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Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias announced yesterday that the state is getting out of the loan business. On Monday, Sangamon County Circuit Court Judge Patrick J. Londrigan signed the foreclosure order on the Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Convention Center, the first step in removing ownership from the politically connected powerbroker Bill Cellini. Although the owners quickly fell behind on payments, the loan was restructured in 1990, ensuring that the owners didn't have to repay the loan as long as the hotel didn't turn a profit. As a result, only two payments have been made on the loan in the last ten years. more ›

When Chicagoist was in high school, we knew that "Drug Free and Proud" banner hanging above the main entrance was a joke when we could smell the weed classmates had smoked at lunch. more ›

So many movies, so little time. How true. Unless you're a professional cinephile, there's no hope of seeing even a fraction of what looks interesting in any given year. We actually tallied up the numbers and between theatrical releases, film festival screenings, and DVDs we've seen 175 movies this year — barely any at all. And with the industry's practice of backloading releases, a veritable midyear drought suddenly giving way to an avalanche of multiple releases at year's end, it's harder than ever to keep up. more ›

Better yet, how do they say it without a robot heart? On Monday, 38-year-old Reverend Daniel McCormack pleaded guilty to molesting five boys at St. Agatha Parish and Our Lady of the Westside School. He received a five-year sentence and was immediately was taken into custody. At first, we were actually pleased. It seems we never hear about any priests who actually get called out into the public eye and who even make it to... more ›

See, they should have waited! The Bears cut defensive tackle Tank Johnson last week following his arrest in Arizona on suspicion of DUI, before even getting all of the facts in the case. At the time, we suggested that maybe they should have waited until the blood alcohol content results came back rather than making such a hasty decision. On Monday, the results came back and showed that Tank's BAC was .072 — below the... more ›

What the flirking snit is going on in the Midwest? We’re turning into a playground for the mentally ill who’ve managed to reproduce, or at least marry into families with children. In the past week, 13 people have wound up dead and 3 wounded as a result of domestic violence. Things kicked off Saturday night in Delavan, WI. In a jealous rage, Ambrosio Analco, 23, shot and killed his ex-girlfriend, Nicole McAfee, 19; their two... more ›

Chicagoist knows one shouldn't get Ditka angry. A former player, especially, should know better. But then, we know Dave Duerson isn't exactly one of the classiest guys. To be honest, we don't even know how he is one of six trustees overseeing retiree benefits as part of the NFLPA benefits committee. Duerson's role on the NFLPA retiree board currently pits him against Mike Ditka, who has been working lately to help disabled retirees to get... more ›

"This place feels like Northside," we remarked to our dining companion as we sat down at the Five Star Bar & Grill on 1424 W. Chicago Ave. Despite the rock-and-roll-inspired decor (which was strangely matched with the weapons-inspired overhead lamps), we felt like we could have been dining on N. Damen — same frat-boy atmosphere, same mediocre selection of standard bar fare, and same feeling as we left of "did we really just spend... more ›

Hot property edition: sometimes, stolen goods just have a way of finding their way back home. Usually this is due to the theives themselves; they wouldn't necessarily be in that business if they had good judgment. But if you just can't wait to get your prized possessions back, you can always tell the cops your children were kidnapped. That seems like a good idea. more ›

On Monday, Republican Congressman Tim Walberg stated in a radio interview that he has gathered from his discussion with American troops returning from Iraq that "80 to 85 percent, in a conservative fashion, of the country is reasonably under control, at least as well as Detroit or Chicago or any of our other big cities. That's an encouraging sign." Chicago and Detroit may have their problems, but surely it is a bit far reaching to... more ›

This photo shows what you do not want to see when you look out the CTA train's window. There was a "small track fire" on the Brown Line tonight. More» more ›

We here at Chicagoist haven't been shy about our skepticism of bringing the Olympics to Chicago. So we weren't too shocked to see, less than two weeks after Mayor Daley coasted to re-election, that the US Olympic Committee wanted the city to have "some skin in the game," committing the city (and therefore taxpayers) to guarantee the games to the tune of half a billion dollars. On Monday what's left of the city council took... more ›

When we think of a “hectic start to the day,” we think of stumbling around the room in a dazed state, tripping on the dumbbells we swear we’re going to start using while blindly searching for our contacts, and later, our keys. more ›

On Monday when we discussed the city's plans to step up efforts to protect pedestrians, a few commenters replied by saying that often, pedestrians are just as much to blame as vehicles for creating dangerous situations at intersections. They're right too; Chicagoist has witnessed many walkers blithely wandering into the street against no-walk signs, and let's not even start on the herds of people on Michigan Avenue who apparently skipped street safety day in grade... more ›

On Monday, we ventured out to the Chicago Cultural Center after work to check out the Moroccan souk as part of the city’s Sister Cities program. While the souk was a little underwhelming, we were suprised to find a breathtaking Healy and Millet Renaissance-style stained glass dome in the G.A.R. Rotunda. A security guard told us about another room in the building, where we found the largest Tiffany dome in the world, resplendent in... more ›

Last year, Chicagoist was taking a leisurely stroll through Northern Virginia, when we were accosted by every dieter’s worst nightmare: the dreaded Girl Scout. We soon found ourselves shelling out a good chunk of change for a few boxes of glorious Thin Mints, Samoas and Tagalongs.
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It’s been a rough week for the Skillings. Dare we say, a stormy one? more ›

Is it true what they say about full moons? The people-going-crazy things they say? Well, there was a full moon last Friday and soon after came a whole bunch of stupid incidents. Coincidence? Maybe. Tune in next week to see if it’s true what they say about Friday the 13th. more ›

As is the case in most major cities, providing and maintaining access to affordable housing is one of the most pressing issues in Chicago. A few weeks ago, many of you said that you were paying close to 30 percent of your salary toward housing, and chances are you have jobs that pay significantly more than a sizable portion of Chicago residents. more ›

We were gonna start these Decent Days & Nights off Sunday with some dancing at Scissor Sisters, but instead we got our fix of "Desperate Housewives." We guess that everyone is trying to hit the Midwest before the snow starts flying, which may not be that far away, because there are an insane number of great shows happening this week. This week offers something for our ever-changing moods. On Monday, we may feel like being... more ›

Now that the heat wave has passed us by, we’re itching to take a little vacation. Nothing major, just a quick getaway from the city. This week, TWIS takes you on a little journey to the Buckeye state. But first, a little fun right here at home. more ›

Don’t hate, accommodate. That’s just what Naperville (the best place on earth!) did for its skaters, but apparently their efforts weren’t enough. On Monday, the Tribune reported that rather than skate at one of the neighborhood’s two skate parks (Frontier Sports Complex or Centennial Park), teenagers were opting to practice on a church roof – namely St. John’s Episcopal Church a few block from Centennial Park. more ›

Photo via rachelleb.com
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This weekend, soccer legends like Pelé and Franz Beckenbauer will be in Berlin to see the 2006 FIFA World Cup Final featuring France vs. Italy. On Monday, Pelé and Franz Beckenbauer will be on the big screen for the Chicago premiere of Miramax's documentary, "Once in a Lifetime - The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos." FireWorks for Kids Foundation, the Chicago Fire's charitable arm is hosting the event at 6:30pm at AMC River... more ›

This extended holiday weekend should be another great time, weather permitting, to get out there and take some photos for our summer photography contest. Taste of Chicago begins today, fireworks on the 3rd, and don't forget the Country Music Fest. We're looking forward to seeing all of your photos. Just upload them to Flickr, and tag them with "Chicagoist" to be entered into the contest.* On Monday we'll review everything from the weekend and... more ›

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Goldie via e.q. more ›

Still waiting to hear back about those Conan tickets? Yeah, you and 70,999 other people. But NBC has announced guests for some of the four “Late Night” shows to be taped at the Chicago Theatre May 9-12. On Monday, May 9, Sean Hayes, Glen Ellyn native and Illinois State University alum, will be a guest. “Will and Grace” will air its series finale the next week. Dave Chappelle and Common are scheduled to appear on... more ›

While the Cubs prized arms have been little more than ongoing sources of concern, their prized slugger has been manificent since joining the team prior to the 2004 season. On Monday, the Cubs signed Derrek Lee to a $65 million, 5 year extension. The deal is expected to be annouced officially during a scheduled Tuesday press conference. Lee won the NL batting title with a .335 average last year, while leading the league in hits... more ›