Many people may be aware that First Lady Michelle Obama wore a dress designed by Jason Wu for the Inaugural Ball, but few may be aware of Mrs. Obama's love for Chicago-based designer, Maria Pinto. Sadly, Pinto's store in the West Loop closed in mid-February, but the designer will open up her West Loop boutique for one last time. Starting next Tuesday, March 16th to Saturday, March 20th, Chicagoans will have one last chance to purchase Pinto's luxurious yet accessible clothes, ranging from casual jackets to glamorous evening dresses at bargain prices (marked down to 50% to 70% of their original prices). Pinto's boutique in the West Loop was fairly young, as it opened in the summer of 2008 and closed its doors in less than two years. more ›

• As expected, Mayor Daley named Richard Rodriguez to replace Ron Huberman as President of the CTA. Daley also appointed Rosemarie Andolino as aviation chief.
• Former Bulls player and television analyst Norm Van Lier passed away today at the age of 61. Van Lier was a three-time all-star for the Bulls from 1971-1978.
• The Republic Windows and Doors plant where workers staged a sit-in last year has been bought by the California-based Serious Materials, who plans to rehire the plant's former workers.