Mother's time with her heroes not long enough
Donna Perchatsch sat in her Naperville home Thursday afternoon, surrounded by an uneasy quiet and stillness. Under different circumstances, the mother of two teenagers and a 20-year-old son might have relished the tranquility of an empty house. "I'm not quite sure what to do with myself," Perchatsch explained. "It's just a very quiet feeling of being alone."
Donna Perchatsch sat in her Naperville home Thursday afternoon, surrounded by an uneasy quiet and stillness. Under different circumstances, the mother of two teenagers and a 20-year-old son might have relished the tranquility of an empty house. "I'm not quite sure what to do with myself," Perchatsch explained. "It's just a very quiet feeling of being alone."
Rezko jurors: 'We were here to represent the people'
On the first day the 12 jurors in Tony Rezko's corruption trial sat down to deliberate, they were split nearly evenly between those who thought he was guilty and those who thought him innocent, juror Randall Franz recalled.
On the first day the 12 jurors in Tony Rezko's corruption trial sat down to deliberate, they were split nearly evenly between those who thought he was guilty and those who thought him innocent, juror Randall Franz recalled.
Sun-Times exclusive: Pfleger opens his heart, soul
Cathleen Falsani: On Sunday morning, I was enjoying a brisk walk along the Hudson River in lower Manhattan and some quiet contemplation when my cell phone rang. It was my editor. "Mike just called, and he wants to talk, but he'll only talk to you," he said.
Cathleen Falsani: On Sunday morning, I was enjoying a brisk walk along the Hudson River in lower Manhattan and some quiet contemplation when my cell phone rang. It was my editor. "Mike just called, and he wants to talk, but he'll only talk to you," he said.
One plan to fix state's debt: Get workers to give back
Business and taxpayer groups, anxious that the state has made little headway in reducing more than $90 billion in unfunded debt, are pressing Gov. Blagojevich to extract concessions from union workers on pension benefits and health care. The organizations sent a letter to the governor saying negotiations with state government's major unions provide the opportunity to scale back pension increases and order new employer contributions for health insurance. They also said Blagojevich needs to move quickly to reduce the state's pension gap, estimated at $44 billion beyond what it can pay.
Business and taxpayer groups, anxious that the state has made little headway in reducing more than $90 billion in unfunded debt, are pressing Gov. Blagojevich to extract concessions from union workers on pension benefits and health care. The organizations sent a letter to the governor saying negotiations with state government's major unions provide the opportunity to scale back pension increases and order new employer contributions for health insurance. They also said Blagojevich needs to move quickly to reduce the state's pension gap, estimated at $44 billion beyond what it can pay.
Sun-Times critic DeRogatis ordered to take the stand
Sun-Times music critic Jim DeRogatis must testify for the defense in R. Kelly's child porn trial, a judge ruled Friday. In a ruling that legal experts say could have wide-ranging implications for the freedom of the press, Judge Vincent Gaughan said DeRogatis has no constitutional protection or "reporter's privilege" against testifying.
Sun-Times music critic Jim DeRogatis must testify for the defense in R. Kelly's child porn trial, a judge ruled Friday. In a ruling that legal experts say could have wide-ranging implications for the freedom of the press, Judge Vincent Gaughan said DeRogatis has no constitutional protection or "reporter's privilege" against testifying.
House passes anti-"pay to play" bill
In an undeniable shot at Gov. Blagojevich, the Illinois House voted today to ban certain "pay-to-play" contributions from contractors seeking lucrative state deals in a move that now puts the legislation on the governor's desk.
In an undeniable shot at Gov. Blagojevich, the Illinois House voted today to ban certain "pay-to-play" contributions from contractors seeking lucrative state deals in a move that now puts the legislation on the governor's desk.
Priest caught ranting about Hillary at Obama's church
Lynn Sweet: The Rev. Michael Pfleger mocked Sen. Hillary Clinton from the pulpit of Trinity United Church of Christ -- earning him a reprimand Thursday from Sen. Barack Obama as his comments threaten to resurrect the politically radioactive Rev. Jeremiah Wright as a campaign issue.
Lynn Sweet: The Rev. Michael Pfleger mocked Sen. Hillary Clinton from the pulpit of Trinity United Church of Christ -- earning him a reprimand Thursday from Sen. Barack Obama as his comments threaten to resurrect the politically radioactive Rev. Jeremiah Wright as a campaign issue.
Federal agents raid Dugan ranch
Federal agents early this morning raided a Maryland buffalo ranch and hunting store owned by prominent Chicago-area labor leader William E. Dugan in connection with a wide-ranging criminal probe.
CTA operator error suspected in derailment
Aaron Hampton said he was sure his Green Line train would tumble off the tracks into the alley below, and he had to struggle to keep from panicking. "I couldn't get my breath," said Hampton, 23, whose asthma flared up after the train derailed in the Washington Park neighborhood Wednesday morning.
Aaron Hampton said he was sure his Green Line train would tumble off the tracks into the alley below, and he had to struggle to keep from panicking. "I couldn't get my breath," said Hampton, 23, whose asthma flared up after the train derailed in the Washington Park neighborhood Wednesday morning.
Ex-Gov. to Bush: Let Ryan go
The highest court in the land refused to hear his plea. Now only one person can help George Ryan: President Bush. After the U.S. Supreme Court turned down the disgraced former governor's request for an appeal, Ryan's lawyer -- former Gov. Jim Thompson -- said he would ask Bush to commute Ryan's 6½-year prison sentence.
The highest court in the land refused to hear his plea. Now only one person can help George Ryan: President Bush. After the U.S. Supreme Court turned down the disgraced former governor's request for an appeal, Ryan's lawyer -- former Gov. Jim Thompson -- said he would ask Bush to commute Ryan's 6½-year prison sentence.
Decibel point: Does L pose risk to hearing?
It's the background music of Chicago life -- the rattle and roar of the L. Conversation pauses, dogs bark, little children cover their ears as the train rolls by. On the train, riders turn up their iPods to drown it out. Most Chicagoans accept the clatter as a cost of urban living -- some even like it.
It's the background music of Chicago life -- the rattle and roar of the L. Conversation pauses, dogs bark, little children cover their ears as the train rolls by. On the train, riders turn up their iPods to drown it out. Most Chicagoans accept the clatter as a cost of urban living -- some even like it.
Pals being flown to D.C. to visit WWII Memorial
Through more than 75 years of friendship, 84-year-old Gordon Smith and 83-year-old Edward Lancioni have shared many experiences. The men grew up three blocks from each other in Winnetka. They graduated from New Trier High School together in 1942 and were immediately drafted into the armed services.
Through more than 75 years of friendship, 84-year-old Gordon Smith and 83-year-old Edward Lancioni have shared many experiences. The men grew up three blocks from each other in Winnetka. They graduated from New Trier High School together in 1942 and were immediately drafted into the armed services.
Arson letter aimed at Daley's late son
Sun-Times Exclusive: A vicious rant about Mayor Daley's dead son was included in a letter that threatened to torch the mayor's Michigan summer home in retaliation for the Chicago Police killing of a wild cougar, sources said Thursday.
Sun-Times Exclusive: A vicious rant about Mayor Daley's dead son was included in a letter that threatened to torch the mayor's Michigan summer home in retaliation for the Chicago Police killing of a wild cougar, sources said Thursday.
Amputee's stolen van replaced by free SUV
Wensdae Williams is tired of crying. But she couldn't stop the tears Wednesday at her first glimpse of the sparkling Jeep Grand Cherokee. The used SUV is a gift from the owner of a car dealership who was moved by a Chicago Sun-Times story about the theft of Williams' van from her handicapped parking space. "I can't get the smile off my face," said Williams, her voice breaking.
Wensdae Williams is tired of crying. But she couldn't stop the tears Wednesday at her first glimpse of the sparkling Jeep Grand Cherokee. The used SUV is a gift from the owner of a car dealership who was moved by a Chicago Sun-Times story about the theft of Williams' van from her handicapped parking space. "I can't get the smile off my face," said Williams, her voice breaking.
Obama: 'Lay off my wife'
Lynn Sweet: After wife Michelle was attacked last week in a video produced by the Tennessee GOP, Sen. Barack Obama sent a warning to the troublemakers on Monday to "lay off my wife." No matter the outcome of the presidential election, the contest has served to permanently vault Michelle Obama from relative obscurity to fame.
Lynn Sweet: After wife Michelle was attacked last week in a video produced by the Tennessee GOP, Sen. Barack Obama sent a warning to the troublemakers on Monday to "lay off my wife." No matter the outcome of the presidential election, the contest has served to permanently vault Michelle Obama from relative obscurity to fame.
Ex-cons on Stroger's payroll
Both have criminal records and both are brothers of state legislators. Now, both have been personally hired by Cook County Board President Todd Stroger. James D'Amico is the county's new $127,000-a-year director of facilities management, responsible for the upkeep of county buildings. Myron Colvin is a $56,609-a-year grant writer in the county's scandal-plagued job training program known as POET.
Both have criminal records and both are brothers of state legislators. Now, both have been personally hired by Cook County Board President Todd Stroger. James D'Amico is the county's new $127,000-a-year director of facilities management, responsible for the upkeep of county buildings. Myron Colvin is a $56,609-a-year grant writer in the county's scandal-plagued job training program known as POET.
Daley aim of cougar arson
The letter to Mayor Daley was blunt, "very personal and vicious" -- and singled out the mayor's wife, Maggie, and their children. The writer was furious about the slaying of a wild, roaming cougar in Roscoe Village on April 14, and threatened to torch the mayor's home. On April 24, two days after the unsigned letter arrived, its writer -- or an associate -- is suspected of setting a fire on the grassy dunes near Daley's summer home in scenic Grand Beach, Mich., sources said.
The letter to Mayor Daley was blunt, "very personal and vicious" -- and singled out the mayor's wife, Maggie, and their children. The writer was furious about the slaying of a wild, roaming cougar in Roscoe Village on April 14, and threatened to torch the mayor's home. On April 24, two days after the unsigned letter arrived, its writer -- or an associate -- is suspected of setting a fire on the grassy dunes near Daley's summer home in scenic Grand Beach, Mich., sources said.
Sandi Jackson might run for Congress too
Michael Sneed: Sneed hears ailing U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush, who's battling cancer, is being urged to resign so a successor would be in place before the November election. The stunner: Sneed hears rumbles Ald. Sandi Jackson is on the short list and could make history by becoming, along with her husband -- U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. -- the first couple in Illinois to represent separate districts.
Michael Sneed: Sneed hears ailing U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush, who's battling cancer, is being urged to resign so a successor would be in place before the November election. The stunner: Sneed hears rumbles Ald. Sandi Jackson is on the short list and could make history by becoming, along with her husband -- U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. -- the first couple in Illinois to represent separate districts.
Mammograms are not enough for many women
Combining a mammogram with an ultrasound exam is more effective than mammography alone at detecting breast cancer in women at high risk for the disease, according to a study published in today's Journal of the American Medical Association. But there's also a significant chance of false positives with ultrasounds, researchers found, which could lead to unnecessary biospies.
Combining a mammogram with an ultrasound exam is more effective than mammography alone at detecting breast cancer in women at high risk for the disease, according to a study published in today's Journal of the American Medical Association. But there's also a significant chance of false positives with ultrasounds, researchers found, which could lead to unnecessary biospies.
Zell no to bid for Wrigley
Tribune Co. Chairman Sam Zell has rejected former Gov. James Thompson's secret plan to acquire and renovate Wrigley Field for at least $400 million without raising taxes and now plans to package the Cubs and their landmark stadium in a private transaction, sources said Monday.
Tribune Co. Chairman Sam Zell has rejected former Gov. James Thompson's secret plan to acquire and renovate Wrigley Field for at least $400 million without raising taxes and now plans to package the Cubs and their landmark stadium in a private transaction, sources said Monday.
Best and worst of the 'L'
The CTA has been asking riders to be "Mystery Shoppers" and tell the transit agency what it's doing well -- and not. To do our part, The Ride rode the entire length of the CTA rail system -- 242 miles of L and subway track. Here are 10 "bests" and "worsts" that stood out.
The CTA has been asking riders to be "Mystery Shoppers" and tell the transit agency what it's doing well -- and not. To do our part, The Ride rode the entire length of the CTA rail system -- 242 miles of L and subway track. Here are 10 "bests" and "worsts" that stood out.
Chicago's dangerous intersections
At her Northwest Side diner, Carol Burkett sees the walking wounded from crashes at one of the city's worst intersections -- Irving Park and Pulaski roads. There were 46 crashes there in 2006 -- the latest figures available.
At her Northwest Side diner, Carol Burkett sees the walking wounded from crashes at one of the city's worst intersections -- Irving Park and Pulaski roads. There were 46 crashes there in 2006 -- the latest figures available.
Judge rejects defense demand for delay so Kelly's trial must go on -- finally
The judge in the R. Kelly child pornography case brushed off defense lawyers' request Friday to delay the trial because of stories in the Chicago Sun-Times.
The judge in the R. Kelly child pornography case brushed off defense lawyers' request Friday to delay the trial because of stories in the Chicago Sun-Times.
