The City
- Man pulled from lake on North Side
A man who was pulled from the lake this morning was taken in serious-to-critical condition to Weiss Memorial Hospital, officials said.
- Man held on $3 million bail in teacher's death
Police say the nightclub stabbing that killed a Naperville teacher was touched off by a squabble authorities called so trivial -- drinking beer from a wine glass -- they could offer no reasonable explanation for the events that unfolded.
- Tribune writers pick 'em: Super Bowl XLVI
Tribune football writers (and a video game) make their Super Bowl picks
- One dead in Lake Shore Drive crash
A woman died after her car hit a tree on Lake Shore Drive early this morning, according to early reports from authorities.
- Cairo protesters demand early vote, clash with police
CAIRO (Reuters) - Protesters demanding a swift presidential election and an early handover of power by the army hurled rocks at police guarding the Egyptian Interior Ministry on Sunday and were forced back with volleys of teargas.
- Paul vows to fight on after Nevada loss
A day after losing a Nevada contest that exposed the limits of his appeal to Republicans, Ron Paul vowed to keep pressing ahead for the party's presidential nomination, saying his ideas were inspiring an intellectual revolution among young Americans.
- Stabbing victim honored as inspiration
Friends and family of a suburban teacher killed in a Naperville bar gathered tonight to remember an "inspirational person" and mourn all the children "that won't be taught by him."
- 2 men wounded in overnight shootings
Two men were wounded in separate overnight shootings on the West and South sides, officials said.
- 1 dead in single-car accident
A Chicago man died and one other person was injured in a single-car crash about 2:30 a.m. this morning on Interstate 290, according to authorities.
- Man charged with slaying of teacher at bar
A Naperville man has been charged in the stabbing death of a 24-year-old elementary school teacher and injury of two other people at a Naperville bar early Saturday, authorities said.
- Romney cruises to victory in Nevada caucuses
Mitt Romney romped to a commanding victory Saturday in Nevada's Republican presidential caucuses, posting a second consecutive win and laying an impressive marker in a battleground state both parties will vigorously contest in November.
- ThyssenKrupp denies racism allegation
As it prepares to make Chicago its North American headquarters, the German-based ThyssenKrupp manufacturing company is facing allegations that company supervisors in the city created a hostile and intimidating work environment for an African-American employee.
- Notre Dame stays hot, topples Marquette
Connaughton leads way with 5 3-pointers, 23 points
- Police, firefighters hailed for rescues in fire
Police officers and firefighters rescued several people, including a critically injured 3-year-old girl and a man using a wheelchair, from a North Side apartment building Friday, officials said.
- Body of fisherman recovered from McHenry County lake
The body of a 29-year-old fisherman was recovered this morning from a lake near northwest suburban Johnsburg after he reportedly fell into the water Friday night.
- Bullet hits police SUV as officers investigate crash
Two Ogden District police officers were uninjured when a bullet hit the rear of their police SUV as they waited for a tow truck for a vehicle that had been in an accident in Lawndale early this morning.
- Police seek van stolen after Old Town home invasion
A man and his 17-year-old wheelchair-using son were held at gunpoint by two men who then stole the family’s van Friday afternoon in the Old Town neighborhood, police said today.
- Police begin clearing Occupy DC protest site
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Police removed bedding and most tents on Saturday at an "Occupy" protest site just blocks from the White House, enforcing a no-camping rule at a public square that has housed protesters for months.
- Romney banks on Mormon vote in Nevada
Mitt Romney's strength in Nevada is due in large part to the power of the state's sizable Mormon population. Mormons make up about 7 percent of Nevada's population.
- Russians stage rival protests over Putin
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Tens of thousands of Russians defied bitter cold in Moscow on Saturday to demand fair elections in a march against Vladimir Putin's 12-year rule, while supporters of the prime minister staged a rival rally drawing comparable numbers.
- Nevada caucuses lack the suspense of previous GOP contests
Republican caucuses have now begun across much of Nevada, the fifth -- and thus far least contentious -- contest for GOP delegates in the 2012 campaign.
- Deng a game-time decision for Bulls vs. Bucks
Luol Deng will be a game-time decision for the Chicago Bulls when they play the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night at Bradley Center.
- Driver dies when van spins out on slick Indiana Toll Road, is hit by truck
A Hammond man died this morning on the Indiana Toll Road near Portage, Ind., after the van he was driving spun out and was hit by a trailer truck, apparently because of icy road conditions, police said.
- The Nevada caucuses: How they work
Republican voters will gather across Nevada Saturday to help pick the GOP nominee, the first state in the West to have an early voice in presidential politics with 28 delegates at stake.
- Truck driver dies after horse trailer hits semi in Indiana Toll Road crash
A horse trailer came loose from the SUV pulling it down the Indiana Toll Road early Saturday morning near Chesterton before striking a semitrailer truck and killing the semi’s driver, police said.
Your Money
- Beer brewers revise playbooks to win back lost customers
Beer sales have been hurt by changing tastes and the growing appeal of wine and liquor in recent years, with U.S. shipments down 1.4% last year.
- Netflix less about flicks, more about TV
Netflix is bulking up on TV offerings for subscribers through its on-demand Internet streaming service, including reruns and its first original series.
- McDonald's pushes ahead with new look
With half-moon-shaped booths, low stools, wooden blinds and flat-screen TVs, most patrons might expect to pay $8 for a burger, or $4 for a smoothie. But the decor isn't a harbinger of price. This is the new look of a remodeled McDonald's, purveyor of Happy Meals and value deals as well as upscale coffee drinks.
- Counterfeit Gap joins the counterfeit Gucci
Lower-end knockoffs have become big business. The economy and the Internet are two major factors.
- No more excuses -- Girl Scouts now accept credit cards
When Girl Scout cookie season starts up in your neighborhood, those earnest young saleswomen bearing boxes of sweets may be armed with a new secret weapon: a mobile credit-card reader attached to their smartphones.
- Dow at highest since 2008, Nasdaq at highest since 2000
The U.S. stock markets are officially leaving the bad times of the last three years behind them.
- 'United Breaks Guitars' spawns complaint site
- U.S. unemployment drops near 3-year low
Nonfarm employment surges 243,000 in January
- Motorola Solutions settles securities fraud
Motorola Solutions Inc. will pay $200 million to settle a 2007 securities fraud lawsuit brought by shareholders. Attorneys representing the shareholders disclosed the proposed settlement Thursday evening, which was also filed with a federal court in Chicago where the case was brought. The settlement is subject to court approval.
- Jobs strength lifts Nasdaq to 11-year high
A surge in hiring last month lifted U.S. stocks on Friday, with the Nasdaq index hitting an 11-year high, as the data boosted hopes the world's largest economy has turned a corner.
Sports
- Winger Brunette nearing return for Hawks
Mired in a five-game losing streak, the Chicago Blackhawks seemingly need all the help they can get from all corners. And Andrew Brunette could provide some sooner than expected.
- Tribune writers pick 'em: Super Bowl XLVI
Tribune football writers (and a video game) make their Super Bowl picks
- Bulls' Rose on quiet roll in MVP race
For someone who is the youngest most valuable player in NBA history, Derrick Rose still sometimes gets overlooked.
- Rose leads Bulls in rout of Bucks
Skiles: 'He is truly a great player'
- 11 injured in massive crowd for LMFAO in Super Bowl Village
INDIANAPOLIS -- A "human gridlock" in the Super Bowl Village at Indianapolis has prompted police to rethink crowd control on the eve of the National Football League championship game.
- Konerko the leader in clubhouse — literally
Ventura counting on Sox captain on and off field
- NFL Hall of Fame selects 4 lineman, 1 running back
INDIANAPOLIS -- Curtis Martin has gone from the mean streets of Pittsburgh to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
- Surging Notre Dame blows out Marquette
Connaughton leads way with 5 3-pointers, 23 points
- Best, worst of free agent signings for 2011
Trick isn't getting big-name player, it's getting bang for buck
- Ohio State tops Wisconsin to remain atop Big Ten
MADISON, Wis. -- Jared Sullinger scored 24 points and William Buford hit a critical 3-pointer down the stretch, helping No. 3 Ohio State beat No. 19 Wisconsin 58-52 on Saturday.
- Deng a game-time decision vs. Bucks
Bulls play Bucks on Saturday night at Bradley Center.
- Hawks drop 5th in row
Long trip turning disastrous as Flames post 3-1 victory
- Garza, Cubs avoid arbitration with deal
Only 2 on club above $10 million as starter settles for $9.5 million
- Ex-Bear Anderson in prime form with Pats
Patriots defensive end back to sacking QBs as in rookie season with Bears
- Big Ten will keep Legends, Leaders division names
The Big Ten will maintain the Legends and Leaders divisional names after hiring a reserach firm that revealed two-thirds of people surveyed liked the names that had come under heavy public criticism through media and social networking.
- Tillman honored to be Payton award finalist
INDIANPOLIS—It isn’t often that you hear Charles Tillman’s name associated with Walter Payton’s.
- Thibodeau: Practice time can help Butler
As well as Jimmy Butler played in crunch-time minutes during Thursday's victory over the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau thinks the rookie can play better.
- Garza, Cubs settle at $9.5 million
The Cubs and pitcher Matt Garza avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $9.5 million contract just before they were to go through the arbitration process Friday morning.
- It's deja vu as Oilers blast Hawks 8-4
In 2 games in Edmonton, they're outscored 17-6
- All-Star starter Rose, again, leads Bulls to 105-102 victory
They haven't lost 2 in row in nearly a year, and Rose made sure of that
- Bears had first crack at Welker
They liked Patriots star receiver as returner didn't see need for him after drafting Vasher
- Knox recalls crushing hit 'like it was yesterday'
Taking to Twitter to discuss his recovery from back surgery, Bears receiver Johnny Knox tweeted Thursday that he remembers the injury he suffered in a Dec. 18 game against Seattle "like it was yesterday."
- Quenneville: Hawks must be 'smart' about payback vs. Oilers
Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville had an apt description for what transpired the last time the team visited Edmonton. "We got our teeth kicked in here last time," Quenneville said of the 9-2 drubbing.
- Receiver Floyd bracing for NFL scrutiny
Former Notre Dame receiver Michael Floyd knows he soon could end up in a room opposite Lovie Smith during the NFL Scouting Combine, and realizes the Bears coach's questions likely will delve into his past missteps.
- Blowout loss boon for Bulls, thanks to Thibs
Steve Rosenbloom: I wasn't rooting for the Bulls' worst effort of the season in Philadelphia, but thank goodness it happened. Specifically, thank goodness it happened to Tom Thibodeau, who did a great job of coaching the minutes of his best players in a season where rest is more important than rotations.
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The Weather
Current Conditions : 38.8F / 3.8C, Scattered Clouds - 1:49 PM CST Feb. 5
This Afternoon - Variable cloudiness. Highs in the lower 40s. North winds 6 to 8 mph.
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Tonight - Clear. Lows around 30. West winds 6 to 10 mph.
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Monday - Sunny. Highs in the upper 40s. Southwest winds 8 to 14 mph.
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Entertainment
- Dave Douglas trumpets a remarkable new band
Until Saturday evening, the high-powered quintet that trumpeter Dave Douglas brought into the Green Mill Jazz Club had played together only once – the night before.
- The Seldom celebrate at Harris by reaching out often
Marking their 10th anniversary, the Seldoms celebrated over the weekend by converting the Harris Theater into their own deconstructionist romper room.
- Serkin plays with daring and expressive strength
Peter Serkin's piano recital Friday night at Mandel Hall had all the thoughtfulness and technique to turn a most challenging program into a vital occasion.
- The show behind Lyric's 'Show Boat'
Lyric Opera tackles the challenges of a large revival that combines opera singers and theater actors
- Adele is poised for Grammy coronation
No artist owned 2011 quite like Adele, and she's poised to sweep the major awards at the Grammys next weekend (7 p.m. Feb. 12 on CBS). If she does, she would become the first performer since the Dixie Chicks in 2007 to win awards for album, song and record of the year.
- It's been a hot winter: What theater to see so far in '12
So many shows have opened in Chicago over the last three weeks, it's tough to keep them all straight. And he who hesitates can be lost.
- Will 'Smash' splash or crash for NBC?
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - NBC's new musical drama "Smash" could hardly have a stronger pedigree: Idea by Steven Spielberg, songs by award-winning Broadway producers, stars including Anjelica Huston and Debra Messing, and screen icon Marilyn Monroe holding the whole show-within-a show together. Yet success couldn't be harder to assess in the high stakes prime-time TV gamble for NBC as the struggling network looks for its first scripted series hit since 2006. "You can't pin a network's fate on any one show. But having said that, if you ever could, it would be this network and this show," said James Hibberd, senior staff writer at Entertainment Weekly. "Smash", which makes its debut on Monday, is a backstage tale of writers, directors, producers and aspiring actresses working to create a new Broadway musical based on the life of Monroe. The idea came from Spielberg, and the show is being written by playwright Theresa Rebeck ("Seminar"). It features both cover versions of hit songs and original material written by "Hairspray" Tony winners Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. TV viewers have seen nothing quite like "Smash" in recent years. Show-stopping musical numbers are interspersed with darker casting couch moments and theatrical back-stabbing, giving industry watchers little to compare it with. "It's the type of show that could either be a huge hit, or just go down in flames. It's a little bit different," said Brad Adgate, senior vice president of research at advertising firm Horizon Media. "GLEE" FOR KIDS. "SMASH" FOR ADULTS While "Glee" -- the quirky musical comedy about singing high school kids that gave Fox a surprise worldwide hit three years ago -- opened the door for more TV musicals, "Smash" is a drama, set in an adult world. "'Glee' caught lightning in a bottle and was so smart to target the 'American Idol' and 'High School Musical' audience by setting it in a high school. Putting 'Smash' in a more grown-up landscape asks whether you can deliver on this genre in an older setting," said Hibberd. Spielberg, who producers say has been very closely involved in the script and editing, believes there is enough tension in the creative process to make "Smash" interesting to all-comers. "I think audiences will be able to relate to (it) whether or not they ever had seen a Broadway show because this is really about the drama of the characters," the Oscar-winning director told TV reporters in a January video message. NBC, which has been mired for years at the bottom of the four biggest U.S. networks, is leaving nothing to chance. The "Smash" pilot was screened in 10 major cities and on American Airlines flights in January. The network has been streaming the first episode on its website and on Hulu, and made it available to download on iTunes, PlayStation and other platforms three weeks before Monday's official premiere. The network is desperately in need of a hit after what entertainment chief Robert Greenblatt admitted last month was "a really bad fall". Pricey new dramas "The Playboy Club," "Prime Suspe
- 'Bachelorettes' behaving badly
THEATER REVIEW: "Bachelorette" at Profiles Theatre ★★★
- Don Cornelius: A pioneer of street style
'Soul Train' pushed boundaries in positive direction, fans say
- 'American Idol's' powerful voice shows signs of cracking
Television's No. 1 program is showing signs of audience fatigue as 'Idol' begins its 11th season in a glutted market that includes 'The X Factor' and 'The Voice.'
- Pregame Super Bowl ad blitz ruins the fun
Early exposure maximizes advertisers' reach but sacks viewers' sense of surprise
- Tolerance is no easy out in riveting 'Disgraced'
THEATER REVIEW: "Disgraced" at American Theater Company ★★★½
- In simplistic 'Enron,' it's all a big, Texas-style boondoggle
THEATER REVIEW: "Enron" at TimeLine Theatre ★★
- Oscar nominees take a look back with 'New Nostalgia'
Unlike the Old Nostalgia (gauzy, soft-headed), and despite notable exceptions ("The Help," "My Week With Marilyn"), the New Nostalgia is not cheap or content to be dew-eyed and sentimental.
- Chris Jones: 4 stars for 'Death and Harry Houdini'
THEATER REVIEW: "Death and Harry Houdini" by House Theatre of Chicago at the Chopin Theatre ★★★★
- Honda releases complete Ferris Bueller Super Bowl ad
- Interview: Povich says 'Maury' is built to last
For a guy who is celebrating his 50th year in journalism and TV, news anchor-turned-talk show host Maury Povich doesn’t seem to take himself very seriously.
- 'Time Stands Still' perfectly captures life's tough choices
Donald Margulies' play goes further at Steppenwolf than on Broadway
- 'Blonde' will, like, totally grow on you
THEATER REVIEW: "Legally Blonde" at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire ★★½
- Visiting trio launches Harris Theater chamber music series in high style
Given the rich abundance of chamber music in the Chicago area, some listeners wonder whether it was necessary for the Harris Theater for Music and Dance to import a chamber music group from New York for its classical series.
- SAG Awards: 'The Help,' 'Boardwalk Empire' win big
"The Help" won the top film prize for cast performance at the Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday night at the Shrine Exposition Hall in Los Angeles. On the TV side, "Boardwalk Empire" won the award for a TV drama ensemble, and "Modern Family" won for TV comedy series ensemble.
- An energized Muti reflects on his two musical bailiwicks, Chicago and Italy
Riccardo Muti was in an upbeat mood as he held court over lunch at his North Michigan Avenue hotel.
- Who will take home the SAG Awards?
The race to watch on Sunday is cast in a motion picture -- the guild's equivalent to the Academy Award's top prize.
- Rise Against connects in many ways at UIC Pavilion
Most bands express care and appreciation for fans during a set, though it's rarely demonstrated in an actionable way. While the just-shy-of-capacity audience at UIC Pavilion had their eyes focused on Chicago's Rise Against, singer/guitarist Tim McIlrath had his trained on one fan in particular. "We need to see if everyone's OK before going on," he said after abruptly halting one of their encore songs, "The Strength to Go On." Apparently, within one of several mosh pits someone went down hard. After the person was carried out on a stretcher, the band relaunched the tune.
- At 80, Willie Pickens still makes the piano roar
In a long career, Chicagoan Willie Pickens always has maintained high performance standards, but these days he appears to be pushing them still higher.
Television
Culture & Lifestyle
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