• Police are investigating whether or not four specific strangling deaths over the last two years are connected.
• Ald. Toni Preckwinkle, the Democratic candidate for Cook County Board President, is backing off her promise to cut taxes, blaming a worsening budget situation.
• Some competition for ComEd.

As it gets closer to Halloween for LAist, a contributer recollects her tale of staring down the serial killer, Richard Ramirez, otherwise known as the Night Stalker. Must think happy thoughts -- okay, free organic chocolate chip cookies for Los Angeles -- now that's a happy thought. Other happy Los Angeles thoughts include an interview with Jack Kehler of The Big Lebowski (he was the Dude's landlord), a beautiful and magical photographic moment in... more ›