The Westmont man accused of stalking and illegally filming ESPN reporter Erin Andrews will plead guilty to the charges. Michael Barrett could face up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000 when he's sentenced. Barrett was charged with interstate stalking for, according to Chicago Breaking Sports, "renting hotel rooms adjacent to Andrews in three cities last year, altering the peepholes and shooting videos of Andrews in two of the locations." Barrett's attorney said, "He does accept full responsibility for his conduct. He apologizes to Ms. Andrews. It is his hope that these events can become an opportunity to make positive changes in his life." There's no word on when Barrett will be sentenced. more ›

Local comedian Robert Buscemi knows funny. His off-kilter, inventive humor can catch you a bit off-guard with its occasionally surreal nature, but we mean that in the best possible way. There's a reason why Buscemi was a 2009 semi-finalist for the Andy Kaufman Award*. Just trust us; the guy's good (and we're not the only ones who think so). With two DVDs already under his belt (we recommend the fantastic "(t)wit" filmed at Subterranean), Buscemi's next tackling a live CD which he'll be taping tonight at the Lincoln Lodge. So not only will you have a chance to see an outstanding stand-up comedians do his thing in a great venue, but your laughs will be recorded for all eternity as Buscemi performs a full hour of his fantastically absurd humor. Buscemi recently relocated from Chicago to L.A. so his performances in these parts aren't as frequent as they used to be (though he does have a stint at Zanies coming up in January). We know the weather outside is frightful, but it'll be a trip worth the trouble. more ›

Chicagoist has learned that the Oprah Show is working on permits to arrange for the closure of Carpenter Street in front of Harpo Studios so that the season finale may be filmed in the street. About the final episode, a source said, “The theme of the show might be a summer BBQ with a well-known chef.” more ›