The liberal talk-radio network Air America Radio filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection this past Friday. The network, which is home to programs hosted by Al Franken and Jerry Springer, initially got its start with the help of a capital investment from Chicago-based investors Sheldon and Anita Drobny. The station has seen some trying times ever since. Despite a following of 2.4 million anti-Limbaugh listeners every week, the network and its various owners have been under a dark cloud of debt and sticky financial problems for the past two years. more ›

Railing against winter depression, working hard for the belly laughs, imbibing enough to make their Second City forbearers proud, legions of talented performers and commendable administrators take over Theatre Building Chicago tonight through January 15 for the 5th Annual Chicago Sketchfest. Squeezing ninety troupes over eight nights, the festival boasts one of the most impressive lineups outside Aspen. They’re savvy enough to host tonight’s League of Chicago Theaters’ Theater Thursday event, featuring pre-show beer and appetizers at an area restaurant and mingling with the performers. Click here for tonight’s ticket info (just promise you’ll come back, ok?). more ›

Did you know there are two other people besides Barack Obama and Alan Keyes registered as candidates with the State Board of Elections for Illinois' U.S. Senate seat? Well there are and neither of them will win, but both of their names are eerily similar to those of two political celebrities. And that's hard-hitting political news--right? more ›