Extra, Extra

As the sun sets on another year, it's a time for reflection and appreciation. We've had a blast covering the news, arts, events, food, drink, and everything in between of Chicago this year and we thank our readers for coming along for the ride. From Obama's campaign to Blago's arrest, this year has given us all sorts of ups and downs, and we're looking forward to another unpredictable and amazing year. Thanks for a fantastic 2008 and we'll see you back here tomorrow morning to get a jump on what promises to be an exciting 2009.

Have a safe and happy New Year!

• Three Chicago police officers were injured last night breaking up a gang fight near a funeral home in the 600 block of West 37th Street.
• Will County plans to fight Canadian National Railway's proposed freight bypass planned for the suburbs.
• The Obamas will depart Chicago this weekend for Washington D.C. where they'll set up temporary camp at a hotel next to the White House while Barack awaits the start of his new job on January 20, 2009.
• Chicago housing prices fell 10.8 percent between October 2007 and October 2008, but that's still less than the national average of 18 percent.
• State Rep. John Bradley wants to add a new gasoline tax - an additional eight cents a gallon - to help pay for a state-wide road construction program. Because that's what we need: more taxes.
• Here's something random and silly to take us out of '08: an invisible sweet ass blues guitar solo.