Chicago Sun-Times back issues from April 2009:
The Rape Was Just the Beginning.
Apr 01, 2009 ... Photo: What followed was just as ...
Job crunch gets tighter
Apr 01, 2009; ... The jobless rate in the Chicago metropolitan area spiked to 9 percent in February, up from 5.6 percent a year earlier, exceeding the nation's 8.1 percent rate and the state's 8.6 percent rate, the Illinois Employment Security Department said Tuesday. How high could it go? Think double ...
Benefit checks can last 59 weeks
Apr 01, 2009; ... You've been laid off, so what financial help can you expect from the state's unemployment office? The maximum payout currently is $559 per week. It would go to someone who last year made $21,255 or more and who has dependent children, according to the Illinois Employment Security ...
3 Things we love about Chicago Politicians
Apr 01, 2009 ... A list just three items long can't give a complete picture of a place -- but it can be a good start. Each Monday and Wednesday, we list some of our favorite things, from neighborhoods to museums and much more. 1. They make funny faces Just watch when Mayor Daley blows his top ....
Lost job? No insurance? Get free care at Walgreens
Apr 01, 2009; ... Anyone who lost his or her job Tuesday or who becomes jobless this year and has no health insurance can get free health services at Walgreen Co.'s in-store clinics. The offer by Walgreens "Take Care" clinics, good through the rest of the year, includes free treatment of colds, sinus ...
Daley rips Obama's ousting of GM chief
Apr 01, 2009; ... Mayor Daley on Tuesday made his first public break with President Obama -- over the president's unprecedented decision to engineer the ouster of General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner. As Daley sees it, the federal government isn't run like a business and, therefore, is in no position to tell a ...
Hair force 1
Apr 01, 2009; ... PSST! First lady Michelle Obama's first hairdresser, former Chicagoan Johnny Wright, accompanied her to Europe, where her hubby is attending the G-20 conference in London, according to the Brit press. - What a gig for a guy from Wicker Park, huh? SWEEP 'EM . ....
Wedded at work
Apr 01, 2009; ... Having never met before, Eric Ferguson and Kathy Hart were partnered by a program director who had a hunch they'd hit it off. "It's the fastest job I've ever gotten," Ferguson says of his connection with Hart, who was already on the air in Chicago. He likens their linking to a blind ...
Parking firm delays meter hikes, tickets
Apr 01, 2009; ... A private contractor that paid $1.15 billion to lease Chicago's 36,000 parking meters agreed Tuesday to delay price hikes in some areas and stop writing parking tickets to augment city enforcement until it gets a handle on a rash of broken, overstuffed and mismarked meters. At a City ...
January home prices here down 16% from 2008 levels
Apr 01, 2009; ... Sixteen percent: That is the amount by which home prices in the Chicago metropolitan area dropped in January from a year earlier, according to the latest Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller home price index. The national index showed continued broad-based declines in prices of existing ...
We're in 1st place on tour schedule
Apr 01, 2009; ... Chicago officials like their leadoff spot on a tour of Olympic honchos who will descend on the city this week before heading to the other three finalist cities hoping to host the 2016 Summer Games. The International Olympic Committee's 13-member evaluation commission will arrive in the ...
Student feels violated twice
Apr 01, 2009; ... When a 25-year-old University of Chicago student was raped on a date in the Hyde Park neighborhood four years ago, she did exactly what her university insurance told her to do: She went to the university's Student Care Center, shaken and terrorized, to tell them she'd been forced to have sex, ...
Cop takes stand in brawl trial
Apr 01, 2009; ... Chicago Police Sgt. Jeffery Planey testified Tuesday that Barry Gilfand, an alleged victim in the notorious brawl at the Jefferson Tap & Grille, was being "antagonistic" and "inflammatory" during the Dec. 15, 2006, fracas and that Planey was simply trying to keep the fight from spiraling out of ...
New splash at Buckingham Fountain
Apr 01, 2009; ... The fountain is being restored to its youth. After a $12 million winter renovation project, Buckingham Fountain is scheduled to reopen Friday, with a promise the landmark will eventually look much as it did when it opened in 1927. "Many features are now more efficient, but ...
Daley wants property tax relief to back Quinn's plan
Apr 01, 2009; ... Mayor Daley said Tuesday he would support Gov. Quinn's call for a 50 percent increase in the state income tax only if it's tied to property tax relief and the governor scraps a plan to withhold millions in income-tax growth from cities. Bolstering the mayor's push to retool the ...
'Now or never' on state ethics reform
Apr 01, 2009; ... Days before an indictment of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich is expected, a commission aimed at reforming "pay to play" politics called on lawmakers Tuesday to comprehensively change the way business is done in Illinois. "Enough is enough," said former federal prosecutor Patrick Collins, who ...
Daley chides cops who plan to picket
Apr 01, 2009; ... Chicago taxpayers have been "very good to public employees," Mayor Daley said Tuesday, advising police officers preparing to embarrass him by picketing when the International Olympic Committee comes to town this week to enter "the real world." "I just dedicated a brand new police ...
News in Brief
Apr 01, 2009 ... HELD BUS HOSTAGE 5 YEARS ADDED TO ESCAPEE'S STRETCH A federal judge Tuesday added five years to the sentence of a man who once escaped from Cook County Jail and was the subject of an international manhunt. U.S. District Judge Samuel Der-Yeghiayan sentenced Randy Rencher to ...
Drunk driver plows into neighbor's home, cops say
Apr 01, 2009; ... Taking the wheel of her BMW with a blood-alcohol level four times the legal limit, Elaine Enger drove up a curb, sailed nearly 150 feet through the air and just missed striking her Barrington home, authorities said Tuesday. Enger, 55, who already is on two years' probation for a 2008 ...
Demand legislators vote for real reforms
Apr 01, 2009; ... A Chicago friend, just back from a fact-finding trip to Nigeria, was stopped in his tracks in that bribe-infested nation when high-ranking government officials, with some amusement, brought up (and properly pronounced) "Rod Blagojevich." We're in trouble, Illinois. We're the ...
If not now, when?
Apr 01, 2009 ... REFORMING ILLINOIS: AN OCCASIONAL SERIES ON FIXING OUR POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT We fear that Springfield lawmakers just aren't getting it. We see plenty of bills getting introduced regarding the hot topic of the moment -- reform. Lawmakers want to jump on the reform ...
Assault weapons ban proposal unnecessary, redundant
Apr 01, 2009; ... Thank you for printing the views of Jacob Sullum regarding the ...
Olympics OK if Daley insures taxpayers against overruns
Apr 01, 2009; ... Mayor Daley wants to blather on about how taxpayers will not foot the bill for Olympic cost overruns. Have him insure us after the Lloyd's of London model ...
The 'poetry' of Fox News' Glenn Beck
Apr 01, 2009 ... Editor's note: Every so often, some clever pundit takes the verbatim words of a famous person -- usually a famous person the clever pundit does not like -- and presents them as free form poetry. In a weird way, it often kind of works. Former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who tended to ...
He got $40K for 3 weeks
Apr 01, 2009; ... How is it that anyone can get any pension for having worked only three weeks? When I first entered the work force, it took 10 years to be vested for a pension. This was later changed to five years. Once, after four years 11 months, I was cut to part-time so I wouldn't be eligible ...
Assessor Houlihan committed to a fair, open process
Apr 01, 2009; ... Property tax lawyer Gary H. Smith showed laudable concern for Cook County property owners in his March 20 letter to the Sun-Times. Less evident in Mr. Smith's letter was any knowledge of how the assessment process works. Under Assessor Jim Houlihan, the Cook County assessor's office ...
Moving gov primary back to warmer months a no-brainer
Apr 01, 2009; ... Just last week, I called on Illinois legislators to move the 2010 gubernatorial primary from the blistering cold of February -- which keeps voters and poll workers away -- to the friendlier weather of May, June or August. I believe a later primary would simultaneously result in a type of ...
Published every day since 1948
Apr 01, 2009; ... OPENING SHOT . . . Several boxy white TV trucks were parked in front of the Sun-Times Tuesday morning, drawn like bees to clover by news that we had entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Bracing myself for the cameras, I concocted a brave little speech as I strode toward the entrance, my ...
Bowling for dollars
Apr 01, 2009; ... ABOUT THIS SERIES This week Showcase is exploring ways Chicagoans are dealing with The New Reality of today's economy. Coming Thursday: How to have a wedding in Chicago for under $1,000. Yes, it can be done. We're not saying you should avoid patronizing the Art Institute of ...
Free funk legend gigs at summer's Taste of Chicago
Apr 01, 2009; ... Music lovers put off in these tight economic times can take solace in the fact that the headliners at Taste of Chicago are still priced right: They're still free. The Mayor's Office of Special Events on Tuesday announced this year's roster of acts at the Petrillo Music Shell in Grant ...
Ain't no doubt: 'Sunshine' sizzles on 'download' night
Apr 01, 2009; ... This week's theme on "American Idol" was ''popular song downloads,'' and it gave the remaining nine contestants much latitude in what they performed. There were some interesting song choices from the contemporary (Matt Giraud performing The Fray's "You Found Me") to the classic (Scott ...
Million dollar makeover
Apr 01, 2009; ... Often the price of fame includes -- added legal bills. That's something Queen Latifah has discovered as she faces a couple of lawsuits from an ex-makeup artist and former stylist, claiming a lot of back pay. In separate lawsuits filed in federal court in Manhattan, cosmetologist Roxanna ...
1960s turbulence at Victory Gardens' 'Class'
Apr 01, 2009; ... 'CLASS DISMISSED' Somewhat recommended When: Through April 26 Where: Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Tickets: $20-$48 Phone: (773) 871-3000 There is something about the 1960s that simply eludes reinvention in the theater ....
Many free days still at Chicago museums
Apr 01, 2009; ... Just because the Art Institute is raising its admission prices doesn't mean that art has been priced out of your reach. The Mexican Fine Arts Museum (1852 W. 19th, 312-738-1503, www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org) is free year-round, as is the Smart Museum at the University of Chicago ...
Vintage pairings
Apr 01, 2009; ... Imagine driving through Rioja's rolling wine country, past medieval hill towns, quaint homes with clusters of red peppers hanging off window sills and endless rows of vines sprouting from the same soil that's grown wine grapes since the Roman Empire. And then, out of nowhere, you see it: ...
Stepson wants to move in, but he cons his dad
Apr 01, 2009; ... Dear Ellie: I've been with my husband for 10 years; we have a daughter, 8, and he has a son, 12, who's never lived with his dad (the parents split up before he was born). His son visits frequently and lately claims the mother's boyfriend is mean to him, but I know his mother would never allow ...
Sun-Times files for bankruptcy
Apr 01, 2009; ... Sun-Times Media Group Inc., owner of the Chicago Sun-Times and leading suburban newspapers, voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Tuesday with the aim of reorganizing operations, settling a tax liability and making the company fit for a buyer. The petition was filed with ...
Sun-Times files for bankruptcy
Apr 01, 2009; ... Newspapers face similar issues as their industry retrenches: declining advertising revenue -- retail and classified -- increased competition from online news sources, and increasing costs that can no longer support their operations. Yet there are differences in how newspapers have gotten ...
Your Wallet
Apr 01, 2009; ... MARCH BEST MONTH IN 7 YRS. Wall Street ended a tumultuous March on a high note, managing its first winning month this year and its best monthly performance since October 2002. The Dow Jones industrial average rose 7.7 percent overall in March, after gaining 86.90, or 1.2 percent, Tuesday ...
Old Colony Building may become dorms
Apr 01, 2009; ... The new owner of the Old Colony Building would like to turn the South Loop landmark into student housing. The Old Colony at 407 S. Dearborn is an 1894 Holabird & Roche design that's a seminal work of the "Chicago School" or architecture. But lately, it's been mostly distinguishable by ...
Urban studies scholar
Apr 01, 2009; ... ANDREW K. PRINZ - 1935-2009 Chicago was a big, vital classroom for Andrew Prinz's courses in urban studies at Elmhurst College. With Chicago's corridors of power as a model, he taught students about the vital role of big cities to the nation, according to John Bohnert, dean of ...
What Montini means to me
Apr 01, 2009; ... When I stepped onto Montini's campus for the first time in the fall of 1979, I never could've imagined how great an impact it would have on my life. Beyond the academic lessons were the life lessons and LaSallian principles taught by the Christian Brothers, Dominican Sisters and lay faculty ...
High School Spotlight
Apr 01, 2009; ... TOP SPORTS MOMENTS ATHLETIC HISTORY A GREAT SUBJECT A wrestling dynasty 1 The wrestling program is considered one of the nation's best. Before winning the 2009 Class 2A title, the Broncos captured five Class A IHSA wrestling titles and the Class AA title in 2008. The 2000 ...
December first: Fresno State game pushed back 2 weeks
Apr 01, 2009; ... Illinois' 2009 football schedule keeps getting stranger. The Illini now will play a regular-season game in December for the first time in school history. A home game against Fresno State has been moved from Nov. 21 to Dec. 5, making it easier for Illinois to play at Cincinnati on Friday, ...
Cavs win 16th in March
Apr 01, 2009 ... LeBron James refuses to let the Cavaliers lose. Cleveland's superstar made two crucial three-point plays down the stretch and finished with 25 points and 12 rebounds as the Cavs won their 13th straight game, 79-73 on Tuesday over the visiting Detroit Pistons, who gave the NBA's best home ...
Chicago no longer great smelting spot
Apr 01, 2009; ... Ihad a good laugh last week reading through the new fishing regulations in Michigan, a chuckle I'm sure smelters across the lake shared. Michigan reduced the daily bag for smelt from unlimited to 2 gallons. Smelt netting begins tonight on the Chicago lakefront. There's no daily bag in ...
Calipari headed to Kentucky
Apr 01, 2009 ... John Calipari has accepted an offer to leave Memphis to coach the tradition-rich Kentucky basketball program, according to reports. The coach sent a text message to ESPN.com's Andy Katz on Tuesday evening saying, ''I am accepting the UK job! Go Big Blue, coach Cal.'' Calipari ...
Bradley comes up short
Apr 01, 2009; ... Maybe next year it'll be the GoStimuli.com Invitational or the Jonas Brothers Postseason Clean Teen Classic. Tuesday night at Carver Arena, it was the championship game of the inaugural Collegeinsider.com Postseason Tournament and by any name, Bradley couldn't get it done. The ...
Slip-slidin' away
Apr 01, 2009; ... Cristobal Huet once thought he was the Montreal Canadiens' goalie for the long term. After winning 37 games spanning two seasons as a part-time player, he had a 21-12-6 record for them last season when he was traded. Huet made his return to the Bell Center on Tuesday and didn't get the ...
Quick Hits
Apr 01, 2009; ... MIDWEEK MUSINGS SI: CUBS TO GET ONE STEP CLOSER For what it's worth, Sports Illustrated has the Cubs reaching the postseason -- and winning. Well, at least their National League Division Series against the defending World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies. The ...
One homer from 500, Tigers cut Sheffield
Apr 01, 2009 ... The Detroit Tigers released nine-time All-Star Gary Sheffield, who is one home run away from 500 for his career. Detroit parted ways with the designated hitter Tuesday after a disappointing stay with the Tigers. The team hoped Sheffield would be a powerful presence at the plate in the ...
Harden, Marshall giving Lou something to worry about
Apr 01, 2009; ... The bullpen is the Cubs' only unsettled roster area, but that's not as big an issue to manager Lou Piniella as the depth in the rotation. ''Starting pitching-wise, I hope we stay healthy. That's the concern,'' said Piniella, whose fourth starter, Rich Harden, has constant shoulder ...
'April 6 is when it counts'
Apr 01, 2009; ... Don Cooper is willing to try to talk White Sox fans off the ledge. He knows there are concerns about the fragility of the pitching staff. Bartolo Colon, Scott Linebrink, Jose Contreras, Mark Buehrle -- a who's who of Sox pitchers who could turn up on the disabled list on any given ...
Buehrle gets 7th Opening Day start
Apr 01, 2009; ... Six innings pitched, five hits, two runs, one earned and one big thumbs up from his manager. Just like that, former White Sox great Billy Pierce will have to make room for Mark Buehrle. After passing his final test Tuesday, Buehrle was named the Sox' Opening Day starter for the ...
4 candidates for 2 pen jobs
Apr 01, 2009; ... No matter which way the Cubs go when they make their last two bullpen decisions this weekend, they'll open the season with only one reliever who was on the opening roster a year ago: Carlos Marmol. It's possible only two members of the seven-man crew will have been in the organization a ...
Former Cubs manager, 'true Giant' dies at 95
Apr 01, 2009 ... HERMAN FRANKS - 1914-2009 Former Cubs and San Francisco Giants manager Herman Franks died at his home in Salt Lake City. He was 95. Franks' daughter says he died Monday of congestive heart failure. The Giants issued a statement Tuesday night, calling Franks a ''true ...
Bulls in pain
Apr 01, 2009; ... Add a back-breaking shot to the Bulls' pains Tuesday. T.J. Ford's 10-footer in the lane with 3.9 seconds left was the game-winner for the Indiana Pacers, who beat the banged-up Bulls 107-105 at Conseco Fieldhouse. ''I just stuck my hand out,'' Derrick Rose said. ''He made a ...
Fans must demand that Bears seal deal
Apr 01, 2009; ... So this is how bad it has been for the Bears and quarterbacks: A young Pro Bowl quarterback, who is already a star and is going to be an even bigger one, is finally and officially available in a trade. And the big news, the stunning news? The Bears have made a phone call. The ...
Bears in Cutler derby?
Apr 01, 2009; ... It's no April Fools' Day hoax. The Denver Broncos announced Tuesday evening they will trade disgruntled Pro Bowl quarterback Jay Cutler, and the Bears are believed to want in. After more than a month of the Broncos trying every possible way to proclaim Cutler was their ...
'Next Year Day' is here
Apr 01, 2009; ... What do you do when the jackals are snapping, the wolf's at the door, the buzzards are circling? PARTY! Nero fiddled as Rome burned. So why can't we alligator as our jobs and economy and security roar up in flames? To paraphrase a Chicagoan who left town: Yes, we ...
Up for Grabs
Apr 01, 2009 ... Color Photo: Jeff Gross, Getty Images / Broncos officially put Cutler on block, and Bears expected to enter derby for young Pro Bowl quarterback story, couch, page ...
Eater's Digest
Apr 01, 2009 ... APRIL 1 Spring wine dinner at 6:30 p.m. at Sola, 3868 N. Lincoln; $70. (773) 327-3868. 2 Soak up live jazz and nibble on cheese at Marion Street Cheese Market in Oak Park. (708) 725-7200. 3 Going meatless during Lent? Try the fish fry at Chief ...
With $18, chef claws his way to the bottom
Apr 01, 2009; ... Dishes had to be altered or scrapped altogether for us to meet our $18 budget. Amano initially wanted to make lasagna with homemade "spice cabinet" sausage. Since ground meat is typically pricier than whole cuts, he was going to buy a cut of pork and grind the meat himself. But ...
A hearty dish for hardy folk
Apr 01, 2009; ... In a tribute song to the dish known as scrapple, Chicago's own Robbie Fulks Band turned a recipe into melody: "They call it scrapple, scrapple ... cornmeal, steamed hog meat dappled, set by the window till it's cold and hard, sliced up thick and fried in lard ... scrapple, the Pride of ...
All this for $18 . . . and this, too!
Apr 01, 2009; ... While some have groused about the Art Institute of Chicago's recent decision to raise its admission fee to $18, we, naturally, got to thinking about how far that amount would go in the kitchen. Feeling festive, we wondered, is it possible to throw a dinner party for six on an $18 budget? ...