:14:43 -0500

It must be the unity theme in Denver or maybe the Mile High air. But whatever the case, a lovefest consumed the Illinois Democratic delegation. First, Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. hugged State Sen. Debbie Halvorson. Then, he wheeled around to be caught in a bear hug from Mayor Daley that left the congressman in tears. Then, the earth stopped. House Speaker Michael Madigan and Gov. Blagojevich hugged.

Not your father's Trib(une)

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:14:03 -0500

Editor&Pubiisher reported on a leaked, radical redesign of the Chicago Tribune. The Tribune is among Tribune Co. media properties order to develop prototypes and implement other cost-cutting measures in wake of an advertising downturn.

PETA Buys Shares of DeVry

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:08:08 -0500

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals bought 65 shares of Chicago-based DeVry University last week, part of a plan to escalate its campaign against the technical school's veterinary program.

PETA plans to show up at DeVry's November 13 shareholders meeting to stage a protest and appeal to the board. According to the animal welfare organization, the St. Kitts-based Ross University veterinary school requires their students to operate on healthy animals.

PETA charges that "healthy dogs have their stomachs, intestines and urinary bladders needlessly cut open. Sheep have tissue removed and suffer from infected wounds because skin flaps are improperly sutured.

Read the Windy Citizen's story on Ross University: Dying to learn: Veterinary student suing Chicago-based DeVry over terminal surgeries.

Michelle Obama celebrates Chicago roots

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:39:10 -0500

It was about family. And Chicago.

The first day of the Democratic National Convention on Monday featured Michelle Obama talking about her family and saying "That is why I love this country."

It was obviously designed as an answer to Republicans who have tried to portray her as unpatriotic, quoting a line in a speech in which Michelle Obama said her husband's run for the president was "the first time" she could be proud of her country.

But Monday was also orchestrated to show the softer side of the South Side woman who could become the nation's first African-American first lady.

Rock Star Status? Illinois Delegates Enjoying DNC Setup

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:34:21 -0500

The Illinois delegates are enjoying the best seats in the house at the Democratic National Convention this week.

Yesterday night, they watched their hometown politicians take center stage at the Pepsi Center in Denver.

Shootout kills bank robbery suspect, and Skokie cop is saved by bulletproof vest

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:11:55 -0500

A quiet block of large homes in north suburban Lincolnwood was the scene of a shootout Monday afternoon when a Skokie police officer pulled over a car driven by a bank robbery suspect and they exchanged shots before the suspect was fatally wounded, police said.

The officer, whom Skokie police did not identify, escaped injury when his bulletproof vest repelled a shot fired at him, according to an official at St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, where the officer was treated and released.

The suspect also was taken to St. Francis and later died. He was identified as Rodney Moore, 34, of Merrillville, Ind., a spokesman for the Cook County medical examiner's office said.

It all started around 4:50 p.m. when a black male wearing a blue-and-white bandanna held up a Fifth Third bank at 240 Skokie Blvd. in Northbrook, said Skokie Police Officer Frederick W. Brehmer. A Skokie officer spotted a white car with a license plate matching the description of the suspect's vehicle on the Edens Expressway, he said.

Chicago 2016 gains momentum

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:39:49 -0500

As the 2008 Beijing Olympics fade into memory, it appears as if Chicago is the current front-runner for the 2016 bid over Rio, Madrid, and Tokyo thanks, in part, to a low-key approach.

One unnamed IOC source told the Tribune, "It's Chicago's to lose ... If they don't muck it up, they should win."

Chicago 2016 spokesman Patrick Sandusky tried to downplay Chicago as a favorite, saying, "We think it's still far too early in this race to identify any city as the front-runner, with four world-class cities in the race, all with compelling campaigns."

The final vote for the 2016 Olympics will occur on October 2, 2009.

Biden has deep ties to Rezko accomplice

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:27:51 -0500

No matter what help Barack Obama might get from Sen. Joseph Biden, his newly named vice presidential running mate won't give Obama much cover on the Tony Rezko front.

Biden has described himself as a 30-year friend of a key figure in the Rezko trial who's pleaded guilty to a federal extortion charge in Chicago and is awaiting sentencing.

When the Delaware senator began contemplating his own 2008 presidential run, he initially was helped by Chicago lawyer Joseph Cari Jr., who also served as Biden's Midwest field director in his failed 1988 bid for president.

In 2005, Cari admitted to taking part in an $850,000 kickback scheme that prosecutors say was part of a larger political fund-raising operation for Gov. Blagojevich overseen by Rezko, who was convicted in June of wide-ranging corruption involving state deals.

Sour economy could prompt CTA fare hike

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:05:39 -0500

With real estate transactions and sales tax revenues both down this year, and fuel costs way over budget, the CTA will have to seriously consider a fare increase for next year.

The Sun-Times reports that the CTA is expecting to get just half of the expected $100 million in revenue from the real estate transfer tax increase. Also, revenues from the sales tax hike in the six-county area is about 9% lower than expected.

Throw in the fact that high fuel bills could put the CTA budget $25 million in the red, plus the $40 million price tag on free rides for seniors and low-income disabled, and we're looking at a big budget deficit.

The last fare increase in 2006 raised the cash fare to $2. Be prepared next year to pay $2 on your Chicago Card and $2.25 in cash.

Sox-fan Obama jokes that Cubs fans aren't serious

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:54:00 -0500

We all knew Barack Obama is a White Sox fan, but the presumed Democratic presidential nominee took it a bit further in an interview with ESPN.

Obama joked about the stereotype of Cubs fans, who probably are tired of being described as partying people-watchers instead of serious baseball fans.

"You go to Wrigley Field, you have a beer, beautiful people up there," Obama said, according to transcripts released by ESPN. "People aren't watching the game. It's not serious. White Sox, that's baseball."

The interview, which took place Wednesday in Greensboro, N.C., will be aired on SportsCenter tonight at 5.