A still and box alarm and an EMS Plan 1 was called about 9:30 p.m. for a report of smoke in the subway, Fire Media Affairs spokesman Joe Roccasalva said. Ten minutes later, the alarm and EMS Plan 1 was called off when smoke was not found.

Red Line trains in both directions were temporarily rerouted to elevated tracks about 9:30 p.m., but normal service was restored with “residual delays” as of about 9:50 p.m., according to CTA alerts

An EMS Plan 1 sends five ambulances to the scene.

© Sun-Times Media Wire Chicago Sun-Times 2012. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Derek Thompson added 10 points for the Eagles (12-16, 7-6), the Mid-American West Division leaders, who snapped a two-game slide. Lampley also had team highs of five assists and three steals.

Tony Nixon and Abdel Nader scored 10 points apiece for the Huskies (3-23, 2-11), who dropped their fourth in a row and fell to 0-12 on the road. Nadel’s seven rebounds led Northern Illinois to a 42-28 edge on the boards.

After a 22-22 halftime tie, the Huskies started the second half with a 14-2 surge. But with the score 39-26, Eastern Michigan reeled off the next 15 points, holding Northern Illinois scoreless for 9:06.

The Eagles swept the season series, having won 47-40 on Jan. 7 in DeKalb.

(© 2012 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.)

The lids are being stolen by the hundreds and sold for scrap.

CBS 2′s Dave Savini investigates the problem and a weapon some communities are using to catch the thieves.

Recently, five tons of sewer grates, paid for with tax dollars, were stolen from neighborhoods in Will, DuPage, and Kane counties, including Linda Klika’s in Joliet. She said she witnessed a van pull up and make off with sewer grates.

“They pulled up over there,” said Klika pointing down the street. “Real fast — they took them and then they took off.”

It takes 10 seconds to grab a grate, or manhole cover, and get away. In Joliet, scrap metal thieves ripped off so many sewer grates, the city actually ran out of them. Warning cones were placed alongside the open holes, which does not satisfy residents like Justin Hurley.

“Small kid could fall in there easily,” said Hurley about the lack of a sewer grate. “That’d be devastating.”

It could cost as much as $15,000 to replace recently stolen grates.

“It’s pretty sad that somebody would stoop to this and go this low just to try to make a buck,” said Hurley.

In Chicago, more than 300 missing covers worth more than $20,000, had to be replaced in the past two years.

Metal recyclers pay about seven dollars a grate or manhole cover. The five-ton load recovered would be worth about a thousand dollars to thieves.

There have been arrests for this crime, but the problem is not going away, in part, because the scrap metal business is booming. At metal recycling facilities, you see shopping carts full of items, truckloads too. Nobody knows where this stuff came from before ending up in the recycle pile.

There is a new push to crackdown on scrappers and recyclers. Aurora Police are taking the lead, especially after having more than a 81 grates stolen recently.

Aurora Police Lt. Pete Inda says these thefts are putting the public in danger, “Cars can hit them. Children can fall into them.”

In fact, in one neighborhood, a person who reported a sewer grate missing says he almost fell in it when he was cutting his grass.

Metal recyclers in Aurora have to record what metal is sold to them and who sold it. The information goes into a police database.

“Then we can access all that data and find out where items have been scrapped and junked,” says Inda.

It is called LeadsOnline Metal Thefts Investigations System. Only four Illinois police departments use this system: Aurora, Elgin, Melrose Park, Franklin Park, Crystal Lake and Rockford. Joliet Police Chief Michael Trafton, whose department uncovered the five-ton load, wants an ordinance so they also can force recyclers to report.

“There’s no reason for us not to have this ordinance in the city and we’re going to get it,” said Trafton.

“I mean it’s sad,” said Justin Hurley. “I mean what’s next?”

“Next they’ll be taking the garage doors off,” said Linda Klika

The Leadsonline database is used statewide by police departments in Arkansas, Arizona and Mississippi.

Darrin Hanna’s family has sued the city of North Chicago, claiming six officers beat him and repeatedly shocked him with a stun gun when they arrested him over a domestic dispute. Their suit claims officers beat and shocked him for 20 minutes, even though he did not resist arrest.

As part of their lawsuit, attorneys commissioned an independent autopsy to prove their claims that Hanna died as a result of police brutality.

On Wednesday, they shared those autopsy results with CBS 2’s Kristyn Hartman.

“As it relates to the death it’s very clear. I mean, there is no question that the physical beating by these police officers caused Darrin Hanna’s death,” said attorney Kevin O’Connor. “If the city is looking for the smoking gun, it’s certainly one of many rounds of ammunition they can have in order to take further action against these officers.”

Attorneys said Hanna was beaten and shocked with a stun gun at the hands of North Chicago police officers. Pictures from his hospital bed show severe swelling from his injuries.

The report released Wednesday details some of his injuries, including multiple external contusions and acute spleen damage. It also mentions Hanna’s sickle cell disease.

“The trauma related to the beating caused that event to become triggered. It’s commonly known that sickle cell can be brought on by trauma, and as a result of the trauma, he had multi-system organ failure and died,” O’Connor said.

Hanna family attorneys said they hope the findings they sought on their own put their call for justice on a fast track.

“The goal here is to root out these bad officers, to change this department, to change the supervision over the department,” O’Connor said.

It’s been months since the officers in question responded to the domestic dispute that resulted in the encounter with Hanna.

Illinois State Police have been handling the investigation, but have not announced any findings.

North Chicago’s city attorney said they need to be fair and thorough in their handling of the case, but he also said, during the investigation, six of their cops are on desk duty, straining the department.

“This is causing a great deal of consternation in the community. People are upset. The mayor wants answers. We all want answers,” attorney Chuck Smith said.

But Hanna’s family is tired of hearing the case is under investigation.

One reason they’re turning their autopsy over to the state’s attorney, attorney Muriel Collison said, is “the coroner hasn’t released a report. The coroner’s supposed to be doing an independent investigation. He won’t return the family’s calls, he won’t return our calls, he won’t return anybody’s calls.”

She said they’ve been told the coroner’s report was completed weeks ago, but the coroner’s office is refusing to turn it over.

The Lake County Coroner’s office did not respond to CBS 2’s calls for comment, either. Illinois State Police said their investigation should be wrapping up soon.

Hanna family attorneys said they believe if North Chicago police officers had been properly disciplined for previous allegations of excessive force, Hanna would still be alive today.

The former mayor spoke publicly for the first time about his wife’s death and his life after running the city, during a reception at his law firm.

As CBS 2’s Dana Kozlov reports, Daley even said he misses the media.

“I missed you,” Daley said with his familiar laughter.

Now a private citizen, Daley is apparently happy to be out of public office, at least most of the time.

“The thing that I miss the most is Saturdays, because this is the day that you miss Chicagoans that are not on TV, and not in the newspaper; that do wonderful things for Chicago, that stand out in so many different ways in each community,” Daley said.

Daley spoke to reporters after announcing a new law office in Shanghai for Katten Muchin Rosenman, the law firm where he is now of counsel.

That link to Shanghai isn’t surprising, considering Daley traveled to China several times as mayor. He frequently took international trips to observe innovations in other major cities, often with Maggie, his wife of 41 years, by his side.

Maggie died last thanksgiving, just a week after their youngest daughter’s wedding.

“I had a wonderful marriage, a wonderful life, and you have good memories. Memories are important,” Daley said.

The former mayor said his kids have helped support him since Maggie’s death.

Keeping himself on schedule? Well, that’s another matter.

“Everything was organized. You know, vacations and all that,” Daley said. “So, now it’s like, I’m … what do you do? You know, how do you organize Friday, Saturday and Sunday? Things like that. But it happens to a lot of people in life, so it’s not just me.”

What Daley didn’t want to talk about was his successor, Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

“My theory is that, he is the mayor and I’m not … I don’t oversee or anything. I don’t question him. I don’t have any interviews about him. He’s doing a great job and that’s it,” Daley said.

Being mayor was a job Daley said he was ready to give up almost a year before announcing he wasn’t running for an unprecedented seventh term. He said he didn’t want anyone to think he wasn’t giving the job his full attention.

Does he resent the on-the-job scrutiny he faced?

“I enjoyed it. I liked the relationship. But, you know, I always believed that nothing was ever personal,” Daley said.

In fact, the former mayor once said “I get scrutined every day.” He might not have had the wording right, but he faced criticism as mayor every day, for things like no-bid contracts and questionable city deals.

History will decide his legacy.

In the meantime, Daley sits on the board of Coca-Cola, chairs J.P. Morgan Chase’s global cities initiative, and lectures at the University of Chicago; he’s anything but bored after retiring as mayor.

A developing storm system is expected to move into northern Illinois Thursday evening, first bringing rain that will quickly turn into wet snow that “may become heavy at times,” falling as fast as an inch per hour Thursday night, according to the National Weather Service website.

The storm watch was issued for McHenry, Lake, Kane, DuPage, Cook, Kendall, Will and Grundy counties in Illinois and Lake and Porter counties in northwest Indiana, and will be in effect from Thursday evening to early Friday, the NWS said. However, snow showers could linger through midday Friday, especially in northwest Indiana.

The heavy snowfall may make for poor driving conditions Thursday night as the slushy snow could accumulate quickly and leave roads slick, the NWS said. Strong winds may also blow the wet snow up onto cars, reducing visibility for drivers.

Temperatures are expected to hit a high near 37 Thursday with a low around 31, and will climb back up to around 36 Friday, with cloudy skies sticking around through Friday, according to the NWS. Saturday will be mostly sunny with a high near 34.

© Sun-Times Media Wire Chicago Sun-Times 2012. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Joakim Noah had 13 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists for the first triple-double by a Chicago center in roughly 35 years, and the Bulls simply ran away with this one. The Central Division leaders built an 11-point halftime lead and broke it open in the third quarter, a nice send-off for the All-Star break.

Ronnie Brewer scored 15 points as all five Bulls starters scored in double figures. Reserves Kyle Korver (11 points) and Taj Gibson (nine points, 10 rebounds) provided a spark as Chicago handed Milwaukee its sixth loss in seven games.

Brandon Jennings scored 20 points to lead the Bucks, who never really had a chance in this one with Chicago shooting 54.4 percent from the field and dominating on the glass with a 49-29 rebounding edge.

Boozer hit 9 of his 12 shots.

Rose looked sharp again after saying the lower back pain that caused him to miss five recent games is gone. He put up a 23-point effort against Atlanta on Monday with another strong showing.

And then there was Noah. How good was he? Consider this: Not since Artis Gilmore had 35 points, 15 rebounds and 11 blocks against Atlanta on Dec. 20, 1977, had a Bulls center delivered a triple-double.

Noah fired up the crowd twice in the final minute of the third quarter.

First, he dunked on Beno Udrih for a three-point play. Then, after two free throws by Jennings, he buried a corner jumper with about a second left to make it 93-75, sending a roar through the arena.

Notes: The Bulls have won seven straight against Milwaukee. … Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said veteran G Richard Hamilton “is doing a lot more” and is “taking on contact now,” but his return date remains up in the air. Hamilton has been limited to 11 games this season because of thigh and groin problems. … Backup PG C.J. Watson missed his second straight game because of a mild concussion. … Milwaukee’s Stephen Jackson did not travel with the team because of a sore right hamstring, and Drew Gooden missed his fourth straight game because of a sprained right wrist.

(© 2012 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.)

Top Democrats praised the governor for laying out a strong message about the need for spending cuts, pension reform and Medicaid reform, while top Republicans said the governor’s speech showed a lack of leadership for not detailing how to achieve those goals.

But Quinn also had his critics in some Democratic lawmakers and supporters from the other side of the aisle after presenting a budget plan he said “contains truths that may not be what you want to hear.”

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio’s Alex Degman reports

“We know it’s bad; he doesn’t have to tell us that,” said State Rep. Brandon Phelps (D-Harrisburg), upset that he learned only Tuesday afternoon of Quinn’s plans to close the supermax prison at Tamms. Phelps says he thinks it’s a bluff: “I think none of it’s going to happen,” he said. “Hopefully, I’m right on that.”

A Southern Illinois Republican agrees. “I don’t believe you save money when you close a facility like Tamms that’s brand new,” said State Rep. Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro), “especially when you have gotten rid of the death penalty in the state of Illinois. (Tamms) is actually one of the controlling factors that we have with our worst, hardened criminals.”

Tamms was just of dozens of state facilities the governor targeted for foreclosure, including mental health centers, halfway houses, Human Services sites, and others.

“Money doesn’t grow on trees, and he finally seems to have gotten that point,” said State Rep. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet), contrasting Wednesday’s budget speech with Quinn’s State of the State message earlier in the month.

“Three weeks ago, he was talking about having bullet trains and no school buses … with $500 million in increased spending. This is a much more sober, somber speech,” Rose said.

State Sen. Bill Brady (R-Bloomington), who lost to Quinn in the 2010 election for governor, showed no pretense of being charitable.

“Frankly, a junior in high school could have given this speech,” he said.

House Minority Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego) said the governor didn’t lay out many specifics, instead opting to defer pension and Medicaid restructuring to work groups.

“He’s the governor. He’s the leader,” Cross says. “Are you for having employees pay a little more? Are you for cost shifting? Are you for addressing a [cost of living adjustment] issue? He says they’re all on the table but what does he want? This is not new stuff.”

The governor outlined a lot of cuts in his budget address, but also proposed new spending in early childhood education and beefing up the Monetary Award Program (MAP) that provides state grants to needy college students.

Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) said, while these are noble goals, there’s no way Republicans will vote to approve the spending increases.

“We cannot increase spending. Period, the end,” she said. “Those things ought to be off the table. We need to focus on the big issues at hand. Once those are solved, we can look at other things that need to be done within state government.”

Top Democrats, predictably, had the opposite view. Both House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) and Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) say the governor laid out a strong message with the underlying theme that serious cuts and reforms must happen this year.

“I think he gave a good speech,” says Madigan. “He delivered a good, tough message. These are tough times and it’s going to require tough leadership.”

Scott Martin added 15 points and Jack Cooley and Eric Atkins had 13 each for the Irish, who shot 61 percent. They outscored the Mountaineers 41-16 in the second half after leading by just two points at the break.

The Irish (20-8, 12-3 Big East) have not lost since Jan. 16 at Rutgers and are 15-1 at the Purcell Pavilion. It’s the first time in program history Notre Dame has won nine straight Big East games.

The Mountaineers (17-11, 7-8) have lost six of their last eight. Kevin Jones had 15 points for West Virginia, which shot just 31.5 percent and made only 6 of 27 field goal attempts after halftime.

(© 2012 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited.)

Chicago Fire Soccer LLC entered into a licensing agreement on Sept. 23, 2009, with Chicago Fire Juniors Inc. for use of its trademarks, names, logos, mascots and symbols, according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday in Cook County Circuit Court.

CFJI agreed to pay the Fire $50 for every player on a CFJI team annually, excluding players placed on more than 50 percent scholarship, the suit said. More than 6,000 players are involved in the leagues in five states, according to a Wednesday statement from the Fire.

The suit claims CFJI failed to pay $35,950 that is due under the agreement. That amount represents 704 “full players” at $50 each and 75 “partial players” at $10 each.

The youth league also failed to get written approval and consent from the Fire or Major League Soccer to use the Fire logo on merchandise it sold or distributed, the suit claims. CFJI failed to submit reports on performance and assessment of players.

“The Chicago Fire Soccer Club has grown its Player Development program from 400 youths to over 6,000 across five states in just four years,” the team statement said. “The Chicago Fire continue to invest in its Player Development Program to grow youth soccer in Chicagoland and across multiple states.

“As part of this measure the club is standardizing practices and centralizing its Academy and Juniors programs out of Toyota Park to provide youth soccer players greater access to a professional environment. The club continues to work with its affiliates to make sure that each affiliate club is in accordance with Chicago Fire Soccer Club standards,” the statement said.

But according to the suit, the youth league didn’t amend its bylaws to specify that at least one board position be a designee of the Fire, and didn’t develop a plan to coordinate functions, operations and ownership as required in the agreement.

Mike Jeffries of the Fire emailed CFJI President Joe Fuster on Oct. 7, 2011, and explained the youth league was in breach of contract, the suit said. Jeffries also emailed Fuster on Nov. 4, 2011, to stress the Fire’s desire to resolve the issues.

The Fire notified CFJI in writing on Nov. 22, 2011, of its intent to terminate the licensing agreement due to CFJI’s failure to pay and the resulting breach of agreement, the suit said.

The agreement stated that if CFJI was in default, the Fire has the option to terminate the agreement effective 30 days after written notice, the suit said. The 30-day period lapsed on Dec. 22, 2011, without CFJI making payment or resolving the contract issues.

On Dec. 30, 2011, the Fire terminated the licensing agreement, the suit said. The Fire sent a cease and desist letter to CFJI demanding it stop unauthorized use of Fire trademarks, but the league continues to use them on its website and representations to the public, the suit claims.

The three-count suit claims breach of contract and seeks an injunction stopping CFJI from using Fire trademarks or stating any connection with the MLS team. It also seeks $35,950, attorney fees and court costs.

A Chicago Fire Juniors spokesman declined to comment on the suit.

© Sun-Times Media Wire Chicago Sun-Times 2012. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

The fight broke out between two students about 11:49 a.m. in a hallway at Evanston Township High School, according to Evanston police.

Additional students got involved in the fight, which occurred just outside of the main office area, according to the parent of a high school student, who said parents received recorded phone messages about the incident.

School security initially responded, but Evanston police were also called in the, according to a statement on the Evanston Township High School District 202 website, which said the fight “was quickly contained” after police arrived.

A police spokesman said all the participants were boys.

Several of them were arrested and have also been suspended from school, the school district statement said. The school will take further disciplinary action “as warranted.”

School officials said the fight is believed to have stemmed from an incident away from school over the weekend.

A school security officer suffered minor injuries to his arm, and was treated and released at a hospital, Evanston Police Cmdr. Tom Guenther said.

He said no weapons were used and none of the students were injured.

Charges against the seven arrested students are pending, Guenther said.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2012. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

Police were watching a house in the 5900 block of South Lowe Street on Tuesday when they saw someone place a “visibly large” amount of marijuana and crack cocaine into a vehicle and drive away, according to police News Affairs.

The officers pulled the vehicle over and found a “significant stash” of crack and marijuana, valued at more than $10,000, a release from police said. The vehicle’s two occupants were also carrying nearly $3,000 in cash. Further investigation led officers to more than 2,100 pounds of marijuana with a street value of nearly $6 million.

Police also found more than $6,300 cash and 64 grams of crack cocaine with a street value of about $7,800, the release said.

Charged were:

— Gregory Wright, 28, of the 5900 block of South Emerald, one misdemeanor count of possession of cannabis;

— Keith Mackmore, 39, of the 2000 block of West 68th, one felony count of possession of cocaine and one felony count of possession of cannabis;

— Atef M. Dissi, 27, of the 4500 block of West 77th Place, one felony count of manufacture and delivery of cannabis, and one misdemeanor count of criminal trespass to vehicles; and

— Nika P. Hines, 27, of the 8000 block of South Ada, one felony count of trafficking cannabis and a traffic violation.

© Sun-Times Media Wire Chicago Sun-Times 2012. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

The Board of Education voted Wednesday to end a sick-day policy for non-union employees that cost the system about $15 million a year. Union employees were not affected by the vote.

CBS 2′s Dave Savini first exposed the big bucks shelled out each year for unused sick and vacation time.

“We are recommending substantive changes in the way our sick day policy works in the future,” said Alicia Winkler, from CPS’ talent office.

The money being doled out is big. CBS 2 investigators uncovered more than $267 million, since 2006, was paid out for unused sick and vacation time.

“The totals a significant liability for the organization,” said Winkler.

Administrators are getting big checks like Ascencion Juarez who received more than $250,000 in sick and vacation pay when he retired. When asked whether he thinks CPS is overall paying out too much for this benefit, Juarez replied: “I can’t answer. I don’t know. It’s the system. It’s the policy that was there.”

Teachers and administrators say the saving of unused time has been critical.

“There has been no maternity policy there,” said Clarice Berry, president of the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association. “There has been no short-term, long-term sickness policy.”

The CPS board now proposes adding maternity and disability benefits for more than 3,100 non-union employees.

The objective now is save taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars in the future and stopping payouts like the one former CPS administrator Barbara Eason-Watkins received of more than $239,000 in sick and vacation pay when she left.

Jitu Brown, a local school council member, says our CBS 2 investigation shook things up.

“That’s good. I think they are doing damage control,” said Brown who supports teachers getting the benefit. “Teachers are grossly underpaid.”

Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis says the payouts were created to make up for a lack of raises.

“So when you get to this end, when people are starting to actually cash them in, it’s like ‘oh this is such a big deal’,” said Lewis.

Union employees are not impacted by the new policy and can still accrue time.

The question is, will CPS try to change this policy for union employees too?

“We’ll have that discussion when we get to that,” said Lewis.

These sick and vacation day payments have a future liability of $450 million to CPS. More than half, $250 million is earmarked for non-union employees.

Previously earned days will not be taken away from employees. However, starting next school year, employees will not be able to roll over sick days. Vacation day accruals are being cut from the maximum 66 days down to 30 days.

As CBS 2’s Vince Gerasole reports, one survivor said she now feels betrayed by the band she once loved.

Seven people were killed and 58 were injured when gale force winds toppled Sugarland’s stage in an instant last year at the Indiana State Fair.

In a filing regarding one of the lawsuits filed after the stage collapse, a Sugarland attorney called the accident an “act of God” and said fans voluntarily assumed risk by attending the show.

Devout fan Tammy Vandam was among those killed and her life partner Beth Urschel was among those injured in the collapse.

“I looked up and I saw the stage in motion, and at that point it’s like, where do you go?” Urschel said. “I mean, there’s that indecision. You’re facing death. Where do you go? You couldn’t outrun the stage, because it’s too big. And, so, I just stood there and I prayed.”

Although announcements had told fans the show would go on, in a filed response to another victim’s civil suit, Sugarland’s attorney wrote, “Some or all of the plaintiff’s claimed injuries resulted from their own fault.”

“I just feel really betrayed by them,” Urschel said. “You love them, you think you know them, and then they turn around and say it’s your fault that you stayed. How can they do that when we didn’t have the information that they had? They had people asking them to postpone it and they didn’t.”

The statement from the band’s attorney convinced Urschel’s lawyer to name the band specifically in Urschel’s lawsuit, saying Sugarland insisted on performing, in spite of weather reports, so it could meet a tour date the following day.

“Sugarland made this decision primarily for their own convenience,” attorney Kenneth J. Allen said.

Independent injury attorney Matt Belcher said Sugarland’s statement about the injured victims is “a terrible defense of the case.”

Belcher said money is the underlying reason for the unfortunate words.

“In this instance, it appears to me that the attorney is more concerned about the liability exposure of the insurance carrier for Sugarland, rather than the complete package of what’s best for the Sugarland public relations image,” Belcher said.

At US 99.5 Radio DJ Drew Walker pointed out Sugarland’s performers originally expressed their concerned for the dead and injured after the stage collapse.

“For Sugarland, and for many of the country acts, fans are number one. They’re why you do what you do,” Walker said.

In a statement, Sugarland’s manager said of their fans: “their support and love … has been unmatched. For anyone to think otherwise is completely devastating to them.”

But Urschel said the band’s statement, “probably gets me a little bit more angry. It’s sort of an oxymoron. You can’t say you love your fans, and then when something happens at one of their venues, they blame you. That’s sort of two-faced, don’t you think?”

Urschel said she has come forward to speak for all of the people who were injured that day. She said she feels that’s her duty.

According to a report, reserve free agent Joel Przybilla has decided to return to the NBA with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Przybilla had reportedly been deciding between playing for the Bulls or the Heat.

By the looks of this picture, however, that time appears to be long, long gone.

Jones will turn 40 in April and is about to begin his 19th season with the Braves.

He’s due $14 million in 2012, with a club option for 2013.

As WBBM Newsradio’s Bob Roberts reports, the backlog was huge in November, when it stood at more than 7,000. On Wednesday, CDOT Commissioner Gabe Klein said the backlog has dropped to fewer than 300.

Klein said the mild weather deserves some of the credit, but so do changes in the way crews work. The most notable change is having crews focus on filling potholes for eight hours a day instead of running back and forth to city yards to get hot asphalt.

“The asphalt companies will bring it to us for a small charge,” he said.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio’s Bob Roberts reports

Klein said the deliveries allow crews to patch and pave for eight hours a day, instead of an average of six hours daily under the old system, and save thousands of dollars each week while paving more than ever before.

“With 17 to 20 crews, you’re talking about a couple hundred people a day spending their time going to get asphalt. Just eliminating that step allows them to be on the streets two hours more a day,” Klein said.

As CBS 2′s Roseanne Tellez reports, another change is that the city used to fill potholes on the streets and in alleys separately, which often sent crews to the same neighborhood twice.

“Now, when the crews go out, they’re hitting all forms of potholes at once,” Klein said.

Even though city officials said they’ve caught up on the backlog of pothole repair requests, drivers weren’t convinced potholes are under control.

“Tell them to come down Leavitt, yeah. Give me the number,” said driver Darrin Vaught as he drove along a pothole-plauged street in Roscoe Village.

“Even though it hasn’t been a tough winter, shall we say, they’re still not all going to be fixed,” driver Reyna Hoerdeman said. “You’re never gonna catch up completely, but I would say maybe better this year than last.”

Klein said now, potholes can be filled within 2-1/2 days of the time they are reported, although he said that estimate is good only until the next snowstorm of consequence.

He credited the mild winter with helping the city catch up with pothole repairs.

“Our pothole numbers are steadily going down, because the patches are holding,” Klein said. “There’s a number of factors that go into things working better.”

Klein said the complaints have dropped drastically, and said he expects to be able to begin the city’s spring paving program earlier and in more places than in years past.

He said the program is effective only if potholes are reported. He said that can be done by calling the city’s 311 non-emergency number, by reporting it on the city’s website, at which you can attach a photo of the pothole, or through CDOT’s Twitter page.

“We can use the public’s help, because with 4,000 lane miles out there, it’s hard for us to be everywhere, even with 17 to 20 crews,” Klein said.

One of the promotions items the Tampa Bay Rays are giving out this season is the Don Zimmer “Zim Bear.” Check out the photo below.

Your thoughts on this man-bear?

Photo credit: Tampa Bay Rays

MESA, Ariz. (CBS) – One thing is for sure, it will be a lot quieter at White Sox camp this spring.

Robin Ventura takes over for Ozzie Guillen, and though both are very competitive men, they couldn’t be more opposite in personalities. Ventura met the media for the first time in Arizona on Wednesday and touched bases on a multitude of topics.

The new Sox manager is itching to get going.

“I’m tired of looking at papers and reports, he said. “It’s nice to actually get here and see guys in uniform and see guys hitting and throwing – that’s the fun part. It has seemed like a long time since I got hired. It will be nice to have the whole squad in camp and get going”.

Seemingly, there are few spots up for grabs on the Sox roster, but Ventura gave no glimpses into how he’s leaning.

“It’s open for going through the spring and seeing how guys do,” Ventura said. “I have a lot of ideas that I’m probably going to keep between myself and the coaching staff. I’m not going to pinpoint anything right now. We’re just going to go forward and see how it goes”.

As for the low expectations that are being placed on the team with Detroit the prohibitive favorite, Ventura responded: “Detroit has kind of earned the favorite’s role from what they did last year and during the offseason, but it’s not going to change the way we approach anything. We’re not going to concede anything to anybody. We’re going to go about playing the right way, so it’s fine that people say what they say, but it’s not going to change my attitude or my team’s attitude”.

And make no mistake – though Ventura is a first-time manager, there’s no doubt who is in charge.

“It’s my way or the highway,” he said.

For more spring training coverage from Mesa, Ariz, click here. Find all of David Schuster’s spring training blogs here and follow him on Twitter (@schumouse).

Walter Thompson, 30, allegedly tried to run away from the wreck after the 2006 Hyundai Santa Fe he was driving crashed in the 1400 block of West 115th Street about 3 p.m., according to police News Affairs. He was later arrested at 118th Street and Ashland Avenue and taken to MetroSouth Medical Center in Blue Island in “stable” condition.

Thompson, of the 12900 block of Page Court in Blue Island, is charged with one count of aggravated DUI involving a fatal accident, and one count of aggravated DUI involving and accident causing bodily harm, according to police News Affairs.

Thompson was ordered held on $400,000 bond on Wednesday and a preliminary hearing was set for $500,000, Cook County State’s Attorney’s office spokesman Andy Conklin said.

Thompson was already issued traffic citations for the deadly crash, including DUI, damaging city property, driving with a revoked license and three counts of leaving the scene of an accident, according to police News Affairs.

One man was killed and four other people were hurt during the chain-reaction crash that sent five vehicles careening into each other and nearby pedestrians, police said. Police claim Thompson was driving the Santa Fe westbound at a high rate of speed when it hit a 1997 Ford Aerostar minivan, which then struck a 2002 Pontiac Bonneville. The Santa Fe then wedged itself between two other vehicles — a CTA bus that had stopped to unload passengers, and a beer truck being unloaded by a worker, police said.

The worker — identified by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office as 45-year-old Charles Kimbrough — was pinned between the beer truck and the CTA bus, police said.

Kimbrough, of the 14000 bock of South LaSalle Street in Riverdale, was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn where he was pronounced dead at 3:53 p.m., according to the medical examiner’s office.

The beer truck also lurched forward during the crash and struck a second pedestrian, a 64-year-old man who was taken to Christ Hospital in “stable” condition, police said.

The 66-year-old man driving the Aerostar, the 32-year-old man driving the CTA bus and a passenger on the bus were also injured, police said. They were all taken to Roseland Community Hospital in “stable” condition.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2012. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

Cortez Ross, of the 4300 block of South Champlain Avenue, was charged Tuesday with three counts of attempted first-degree murder and two counts of aggravated battery, police said.

A Cook County judge ordered Ross held without bail at a bond hearing on Wednesday.

Ross is accused of shooting a Chicago Police officer in the hand while attempting to flee from police Sunday afternoon in the South Shore neighborhood.

Calumet Area gang officers responded at 3:56 p.m. to a report of a person with a gun in the 6800 block of South Stony Island Avenue and approached a suspect to investigate, according to a police statement.

The suspect ran away and officers pursued him into the 6700 block of South East End Avenue, where a struggle ensued between the suspect and one of the officers, police said. During the struggle, the suspect pulled a gun and shot an officer.

Fraternal Order of Police spokesman Pat Camden said officers then shot the suspect three times.

A police vehicle took the wounded officer to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he was listed in good condition with a gunshot wound to the hand, authorities said.

The 35-year-old officer is an eight-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department and is assigned to the Calumet Area gang section.

Paramedics took the suspect to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County in serious condition, Fire Media Affairs Director Larry Langford said.

Camden said a female officer from the three-person, unmarked police car ran down the suspect and tackled him. She was examined checked out on the scene for possible injuries.

Police recovered a weapon on the scene, and Calumet Area detectives and the Independent Police Review Authority is investigating.

(The Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.)

(CBS) This may be simply because I watch so many Bulls games on DVR, but I’m itching to fast-forward to the playoffs. Push a button, blur it by, and get on with it.

Just past the halfway point of this lockout-shortened season, we have learned nothing significant about this year’s team, other than how easy it is for Derrick Rose to get hurt, and for it all then to become immediately irrelevant.

It feels like more bad can happen than good between now and any games that matter.

So they get home-court advantage by out-hustling better teams and pounding the myriad bands of bums. Great. But none of this makes them significantly more likely to get past a Miami Heat squad that performs like an exhibition at the Air and Water Show – some nights looking more like the Blue Angels or the Thunderbirds than a basketball team.

All this compressed schedule of toil, and for what?

Rose is still everything, and he already has two injuries that he admits will need to be managed from here on in. Sprained toe, strained back, and something else, probably, soon. Some midweek night in some indistinguishable NBA arena he’s going to land wrong again on a hard floor. At least his backup’s backup’s backup has been a nice find.

Luol Deng’s versatile, professional play has earned him an All-Star spot, but nobody now thinks he’s transformed into the kind of second true star that elevates the Bulls to a different conversation. Joakim Noah still needs to play like his unruly hair is on fire to counterbalance his deficiencies and Carlos Boozer still has only limited interest or ability to play satisfactory defense. The bench still outperforms that of the other team almost every night.

And what of Rip Hamilton, the big offseason move that was to solidify them for May and June? He’s been a headbanded, lucite-faced ghost, and reasonable fans have already lowered expectations for what he’ll mean, even if he’s “healthy.” He may just be old and brittle.

One could argue that regular-season games could matter if/when Hamilton is reintegrated to the offense, but even that is a reach. Veterans know what to do, and all that looks different when he plays is the incorporated series of baseline-chase “floppy” sets and single-double actions that take advantage of his skills. And Ronnie Brewer returns to the second unit, where he belongs.

Tom Thibodeau grinds ahead, having instilled a sense of commitment and purpose in this team that has the engine running hot all the time. What is key, however, is the past tense of that statement: last year’s Bulls had just been constructed, and Thibodeau was an unproven, unknown head coach who needed to establish a culture, and he did.

Now, this is as solid a team as can be, playing for the reigning NBA Coach of the Year. Any trite contention that these games help them “come together” seems a little silly. Togetherness, whatever that means, is not an issue. If they again fall to the Heat, it will not be due to a lack of unity or cohesion.

32 games remain of this year’s 66, which still seem like a lot.

I’ll be watching impatiently and anxiously, hoping the Bulls stay healthy and waiting to learn something.

Dan Bernstein has been the co-host of “Boers and Bernstein” since 1999. He joined the station as a reporter/anchor in 1995. The Boers and Bernstein Show airs every weekday from 1PM to 6PM on The Score, 670AM. Read more of Bernstein’s columns here. Follow him on Twitter @dan_bernstein.
Listen to The Boers and Bernstein Show podcasts >>

Angie’s List, the nation’s premier provider of consumer reviews, surveyed contractors across the country to determine what the common home aches and pains are, and how to remedy them before you have to seek emergency care.

“Your home really can tell you where it hurts,” says Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List. “You just need to understand what it’s saying.”

Paying attention to the basics of home care is a lot like brushing your teeth or exercising and eating well, Hicks said.  “Taking care of the basics will save you stress, time and money. Neglecting them won’t just cost you more down the road, it could actually put your family in danger,” she said.

7 Signs Your House Needs Professional Care

1.    Up on the Roof: A small issue with your roof doesn’t mean you need to replace the whole thing. But letting the little things go only means you’re in for big bills later. If you notice loose shingles, have attic leaks, suspect chimney issues or see other signs of damage up high, call in a reputable roofer, gutter or chimney expert or a handyman to give you great advice about what you need done.

2.    Leaks don’t fix themselves: Leaky faucets and running toilets will just get worse, so do yourself a favor and get those fixed before major damage occurs. If you notice a jump in your water bill but haven’t increased your usage, you likely have a hidden leak, which left undetected could lead to mold, wood rot and severe water damage. Don’t work with anyone who isn’t happy to show you his or her plumbing license.

3.    Caulk it up: The caulking around your tub and shower prevents moisture penetration, which can lead to mold, tile and wall damage and warped cabinetry. Keeping everything watertight will save you a bundle, so be sure to repair any caulking failures. But don’t stop there. All homes get cracks and voids in their outside walls over time. Look closely at where two boards come together, because cracks often start there. Also look for damage from animals that are looking for a way in. Caulk any cracks you see to avoid water penetration, subsequent wood rot and to keep the critters out.

4.    Sparks fly: Lights that dim on their own schedule aren’t just annoying: they’re a clear signal that you have an electrical problem. Experts say too many homeowners tolerate this situation for too long, which puts their homes at risk for electrical fire. Another often tolerated-too-long issue is when using one device causes another to switch off because you’ve blown a fuse. This is a sign you have a capacity or circuit box issue. Less dangerous but still signal-worthy are springy outlets that don’t hold plugs. If you have any of these issues, call in a licensed, reputable electrician.

5.    Drafty doors and windows: Improperly sealed windows and doors will bring cold air inside during the winter and let cooled air out in the summer, costing you big bucks on your energy bill. An energy audit can tell you where your leaks are and how to seal them up.

6.    Filter it out: HVAC experts say 60 percent of their service calls result from systems stressed by dirty air filters. Changing air filters regularly (every quarter or so; more if you have pets) can save you up to $100 each year on your energy bill, and will keep you from needing emergency repair. Many highly reputable heating and air conditioning companies offer maintenance plans that include an annual inspection. Doing this will give you an early alert to any issues you have with your entire HVAC system so you can stave off breakdowns.

7.    Pump it up: Take a look at your sump pump from time to time. If it’s in good shape and its batteries are good, it could save you thousands of dollars in flood damage. But you don’t want to find out it needs repairs after the water starts rising. Get an annual inspection and check the batteries at least quarterly.

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This article originally appeared on Angie’s List.

Consider using this seasoning to help with:

Restoring enamel fixtures:  Salt can be mixed with turpentine to create a cleaning paste that will restore enamel fixtures around the house. This mixture can help whiten older surfaces that have turned yellow with age, such as sinks, bathtubs and toilets. Apply to the damaged area and let it sit for 15 minutes. Afterward, wipe the surface clean with a damp sponge. A mixture of salt and baking soda can also act as a cleaner that is good for stovetops and silverware.

Removing carpet stains: Spilled liquids on the carpet, such as wine and gravy, can be difficult to soak up without pushing some of the liquid further into the carpet fibers. After soaking up the majority of the liquid with a dry towel, pour salt on the area to absorb the remainder of the liquid. You also can mix one part salt with four parts rubbing alcohol to remove grease stains by rubbing the mixture in the same direction as the carpet fibers. After rubbing, thoroughly rinse the area with water. As with any carpet cleaning solution, test first on an inconspicuous area to ensure the solution doesn’t cause damage.

Revitalizing furniture: If a wooden surface in your home has been marred by a hot dish or water, remove the mark by applying a thick paste composed of salt and salad oil. Simply spread the paste over the affected area and buff the surface slightly with a soft cloth.
Cleaning dishes: White or lighter colored tea cups, coffee cups and other dishes can easily become stained after continual use. To remove these stains, sprinkle salt on the affected area of the dish and use a damp cloth or sponge to scrub the stains away. Use circular motions when scrubbing for effective results.

Washing clothes: When treating stubborn perspiration stains in clothing, mix 4 tablespoons of salt and 1 liter of water for an effective cleaning solution. Sponge the shirt with the mixture until the stain is completely removed. Rust and mildew stains on clothing can be removed by soaking the clothing in a mixture of lemon juice and salt for about 20 minutes. Afterwards, lay the clothing out in the sun for a few hours then rinse and dry.
Although salt can be an effective cleaning material for certain surfaces and household items, it is not a cure-all solution for every area of the home. If you are unsure of how certain areas should be cleaned, contact a professional.

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This article originally appeared on Angie’s List.

Though cleaning a mattress doesn’t come with the same simplicity of other bedding items, that doesn’t mean the mattress shouldn’t deserve equal attention. Cleaning your mattress can be effective and efficient with the right approach. Follow these steps so that you and your family can sleep on fresher bedding by nightfall.

Vacuum: When cleaning your mattress, use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to tackle dust, dander and dust mites that can build on the surface. Repeat this process every six months, or more frequently if the mattress is used by a person with allergies.

Shampoo: After vacuuming, apply an upholstery shampoo to the surface of the mattress to fully remove dirt and soil. If you don’t have upholstery shampoo, apply a solution of water and mild detergent to the entire area of the mattress. Wipe the shampoo or detergent solution clean by using a sponge that has had warm water wrung from it. Turn on the ceiling fan and portable fans to allow the area to dry quickly.

Cleaning spills: When cleaning spills and stains from your mattress, start by soaking up all liquid using dry towels. Once the stain has been completely soaked up, immediately toss the towels into the washing machine on a hot water setting to kill all bacteria. After doing so, lightly spray vinegar on the stain and let it sit for 10 minutes to fully disinfect the mattress and eliminate odor. Afterward, sprinkle baking soda over the stain and let it sit for 12 hours to soak up the rest. After the 12-hour period, vacuum the remaining baking soda.

Drying stains:  Place the mattress outside in the sun for a few hours to speed up the drying process and allow the mattress to fully air out, or pull back the blinds or drapes in the bedroom and open the window to expose the mattress to the maximum amount of sunlight and outside heat. When you replace the mattress, make sure to place the stain side down to prevent concentrating multiple stains onto one region.

In addition to cleaning your mattress, you can prolong its life by flipping and turning it every six months to ensure even wear. Use a mattress cover to ensure protection in between cleanings. To prevent dust mites, choose a mattress cover that is specifically designed to protect against the invasion of these tiny critters.

It’s also important to replace your mattress after about seven years of use, according to The Better Sleep Council, a nonprofit agency that represents the mattress industry. With repeated use over time, a mattress can gradually lose its ability to fully support you. This can lead to sleepless nights as well as the feeling of cramps and stiffness upon awakening.

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This article originally appeared on Angie’s List.

Despite challenging economic conditions in Europe, Ferrari has reported both record revenues and record unit sales, thanks to strong growth in China, the U.S., Germany and Great Britain. Ferrari recorded revenues of 2.251 billion euros ($2.96 billion), an increase of 17.3 percent over 2010.

More significantly, its 2011 performance marks the first time the automaker has exceeded 2 billion euros ($2.63 billion) in revenue. The automaker’s return on sales, which is net profit divided by sales revenue, came in at 14.1 percent, among the highest in the automotive industry. Net profit was up over 2010 as well, rising to 209 million euros (approximately $275 million).

Worldwide, Ferrari sold a total of 7,195 cars last year, including a record high of 1,958 vehicles in the United States. While the U.S. is still the Italian automaker’s largest market, the greater China market posted growth of nearly 63 percent, with deliveries totaling 777 units.

German sales were up by 14.6 percent, rising to 705 units, while Ferrari sales in Great Britain totaled 574 units, an increase of 23 percent. Even sales at Ferrari’s online store grew by 25 percent, while Ferrari’s website traffic grew by 30 percent. Not to be outdone, the Ferrari Museum in Maranello booked a record of over 240,000 visitors, with 60 percent coming from outside of Italy.

Look for Ferrari to launch a new 12-cylinder model to replace the 599 at next month’s Geneva Auto Show. Per chairman Luca di Montezemolo, the new car will deliver “extreme performance,” thanks to “unprecedented power output.”

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This article originally appeared on Motor Authority.

When it comes to reminiscing about old TV shows, we find they fall into one of two categories — shows we really miss, or shows so bad they make us cringe to think about.

Electra Woman and Dyna Girl — a 16 week live action kids show from 1976 — most certainly falls into the latter category, but does at least have one redeeming feature according to our editor Marty Padgett.

The heroines drove an electric car.

Admittedly, it looked more like a three-wheeled speedboat than a regular car. It also had no doors, windows or creature comforts and looked about as stable as a unicycle.

It could also fly into the Earth’s upper atmosphere.

But back in the gas-starved ’70s, the Electra-Car (or ElectraPlane when it was flying) at least gave kids a hopeful future where electric cars could fight crime, good won out over evil, and everyone wore bright orange spandex costumes.

Luckily for us, Electra Woman and Dyna Girl’s fashion sense hasn’t caught on, but is their taste in cars responsible for many Generation X car buyers making the switch from gasoline to electric?

Perhaps we’ll never know, but if you have fond memories of the short-lived show, there’s a healthy selection of Electra Woman and Dyna Girl clips on Youtube, plus the not-aired pilot of the more adult, comedy version from 2001.

What classic (or cult) TV shows inspired you to go electric? Let us know in the Comments below.

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This article originally appeared on Green Car Reports.

As WBBM Newsradio’s Regine Schlesinger reports, some other suburban districts already have a ban on the books on grinding, where dance partners simulate sex acts at school dances.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio’s Regine Schlesinger reports\

Now, Maine West High School is the first to act in Maine Township High School District 207.

“It’s been around for a few years, but a few years ago, it was more isolated; it would be couples here and there that would be doing it, and it was, at that point, easy enough for a teacher or administrator to walk up and say, ‘Hey, just knock it off,’” said district spokesman Dave Beery.

Beery says Maine West is adopting a policy of two strikes and you’re out. Students will be given wristbands when they enter Maine West dances, and anyone who engages in inappropriate moves will lose his or her wristband.

If students persist in their suggestive dancing, they will be ejected from the dance.

There is no immediate plan to implement the ban on “grinding” at the district’s two other schools – Maine East and Maine South in Park Ridge.

Moreno confirms on his Web site he plans to introduce the ordinance at the March City Council meeting. The ordinance would also set up guidelines for police to follow in interactions with transgender people.

The Police Treatment of Transgender Individuals Ordinance would require officers to respect each person’s unique gender identity, and add gender identity to the definitions specified in Police Department policy, he Chicago Phoenix reported.

Ald. James Cappleman (46th), a supporter of the proposed ordinance, told the Phoenix even basic questions such as which restroom a transgender person will use are not settled right now.

A 2010 National Gay and Lesbian Task Force study revealed that nearly half of transgender respondents were uncomfortable seeking help from police, and about a fifth said they were harassed by police officers, the Phoenix reported. The study also found that 60 percent of transgender women of color reported being abused by police, and 20 percent said they were denied equal services, the Phoenix reported.

Moreno’s proposed ordinance comes just a few weeks after state Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-Chicago) introduced a bill that would add gender identity to the Illinois hate crime law. Cassidy’s proposed bill would also add military status and immigration status.

The severity of the concussion is not known, but it is believed Toews suffered the injury early in the Blackhawks’ recent road trip. A second source said it happened Feb. 10 at San Jose. The source also said that Toews may have hidden his symptoms from the team to remain on the ice.

Toews missed Tuesday night’s 2-1 win over the Red Wings and did not practice Wednesday. He will not play when the Blackhawks host the Dallas Stars Thursday, but he is listed as day-to-day.

Here’s your chance to register for this incredible opportunity to help raise money for the Special Olympics.

Each participant is asked to raise a minimum of $125 to support the programs enjoyed by the nearly 5,000 Special Olympics Chicago athletes throughout the year. Plungers will receive a souvenir t-shirt and a warm towel when exiting the water.

The 12th annual Polar Plunge will take place at North Ave. Beach on Sunday, March 4 at 10 am.

Here is that statement in its entirety:

In an effort to grow college football’s great popularity and success, we just completed two days of productive meetings in Dallas, Texas.

We have until the fall of this year to finalize any possible changes to our current structure. That’s when contractual obligations require us to begin negotiations with our television carrier for future coverage decisions. We have a self-imposed deadline of sometime this summer to decide what changes we will propose to our governing bodies for football’s post-season. It’s still early in our process and we will continue to meet with our conferences and review options.

Whatever we do, we want to protect college football’s regular season which is the best and most meaningful in sports. We want to preserve the great bowl tradition while making it better and more attractive. We also have heard the message about playing bowl games closer to or on January 1, the way it used to be.

As we proceed, we will evaluate the many pros and cons of numerous possible changes. Every idea has exciting up sides, as well as complicated consequences. From the realities of the calendar to the issues presented in terms of venues such as who hosts games, we have tremendous responsibilities and opportunities.

The bottom line is we will continue to talk about how to make a great sport even better for student-athletes, fans and everyone who loves college football.

Bob called into The Boers and Bernstein Show to voice his displeasure with the Bulls’ decision to sign veteran point guard Mike James to his second 10-day contract with the team.

With injuries to Derrick Rose and C.J. Watson, the Bulls have had no choice but to look outside the team for a fourth-string point guard.

“Aren’t there other options out there besides Mike James?” Bob asked. “I think he’s too old for the position.”

You see, in three games since signing his second 10-day contract with Chicago, James has averages 10.3 points and 4.3 assists — not bad for your fourth-string, 36-year-old point guard.

This question sparked an immediate reaction from co-host Dan Bernstein who responded with this: “He’s a fourth-string point guard! The acquisiton of Mike James was out of pure need. The injury to Derrick and the injury to C.J. Watson — they needed another point guard. … Who would you rather have as a backup point guard than a veteran who has stepped up and player terrific for you? … What in God’s name are you expecting from a call-up as a fill in?”

LISTEN: Caller of the Day

For the rest of this interview and other 670 The Score interviews click here.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CBS) — In presenting his 2012 budget plan Wednesday, Gov. Pat Quinn said the state’s Medicaid is on the brink of collapse.

Quinn also said the state cannot afford its pension obligations as they are currently structured.

As CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine reports, the governor’s address was a bitter pill to swallow; not interrupted even once for applause. It received only a groan from lawmakers when he told them not to plan on going home this summer until pension and Medicaid reforms are addressed.

“This budget contains truths that may not be what you want to hear,” Quinn told lawmakers.

The governor said previously that he would propose Medicaid cuts of $2.7 billion. In his budget speech Wednesday, Quinn did not specify how this would be achieved, but he appointed a group of state lawmakers to a Medicaid Working Group to reform the program.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio Political Editor Craig Dellimore reports

“We must insure that there will be a Medicaid program in Illinois,” Quinn said, noting that the Civic Federation has warned that the state could end up with $21 billion in unpaid Medicaid bills if there is no fundamental reform to the program.

The state’s Medicaid program is used by 2.7 million people in Illinois, and is “on the brink of collapse,” Quinn said.

Last year’s Medicaid appropriation by the Illinois General Assembly fell $1.9 billion short of what the program actually cost, Quinn said.

“Illinois is the only state that intentionally kicks its current Medicaid bills into future fiscal years,” Quinn said. “We cannot allow this to continue.”

Mounting pension costs also have been squeezing every other part of state government, with the state’s vault – still buried deep in the basement beneath State Treasurer Dan Rutherford’s office – now empty. It’s not just because it’s largely ceremonial now, holding unclaimed items, but because, after pension payments, there’s less and less money left for anything else. The state also has billions in unpaid bills that are continuing to pile up.

Quinn blamed previous governors and state legislators for failing to contribute the proper amount into the pension system. He pointed out that some lawmakers awarded taxpayer health insurance benefits to themselves.

“This lack of fiscal accountability has cost us dearly today,” Quinn said.

Republican Illinois State Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka said, “Until you do pensions, until you do Medicaid, then the whole thing falls apart.”

In his budget address to the General Assembly, the governor said, “This year’s General Revenue Fund payment for public pensions is $5.2 billion; triple what it cost in fiscal year 2008.

Quinn, seeking bipartisan support, gave a task force two months to come up with a plan to reform pensions. Rutherford, a Republican, said he called the governor and offered to help.

“If you’re currently working now, what you have accrued is there. It’s the rest of the time you have in the system,” Rutherford said.

Illinois Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) said, “I’m optimistic that we can get a solution.”

He said he believes current employees’ pension benefits can be altered to lower the cost for the state.

“I know that they can be. We just have to get an agreement from (labor unions) and we have to do it in a constitutional way,” Cullerton said.

One stumbling block to pension reform has long been that the Illinois Constitution mandates pension benefits for government employees “shall not be diminished or impaired.”

Some have argued that that means once pension benefits are set for current employees, they can never be changed. Others have argued it simply means pension changes cannot be applied retroactively.

Of course, everyone knows nothing gets done in Springfield, without House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) who can be a little tough to pin down. CBS 2 found him in a back hallway on Wednesday, where he admitted dealing with current employees’ spiraling pension costs is a priority.

“That’s the type of question you have to address,” he said.

Asked if there will be meaningful pension reform in Illinois by the end of the year, Cullerton said, “I would say we have an excellent chance of doing that.”

Pension reform could be a major breakthrough if it happens and, if it does, it could be Quinn’s legacy. The question is, how would it happen?

Sources said lawmakers and others believe it will be much easier to get state employees to agree to contribute more toward their pensions, rather than getting them to agree to smaller benefits down the road.

Quinn’s budget plan also calls for closing more than four dozen state facilities. But the residents and patients at some of those facilities will be vastly better off, according to the governor.

Quinn said improving the quality of life for people who suffer from mental illness or have developmental disabilities should mean moving them “from costly institutions to supportive community settings.”

“Illinois lags behind the rest of the nation in the utilization of person-centered, community-based care,” Quinn said.

Two centers for the developmentally disabled will close, both of them downstate – the Jacksonville Developmental Center, and the Murray Developmental Center in Centralia. Also, as Quinn has announced previously, the Tinley Park Mental Health Center and a mental institution in Rockford will close.

Two prisons – The Tamms Supermax facility and the women’s prison in Dwight, will also close. Two prisons – The Tamms Supermax facility and the women’s prison in Dwight, will also close. Six halfway houses – Crossroads Chicago, West Side Chicago, Decatur, Aurora, Peoria and Carbondale – will also close.

The state Department of Human Services will consolidate 24 local offices, and the Illinois State Police will reduce their 20 communication centers to just four and consolidate a forensics lab in downstate Carbondale with new one in Belleville, among other consolidations.

But Quinn emphasized that there are two obligations that he will not cut in the budget – education, and care for veterans.

Staff will be increased at the state’s four veterans’ homes, and as Quinn said in his State of the State Address last month, he is planning an investment in classroom infrastructure – including modern laboratories, digital books, high-speed Internet access and new school buildings – which he says will create numerous jobs.

Education funding will be expanded across the board, both for college students who help college students who are now finding themselves mired in student loan debts, and to assist families with early childhood education, because after all, “you only get to be a 4-year-ol d once.”

The governor also advised doing away with tax loopholes that he says are costing the state tens of millions of dollars in revenue. He said , for one example, that when oil companies claim their offshore oil derricks are in other countries, Illinois doesn’t get any jobs, but loses $75 million per year in its treasury.

GLENDALE, Ariz. (CBS) – Much like on the other side of town, the White Sox seemingly have little competition with their starting positional players but there are a number of open spots on the pitching staff.

Specifically with the Sox, the competition is in the bullpen and even more specifically the closer’s role. The battle is between three guys: Matt Thornton, Jesse Crain and Addison Reed.

Though Reed is the youngest and least experienced of the three, he likely is the leader for the job going into Spring Training. He’s a hard throwing right-hander who in his brief time with the Sox last September struck out 12 while walking just one. The Sox have had a history of bringing guys out of nowhere to be their closer and Reed could be their latest.

As for the other two guys, Crain didn’t hide his feelings.

“That’s going to be up to the coaching staff but they know how I feel about the opportunity,” he said. “I can’t control anything other then going out and pitching. I’m sure they have someone in mind but we’ll see what happens and I’m going to give them something to think about.”

Meanwhile, Thornton was handed the closer’s role at the beginning of last season and didn’t have much success.

“I had a bad five or six weeks in my career at the really worst time,” Thornton said. “I was given an opportunity by Ozzie to be the closer last year and I blew it. I didn’t get the job done but I did bounce back and had a good last few months of the season and threw the ball well.”

Thornton learned from last year’s experience and would like a second stab.

“If I get a shot at the closer’s role I would enjoy it and I would like another chance to prove that I can do it,” he said.

For more White Sox spring training coverage from Glendale, Ariz, click here. Find all of David Schuster’s spring training blogs here and follow him on Twitter (@schumouse).