Chicago Sun-Times Metro News

Daley's budget director resigns

Fri, 5 Dec 2008 04:00 CST

Mayor Daley's $163,656-a-year budget director abruptly resigned Thursday, leaving a giant void as Chicago struggles to survive its worst financial crisis in recent history. "Look at the history of budget directors. It's two budget seasons and out. That's just the way it goes. It's a tough and demanding job. I've done a lot to try and help the city, but it's time to move on. It is truly and absolutely for my own personal reasons," said Bennett Johnson III.

Prohibition: Forever a lost cause?

Fri, 5 Dec 2008 04:00 CST

Seventy-five years ago today, golden beer flowed freely from bar taps, champagne corks ricocheted off ceilings and moonshine came out of the closet. It was the end of Prohibition, but not everyone was lifting a glass in celebration. The Woman's Christian Temperance Union, whose members famously kneeled down on sticky saloon floors and prayed, had battled hard for a sober America and lost.

Putting Wrigley Field on ice

Fri, 5 Dec 2008 04:00 CST

Not many people would be encouraged by a frigid day like Thursday, when temperatures hovered in the 20s.

Gun sales boom 'definitely because of Obama'

Fri, 5 Dec 2008 04:00 CST

Suburban gun shops report that sales are up since Barack Obama was elected president, because gun buyers are afraid Obama will push to ban ownership of some weapons.

10 perfect gifts for the people you don't really like

BY SUN-TIMES STAFF — Fri, 5 Dec 2008 04:00 CST

For those looking for a really stupid gift idea, the Web site Stupid.com has just the thing. Its list of the top 10 "stupidest" holiday gifts for 2008: Screaming Chicken toy -- it screams; wealth redistribution holiday ornament -- actually a piece of paper that says your ornament has been given to someone who needs it more; and mini Guitar Hero -- tiny version of the popular video game.

Flipped flag signals economic distress

Fri, 5 Dec 2008 00:01 CST

Life on Paradise Circle has been anything but lately for Debra Brzostowski. Like many small business owners, the tanking economy has put her business at risk. She and her husband are also on the verge of losing their home. The day after Thanksgiving, she turned the American flag flying on the front of her house upside down. "It's a sign of distress," she said.

Group looking for missing three-legged dog

Fri, 5 Dec 2008 04:00 CST

Somebody knows where Jade the three-legged dog is. But that somebody isn't talking. Jade, a pit bull who lost a leg after being hit by a car, was taken in by Cause 4 Paws, a Calumet City animal rescue group, said Linda Bober, the organization's president.

Man wants details about trap that killed his dog

Fri, 5 Dec 2008 04:00 CST

A double-spring Conibear trap doesn't sound too scary, but if your beloved pet has its head stuck in its spring-activated bars and being choked to death, it's a horrifying experience. Richard Poska experienced that while walking his dog, Rupert, a therapy dog that also spent time with children at Fremont Public Library's Reading with Rover program. He was walking Rupert in Gregg's Landing subdivision in Vernon Hills on Nov. 15.

Up for bid: SUV, slightly used -- by future president

Fri, 5 Dec 2008 04:00 CST

In a way, Liz Murphy now owns a presidential vehicle, even though President-elect Barack Obama drove her Jeep Grand Cherokee only while he was an Illinois senator. When Murphy first shared her Obama connection in August, the 45-year-old Naperville resident planned to sell the vehicle on eBay after the election, no matter who won.

Ancient pot stash found in China tomb

SUN-TIMES STAFF REPORTS — Fri, 5 Dec 2008 04:00 CST

Researchers say they've found the world's oldest stash of marijuana in a tomb in a remote part of China.

Harvey detective/conductor caught on tape

By KIM JANSSEN, Staff Writer — Fri, 5 Dec 2008 04:00 CST

A gaggle of news photographers and TV cameramen chased Harvey police detective Archie Stallworth around the block in the Loop at lunchtime Thursday, trying to get a good picture of his face as he hid behind his homburg hat outside the federal courthouse.

Dolton Mayor Bill Shaw's funeral draws hundreds of mourners

Thu, 4 Dec 2008 04:00 CST

Hundreds gathered Thursday to listen to a parade of ministers, high-profile politicians, friends and family members celebrate the life of the late Bill Shaw, the first black mayor of Dolton and a former state senator.

Smile: Happiness is contagious, researchers find

BY MARIA CHENG — Fri, 5 Dec 2008 04:00 CST

When you're smiling, it seems the whole world really does smile with you.

British tortured Obama's grandfather

Fri, 5 Dec 2008 04:00 CST

President-elect Barack Obama's grandfather endured horrific torture by the British during the Kenyan uprising against colonial rule more than 50 years ago, Obama's stepgrandmother has told the Times of London. That violent strand of Obama's complicated family history has left some in Britain wondering how it might affect relations between America and, traditionally, one of its closest allies.

Metro briefs

Fri, 5 Dec 2008 04:00 CST

Workers punished for finding Obama address