The 93-year-old landmark theater at 4050 N. Milwaukee Ave. was shut down on Friday after Ald. John Arena (45th) blocked Carranza’s application for a liquor license, according to Carranza.

“I’m taking offers,” Carranza said on Saturday. “Offers are pouring in to operate [the] theater.”

The theater’s doors will stay closed until Carranza — remaining as the owner — can transfer a license to the new operator, which he said can take several months.

Arena could not be reached for comment Saturday.

Carranza, meanwhile, criticized the theater’s current operator, saying he’ll rent “to a different operator who can do a better job in operating and programming the theater then how it’s currently being operated.”

The theater is leased to an operation that exhibits classic and historic films. It’s also the home to two film societies.

Carranza has had a tempestuous relationship with Arena, who in September released an email to ward residents calling him a “liar” after he served former management with a five-day eviction notice.

Last year, neighbors rallied behind the theater’s continued use for movies and cultural events when a church had a pending deal to buy Portage. The church took back its offer and the Portage was later sold to Carranza.

Friday was a bad day for Carranza, who also learned his other entertainment venue, the Congress Theater had lost its liquor and business licenses following a city disciplinary hearing.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2013. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

It’s the second time in just a matter of weeks. Police believe the victim probably know his killer who remains at large.

Just blocks from the security cordon around President Barack Obama’s Kenwood home, a 29-yr old man was shot dead inside his home.

It happened in the same building where Yannick Lowery lives with his young son. Lowery never heard the shots, but was awakened by the aftermath.

“I heard someone screaming intensely. It was a woman. She was saying my baby,” said Lowery.

Lowery called 911. He said it was clear something terrible had happened.

“By the screams, I could tell it was something devastating,” said Lowery.

Lowery is sorry someone died, and concerned that he and his son were so close to the shooting.

“It’s insane. I’m with a child. It’s not safe where I live,” said Lowery.

Cameron Parker also lives in the building and was awakened by sound of women screaming.

“I heard them yelling and screaming, ‘He’s dead, he’s dead,’” said Cameron Parker.

Last night’s murder marks the second time in less than a month that someone has been shot dead on the block. For Parker it’s simply too close to home.

“What I do know is I’ll be moving in two weeks,” said Parker.

Two men showed up at the murder victim’s home today, but left when CBS 2’s Mike Puccinelli told them the apartment was sealed.

Police said the man tried to sexually assault a woman about 7:45 Friday in the 4800 block of South Seeley Avenue after she had pulled over her vehicle to tend to a problem it was having, according an alert from Area Central detectives.

The man is described as white or Hispanic with a thick mustache, 30-40, 5-feet to 5-feet-4 and 150-170 pounds, the alert said.

He was wearing a hooded black sweatshirt and spoke Spanish with a heavy accent, the alert said.

Anyone with information about the attempted assault is asked to call Area Central detectives (312) 747-8380.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2013. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

Most of the complaints seem to be coming from the east of the Chicagoland Speedway in new Lenox, Frankfort and Mokena as grandstands protect the other three sides.

Bill Crimmins says he does noise studies for a living and says this is far from the ordinary.

“This is crazy. We have numerous races at the Speedway here every year. You hear a little bit of it in the background, in fact you kind of forget that it is there because it is just kind of a background noise. This dwarfs the amount of noise beyond belief,” said Crimmins.

Crimmins says he will set up noise-measuring instruments to prove his point, but another person contacted by Newsradio lives a mile north of the Speedway heard nothing except a few fireworks.

The 68 people who were eliminated this week included lab and radiology clerks, secretaries, emergency room nurses and managers, Roseland hospital staff said.

An additional 47 employees will take one unpaid furlough day per every two-week pay period.

Cuts also could include the Adolescent Behavioral Health Unit, which provides mental-health services, from 28 beds to 10.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson has led a group of community leaders requesting that the state provide an infusion of $7 million to keep Roseland Community Hospital running without dramatic cuts to patient care.

He noted that Roseland is in an area with few hospitals. One of the closest hospitals in Chicago is Advocate Trinity Hospital, which is about six miles away.

“Last week, three guys were shot. . . . They went to Roseland,” Jackson said. “They patched them up and stopped the bleeding and all that. Then got them to Christ. If they had not stopped to Roseland, they would have died.”

Jackson also noted that in 2011, Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation to make the hospital a medical district, modeled after the Near West Side’s medical district comprising Rush University Medical Center, the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center and Stroger Hospital.

A Quinn spokeswoman said the governor is concerned about Roseland’s financial viability.

“That’s why he immediately directed senior staff to meet with hospital executives and community stakeholders several weeks ago to work on a way that the city, state and federal government can partner to help Roseland adapt to the changing health landscape,” Quinn spokeswoman Brooke Anderson said. “That work is still going on.”

All the layoffs, pay cuts and service reductions are expected to save more than $700,000 a month, hospital staff said.

The Far South Side safety-net hospital owes about $7 million to $8 million in outstanding bills older than 90 days that it must pay, or it will have to significantly reduce services. Hospital executives say Roseland hasn’t been able to generate enough cash flow to pay its expenses because it serves a primarily poor population that often doesn’t have any health coverage, including Medicaid.

A source, meanwhile, said the hospital was in this position because they have some serious financial mismanagement.

But Dian Powell, president and chief executive officer of RCH, said there was no truth in that, citing that in 18 months, Roseland had reduced a $9 million deficit to $4 million even though its patient population hadn’t changed.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2013. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

He told The Associated Press his fears about returning to soccer were eased by the strong support he received from family, fans and players, including Galaxy star Landon Donovan. Now Rogers is ready to accept his role as the league’s first openly gay player.

“I don’t know what I was so afraid of,” Rogers said Friday. “It’s been such a positive experience for me. The one thing I’ve learned from all of this is being gay is not that big of a deal to people.”

“People are just really growing and accepting and loving,” he added. “Those other things are just not that important to them. I think as the younger get older and the generations come and go, I think times are just becoming more accepting.”

The 26-year-old player had retired in February on the same day the former U.S. national team player publicly came out in a blog post.

Last month, NBA veteran Jason Collins came out, and Rogers spoke with Collins on the day of the center’s announcement.

“I would have thought more athletes would have taken that step, I guess,” Rogers said. “People have seen how accepting everyone has been of Jason’s and my story. I think it’s going to take just more time and more athletes coming out. It’s all about seeing that it’s not something to be afraid of. It’s not going to hurt your career.”

U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe came out last year before the London Olympics and plays for Lyon in France. She’s expected to join the Seattle team of the new National Women’s Soccer League in mid-June.

Brittney Griner, the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft by the Phoenix Mercury, and Seimone Augustus of the Minnesota Lynx are among that league’s openly gay players. Sheryl Swoopes, a retired WNBA All-Star, came out in 2005 during her playing days.

The two-time defending champion Galaxy will announce a deal Saturday to acquire Rogers, who came out in February while simultaneously announcing his retirement.

Rogers is an MLS veteran who spent the last two seasons in England. About a month ago, Rogers decided he wasn’t truly ready to give up soccer.

He trained with the Galaxy in recent weeks and hoped to continue his career in his native Southern California. The Galaxy made it happen by giving up high-scoring midfielder Mike Magee in a trade with the Chicago Fire, who held Rogers’ MLS rights.

“I want to get back to soccer, which is what I love,” Rogers said. “I get to do something I love, and I get to help people and be a positive role model. I’m really excited to set a great example for other kids that are going through the same thing I went through. It’s a perfect world for me, a perfect world.”

Rogers isn’t likely to debut for Los Angeles immediately, although coach Bruce Arena thinks Rogers already is in decent shape despite 18 months with little match experience. Arena figures Rogers could be a strong contributor to the Galaxy by July.

“Certainly the league, and I think the fans, are going to be receptive in a real positive way,” Arena told the AP. “But we’re not in this to pioneer social issues. We’re trying to win games as a team, and we’re trying to produce the best team we can. Robbie has shown us that he has the potential to still be a real good player in our league, and that’s what we’re hopeful of.”

Rogers is mindful of the place he’ll take in the culture when he steps on the field this summer, but the skilled, speedy winger is even more excited to contend for MLS titles and another chance to play the U.S. national team.

During his brief retirement from soccer he contemplated entering the London College of Fashion. But the break only confirmed for him that his competitive fire for soccer still burns.

“I had a lot of fear to come back to the game,” Rogers said, remembering countless instances of homophobia everywhere from the stands to locker rooms. “I was just afraid I was putting myself in an environment that in the past had affected my mental health because I always felt like an outcast. I felt that I couldn’t be myself.”

“But it’s been amazing,” he added. “It’s been normal, just as it should be. I’m a soccer player. I happen to be gay, but I’m a professional soccer player, and I have been since I was 18, 19. … I’m just really excited to go back to the game, and excited to deal with these stupid stereotypes that are out there with athletes and the gay community, just a bunch of different things.”

While MLS has a fraction of the NBA’s popularity, Rogers has the potential to be more influential than Collins or featherweight boxer Orlando Cruz, who has won two fights since coming out last year. Collins is a journeyman basketball player without a contract for next season; Rogers is an accomplished international soccer player in his prime.

Rogers won an NCAA title at Maryland in 2005 and an MLS title with Columbus in 2008 while making the all-league first team. He has played sparingly over the past two years for English clubs Leeds and Stevenage after leaving the Crew in December 2011.

But his workouts at the Galaxy’s training complex in Carson, Calif., were enticing enough, even if Rogers acknowledged he’s “definitely a bit rusty right now.”

The Galaxy will work on getting Rogers back into top form, and they’ll also support him in his conspicuous new role.

“It’s going to take him a little time,” said Arena, also the Galaxy’s general manager. “He’s got to adjust to the Galaxy. He’s got to get himself in better form with the ball and his fitness. That takes time for any player, as we’ve witnessed with Landon over the last six to eight weeks. It’s going to take some time. We hope Robbie can turn the corner quickly.”

Rogers is joining his league’s highest-profile team, with Donovan and Irish captain Robbie Keane leading a roster expected to contend for a third straight championship. After six years as David Beckham’s home before the English midfielder’s departure last December, the Galaxy know all about the spotlight that will be cast on Rogers.

“There’s obviously going to be attention, and I think that we are no stranger to that,” Galaxy President Chris Klein told the AP. “I think the biggest piece of this is the maturity of Robbie, and we’re quite confident in that. We’re there to stand behind him as an organization. He has shown to be a guy that has a tremendous amount of character and integrity, and I think he’s going to fit our organization really well.”

The deal is a risk for the Galaxy, who traded a beloved fan favorite for Rogers. Magee, a Chicago native, has won two titles and scored eight postseason goals in four years with the Galaxy, and he leads the club with six goals this season.

But Los Angeles is enticed by the potential of Rogers, who has played 18 times for the U.S. national team, scoring two goals. He dreams of playing for the American team at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, but knows it won’t happen unless he excels with the Galaxy.

Rogers immediately felt comfortable training with the Galaxy and resuming his friendship with Donovan, meeting the U.S. national team star for coffee.

“They’ve been very accepting to me and very cool with me,” Rogers said. “I’m just excited to get on the road with these guys and continue the season.”

Aware that a whirlwind of attention is approaching, Rogers plans to lean on his faith. He also hopes his decision to use soccer as a platform for tolerance and acceptance leads more gay athletes to come out.

“You’re just going to be treated the same as any other athlete,” he said. “It’s going to take time, but it’s inevitable that the time will come when you’re solely judged on your performance. That’s going to happen. You can’t put a time frame on it, but I think it’s in the near future because I really have felt a shift in our society and acceptance in our sports world. I honestly think in the next few years, it’s not going to be an issue.”

(TM and © Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Former Defense Secretary and CIA Chief Leon Panetta said the toughest part of both jobs was to write the families of those who died serving the nation.

“The proudest moments I had was to go to the battle fields and Iraq and Afghanistan, and meet soldiers and marines, the airmen, meet with our navy, men and women who are out there, my own son,” said Panetta.

Panetta’s son is serving in Afghanistan. He says the U.S. military is the best equipped in the world, but he says it is worth nothing without the skill and devotion of the troops.

Andrew Kusper was driving a 2002 BMW sedan west on 75th Street at 3:45 a.m. when he missed a curve at Ogden Avenue (Route 34) and left the roadway, Aurora police said.

The BMW flipped over and Kusper was ejected, Aurora police said.

Kusper, 25, of the 4200 block of Home Avenue in Stickney, was pronounced dead at 7:06 a.m. at Rush Copley Medical Center in Aurora, police said.

Kusper was the only occupant in the vehicle, Aurora police said.

The vehicle may have been traveling at a high rate of speed, Aurora police said. Alcohol may have been a factor in the accident.

Aurora police are investigating the crash.

The planned closure of fifty Chicago schools was on the agenda at today’s meeting of the Rainbow-Push Coalition.

Reverend Jesse Jackson said, “school closing is too vast, too divisive, too dangerous and happening too quickly.”

“They’re closing schools, he said, without offering a place at the table for those with a real stake in the issue. “So we have imposed upon us a process that is ultimately undemocratic.”

Brandon Johnson is with the Chicago Teachers Union.

“What we find most disconcerting, is that black parents in particular, have overwhelmingly rejected the mayor’s plan. He has decided to draw a line in the sand and refused to negotiate with the parents,” said Johnson.
There are a couple of avenues opponents of the closures have at their disposal. One is a federal civil rights lawsuit. Another is a school closings moratorium bill in Springfield.

But State representative Will Davis says it appears to be going nowhere. He says, “Unfortunately the speaker of the house will not allow it to be heard, not even in committee, not even a subject matter hearing on the issue. He has made it very clear to us that he supports the mayor.”

Alderman Latasha Thomas says people can’t stop fighting, saying, “We all have to stand up and do something. We shouldn’t have our children pay with their lives or be scared crossing gang territories.”

About 5 p.m., the man was working on a building in the 4400 block of North Bernard Street when he fell, authorities said.

He was identified as Alfons Dzieszuta, 55, of the 100 block of Bonnie Brae Avenue in Mount Prospect, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.

He was pronounced dead at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center at 5:38 p.m., according to the medical examiner’s office.

His death appeared to be a workplace accident, the medical examiner’s office said. An autopsy to determine his cause of death was scheduled for later Saturday.

Area North detectives are investigating.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2013. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

They were walking in the 400 block of North Sacramento Avenue when they heard gunfire about 1:45 a.m. and realized they had been shot, police News Affairs Officer Amina Greer said.

An 18-year-old man and a 21-year-old man were both shot in the buttocks, and the older man was also shot in the thigh, Greer said.

Both men have gang affiliations, and were taken to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County in “stable” condition, Greer said.

Another man, 21, was grazed in the arm and refused medical treatment, Greer said. Witnesses saw a red van flee after the shooting, but no one is in custody early Saturday.

Area Central detectives are investigating.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2013. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

A 32-year-old man lost control of his motorcycle while travelling southbound in the 7600 block of South Western Avenue at about 9:15 p.m., Police News Affairs Officer Amina Greer said.

The man’s motorcycle hit the curb, and then he lost control and struck a light pole, Greer said.

He was identified as Robert Poindexter of the 6000 block of South Troy Street, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 9:49 p.m.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2013. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

Estefanai Gasca, of the 8000 block of South Kolin Avenue, was pronounced dead at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn at 10:45 p.m., according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.

The parents of the infant found the child unresponsive at 9:45 p.m. in the home, police News Affairs Officer Jose Estrada said.

DCFS is investigating allegations of neglect against both parents, department spokesman Dave Clarkin said.

It is not immediately known if the other three children in the home have been removed, Clarkin said.

DCFS has had no prior contact with the family, Clarkin said.

Area Central detectives are conducting a death investigation.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2013. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

The most recent fatal shooting happened about 1:50 a.m. Saturday in the Hyde Park neighborhood, roughly half a mile from President Barack Obama’s home in neighboring Kenwood.

Gregory Dixon, 29, had buzzed the suspects into an apartment building in the 1400 block of East 52nd Street, police said. The shooters entered an apartment using a door left ajar, and fatally shot him in the chest and back.

Dixon, who had gang affiliations, was dead at the scene, police said.

About 11:45 p.m. Friday, a man was found shot outside his home in the 1100 block of North Lawndale Avenue, in the West Side Humboldt Park neighborhood, authorities said.

Tevin Kirkman, 22, was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where he died at 12:20 a.m., according to the medical examiner’s office.

At 11 p.m. Friday, a 17-year-old boy was killed and a man was wounded in the West Side Austin neighborhood. Police found them both injured outside in the 400 block of North Central Avenue, authorities said.

Leetema Daniels, of an unknown home address, was shot in the head and died at the scene, authorities said. An 18-year-old man was shot in the upper chest and was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where his condition has since stabilized.

At least seven other people were wounded in non-fatal shootings across the city since Friday evening.

The most recent shooting happened about 2:55 a.m. Saturday in the Northwest Side Logan Square neighborhood, and left a motorist shot in the face, police said.

The 24-year-old man was driving in the 2300 block of North Ridgeway Avenue when someone started shooting at his vehicle, police said. He was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center where his condition has since stabilized.

About 1:45 a.m. Saturday, three men were hurt in a drive-by shooting in the 400 block of North Sacramento Avenue, in the West Side Humboldt Park neighborhood, police said.

They were walking down the sidewalk when they heard gunfire, then saw a red van speeding away, police said.

An 18-year-old man and a 21-year-old man were both shot in the buttocks, and the older man was also shot in the thigh. Both men have gang affiliations, and were taken to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County in “stable” condition.

Another man, 21, was grazed in the arm and refused medical treatment, police said.

About 11 p.m. Friday night, an 18-year-old man was wounded in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood on the South Side. He suffered a graze wound to the leg in the 7200 block of South Prairie Avenue.

About 8:45 p.m. Friday, a 17-year-old girl was shot in the 600 block of East 75th Street, also in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood.

She was walking with her boyfriend and two other friends when two unknown male suspects approached the group and shot, police said.

The group ran from the shooters and the girl later realized she’d been shot in the hip, police said. She was taken to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County in “stable” condition.

About 7:35 p.m., a man was shot in the arm in the 1100 block of North Spaulding Avenue, in the West Side Humboldt Park neighborhood. He was treated in good condition at Norwegian-American Hospital.

No one is in custody for any of the shootings as of early Saturday, as area detectives begin their investigations.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2013. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

(CBS) The signs around campus still read “University of Illinois,” but right now the place is going by a different name: Transfer Central.

And from my vantage point, that’s OK.

On Thursday, the Champaign News-Gazette’s Marcus Jackson reported that Illinois junior-to-be Myke Henry will be transferring, becoming the fourth member of the Illini’s 2011 recruiting class to leave the basketball program this offseason.

“He just decided that he wanted a fresh start somewhere else and decided he didn’t want to go back,” Phil Gipson, an assistant coach at Chicago Orr with whom Henry has a close relationship, told the News-Gazette. “Illinois, that’s a great coaching staff and he loved the coaching staff, but sometimes to get yourself going you need a new environment.

On Friday, Henry himself said to Chicago Hoops’ Cavan Walsh about his transfer, “First and foremost, I want to thank the University of Illinois and the coaches down there, including Coach [Bruce] Weber and Coach [Jerrance] Howard who recruited me to Illinois. I believe in Coach [John] Groce and his staff, but I decided to leave Illinois because I felt I needed a fresh start.

“I have nothing but positive things to say about everything down there. Some of my closest friends play there, and I’m still going to be cheering from afar.”

With his exodus from Champaign, Henry joins fellow reserves Mike Shaw, Devin Langford and Ibby Djimde, all of whom announced that they were leaving the Illini program five days after Illinois’ season ended on March 24 with an NCAA tournament loss to Miami.

The quartet of departures means that of Bruce Weber’s last recruiting class at Illinois, only returning starters Tracy Abrams and Nnanna Egwu remain with the program. And while from afar so many players leaving Illinois at the same time might be startling to some college basketball observers, I don’t think it’s any cause for concern in this instance.

The mass transfers aren’t a sign of trouble for Groce’s program, nor do I see them as a negative reflection on the way the coaching staff operates. The players’ departures aren’t an example of “Creaning,” after all.

A derogatory term that’s popular in the lexicon of Big Ten message boards, “Creaning” emerged a few years ago when multiple players that Indiana coach Tom Crean had recruited to IU when the program was at its nadir began to leave Bloomington. The popular belief was that Crean was forcing those players out in favor of giving their scholarships to more talented ones. Hence, they had been “Creaned” out of Indiana.

Now, whether that’s the full truth about what happened at Indiana or not, I can’t say. But I do know that such things do indeed happen at major college basketball programs – including Illinois.

As a matter of fact, years ago, a source close to the Illinois program related to me a story about how a former Illinois head coach once called a player into his office at season’s end to talk about the player’s future. The coach explained that, “We have a lot of players coming in at your position in the coming years” before saying to the player, “I assume playing time is important to you.”

“Yes,” the player said.

To which the coach replied, “So, you want to transfer, right?”

The player did not and, according to my source, he was willing to do what it took to stay on the team. However, the coaching staff reportedly informed the player’s family that it wasn’t clear if the academic assistance that he had been receiving could continue. End result: The player transferred.

College sports can be a harsh business. That’s just a reality. But I’m still not in favor of harsh maneuvers such as that, whether you call it “Creaning” or something else. However, that doesn’t appear to be the case with these current Illini.

Groce inherited this roster, after all, so it’s no shock that some of the current players might not fit the system the new coach wants to run. The transferring players seem to understand that and are leaving Illinois on good terms with the coaching staff playing a key role in helping them find good fits elsewhere. Shaw is headed to Bradley University where Illinois assistant Dustin Ford’s brother, Geno, is head coach. Langford is bound for Division II powerhouse Kentucky Wesleyan. And Djimde is reportedly eyeing Longwood University in Virginia.

Henry’s next destination is undetermined, but as he said on Friday, he has “nothing but positive things to say about everything down there” at Illinois.

And that, I’d say, says a lot about Groce, who seems to not just be running a promising program in Champaign, but a classy one as well.

Soldier Field 10 Mile
Lakefront
1410 S. Museum Campus Dr.
Today at 7am

JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound
Mayne Sound
1328 W. Morse Ave.
Tonight at 9

Memorial Day Ceremony
Honoring Fort Dearborn Soldiers
Michigan Ave. & Wacker Drive
Today at 10:30am

William Shatner
Hollywood Palms Cinema
Naperville
352 S. Route 59
Today 1-9pm

Memorial Day Concert
Metropolis Performing Arts Center
Arlington Heights
111 W. Campbell St.
Today at 3pm

Run or Dye
Toyota Park
Bridgeview
7000 S. Harlem Ave.
Today at 9am

Breakthrough Film Club
Westinghouse College Prep
3223 W. Franklin Boulevard
Today 12:30-2pm

Farmers Market
Woodstock Square
Woodstock
200 Van Buren Street
Today 8am-1pm

National Wine Day
Benny’s Chop House
444 N. Wabash
Today 11am-Midnight

Barrelhouse Chuck
Sulzer Library
4455 N. Lincoln Ave.
Today at 12:15pm

Farmers Market
Evanston
1090 University Place
Today 7:30am-1pm

“The Coral King”
Merle Reskin Theatre
60 E. Balbo Drive
Today at 2pm

Chicago Blackhawks Vs. Detroit Red Wings
United Center
1901 W. Madison
Tonight at 7

West Loop Craft Beer Festival
West Loop
Clinton Street
Between Lake & Washington
Today at 1pm

Farmers Market
Division Street
Between State & Clark
Today 7am-1pm

“Late Night Catechism”
Royal George Theatre
1641 N. Halsted St.
Tonight at 8

Farmers Market
Grayslake
147 Center Street
Today 10am-2pm

Magic Matinee
Theater Wit
1229 W. Belmont Ave.
Today at 2pm

Farmers Market
Palatine Metra Station
137 W. Wood Street
Today 7am-1pm

Butterfly Haven Yoga
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
2430 N. Cannon Drive
Today at 8:30am

Heritage Farm Farmers’ Market
Heritage Prairie Farm
Elburn
2N308 Brundige Road
Today at 9am

Green City Market
Chicago Green City Market
1750 N. Clark St.
Today at 7am-1pm

Farmers Market
Lincoln Park
Armitage & Orchard
Today 7am-1pm

Broadway In Chicago Historic Theater Tour
Oriental Theatre
24 W. Randolph St.
Today at 11am

Sat & Sun

Barrington Art Festival
Barrington
Cook & Station Streets
Today 10am-5pm
Tomorrow 10am-5pm

Electric Daisy Carnival
Chicagoland Speedway
Joliet
Today at 5pm
Tomorrow at 5pm

“Faces Of The 1st”
Cantigny Park
Wheaton
1S151 Winfield Road
Today 10am-5pm
Tomorrow 10am-5pm

Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival
Lakeview
Belmont & Sheffield
Today Noon-10pm
Tomorrow Noon-10pm

Chicago White Sox Vs. Miami Marlins
U.S. Cellular Field
35th & Shields
Today at 6:15pm
Tomorrow at 1:10pm

“Enchanted April”
Citadel Theatre
Lake Forest
300 Waukegan Road
Tonight at 8
Tomorrow at 3pm

Randolph Street Market Festival
West Loop
1340 W. Washington Blvd.
Today 10am-5pm
Tomorrow 10am-5pm

“Smokey Joe’s Café”
Royal George Theatre
1641 N. Halsted St.
Today at 5 & 8pm
Tomorrow at 2 & 6pm

Superheroes Unite
Chicago Children’s Museum
700 East Grand Avenue
Today 10am-5pm
Tomorrow 10am-5pm

Destroy The Picture: Painting The Void
Museum Of Contemporary Art
220 E. Chicago Ave.
Today 10am-5pm
Tomorrow 10am-5pm

Free Admission For Active Servicemembers
Morton Arboretum
Lisle
4100 Illinois Route 53
Today 9am-6pm
Tomorrow 9am-6pm

“Head Of Passes”
Steppenwolf Theatre
1650 N. Halsted Street
Today at 3 & 7:30pm
Tomorrow at 3pm

Stingray Touch
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S. Lake Shore Drive
Today 9am-6pm
Tomorrow 9am-6pm

“Million Dollar Quartet”
Apollo Theater
2540 N. Lincoln Ave.
Tonight at 5 & 8pm
Tomorrow 3:30 & 6:30pm

“South Pacific”
Marriott Theatre
Lincolnshire
10 Marriott Drive
Today at 4:30 & 8pm
Tomorrow at 1 & 5pm

“Tea With Edie & Fitz”
The Greenhouse Theater
2257 N. Lincoln Ave.
Today at 2:30 & 7:30pm
Tomorrow at 2:30pm

“Othello: The Remix”
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
800 E. Grand Ave.
Today at 3 & 8pm
Tomorrow at 3pm

Fashion & The Field Museum Collection
Field Museum
1400 S. Lake Shore Drive
Today 9am-5pm
Tomorrow 9am-5pm

“We’re All In This Room Together”
The Second City
1616 N. Wells St.
Tonight at 8 & 11
Tomorrow at 7

“Living With Wolves”
The Field Museum
1400 S. Lake Shore Drive
Today 9am-5pm
Tomorrow 9am-5pm

Trains: All Aboard Art
DuPage Children’s Museum
Naperville
301 N. Washington St.
Today 9am-5pm
Tomorrow Noon-5pm

Spin
Kohl Children’s Museum
Glenview
2100 Patriot Blvd.
Today 9:30am-5pm
Tomorrow Noon-5pm

Architecture River Tour
Shoreline Sightseeing Cruises
Streeterville
600 E. Grand Ave.
Today Starting At 10am
Tomorrow Starting At 10am

Dinosaurs Alive!
Brookfield Zoo
Brookfield
1st Avenue & 31st Street
Today 10am-5pm
Tomorrow 10am-5pm

“The Book Of Mormon”
Bank Of America Theatre
18 W. Monroe St.
Today at 2 & 8pm
Tomorrow at 2 & 7:30pm

“What The Tour Guide Didn’t Tell You”
UP Comedy Club
230 W. North Ave.
Today at 4 & 8pm
Tomorrow at 4 & 8pm

Sunday

Bike The Drive
Lake Shore Drive
Hollywood Ave. To 59th Street
Today 5:30-10:15am

William Shatner
Hollywood Blvd. Cinema
Woodridge
1001 W. 75th Street
Today 1-7pm

The Second City’s Neighborhood Tour
Old Town
1616 N. Wells Street
Today at 10:30am

The Chicago Ensemble
University Of Chicago International House
1414 E. 59th Street
Today at 3pm

Farmers Market
Beverly
95th & Longwood
Today 7am-1pm

Uptown Poetry Slam
The Green Mill
4802 N. Broadway
Tonight at 7

Gospel Brunch
House of Blues
329 N. Dearborn
Today at 10am & 12:30pm

Paul Konerko started the rally with a one-out single. Pinch runner Tyler Greene moved to third when Dayan Viciedo singled off the glove of second baseman Derek Dietrich.

After Ryan Webb (1-2) intentionally walked Conor Gillaspie, Keppinger singled to left field.

Nate Jones (1-4) pitched two-thirds of an inning for the win.

Danks allowed three runs and four hits in six innings in his first start since undergoing shoulder surgery in August to repair a capsule tear and remove debris in his rotator cuff and biceps. He struck out five, walked none and hit a batter in the opener of the interleague series.

(© 2013 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.)

(CBS) — The Boston Marathon bombings showed how quickly surveillance images can help identify suspects.

Now a suburban police department wants to use that same technology to help solve and prevent crimes in their community.

CBS 2’s Mai Martinez reports.

Surveillance cameras are just about everywhere these days. Elgin police believe if used properly they can be a valuable crime-fighting tool.

Prompted by community members wanting to better help police, the department launched its “Security Thru Surveillance” program.

The idea: register public and private sector cameras online for police use. That way, when a crime happens, officers can use the map to determine which cameras might help them.

“In the past, we’ve had to go door to door. We’ve had to go business to business to try to locate cameras,” Sgt. Jim Bisceglie says.

That would save both time and resources.

Police Chief Jeff Swoboda downplays any notion of Big Brother taking over.

These cameras are already out there.  They’re on the streets. They’re in people’s pockets. They’re in businesses, and what this does is allows us to get that information if they want to give it to us,” he says.

Business owner Rick Radloff registered his cameras, and says he can’t imagine why anyone wouldn’t.

“A safer community is better business,” he says.

Police are holding a training seminar on Saturday June 22. Click here to learn more.

The Reds have won 12 of their past 15 games, surging to a season-high 12 games over .500.

At 30-18, they’re three wins ahead of their pace last season, when they won 97 games and the NL Central.

They’ve dominated the Cubs, winning 15 of their past 17. The Reds are 18-5 overall against the Cubs in the past two seasons.

Chicago is last in the NL Central, having lost a season-high five straight. The Cubs (18-29) slid a season-low 11 games under .500.

Votto and Hanigan homered in the fourth inning off Scott Feldman (4-4), who had only one bad inning. Feldman gave up five runs in the fourth, the same number he’d allowed in his past five starts combined.

Phillips hit a two-run shot in the eighth off Hector Rondon.

Bronson Arroyo (5-4) gave up three runs and six hits in six innings, including Feldman’s first career homer. Jonathan Broxton allowed Luis Valbuena’s RBI single in the eighth.

Aroldis Chapman pitched the ninth for his 11th save in 13 chances. After blowing a pair of save opportunities, the left-hander has converted his past three. He gave up a single and a walk and fanned three.

The Reds had their third sellout crowd of the season, and the last two games of the series will draw capacity crowds as well.

Arroyo had trouble keeping his pitches down at the outset. Darwin Barney had a sacrifice fly in the second inning, and Feldman followed with his first career homer, a two-run shot for a 3-0 lead. Cubs pitchers have driven in 15 runs this season, most in the majors.

The three-run inning ended Arroyo’s streak of 15 1-3 scoreless innings, his best of the season. The right-hander has won his past three starts.

Feldman had his streak of five impressive starts fall apart in the fourth.

Votto led off with his eighth homer, extending his hitting streak to 12 games, the longest by a Reds player this season. He leads the NL with a .361 batting average.

And that was just the start. Phillips followed with a single, stretching his hitting streak to a season-best 11 games, and eventually scored on Xavier Paul’s single. Hanigan’s three-run homer — his second — made it 5-3.

The five runs matched the most allowed by the Cubs in an inning this season. They were the most earned runs allowed by Feldman in a game this season.

NOTES: The Reds have homered in each of their past nine games, their longest such streak since 2010. … The Reds placed LH Sean Marshall on the 15-day DL before the game, the second time he’s been sidelined by a sore pitching shoulder this season. LH Manny Parra was activated off the DL to take his place. … LF Ryan Ludwick said his comeback from shoulder surgery is on schedule. He tore cartilage while sliding into third base on opening day. He’s expected back after the All-Star break. … Umpire Bob Davidson called a balk on Arroyo. … LH Travis Wood, obtained by Chicago in the trade for Marshall in December 2011, makes his fourth career start against the Reds on Saturday. He’s 0-1 with a 4.42 ERA against the Reds.

(© 2013 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.)

(CBS) –  A Chicago area Naval Officer is now reunited with his two young daughters after a year and a half at sea.

The surprise involved a scavenger hunt that led the girls to a reunion with their dad, reports CBS 2’s Mike Parker, who was there.

First Class Petty Officer Aaron Haines, back home on leave after 18 months of naval duty in the Sea of Japan, waited anxiously Friday night at the Louis Joliet Mall.

“I can’t help but be nervous right now,” he admitted.

He was waiting to surprise daughters Erin and Maria. But first their stepmother and the children had to finish a “scavenger hunt” in the mall.

The girls collected eight clues, leading them to clue number 9. Dad was holding it at the end of the hunt.

There were shrieks of “Daddy, Daddy!” as the three ran to one another and embraced.  There were cheers from onlookers.

As he held the girls, Erin told him: “We got heavier because I’m 7 and she’s 8 now.”

There wasn’t a dry eye in the mall.

(CBS) — Pushback by riders and consumer groups have prompted the CTA to pull back on some of the fees it intended to charge when it introduces its new Ventra transit fare card this summer.

Spokesman Brian Steele said CTA will waive the $5 registration fee for riders who obtain Ventra cards before year’s end. The fee was automatically credited to new Ventra cards for use as fares.

In addition, the transit agency will eliminate a $2 fee to speak with a Ventra customer representative and has reached agreement with Allpoint for free cash withdrawals at its 1,000 Chicago-area automatic teller machines. Riders also will be able to use Allpoint’s more than 40,000 ATMs outside of the Chicago area without charge.

Steele said the decision to seek the fee-free withdrawals was the result of prompting from consumer groups.

Customers who want paper statements will be charged $1 a month instead of $2, and those who want to quit the Ventra system will be charged $5 instead of $6, Steele said.

A number of fees remain.

Steele said those who lose Ventra cards will still have to pay $5 for a replacement card.  Those who don’t use their cards for 18 months will face a $5 a month “dormancy fee,” while those who sign up for the optional debit account and fail to use it over an 18-month period will be charged $2 a month.

Once the Ventra system is in full operation, the price of a single-fare ticket will increase from $2.25 to $3.

In return, CTA is agreeing to give up a minimum of $500,000 a year in proceeds from Ventra debit card fees. Steele said CTA still expects to save $50 million over 10 years by moving to the Ventra system, which is the product of a $454 million contract with Cubic Transportation Systems and a variety of partners that includes MasterCard.

The kits each contain soap, shampoo and hand sanitizer, toilet paper, wash cloths, toothpaste and a brush, among other things.  But World Vision’s Angela Appleton said encouragement is also packed.

“At the end of the assembly line, you write a personal note of encouragement to the recipient,” she tells WBBM Newsradio’s Bob Roberts.  “After having done a lot of these events and seen the recipient receive the hygiene kit, that note of encouragement is a very welcome thing.”

One such note read: “Every day is a new beginning and a chance to start again.”

The 1,000 kits took 115 Chase employees 43 minutes to assemble.  Appleton said they were shipped from the Loop Friday night and should reach Oklahoma by Wednesday.

World Vision provides similar kits to disaster areas worldwide, along with bags filled with pencils, erasers and other classroom necessities as well as medical supplies for the ailing in Africa.

Those wishing to sign up to build other kits can do so by going online here.

Abbey Friend added three goals for the Tar Heels (17-3). North Carolina will play top-seeded Maryland or No. 4 Syracuse in the final Sunday.

Kat DeRonda had a goal and assist for second-seeded Northwestern (19-3). The Wildcats, the winners of seven of the last eight NCAA titles, also lost to North Carolina on Feb. 22.

In North Carolina’s only other appearance in the final, the Tar Heels lost to Northwestern 21-9 in 2009.

Friend scored two first-half goals to help North Carolina to a 4-1 halftime advantage. And the Tar Heels opened the second half with three straight goals, capped by Kelly Devlin’s goal on a free position that put them up 7-1 with just under 23 minutes left.

Alyssa Leonard and Kelly Rich scored to pull Northwestern to 7-3 with 18:55 remaining, but Cannizzaro scored four straight goals over the next 7:20 to put the Tar Heels ahead 11-3 with 11:35 left. The Wildcats played short-handed in the final 15:45 after Leonard received a second yellow card.

(© 2013 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.)

(CBS) – Police are hunting for a serial robber who seems to be focused on a very specific target.

CBS 2’s Mike Puccinelli reports.

GameStop has become a favorite stop for the armed robber. Cook County Crimestoppers Chairman George McDade says the suspect may have been involved in 10 armed robberies at the chain’s stores.

Most recently, the suspect hit a store on Cottage Grove in Chicago for the third time, on May 12. The robbery was caught on tape, and police released a surveillance image of the gunman.

Over the past six years, investigators believe the gunman has hit stores in Chicago, Calumet City, Evergreen Park, Oakbrook Terrace, North Riverside, Berwyn and Munster, Ind.

McDade says after the robber empties the cash register and helps himself to games and other valuables he does something unusual.

“He apologizes,” he says.

Still, the suspect should be considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached.

“He has to be taken off the street. He has to be held accountable for the crimes before something serious happens,” McDade says.

GameStop officials are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest. If you have a tip, call Crimestoppers at 1-800-535-STOP.

(CBS) — There are 140 of them who get together for the joy of singing.

CBS 2’s Harry Porterfield says the Melodeers are all someone you should know.

It all began when barbershop patrons started singing while waiting to get their hair cut. A century or so later, the Melodeers chorus is taking the music to a dazzling new height with 140 ladies singing in unaccompanied four-part harmony.

“I love it. I’ve been around a barbershop all my entire life. The organization calls me a barbershop rat,” jokes member Erin Keeber.

The group rehearses each Wednesday evening at the Mart Mariam Chaldean Catholic Church in Northbrook. Mater director Jim Ans says members come with all experience levels.

Kaye Jensen is the oldest member.

“I live a Melodeer life at home. I’m singing all the time. It’s contagious,” she says.

The chorus has won six Sweet Adeline International gold medals.

Jurors deliberated for a little more than three hours Friday before finding Ealy guilty on one count of first-degree murder in the death of 45-year-old Mary Hutchison.

Ealy faces a minimum prison sentence of 20 years and up to life behind bars.

It’s the second time the 48-year-old has been convicted of murder, though jurors who decided this case weren’t told about his earlier convictions for a 1982 Chicago quadruple-killing.

In that earlier case, Ealy was found guilty of strangling four people in the Rockwell Gardens housing complex, including his teenage girlfriend, her 3-year-old son and her pregnant mother.

Those convictions were overturned on appeal in 1986 in a ruling that barred so much evidence from the case that prosecutors were unable to retry him for the slayings.

But 20 years later, Ealy was charged with strangling Hutchison with the bow tie of her uniform on Nov. 27, 2006, while robbing the Lindenhurst restaurant she managed. The early morning robbery allegedly netted him $1,701, prosecutors have said.

Much of that cash — including $110 in dimes and quarters taken from the restaurant — later was found in his Lake Villa apartment, prosecutors said during his trial.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2013. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

Country music superstar Tim McGraw meets with military service members Friday in Orland Park. (Lisa Fielding/WBBM)

(CBS) — A special guest joined military service members and their families for lunch at outback steakhouse in Orland Park on Friday.

Singer Tim McGraw stopped by as part of Operation Homefront, a program that awards mortgage-free homes to wounded warriors and members of the armed forces.

“We’re just here to say how much we appreciate all that they’ve done, not only for the service members who go overseas or go abroad to put their lives on the line and provide safety and security for us but also family members that are home waiting and worrying,” McGraw says.

McGraw has a long history and deep interest in supporting veterans and military families and says he wanted to find another way to honor our veterans and give back to them for their commitment and service to our country.

“My sister is a veteran of the first Gulf War, my uncle is a Vietnam veteran, my grandfather is a Navy veteran,” he says.

Needless to say, the soldiers were stunned to see who would be having lunch with them.

“I think it’s amazing. I’m thrilled to be here. He’s one of my favorite country singers. I can’t believe I actually get to sit next to him,” soldier Simon Kimball says.

McGraw was in town for a concert at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheater.

“Chicago is awesome. It’s one of my favorite towns to play in the fans are always a good time. I always look forward to coming here because the fans here are pretty rabid,” McGraw says.

Last year, he teamed up with Chase and Operation Homefront to launch the program. So far, it has awarded 26 newly renovated mortgage-free homes provided by Chase to deserving military families.

This summer, McGraw, Chase and Operation Homefront will double that number by awarding a home at each of his 31 tour stops. McGraw’s “Two Lanes of Freedom” tour continues through July.

UNITED CENTER (CBS) Jonathan Toews was frustrated.

Penalties, missed opportunities, bad decisions and yes, Henrik Zetterberg, had taken their toll on Toews, who rarely loses his cool.

But what do you do when the captain needs a captain?

Someone — anyone — needed to talk to him.

“It was after the third one. He looked frustrated,” defenseman Brent Seabrook said. “I don’t know if that was the reason for the penalties, I think there was a little bit of bad luck with his stick, but I just tried to call him down.”

Yes, it was Seabrook — who also has had his fair share of struggles in the last three games — who came over to the penalty box to talk some sense into Toews.

“We need him,” the defenseman said. “He’s the best player on the team and our leader and if the rest of the group sees him like that, it’s going to trickle down. So we need him to be focused and ready. I just told him to sit down, take a couple deep breaths and be ready to be back out there because we need him.”

At that moment, Toews had just taken three minor penalties in a row, with the second one resulting in the first power play goal the Blackhawks had allowed in 31 tries during the playoffs. That goal ended up being the difference in a 2-0 loss that gave the Red Wings a 3-1 advantage in the Western Conference Semifinals.

“I was looking to chat with him as well,” head coach Joel Quenneville admitted.

To put that sequence in perspective, Toews accrued only four total penalty minutes during the 2010 playoffs when the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup. Six minutes on three penalties back-to-back-to-back is unheard of for No. 19.

“I understand what happened in the second period wasn’t a good thing,” Toews said Friday. “I don’t attribute it to me losing my temper. Obviously I was a little careless with my stick and unfortunately it cost me and it cost our team. We’re looking to have that controlled emotion as a team.”

The frustration had been building throughout the series for Toews. He’s been bottled up and annoyed by Zetterberg almost every moment on the ice and he hasn’t scored a single goal during the entire postseason.

“I’m not as worried about him as maybe you guys think I should be,” Toews said, rightly adding that he’s had chances to score and simply hasn’t converted. “Eventually they have to go in.”

In between games, Toews has been saying all the right things and appears to remain positive. But on the ice, he’s been a player rarely seen throughout his career: a frustrated, struggling captain.

Naturally, that has led to panic amongst fans and is exactly why Seabrook felt the need to calm Toews down. Fan, player or neutral observer, you can’t help but notice when one of the steadiest players in the league is seemingly out of control on the ice.

“He hasn’t been able to find the back of the net and I’m sure that’s frustrating for him and it doesn’t help with you guys talking about it everyday,” Seabrook said. “He’s one of the best players in the world. He’s a hard worker and he’s going to work his way through this.”

He better do so quickly. There’s a minimum of 60 minutes left in the Blackhawks’ season, a season that started with a 24-game point streak that immediately built lofty expectations. Fair or not, Toews is going to carry some of the blame if the Hawks come up short.

“I think when things go well for our team sometimes I get more credit than I deserve,” Toews said. “And I think same goes the other way. I think when we don’t play as well as we can and we don’t win games, then same goes for me. I understand that’s part of it.”

It’s not always a part of it, but in this case it is. Toews’ top line has struggled since the playoffs began and to put it simply, it needs to start producing or the Blackhawks season will end Saturday.

“You couldn’t ask for a better captain or a better competitor than Johnny,” Quenneville said Friday. “Sometimes his frustrations show because he wants to do things the right way and he will continue to do it the right way.”

To no one’s surprise, that right way continued Friday as Toews was one of the few veterans who took the ice for an optional practice that only included 12 players.

“What’s there to be down about?,” he said afterwards.

Moments later, the captain was once again reading from his familiar Jonathan Toews glossary as he spoke to the media: Positive. Good vibe. Pull from the same rope. Leadership. Starts with myself.

Indeed it does, Johnny.

Follow Adam On Twitter at @AdamHoge.

Lauren Goodlow, after she was allegedly pushed by a CPS security guard, her mother and attorney say. (Goodlow family)

(CBS) – The mother of a Dunbar High School student who was pushed down stairs by an adult employee is speaking out about the alleged assault.

New video surfaced Friday that appears to show sophomore Lauren Goodlow being pushed by a male security guard.

A photo released today by her mother and attorney shows bruises and scratches on her face.

“I’m enraged,” the mother, Pershuan Goodlow, tells CBS 2’s Dorothy Tucker. “I broke down crying because I couldn’t believe that a staff member at a school would treat a child like that.”

At one point in the video, Lauren gets up off the ground and the security guard appears to knock her down again. Some students say the guard was just trying to break up a fight. But the girl’s attorney, Mark Sutter, says that’s not true.

“There was a verbal altercation that the officer stepped in on,” he said at a Friday news conference. “There was no threat of violence at that time. This was absolutely not self-defense. This was unequivocal, egregious conduct.”

Matt Brandon, the secretary-treasurer for the union that represents Chicago Public Schools security guards, cautioned against making judgments against the employee in the video.

“You don’t defend it if that’s actually what happened,” he says. “The video on the cell phone appears to be damning, but things aren’t always what you see with your first initial sight.”

Brandon says the union will ask to see the school’s security cameras.

Chicago police are investigating the incident.

CBS 2 has been told CPS chief Barbara Byrd-Bennett was “outraged” when she saw the video. Her administration has removed the guard from the school while the case is under investigation.

Pershuan Goodlow declined to discuss the extent of her daughter’s injuries.

(WBBM) I knew it, I just knew it. The Blackhawks have been hit with the curse of the damn President’s Trophy.

Only seven teams who won it since 1985 have gone on to win the Stanley Cup. There, I have something to blame. But let me just add the Hawks’ power play if I can. Have you ever seen a team so proficient on offensive be so brutal with the man-advantage?  Thursday night’s effort was by far the worst we’ve seen. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: You get a power play, please decline it.

Captain Johnny looks flipped out by the Red Wings’ game plan. They’ve rattled Jonathan Toews’ game to the point where he’s put a down payment on the penalty box.

And can Hawks fans stop chanting Detroit…you know what, because it doesn’t!

___________________________________

This was inevitable. Brian Urlacher really didn’t have much of a choice. But he didn’t go out bitter. Urlacher said he wasn’t sure he could bring the passion or level of performance to the game he used to and then added, “When considering this, along with the fact that I could retire after a 13-year career wearing only one jersey for such a storied franchise, my decision became pretty clear.”

Urlacher wound up making the right choice: class and dignity over anger and bitterness.

____________________________________

How about this: the Bears will retire a certain number worn by a certain ex-coach who goes by the name of Ditka. Yes, Da Coach will have No. 89 join 14 others already retired by the Bears. If ever a man exemplified an organization it’s Mike Ditka. COACH! Now open a bottle of your Kick Ass red wine. You deserve it.

____________________________________

Chris Sale was scratched from Wednesday’s start against the Red Sox with shoulder tendinitis. This isn’t a red flag; it’s an alarm bell. Sale’s violent motion has to make every member of the organization and certainly diehard fans just a bit nervous.

____________________________________

Jerry Reinsdorf wants to be around for 100th All Star Game, which would be in 2033 when the Chairman would be 97. If I was laying odds, I’d say its even money Reinsdorf will be in his suite and probably celebrating with some gefilte fish. Reinsdorf said he’s in the fourth quarter but he’s playing for triple overtime. I would have Nate Robinson on speed dial.

Reinsdorf wants the Sox to be sold after he passes. My guess is Mark Cuban doesn’t appear on the list of likely suitors. Anyhow, he’ll own the Cubs by then.

____________________________________

Something needs to be done about the Cubs’ bullpen.  I’d only keep Kevin Gregg. I can’t believe I just wrote that.

And if I’m Matt Garza, I don’t wait for the Cubs to trade me, I beg.

_____________________________________

Sergio Garcia is a goof and a fool. You already knew that. But his fried chicken reference to Tiger Woods also got him a life time membership to the ignorance club. It’s pretty crowded in there but Garcia found some room. Then again, Tiger Woods hasn’t exactly followed the career path of a saint.

____________________________________

On the flip side, we have Kevin Durant, the real definition of a role model. His donation of $1 million to the Red Cross for victims of the tornado that ravaged Moore City, Oklahoma simply cements his place as one of this nation’s finest citizens.  Please clone him.

____________________________________

The NFL draft will take place in May next year. Commissioner Roger Goodell said it would be between the 8th and 17th. In other words, up against the Stanley Cup and NBA playoffs and baseball.  The playoffs are the playoffs but if I’m baseball, I’m trying to schedule my best inter league match-ups then. Have the Sox meet the Cubs, Mets and Yankees, Dodgers and Angels, Giants and Athletics, Reds and Indians, etc. It’s your only bet to steal some of the show.

George Ofman is a sports anchor and reporter for WBBM Newsradio 780 & 105.9FM. Look for him on Facebook and find him on Twitter at @georgeofman.

The still and box alarm at Albany Terrace Apartments at 3030 W. 21st Pl. was struck out by 2 p.m., according to Fire Media Affairs.

Some residents fled the building, but a 67-year-old woman suffered smoke inhalation and was hospitalized in critical condition, Fire Media said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2013. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

Well known cheater Lance Armstrong took to Twitter Friday morning to criticize another cyclist for doping.

Italian cyclist Danilo Di Luca was caught using EPO and was booted from his cycling team.

So, of course, Armstrong tweeted:

“Knowing I have 0 cred on the doping issue – I still can’t help but think, “really Di Luca? Are you that fu**ing stupid??”

OK, then.

Danks will make his first start since arthroscopic shoulder surgery in Friday night’s opener of a three-game home set against the Miami Marlins.

The left-hander last pitched May 19, 2012, against the Cubs before he was placed on the disabled list six days later. He underwent surgery in August, and had a woeful 16.36 ERA in spring training before posting a 3.18 over four starts at Triple-A Charlotte in preparation for his return.

“It seems like a few years,” he said. “I was thinking about that, it’s almost a year to the day that I pitched my last game.”

Danks, who went 3-4 with a 5.70 ERA in nine 2012 starts, said he will feel nervous Friday.

“I know I will, it’s been a long time,” Danks said. “I’m excited, this is fun. I’ve been looking forward to getting back.”

The minor-league hitters Danks faced may be comparable to many that he will see Friday against a Marlins team averaging a major league-low 2.7 runs. He is most familiar with Placido Polanco (4 for 24 against Danks) and Miguel Olivo (7 for 22).

Danks said that he progressed well in his rehab outings, and his White Sox teammates are glad to see him back.

“As a friend, I’m happy for him and I hope it goes well,” first baseman Paul Konerko said. “But for me, as long as he walks off that field healthy after that game, there’s really no bad outing.”

Chicago (21-24) can relate somewhat to Miami’s offensive woes, with the White Sox averaging 3.7 runs for the AL’s second-worst mark.

The club is gaining confidence, however, since it has won six of nine after taking two of three at home from Boston this week.

“It’s good for our record, but I think it should be good for our confidence that we belong on the same field as some of these teams,” said Konerko, who ended a 17-game homerless drought in Wednesday’s 6-2 loss. “I don’t think we doubt that anyway, but it reinforces it.”

The Marlins (13-34), in contrast, probably don’t belong on the field with most teams as owners of baseball’s worst record. Miami fell for the ninth time in 11 games as it managed three singles – with only one leaving the infield – in Wednesday’s 3-0 home defeat to Philadelphia.

Rookie Marcell Ozuna had one of the infield hits to extend his streak to eight games – the longest by a Marlin this year.

Another rookie, Tom Koehler (0-2, 2.82 ERA), will make his third start and fourth of his career as he still searches for his first victory. The right-hander gave up a leadoff homer Saturday against Arizona, but allowed only two other hits over six innings in a 1-0 home defeat.

“This is something to build off of,” Koehler said. “Hopefully, next time I can limit the pitch count a little bit more and eliminate some of those three-ball counts. And try to put as many zeroes as possible. That’s my goal every time.”

The Marlins lead the all-time series, 5-4.

(© 2013 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.)

UNITED CENTER (CBS) Facing elimination Saturday night at the United Center, the Blackhawks held a full team meeting Friday before an optional practice.

Twelve players took the ice for the optional skate that did not include head coach Joel Quenneville.

“We talked about the situation and where we’re at,” Quenneville said about the team meeting. “I thought it was very productive and positive. It was a good meeting.”

It’s not all that surprising that the team didn’t have a full practice with their season on the line. Throughout the lockout-shortened season, Quenneville has cut back on practice time and the Blackhawks were actually playing their best hockey when they would only have or two practices a week.

The 12 players on the ice for Friday’s skate included Brandon Saad, Michael Frolik, Jamal Mayers, Daniel Carcillo, Marcus Kruger, Brent Seabrook, Sheldon Brookbank, Nick Leddy, Brandon Bollig, Jonathan Toews, Ben Smith and Ray Emery.

A number of those guys might be looking to crack the lineup in Game 5, while others — specifically Seabrook and Leddy — might just be looking for more playing time. Seabrook only played 12:03 Thursday night while Leddy saw just 8:38 of ice time.

When asked Friday if he was surprised about his lack of playing time, Seabrook simply said: “Um, I don’t really want to talk about that.”

Later, when asked if this series has been a struggle for him, the defenseman just said: “Um, yep.”

Quenneville said the cut in playing time for both Seabrook and Leddy was because of matchups, but then conceded that their recent performance has something to do with it.

“I think usually it’s a reflection of your performance and your contribution and sometimes your minutes are higher than others in games and stretches of games,” the head coach said.

Quenneville said both could have a chance to see their playing time increase, but with the season on the line it’s possible the head coach goes with some fresh blood in the lineup. Sheldon Brookbank is a candidate to enter the defensive pairings, while it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Ben Smith inserted on the forward lines.

With an optional skate Friday, it’s hard to tell if there will be any big changes like that, but they could become apparent at Saturday’s morning skate.

For more coverage of the Blackhawks throughout the playoffs, follow Adam on Twitter (@AdamHoge).

The historic 85-30 vote would allow the carrying of concealed guns, a legislative task compelled by a federal appeals court ruling and precipitated by House Speaker Michael Madigan’s turnabout.

But its obliteration of all local gun laws, including Chicago’s ban on assault-style weapons, drew immediate resistance from Gov. Pat Quinn, a Chicago Democrat like Madigan. Quinn said the proposal endangers the public by pre-empting local gun laws, which have nothing to do with concealed carry, the only subject covered by the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals’ decree.

“We need strong gun-safety laws that protect the people of our state. Instead, this measure puts public safety at risk,” Quinn said in a prepared statement.

Senate President John Cullerton, another Democrat from Chicago, called the pre-emption provision “offensive.” Cullerton said he would meet privately with his majority caucus Monday to decide how to proceed. A Senate concealed-carry plan, which overrules local control only by requiring a statewide carry program, is on the Senate floor awaiting a vote.

The appeals court declared Illinois’ last-in-the-nation prohibition on public possession of weapons unconstitutional in December and gave lawmakers until June 9 to adopt a carry system.

The measure, sponsored by ardent gun-rights advocate Rep. Brandon Phelps, a Democrat from Harrisburg in deep southern Illinois, outlines a so-called “shall issue” law, meaning law enforcement officials would be required to issue permits to qualified gun owners. Only about 10 states, such as New York, have more restrictive “may issue” laws, which give police more discretion to deny permission.

Despite deep, conservative roots outside of Chicago accompanied by fervent support for the Second Amendment’s right to keep and bear arms, the Prairie State has for decades resisted a carry law because of gun-wary Windy City Democrats. The nation’s third-largest city is a leader in murders and violence despite what muscular restrictions on weaponry.

“Criminals are cowards,” said Rep. Mike Bost, a southern Illinois Republican. “If they know there’s an opportunity they’re going to get caught or get shot — because they don’t like a fair fight — they’re not going to commit the crime.”

The plan would require the Illinois State Police to issue a carry permit to anyone who gets the required 16 hours of gun-safety training — most in the nation — passes a background check and pays a $150 fee. Local police or a county sheriff could object to an application, which a statewide review panel of criminal-justice and mental-health experts would review.

Madigan said his change of heart came after a mid-April test on a more restrictive concealed-carry bill backed by Chicago Democrats polled just 31 votes. Despite the way the current idea mimics Phelps’ earlier plan, the speaker said it significantly broadens the places that would be off-limits to guns, including all of the places Chicago officials requested, such as mass-transit buses and trains, parks and street festivals.

Local school officials would no longer be able to decide whether they wanted to allow guns. Private property owners could ban guns on their land.

If Illinois blows the June 9 deadline without a law, cities and counties could enact their own gun restrictions — or none at all, supporters say, creating “more chaos and havoc on our streets,” Republican Rep. Jim Durkin of Western Springs said.

“Let’s not just look what’s good for one part of the state, let’s look at what’s good for the whole state,” Phelps said when asked about Quinn’s comments. “I would hope under his leadership, he would not want this to go off the cliff.”

In fact, with 220 so-called “home-rule” communities — generally larger cities such as Chicago, Peoria, Bloomington and Springfield which are free from state oversight on many local policy decisions — Madigan said there could be just as many different gun standards if there’s no statewide standard.

“As people attempted to move about the state, they would contemplate the possibility that there would be a change in the rules up to 220 times,” Madigan said.

The Phelps bill would wipe out local regulations such as Chicago’s assault-weapons ban, gun-purchase taxes and required reporting of lost and stolen guns. Rep. Christian Mitchell called it a “massive dismantling of local administration of gun safety.”

“It is the opposite of small government,” Mitchell said. “This bill is massive overreach, it is dangerous, it is right in time for summer” when crime heats up.

The National Rifle Association has said nothing about the House plan since it surfaced Wednesday, but Phelps acknowledged having the powerful gun lobby on the sidelines likely helped.

Monday, Senate Democrats will discuss their proposal. Cullerton said he’s willing to forgo its requirement for a special “endorsement” — and extra fee— for qualified gun owners to carry in Chicago. The Senate could act on the House plan after stripping it of the distasteful provisions overruling local laws.

“The part that’s offensive in the bill,” Cullerton said, “is the part that has nothing to do with conceal and carry.”

(TM and © Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

CHICAGO (CBS) – The Emanuel administration began making its case to aldermen for a package of changes to the hated parking meter lease deal on Friday.

WBBM Newsradio’s Mike Krauser reports the mayor’s office has negotiated several changes to the 75-year deal with Chicago Parking Meters LLC. The deal would provide free Sunday parking in the neighborhoods, while extending nighttime hours at many meters on Monday through Saturday.

The deal would also settle a dispute between the city and the company over revenue lost to street closures and use of disabled parking placards, which allow drivers to park for free.

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd), who represents the downtown area where many meters would operate three hours longer Monday through Saturday, said he’s not convinced the Emanuel administration’s math is good on the new deal.

He also noted the conspicuous absence of the parking meter firm at Friday’s meeting of the City Council Finance Committee.

“Since they refused to be before us today, litigation or not, their absence speaks volumes,” he said.

The parking meter deal has been a sore spot for aldermen ever since former Mayor Richard M. Daley rushed the lease through the City Council in December 2008. The switchover to the private parking meter firm was plagued by malfunctioning meters, and parking rates have skyrocketed due to annual rate hikes.

The city was paid $1.15 billion for the deal, but virtually all of that money already has been spent to pay outstanding debt and to help balance city budget deficits in recent years.

At the Finance Committee hearing, City Corporation Counsel Steve Patton was asked whether the city could simply get out of the deal altogether.

“I looked at that option. There’d be no greater hero in the city than the lawyer who could say, ‘Okay, we’re walking away,’” Patton said.

Ald. Joe Moore (49th) and others expressed concerns that the changes to the deal would not include a cap on what the company gets from the deal.

“That seems to be, ultimately, what’s causing concern for everyone; is this windfall,” Moore said.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel has said taxpayers would save $1 billion over the remaining 71 years of the lease, thanks to an agreement to allow the city to calculate how much it owes to the parking meter firm for lost revenue from street closures, rather than relying on the company’s estimates. The mayor has said an audit he ordered found the firm had been overcharging the city $20 million a year.

The mayor repeatedly has said he wants to “make a little lemonade out of a big lemon” by getting the parking meter firm to agree to free Sunday parking in the neighborhoods, and reducing the city’s liability for lost parking revenue from street closures.

In exchange for free parking on Sundays, the city has agreed to extend the hours that many parking meters must be fed. Meters that now must be fed until 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday will operate until 10 p.m., except just north of downtown (an area bounded by the Chicago River to the south and west, the lake to the east, and Division Street to the north), where they must be feed until midnight, according to the mayor’s office.

Residential parking meters that now must be paid until 6 p.m. won’t be affected. Most meters in and around the Loop already must be fed 24 hours a day.

In addition, the motorists will be given an option to pay for parking with their cell phones, rather than having to walk to the pay-and-display boxes to print out a parking sticker, then take it back to their cars.

The pay-by-cell option will carry a 35-cent convenience fee for each parking meter purchase. The pay-by-cell option would eliminate the need for a driver to place a parking receipt on his or her dashboard. The technology will be available by summer 2014.

Most aldermen already have voiced support for the free Sunday parking plan.

The Finance Committee was scheduled to meet again on Tuesday for a second hearing on the proposed changes, before a full City Council vote as early as mid-June.

Police said a 57-year-old man and a 30-year-old man were shot around 11 a.m. in the 1100 block of South State Street. The Roosevelt stops for the CTA’s Red, Green and Orange Line trains are about a block away. The Red Line station is a subway stop connected to the elevated station for the Green and Orange Lines.

Both victims suffered graze wounds, police said. Both were taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in good condition.

The shooting prompted the Guardian Angels to patrol the area Friday evening into early Saturday — a presence that made some CTA riders feel safer, CBS 2′s Pamela Jones reports.

No suspects were in custody as of early Friday afternoon.

In the Chicago area, the AAA says gasoline prices average $4.20 a gallon.

According to Jack Gerard of the American Petroleum Institute, the national average price for gasoline is $3.65 a gallon, which is 55 cents a gallon less than the Chicago area. But, he said you can stretch your fuel dollars by being “sensible in the way you drive.”

He advises people to keep their tires properly inflated, take extra weight out of their vehicles and don’t speed up and slow down quickly.

Petroleum industry promoter Jack Gerard argues gas prices could go *down* if more oil drilling were allowed on federal lands and put into the world marketplace.

He also points to the role taxes play in gas prices. In Illinois, he says, 57 cents of every gallon goes to the government.