The big storm that pummeled the Chicago area with rain produced one hell of a light show. more ›

A big storm is rolling in, placing the Chicago area is under a tornado watch today from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Also watch out for winds in excess of 65mph, large hail, torrential downpours and nearly continuous lightning. The tornado watch includes the following counties: Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Iroquois, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, La Salle, Lake, Lee, McHenry, Ogle and Will; Indiana counties Jasper, Newton, Porter, and Lake; and Wisconsin counties Racine, Walworth and Kenosha. more ›

photo by josephp more ›

Over 90 billion gallons of storm runoff water rushed into Lake Michigan this weekend in an attempt to slow or prevent further flooding. A typical heavy rainstorm in the Chicago area brings between 3 and 4 inches of rain in a day; this weekend, parts of Chicagoland saw more than 9 inches of rainfall in a day. Chicago's water management systems aren't built for these kinds of storms, and the "deep tunnel," which holds 2.5 billion gallons of water, was full by 7:30 a.m. Saturday. more ›

Today’s forecast calls for more thunderstorms. Hopefully, though, not as severe as last evening’s storm, which brought multiple tornadoes to Cook, Will and Lake Counties in Illinois, parts of Wisconson and Northwest Indiana. This morning there are reports of six people injured by the storm system that many are saying caught them by surprise. Joe Rodawold of Wilmington told the S-T: more ›

This morning's not-too-brutal weather is a lie. A lie! Because starting around 3pm, temperatures are going to be falling, fast*, into the single digits. It's also going to start snowing, and winds will be gusting around 50 mph. Overnight, temperatures will be around 3 degrees, which putswind chill in the -24 degree zone. The National Weather service has issued a winter storm warning, and remember: even if the snow doesn't stick, it's going to be "blowing snow," which makes travel hazardous. And a total drag. [Trib, S-T, USA Today] more ›

Train update: "Fire Commissioner Ray Orozco said five people were in serious to critical condition and at least 30 people suffered less serious injuries. That number could rise to 50, he said." The NTSB is investigating. Storm watch this weekend. Cold, icy, rainy, blerg. RIP, Evel Knievel. America's Legendary Daredevil was 69. Check it out: local steampunk wedding. Congrats! Here's our favorite part of this Freakonomics interview with Sin in the Second City author Karen... more ›

Sports fans that live way out in the burbs or fancy a weekend ride in the car might be interested to check out indoor soccer and lacrosse at the Sears Centre, in Hoffman Estates, this winter. more ›

"'Cause it's Friday, you ain't got no job ... and you ain't got shit to do." Well, you can go check out the New Orleans Social Club at Millennium Park. If you aren't, here's some stuff in the news. Buckingham Fountain is slated to undergo a complete overhaul in autumn 2008. Near West Side businesses get $1.5 million in TIF money intended for keeping manufacturing jobs in the area. Does Manny Flores have the... more ›

The Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates is quickly becoming the home of any team that wants to play there. Since its recent opening, the Sears Centre has been the home of the Major Indoor Soccer League Chicago Storm, National Lacrosse League Chicago Shamrox and even the Chicago Hounds of the United Hockey League. more ›

Normally, throwing items onto the field of play in any sport will result in getting the boot. But this Sunday, when the Chicago Storm host the Detroit Ignition on Sunday, December 17th at 5pm fans will be encouraged to toss items on the field. The Storm are partnering with the Chicagoland Chapter of the Salvation Army for the 2nd Annual Teddy Bear Toss. Fans are actually encouraged to toss a teddy bear or any other... more ›

We’re not big fans of the outdoor music sheds, but Chicagoist’s suburban upbringing is dotted with warm remembrances of the old Poplar Creek Music Theater. Soon, the tweens of the Northwest suburbs will have similar memories of sitting on the grass as they listen to major label acts they’ve overpaid for, thanks to the Prairie Creek Music Theater, which is scheduled to open next May. According to an article in the Sun-Times by Jim DeRogatis... more ›

On Sunday, March 26th the Chicago Storm take on the California Cougars at 4pm in a Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) match-up. After the game, fans are invited to stick around to see a second match between the Chicago Police Department and the Chicago Fire Department. The second match will directly follow the Storm's game at the UIC Pavilion. The fire and police departments have played each other in different sports before, but this... more ›

Chicago's river is not the only thing that turns green around St. Patrick's Day. Many of Chicago's sports franchises are celebrating St. Patrick's Day by donning green uniforms. more ›

You need three elements to throw a successful gay and lesbian film festival: shirtless dudes and sexy chicks, a coming-of-age story, and Parker Posey. The 24th Annual Reeling Film Festival, which opens tonight and runs through November 12th, certainly has all three. more ›

The Chicago Storm, our new indoor pro soccer team, introduced their inagural roster. The Storm, who kick off their season on October 23rd against the Milwaukee Wave, join the 4 year old MISL. The Storm's home games will be played at the UIC Pavilion. more ›