And so it is upon us, day one of the mega-music fest put on by our pals at Pitchfork. And unlike last year, this one promises to be a return to the Sweatfork days of yore, so be prepared. High temps should peak in the low 90s today (and every day this weekend, for that matter) but today might be the most comfortable of the days because humidity levels will be down. Still, you'll be perspiring under the glare of the sun, so take advantage of the fest's policy allowing sealed bottles of water in the gate with you and be sure that Goose Island isn't the only thing you hydrate throughout the afternoon. And, like your mother told you before, don't forget to wear sunscreen. more ›

• According to a new report, the Mag Mile is seeing its lowest vacancy rate in seven years.
• One hard-working pooch for the Chicago Customs and Border Protection office sniffed out 23 pounds of opium last week.
• A CTA Red Line conductor is under scrutiny for pulling his train into a smoke-filled station during Sunday's track fire.

• (Retiring) Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens has given federal prosecutors a week to respond to the Team Blago request to delay the start of the former governor's trial (which also includes his brother Rob).
• Update to the shooting death of Chicago Police officer Thomas Wortham IV: it might have all been over a dare.
• While it looks like Thomson Correctional Center is still being sold to the feds, it's looking less likely that Guantanamo prisoners will wind up there.

This time, they're helping you pick between Fucked Up and The Antlers. What Sayeth WBEZ's Council? more ›

We'll have our picks for the upcoming Pitchfork Music Fest next week, but WBEZ and their Council of Hipsters has already started breaking down the schedule. more ›

Lollapalooza isn't the only fest on the schedule-release bandwagon this week. Our friends at the 'Fork have just released their schedule for the '09 fest and it looks solid. Also, if you were waiting to pick up Sunday tickets, you're S.O.L. as Pitchfork reports they're all sold out. Single-day tickets for Friday and Saturday are still available, though. more ›

Between now and Wednesday, we're counting down the top 8 local stories that captivated us in 2008. more ›

An teenage boy is dead and a 21 year-old woman is injured after an early morning shooting in Lawndale. [Trib, S-T] more ›

This summer-like weather we've been enjoying all week? It's going to disappear this weekend. But our brief respite from Spring won't get us down. We mentioned the upcoming Rock The Bells fest is coming to Chicago this year and that reminds us of one thing: summer music to look forward to. Hey, it's not always about Lollapalooza. more ›