Tonight kicks off a fest that's all about the ladies. Wait. You've heard of this concept before? Innovative or not, the festival appeals to the large number of people out there who feel like women need to continue to form communities and alliances within the art world and that females are not always represented as prominently as men. Ladyfest began in Olympia, Wash., seven years ago and has since spread to 50 cities worldwide. The... more ›

A United Airlines flight had a rough landing at O'Hare last night--rough enough to bounce off the runway and blow a tire and damage two engines. The National Transit Safety Board is investigating. Buh-beep! The state speed limit for trucks remains at 55 mph. CommunityHealth and Erie Family Health Center will be offering free prescriptions to uninsured, low-income patients thanks to a new program called MedAccess Chicago. Sometimes, City employees speed in City-owned cars.... more ›

Is lead that inexpensive? Some toy stores are being hurt by Mattel's massive toy recall, and others are actually watching business boom. Mayor Daley introduced a proposed ordinance Wednesday calling for increased parking rates at O'Hare International and Midway Airports that would generate about $24 million in additional revenue a year. (They're really working on cranking out the ordinances, hey?) Sounds like the plot of a creepy movie ...a convicted murderer whose sister-in-law helped... more ›

There's no love lost here between Chicagoist and Cook County government. In fact, not only has Todd Stroger (as well as the other comedians that pass for "Commissioners" on the county board) been a target for our anger, frustration, and disappointment, they've been fodder for our ridicule and a symbol of what's wrong with local government here. Looking back at the news from last week, we've been following the story of Sally Lemke, the nurse... more ›

We knew our gum chewing experience had been somewhat lacking, but we couldn't put our finger (tongue?) on just what was wrong. Now we know! Before, our gum was only stimulating some, but not all, of our five senses. Enter Wrigley's new gum, 5. more ›

If you missed the global sports extravaganza that was the Gay Games this summer (see, we've already *had* an Olympics, people!), you can still get in on a part of the action. To wrap things up and to clean out the closet, the organizers are having a mega garage sale. What might you find at this garage sale, you ask? "Items available for sale will include country and state banners used in the Opening and... more ›

ready for Pride festivities this weekend? more ›

Michael Anderson, a senior staff member at Howard Brown Health Center, was arrested yesterday for dealing crystal meth, the same drug his employer was fighting. Howard Brown is the midwest's largest gay and lesbian health center. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, police found 109 grams of meth worth about $36,000 in Anderson's Lakeview apartment and then arrested him at work. He allegedly told police he was selling the drugs to pay for his own habit.... more ›

Six people have been charged with stealing from the Englewood Neighborhood Health Center on 63rd Street. All six are employees at the center: a public health nurse, two certified medical assistants, a clerk, and two nurse midwives. The two midwives are employees of UIC, contracted by the city to work at the center, and the other four are Chicago Department of Health employees. The alleged thieves weren't even working together. Hello, people, teamwork. more ›