It took nearly a year, but the Chicago City Council is now accepting applications for a watchdog to investigate allegations of aldermanic shenanigans.
Monthly Archives: March 2011
Cardinal: ‘Can’t be a decision yet’ on Pfleger
Cardinal Francis George said today in Westchester that a final decision hasn’t been made on the future of the Rev. Michael Pfleger’s continued service at St. Sabina Catholic Church.
Illinois House starts political remap process
Democratic Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan today announced the formation of a House panel that will put together a map of new legislative boundaries for the state for the next decade.
High court to hear case of man who claims torture
The Illinois Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case of a man who claims Chicago police, under the command of a convicted former lieutenant, tortured him into giving a false confession nearly 30 years ago.
Alicia Keys to Direct Lifetime Film about Breast Cancer
Alicia Keys, Jennifer Aniston and Demi Moore have each been recruited by cable network Lifetime to direct a short film about breast cancer and its impact on people’s lives.
“Friends” co-creator Marta Kauffman is overseeing the collection of five short films called “Project Five,” the TV network announced this week. This is the first time she and Aniston have worked together since the sitcom “Friends” ended in 2004.
Filmmaker Patty Jenkins, who made the 2003 crime drama “Monster,” will be the fourth director. A fifth will be chosen later.
Kauffman supervised a team of writers that came up with five stories that use humor and drama to show the effects of breast cancer on women’s relationships and how they perceive themselves, said Lifetime Networks.
The collection of five short films, slated to air sometime this year, will be produced by Sony Pictures Television.
Wisconsin gov puts union law plans on hold
Two officials in Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker’s administration say preparations to implement the state’s divisive collective bargaining law have been put on hold.
Maine Twp. school district may ease cell ban
Students in Maine Township High School District 207 may be allowed to use their cell phones under limited circumstances next fall if the school board revisits its 1998 ban.
NBA Investigates Jay-Z Over Rules Violation
Jay-Z may be in trouble with the NBA over a locker room chat with the Kentucky Wildcats after they made the Final Four.
According to the AP, the rap mogul and part owner of the New Jersey Nets visited the college players after their victory over North Carolina on Sunday at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J, where the Nets play their home games.
However, NBA rules prohibit team personnel from having any contact with players who are not yet draft eligible, and spokesman Tim Frank told the Associated Press the league has launched an investigation.
Oprah Backtracks on Australia Comments Made During Reality Show
Oprah Winfrey (C) poses with local Aboriginal children at Uluru on December 9, 2010 in Uluru, Australia.
Oprah Winfrey today moved to downplay comments her reality series suggesting her talk show’s high-profile tour of Australia in December was not a smooth ride.
In “Season 25: Oprah Behind the Scenes,” airing on Winfrey’s cable channel OWN, the daytime queen revealed concerns about the large crowds in Melbourne and on Queensland’s Hamilton island, and that she was worried about flies and extreme heat at Uluru, or Ayers Rock.
She was also unsure how to pronounce Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s name and decided to break into two words – “gill” and “lard” – so she could pronounce it properly when they met for a walk.
After the comments ran in Australian newspapers, Oprah issued a statement, insisting she loved every minute of her visit.
“When I say I love Australia, I mean what I say. I LOVE AUSTRALIA,” she said.
Oprah Winfrey arrives at The Royal Botanic Gardens for a garden party on December 11, 2010 in Sydney, Australia.
“It was one of the most life changing, mind expanding, once in a lifetime extraordinary experiences for all of us, and I would never want any of my comments taken out of context to make it seem otherwise.
“I have so many great memories. The (Great Barrier) Reef was breathtaking, Sydney was spectacular, and I was mesmerized by Uluru and so glad I went there.
“I was overwhelmed by the response of the people of Melbourne and was honored to meet the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, and to feel the welcoming energy of 10,000 people in Federation Square,” she added.
“I can’t wait to come back.”
As previously reported, the Australian trip was the first time Winfrey had recorded episodes of her talk show outside the United States in its 24-year history. She brought more than 300 US audience members with her and interviewed some of Australia’s biggest stars, including Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, as well as Hugh Jackman and Olivia Newton-John.
Fire doused in North Side elevator shaft
Chicago firefighters were dispatched to an Uptown neighborhood high-rise this morning after a small fire broke out in an elevator shaft.