Chicago Police Officer Richard Francis, tragically killed in the line of duty early Wednesday morning, is remembered. [Trib, S-T]

If you already are or are looking to attend graduate school at the University of Chicago, take note: the school has cut ties with Illinois' student loan agency, leaving students scrambling for other loan opportunities. [S-T, CBS2]

A reason to revive public stockades: Patrick Kolman of Arlington Heights was arrested on his 10th DUI charge.

We're still getting over the awesome trickeration pulled in the rescue of 15 hostages in Colombia. Bonus: the three American hostages have returned to the States.

Pregnant man and friend-of-Oprah Thomas Beatie gave birth to a baby girl today in Oregon.

Our sympathies to sister site Seattlest on the loss of the SuperSonics to Oklahoma City.

Darrin Jackson may be on his way out of the broadcast booth for the Sox and none other than Steve Stone may take his place.

Speaking of the Sox, they're in town this weekend taking on the A's. The Cubs finish business in San Francisco tonight, then fly to St. Louis for a three-game series against the arch-rival Cardinals.

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend, everyone!