Arlo Guthrie's 18-minute epic song "Alice's Restaurant" will be played on WXRT at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. today. more ›

Hey, did we mention Phoenix is coming to town next week, playing with The Flaming Lips and Pete Yorn (whose band includes homeboy Jonny Polonsky)? Holy mackerel, is this a tremendous bill or what?! Here's some familiar old faces getting down with the now sound of today. more ›

• The WHO has declared the swine flu outbreak a global pandemic, the first in 41 years. One company who is benefiting is local company Baxter.
• The Supreme Court has turned down Conrad Black's request for release on bail pending his appeal.
• Mayor Daley surfaced long enough today to confirm layoff notices to city workers will be going out tomorrow.

WXRT hasn't been shy about promoting today's "U2 Day" on the station, featuring U2-themed events, music, and specials all day. Speculation around where else the megaultrasuperstar band may be appearing in town has been running rampant, however. more ›

Even the cops can't get enough Wilco. While our Chicagoist photographer sat in line waiting to get into Friday night's show, a CPD cruiser drove by by with the intro to "I Am Trying To Break Your Heart" planking away on it's megaphone, eliciting a roar from the crowd. more ›