If you were caught in a traffic snarl at the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) and Eisenhower Expressway (I-290), you've got beer to thank. A Miller Lite semi-tractor trailer overturned while taking a turn on the on ramp and the top of the truck ripped open, spilling thousands of beer cans and bottles. Things have since been cleared up and the driver suffered only minor cuts and bruises. [Sun-Times] more ›

• Controversy in Evergeen Park where parents of Evergreen Park Community High School students are alleging they were barred from entering the school's graduation ceremony.
• Gang member Steve Bryant was sentenced to 85 years for the 2006 murder of marine Ricardo Martinez.
• Cook County Public Defender Abishi Cunningham claims his office is out of money to defend death penalty cases.

The Tribune (via wire sources) reports today that MillerCoors is bringing back the "Tastes Great, Less Filling" tagline to its Miller Lite ads. more ›

We at the Gothamist network would like to express our heartfelt wishes to the people of Minnesota in the days after their tragic bridge collapse. We're not trying to discount the severity of the accident by making note of it in opposition to our usual -Ist lightheartedness - we just wanted to take a moment and recognize those affected last week. After the Minneapolis bridge collapse, Bostonist did a little research and found that Massachusetts... more ›

Chances are that if you frequent a tavern, you'll eventually find yourself in the middle of a beer promotion, usually entailing scantily clad women giving away free beer and tchotchkes you normally wouldn't buy with money found on the street. However, you were taught not to look a gift horse in the mouth, and free beer is free beer. Such was the case of Ed Evashenke, a retired machinist collecting disability, living on a fixed... more ›

Maybe you're reading the headline for this week's selection and thinking, "Chuck isn't even trying this week." Sure, for some of you "312" shouldn't even rate "BotW" consideration, especially when compared to other selections from the alchemists on Fulton. This week, we'll even dispense with the usual dry tasting notes that accompany this column. Instead, we're getting up on our soapbox and making a case for "312." We've often talked about how some breweries have... more ›

There isn't much more we can say about the South Side Irish parade, which rolls out en masse along South Western this Sunday. We know that for some of you it'll be your first — and possibly only — time heading out south to Beverly. We just want to assure you that you needn't be afraid. A dollar is still a dollar, Miller Lite dyed green is still Miller Lite, and there will be more... more ›

Here's something to waste your time, and the remaining good areas of your livers, without getting Trivial Pursuit answers wrong. The premise of "365-Beer" is a simple one: participants attempt to drink 365 different beers in 365 days. For those of us with some common sense, there are lower targets available. Every beer logged then enters a larger database, giving participants an idea of the range and scope of breweries that they may have... more ›

Are you flush with cash and looking to give it to a good cause? If for some reason you haven’t yet donated money for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, allow us to make it easier for you as you make your weekend plans whether you're eating, going to a show or just knocking around town. We have yet to hear anything about the free Twista benefit show at House of Blues on September 19th featuring Da... more ›