The folks at yesterday's Chicago Polar Plunge certainly had things easier than last year, which featured freezing temps and brutal winds that whipped stinging snow into bare bodies. But with the water temperature at 35 degrees yesterday, diving into Lake Michigan in nothing but a bathing suit still probably wouldn't be described by any of the participants as "pleasant." Each "plunger" raised a minimum of $100 in pledges which combined totaled $326,375, all of which goes to Special Children's Charities and Special Olympics Chicago. The top fundraiser, Jennifer Kramer, raised an amazing $14,220.01. more ›

Depending on how you look at it, it's gotta be hard to be Rahm Emanuel right now. For his whole life, he's been a foul-mouthed, hard-charging, dead-fish-mailing, happily crass MF'er. And now that he's the President's boy Friday, he's gotta shape up and fly right and not be such a jerk all the time. That can't be easy. more ›

Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister to President John F. Kennedy and founder of the Special Olympics, has passed away at the age of 88. While there's much to say about her, Shriver's connection to Chicago comes via the Special Olympics which she founded. The organization held its first international competition here in 1968, just weeks after after the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy. The next international competition was also held in Chicago in 1970. [NY Times, LA Times] more ›

After Chicagoist spotlighted the annual Chicago Polar Plunge for Special Olympics over the weekend, we decided to head down to North Avenue beach yesterday to watch the festivities and grab some photos. Sure, we knew it was going to be cold, but as lifelong Chicagoans that wasn't going to stop us, nor were the snow flurries or the wind. But as the 30 m.p.h. gusts hit us on the bridge over Lake Shore Drive, we had a sinking feeling and regretted not having a scarf or ski mask. And by the time an announcement was made that the start of the plunge was going to be delayed, we had enough of the stinging ice whipping in our face and bailed. Jim Cantore, your job is safe. (And yes, we realize how ridiculous we are complaining about the cold when people were jumping in the lake half naked for charity.) more ›

The Chicago Sky mascot, Sky Guy, and the new GM and Head Coach of the Chicago Sky, Bo Overton, took a plunge into the frigid waters of Lake Michigan as part of the 7th Annual Chicago Polar Plunge on Sunday. The event raises awareness and funds for Special Olympics Chicago. Earlier this year, Overton challenged the Sky mascot to raise $1,000 for the charity, and if he did, Overton would also participate in the plunge.... more ›

Not to tread on Will and Kit's territory, but Michael Sneed made a mistake in today's column that could leave some Sneedlings all wet, and cold, for nothing. In her column she reports: Brrrrrr... Police Supt. Phil Cline, whose success at lowering crime stats is being reported nationally, will take a polar plunge this weekend. *Translation: Cline and fellow top cop, Cook County Sheriff Mike Sheahan, will plunge into the frozen waters of Lake Michigan... more ›

Former Chicago Bears safety Dave Duerson allegedly beat his wife in a South Bend, Indiana hotel room this weekend. According to police, he was charged after he "physically tossed his wife, Alicia, against the wall in a fit of rage." In South Bend at the time of the incident to attend a Notre Dame Board of Trustees meeting, he was forced to resign from the board on Monday following the incident. After playing collge football... more ›