The Fifth Congressional District primary's problem isn't the number of candidates, but the number of voters.

Watch CLTV Tuesday night for complete Primary Election results and reaction from the candidates. You can also track the latest election results for the 5th Congressional District Primary elections by visiting their website: http://www.chicagoelections.com and by logging on to the Breaking News Center.

I really feel bad for Shaun Gayle. I also feel bad for 41-year-old-Marni Kay Yang, the woman police say killed Gayle’s pregnant girlfriend and their unborn child in October of 2007.

A friend and business associate of Gayle’s, Yang appeared in bond court this morning in Waukegan. I was seated in the second row of the courtroom. Her name was called and police led a tiny woman in blue jeans, with tussled brown, shoulder length hair in front of the judge. The prosecutor began going over the details of the case, to make a point as to why bond should be denied for the mother of three turned murder suspect.

What started out as a fun night with my girls, quickly turned into a finger-pointing and eye-gawking night when I spotted Drew Peterson and his girlfriend/ fiancé walk up and take a seat at the bar at Bar Louie in Bolingbrook.
I couldn't help myself. I let out a gasp (more from shock than amazement) and said, "Drew Peterson is here." My friends Hanna and Lauren were the first two to hear me. They both said "What?!!" and quickly turned around to face the opposite end of the bar (which was directly in my line of vision). At that moment Peterson looked up and for a second our eyes met... and no it was not love at first sight...
Both of my friends quickly turned back around and omg'd. I broke eye contact and turned to the friends that were standing behind me and dropped the bombshell.

And IF SO, does he bear (no pun intended) Some Responsibilty for what transpired in October 2007?

Ex-Chicago Bear Shaun Gayle defiantly stood outside of the Lake County Courthouse Wednesday and said he never had a "Romantic" relationship with Marni Yang, the murder suspect in the 2007 shooting death of Gayle's pregnant girlfriend, Rhoni Reuter, at her Deerfield home.

Earlier, inside that courts building, Prosecutors implied that there Was a Sexual Relationship between Gayle and Yang, which then pushed Yang over the edge, spurning a jealous, deadly rage against her perceived rival, Reuter. (Prosecutors later back-pedaled a bit on the exact scope of the Gayle/Yang connection, which at the very least was a business relationship.)

Perhaps Yang was driven crazy by a two-timing lover. But then again, perhaps she's just crazy and imagined her bond with Gayle. Either way, we Certainly Can Not Condone her alleged actions.

But what does 'No Romantic Relationship' really mean?

When Gayle publicly denied having had a 'romantic' relationship with Yang, reporters on-scene took it at sincere face value. No one asked, 'But did you ever have sex with her?'

Which perhaps begs a bigger question for today's society at large:
In a case of 'Friends with Benefits;' if things go horribly wrong, even if there's no Legal responsibility -- what about a Moral one?

Beefs are big business in Chicago. Who doesn’t love a combo, dipped with hot peppers? Maybe vegetarians, but that’s not the point. Because Chicagoans are always on the prowl for good Italian beefs, how in the world could the owner of an Italian beef stand that has people lined up out the door waiting to be served, be the poster child for what’s wrong with the $750 billion economic bailout?

She didn't want to show her face, and she didn't want to give her name.

She did tell her story though, and it's a story about an unsuspecting girl who just wanted to be a model- but ended up as much more.

A teenager is shot and killed, two weeks after his younger brother was murdered in a triple shooting in the city's South Chicago neighborhood.

I’ve been trying my best not to get down about the state of the economy. But it’s reeeaaalllly hard!!!

It seems, every minute there’s more bad news on the economic front.

For example, Circuit City closed yesterday, leaving 34,000 people out of a job. The auditors for General Motors have raised serious doubts about the automaker’s ability to keep operating. And the biggest of them all, employment is at 8.1%.

To our cltv.com users-
We’re excited to share an upgraded version of our web site with you.
Chicagoland is our focus, and you’ll find more local content on the site, and more ways for you to provide feedback and comments on the news of the day.
For more than 16 years, we have provided Chicago with non-stop coverage of major local stories, with help from our partners at Chicago Tribune and WGN-TV.
I look forward to your comments and feedback. Contact us by following this link to our feedback form.
Thank you for your support of CLTV programming on Comcast Cable, and additional CLTV content on cltv.com.

Steve Farber
General Manager

Kevin Gobeski has a degree from Yale, one from Berkeley, and is now working on picking up that M.D./Ph.D. from Northwestern University.

If anyone can find some answers, this guy can- and he's getting excited.

The flooding in our area right now, is obviously not anywhere near what it could be.

What it's been.

But for those who've lived through any of the past devastation that Mother Nature can bring via heavy rain, the concern is palpable.

It can encompass everything from impassable roads greatly increasing already long travel times, to businesses losing inventory and possibly being forced to close, to local residents seeing their water-soaked belongings ruined, their homes damaged - sometimes irreparably so.

We here at CLTV are working to continuously keep you, our viewers, abreast of the situation.

**Plus, we'd also like to hear from you about flooding situations and concerns where you are.

You can either post your concerns below on this blog -or- call our CLTV Assignment Desk directly at 630-368-4444.

Panic.

It may be the first reaction to losing your job.

However, it's how well you've prepared for it that can make that panic crippling or temporary.

The Chicago Tribune has set up a Recession Survivial Guide with many articles to help all of us avoid the pitfalls of job loss and financial mistakes that we could easily make.

Here are some tips that top the list:

Hillary Bayley is not your typical 17-year old.

"Every minute" of her free time is dedicated to the musical instruction of a group of about thirty first through fifth graders, and it's a group she wants to see grow.

435-million dollars.

That's how much C.P.S. is in the hole for 2010, and you're likely on the hook.

Carrying a concealed weapon is currently illegal in Illinois. Not that people don't carry them.

Afterall, how could all these Chicago Public School kids have been shot (more than 500 in 16 months)? Thankfully, not all of them died. Though 25 have lost their lives to bullets so far this year ('09).

As a result, the Reverend Jesse Jackson got back on his pulpit today, calling for stricter gun laws here in Illnois.

Meantime, a bevy of gun 'rights' advocates bussed themselves to Springfield today to lobby Illinois lawmakers for what they believe are their constitutionally-mandated 'carrying' rights (as in 'the right to bear arms'). Plus, they point out that a host of other states already allow for walking around with a gun hidden on your person.

The advocates say that since criminals are armed, so to should be law-abiding citizens. In fact, recent reports have indicated an up-tick in gun sales -- in part -- because, due to our faltering economy, some buyers fear more crime and want to be able to defend against those who might steal from them, or worse.

Of course, opponents of the 'conceal and carry' bit (several versions of which have come up in proposal form at the state legislature) say if even more people are suddenly carrying guns, it's going to lead to even more dealdy violence.

The gun rights people's most likely response: in an increasing number of cases -- it might be a criminal who's dead.

The anti-gun folks likely rebuttal: It's gonna be like the Wild Wild West! Both more criminals and also law-abiding folk --dead.

What do you think?

It was a shocking moment when photographer Aaron Cooper and I were getting ready to interview Shantiel Simon, a mayoral candidate from the village of Robbins. All of a sudden a car pulls into the parking lot going really fast and starts confronting Simon. It was another candidate Sam Howard and his campaign manager. They started yelling at Simon, claiming he allegedly sprayed black paint all over nine of Howard's campaign billboards. Simon of course denies the charges. The campaign manager started yelling "The gloves are off buddy and Do you know who you are dealing with boy." It was a scene right out in public. How do you as voters feel about this? Is there a better way to handle the situation or do like the passion coming from the candidate? Politics are sometimes dirty and crazy, but never boring I guess.

Anderson Jones is doing everything the experts would advise.

He's asked to refinance the mortgage on his Richton Park home not once- not twice- but three times, and three times he's been denied.

It's quite the achievement. Not only racking up one hundred years of life, but creating something that brings you success, while making others happy!

I met Harry Heftman today. He kicked off his big '100th Birthday' weekend in celebrity style! A full gaggle of us from the local media were there, squished into his small Loop restaurant to witness his claim to fame. Which it turns out is about a whole lot more than becoming a centenarian.

Harry is a testament to achieving the American Dream. He came to this country at the age of 12, when his family immigrated from Hungary. As a young man he opened a fruit store, later some restaurants. Then in 1954, at the corner of Randolph and Franklin -- the place that ultimately came to bear his name
-- 'Harry's Hot Dogs.'

For 55 years Harry, with the help of his family and loyal staff, has been making people happy there by paying attention to them and offering a good dog --a true Chicago hot dog. As his Vienna Beef hot dog supplier puts it, "..schmoozing with customers, and the fact that he treats Hot Dogs like the Breakfast of Champions!"

Harry's Secret

Beyond hard work, Harry puts his success quite simply, " I do good things for people and that makes me feel good."

Mayor Daley, a longtime Chicago dog lover, used to come to Harry's place as a kid with his dad (the other Mayor Daley). So today, he too was there for Harry's big moment in the spotlight; presenting him with an official mayoral proclamation on a job well done!

Well done indeed Harry Heftman! Happy Birthday To You! And Many Many More...

Colonel Sanders wants to help the Cubbies reach the promised land.

When I was 14, I was thinking about my first boyfriend, my first kiss, if someone would ever ask me to the prom and if I'd ever get married.
I was NOT thinking about violence or getting shot! I wonder if Gregory Robinson ever worried about those things?

Have we hit bottom yet? Is the end near?

Sunday, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told CBS’ 60 Minutes that he expects the recession to end soon. But is it soon enough to save your job, your home, your retirement? What steps should you be taking NOW to survive the recession?

We want to hear from you.

Leave us your questions or comments by clicking on the link below. Then watch CLTV. We’ll try to read your comments on the air. We’ll also try to get answers to your questions by posing them to experts on CLTV in the days and weeks ahead.

Your comments and questions will help us to direct our coverage toward what matters most to you --our viewers. So, thanks in advance.

Sen. Durbin joined Mayor Daley at the Shedd Aquarium this morning to announce more federal funding for the Shoreline Protection Project, but the conversation quickly turned to how to protect the taxpayer.

Word of the 165-million dollars in bonuses to A.I.G. employees after the more than 170-billion in federal rescue seems to have everyone talking- including the politicians who initially voted to hand the insurance giant the dough.

If the phrase "The times, they are a'changin'" ever meant anything before, it means more today.

For years, rumors swirled around the renaming of the Sears Tower.

Just last year, in fact, there was talk it would become the home of the U.S. Olympic Committee and be renamed in its honor.

Chicagoans thought it through... but knew it wouldn't happen.

How could it?

The Sears Tower is just that, right?

Wrong.

Looking to buy?

Get on board.

As you saw in my piece, foreclosure and short sales make up the majority of the current housing market, and if you are in the market to make a deal, a foreclosure tour put you in the express lane.

What's in a name?

Apparently - everything - if you believe the tens of thousands of Facebook members who've taken the time to add themselves to two pages* at the social networking site.

* 'People Against The Sears Tower Name Change'
-and-
* 'Chicagoans Against Willis Tower'

Both pages, already beyond 50-thousand members Tuesday morning (3-17-09), had grown by another 3-thousand(!) by Tuesday afternoon!

The common theme: The Sears Tower name represents an 'iconic' image that many associate with fond memories. Changing the name; highly frowned upon!

Wonder how Willis will now react?

*** add 'your' thoughts below.

CLTV will have live coverage of Governor Pat Quinn's state budget address starting at Noon on Wednesday, March 18th. Visit cltv.com for unedited video of the budget address. You can also watch CLTV throughout the day for complete coverage.

This morning some 200 Simeon Career Academy students boarded buses bound for Springfield. They’re on a mighty mission -- to try and save their classmates.

So far this school year, 29 Chicago Public School students have been killed.
Many of them died from gun violence. Fourteen-year-old Gregory Robinson was one of them. A mild-mannered, nerdy freshman with good grades and a passion for basketball, he became a statistic Friday night, when someone sprayed bullets into his cousin’s car. A single gunshot to his back and his young life was over in a matter of minutes. Many students are worried that more Chicago teens will die if something isn't done to stem this senseless violence.

Although the percentage of participation was small, the vote was unanimous.

Two cops in Peoria are in hot water, after being caught on video tape allegedly stomping on a driver they pulled over and forced onto the ground.

Prosecutors say they also pepper sprayed and tasered the guy. How'd they get caught in the alleged act: a camera mounted on the dashboard of -their- squad car!

No Confidence In Chicago's Top Cop?

The Chicago police union is publicizing a rank and file vote of 'No Confidence' in Superintendent Jody Weis' leadership. It's reportedly based, in part, on police staffing issues and also Weis' handling of police brutality complaints.

As for the vote tally, it was apparently about 160 officers who pledged zero confidence.
That's out of '8-thousand' the union represents. Translation: 2 percent!

Does that then mean 98% 'Have Confidence' in Weis? If so, then what's the beef?

Governor Pat Quinn releases his long awaited budget proposal. It includes a higher income tax, corporate tax, cigarette tax, and vehicle user fees. Quinn says he would not present a doomsday budget, but it is a balanced one. It's the age old debate when it comes to budget deficits totaling $11.5 billion. Do you raise taxes and fees or cut deep, getting rid of much needed services? The hole is so deep and wide the state can't cut its way out. Would you rather have government services or higher taxes and fees? Would you like to see state government shut down completely? Or is it worth paying more from some of the services you take for granted? Hard to say.

Protesters are threatening to make some noise when the International Olympic Committee visits Chicago in April. They want the Chicago City Council to approve an ordinance that would guarantee benefits for minority and low income residents.

This morning's story about a man that was killed while running across the Bishop Ford Freeway got me to thinking about something I've been seeing a lot of lately. People walking on the side of the expressway. More specifically, young men walking on the side of the Eisenhower Expressway in the middle of the night as I'm on my way to work. I even saw a teenage boy, during the day, dressed as if he was leaving school, walking on the expressway. There's no broken down vehicle in sight. And most of them have backpacks or are carrying some type of bag. Why?? Is walking on the expressway safer than walking city streets? Has fear of violence forced these young men to take (in my opinion) an even more dangerous route to where they are going? Can someone give me some insight on this?

I had the opportunity this morning to cover the memorial service for 14-year old Gregory Robinson, the Simeon High School freshman gunned down over the weekend while riding home from a basketball game.

There is now a two-thousand dollar reward being offered for information leading to an arrest in the case, and police don't know if it was gang-related.

One of Gregory's relatives, however, says it was, and had this message to those who shot his cousin, an unintended target:

It's a bumpy ride these days, but not through Chicago's Washington Park. City transportation crews are repaving streets there as members of the International Olympic Committee prepare to come to town. The park is the proposed site for the 2016 Olympic stadium.

Is it fair for the city to use taxpayer money to make it a smooth ride for the I.O.C?
Don't we want to make a good impression on our guests and tidy up a bit?
Or-- would our tax dollars be better spent on streets ridden with potholes?

When people ask me how I ended up in journalism I proudly tell them: I didn’t choose journalism, journalism chose me. My mother hates it when I say this, but it’s the truth.

When I was in high school, I was extremely shy. Instead of eating in the cafeteria, I would eat at a single desk in the corner of my high school newspaper office. One day, the teacher in charge of the paper asked me if I wanted to help them out and possibly write a story. Well I jumped at the chance, and so began my career in journalism. Journalism helped me overcome my shyness.

The Chicago Art Institute plans to raise the 'general' admission price by 50-percent come the end of May. Raise it from 12 dollars to 18 (students and seniors to go from 7 to 12 dollars).

One local alderman is accusing the museum of -gouging- city residents; who he says already subsidize the Art Institute to the tune of more than 6-million dollars a year! (A portion of local property tax revenues are allocated to city museums.) He says even if others have to pay more, city residents should pay less.

So, Alderman Ed Burke (14th Ward) is now behind a proposed ordinance that in essence would punish any city museum charging more than 10 dollars. If passed, those institutions would have to start paying for certain city services (water, permits, licenses) where the fees are currently waived.

Other Burke points:
--The price hike will make the Art Institute more pricey than the Paris Louvre, the Florence Uffizi and London's National Gallery.
--Instead of raising rates, Burke says the museum should 'cut costs' like everyone else these days -- noting the more than 2-million dollars a year alloted for top museum salaries.

The Other Side

Art Institute officials say the admissions increase has been needed for a long time (to cover the massive costs of heating, cooling and staffing the place, not to mention taking care of all the priceless art).

And while there's never a good time for a rate hike, they say, now that their 'new wing' will open in May there will be a third more museum to be had for the price.

Plus, they say the Art Institute has 400 hours each year -- when anyone can get in for free. All of February, every Thursday night and in the Summer, Friday nights as well. Oh, and kids under 12 always get in free.

So, what do you think? Gouge or Fair?

For someone who has been an elected official for 12 years and president of the United States for a month, you would think Barack Obama would know better. Last night while he was making history by being the first sitting president to appear on a late night TV talk show he was also setting himself up to have to make an apology later.

Jay Leno asked him about his dismal bowling skills, to which the president replied, “It was like the Special Olympics or something.” Check it out for yourself. (The remark comes around the 20:30 mark)

This is turning out to be a trying year for Yolan Henry. A few months ago her daughter and infant granddaughter were murdered. Then yesterday, she begrudgingly relinquished custody of her beloved grandson to his father, former Bulls player and Thornwood High school standout, Eddy Curry.

Would you respect a rent-a-cop with the power to issue a ticket?

Alderman Anthony Beale of the City's 9th ward is hoping so, because he's proposing an ordinance that would give private security guards the power to ticket litterers, loiterers and speeders. They would also be able to pass out those pesky parking tickets and stop gangs intent on grafitti.

But will residents pay them any attention?

"Wow," is pretty much all one Joliet area resident said when he got close to the scene of Friday's Big Fire at the Empress Casino in that southwest suburb.

I'd second that. Not sure if the video does it justice... but it was definitely massive seeing it in person. And as I write this now at the end of a long day... smell like a whole lotta smoke!

My photographer Miles also smelled like alotta smoke. Plus neither of us could use the restroom all the hours we were on site. Word is they needed all the water (plus tankers of it trucked in) to fight the flames.

I've told you before about my non-eco friendly SUV. Don't worry, it's on the smaller side of the genre.

However can I now tell you how happy I am that I have an SUV during the Chicago freeze-thaw cycles that seem to bring out the worst in pavement?

Potholes.

KILLER potholes.

Is AIG telling the whole story?

Connecticut's Attorney General says documents provided by the insurance giant show it paid-out 218 million dollars in executive bonuses last weekend. That's 53 million more than AIG previously reported!

One taxpayer told me this week "it's a total, total, freaking travesty."
Another said "it's our money, and they're stealing from us."
The House took action.
Next week, the Senate could also take a swipe at these kinds of bonuses.

The new figure may just add more fuel to the fire.

With the economy in the dumps and Chicago in a budget crunch, should city police officers get a pay raise?

Money from the federal stimulus package will flow into school districts across America, but it could actually make school systems that are fiscally fit-- wealthier.

The New York Times has an interesting report on the complex formulas the federal government uses to divvy up funds. (Read the NYT article here)
Some formulas help districts that already spend more per student while others distribute funding based on population.

Some could end up with extra cash.
Other districts-- not enough to stop teacher layoffs and program cuts.

Will those wealthier districts give their share back?
Should they?
Is there a way to just simply ASK whether a school district needs the additional cash?

Dozens of students from Chicago's Whitney Young High School were arrested for underage drinking before the school's basketball team captured the state championship in Peoria, Saturday.

It's been a few weeks since the alleged fight between singers Chris Brown and Rihanna. But the issue of domestic violence, particularly among young people is growing. The website "Do Something-dot-org" has put together a PSA, talking about dating violence. It features a re-enactment of the fight between Brown and Rihanna based on police reports. Some have said it's a good idea, others says the organization is just trying to capitalize on the celebrity nature of the issue. Check it out and tell us what you think.

61 year old former Chicago Streets and Sanitation Commissioner Al Sanchez is now the highest ranking one-time aide to Mayor Daley to be found guilty in the Federal probe into illegal hiring at City Hall.

After the jury's verdict was announced he and his attorney told reporters that he just worked within the system -- and didn't do anything wrong.

Which of course begs the question: a system set up and run on whose orders?

We don't even make the medal stand.

Tokyo.
Rio.
Madrid.
Chicago.

Last place is where we find ourselves in the latest ranking from one website that tracks Olympics bids, and though the race is tight, economics is our Achilles' Heel.

If you haven’t heard by now, some 16 Whitney Young High School students were among 27 Chicago-area teens arrested Saturday in a downstate hotel and charged with underage drinking. The teens were there for the high school basketball championship tournament, which Whitney Young captured later Saturday night. I ventured to Whitney Young on Chicago's West Side this morning to get the students take on what happened to their classmates over the weekend.

We already know that Chicagoans take their food seriously. From Chicago Dogs from a street vendor to the best and most expensive restaurants the city has to offer, foodies are among us.

Top Chef, the Bravo TV chef competition, has produced one winner and one runner-up in the last three seasons who hail from Chicago.

Last year, the James Beard Foundation named Chicagoan Grant Achatz, from Alinea, the best Chef in the United States.

Stack that on top of the James Beard Foundations finalists announced today *in* Chicago and the 18 Chicago ties there are in this year's list. Those include Monica Eng and Phil Vettel from the Chicago Tribune; Richard Melman from Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises; and chef Paul Kahan from Blackbird.

You can find the complete list right here.

What do you think? Is Chicago deserving of so much praise in the culinary world? Are we a rising star--beyond hot dogs, deep dish and awesome steak houses?

Have you heard? Or better yet, it’s what you won’t hear beginning this morning, the Tom Joyner morning show.

V-103 has gotten rid of Tom, Sybil, J Anthony Brown and the rest of the crew.
They are being temporarily replaced by "The Steve Harvey Morning Show" beginning today.

The Job:
Taking someone else's kids and whipping 'em into shape to excel in sports.

The Problem:
Reports of local coaches crossing the line in some eyes (everything from pushing and hitting to going off on their young charges).

The Situation:
Chicago Public Schools are reportedly working on re-doing the behavioral rules their Coaches must adhere to.

The Proposal:
Ban - all physical force against athletes (i.e. slapping, paddling, choking, head banging, etc. Basically causing any kind of pain. Also, no 'hot tempers' allowed.)

The Punishment:
Coaches who don't obey -- could be -- banned for life.

*****
Okay, I personally never played sports as a kid. I did, however, have one tough Nun as a first grade teacher. Sister Mary Vevina. It was the days of practically unlimited classroom size. So Sister Vevina had 70 to 80 of us to deal with/educate. Corporal punishment was not against the law. So we were all in fear of not behaving. The bad kids got hauled to the cloak room for a paddling. Their reddened, teary-eyed faces once they emerged, told the rest of us to be good - or else.

I know it seems severe in today's thinking. Not saying it was right. But I do know Sister Vevina controlled that classroom. And we six year olds all got a good education. She made sure we learned. And always praised good behavior and grades.

Years later, while in college. I happened to stop at the school. She was still there. The Nun who'd been such a giant figure in my young life -- was just a tiny little woman of 5 feet or less!
*****

But I digress. So, when it comes to coaches/teachers in charge of our kids, when we can't be there -- what is permissible? Does firm talk with timeouts for bad behavior work? Or does the old adage of 'Spare the rod, spoil the child' still have merit?

What do you think? You can leave your comments below.

So you saw the puppies from the mill and want one, right?

Me too.

They're perfect for transportation via purse, and you can tote one home starting tomorrow, most likely.

I’m always amazed at how many people think violent crimes only happen in the Chicago or in other neighborhoods. This morning, I was in the south suburban community of Homewood covering the fatal shooting of a parole jumper from Michigan.

The shooting happened near the Homewood Metra Station, so I headed out to talk to commuters and get their take on what had happened, see if they still feel safe.

The story is out of Naperville where a city councilman, Richard Furstenau, sued the city--the city in which he worked and lived--with violating his constitutional rights.

The cased stemmed from Furstenau's arrest in January 2006 and accused of slapping a police officer in the chest.

He was later aquitted of charges during a bench trial in May 2007.

The city apparently has already spent $1 million on defending itself.

Now, council members (Furstenau excluded) voted to settle the constitutional right violation case.

This guy, who at one time swore to uphold the laws of the city, sued the city and others and now may get money, after paying his legal bills, for taking it to court.

This economic crisis we find ourselves in is not only taking a toll on our finances, it's also putting a strain on relationships. Whether its husband-wife, parent-child, or roommates and friends; people are lashing out, growing apart, or just plain giving up on trying maintaining a happy, productive life together.

Oh come on! You know you'd tune in - to the Former Illinois Governor and the Former Bolingbrook Cop! Wouldn't you?

As much as both the ex-gov (with federal corruption charges on him) and the ex-cop (with missing and dead wives) have repulsed many -- they have very obviously intrigued at least as many, if not many, many more. How else could they keep scoring all those 'national' media interviews? (Of course, they reportedly are also both represented by the same P-R firm.)

So, now that Blago's done it (WLS-AM, Weds., 3-25-09- check out my colleague Regina Waldroup's story posted here)..
-- why not up the whole thing several notches!

Rod Blagojevich and Drew Peterson -LIVE - on the Morning Drive!

Geez! I should give up my day job and become a radio programmer! Kidding. Still, it could be an advertisers dream -- for those advertisers willing to potentially risk the loss of some customers, who don't like them buying ad time on a such a program.

Plus, it could be great dough for the guys! Let's face it both are currently un-employed and both probably have some huge legal bills in their futures (don't have to be a fortune teller for the latter!).

Care to add your own two-cents? Would you listen to the B+D show?

One day after Cook County Sheriff's Police seized nearly 70 dogs and puppies from a south side home, we found a long line of people ready to adopt at Chicago Animal Control. The guard at the door told us at least fifty people had shown up by ten this morning.

Juliana Vazquez says she was heartbroken by what she saw on tv and came to adopt a dog for her disabled son.
Her sister Nellie Cortez is 73 years old and lives alone. She says she'd like a best friend to keep her company.

They were disappointed to learn most of the dogs were already transferred to other shelters.
Here are some of them:
Animal Welfare League
708-636-8586
Anti-Cruelty Society
312-644-8338
Hinsdale Humane Society
630-323-5630
Petropolis
847-201-6536
PAWS Chicago
773-935-PAWS

Ousted governor Rod Blagojevich morphed into Radio Rod - serving as a guest host on the Don Wade and Roma show. As he left WLS studios, it was apparent that although Blagojevich is no longer governor, he still acts as if he is.

Wrong.

Especially when they get out of hand, as apparently the South Side Irish one did this year.

Have you gotten a letter in the mail for running a "red light" in the city?

I have.

The letter shows three pictures of your vehicle and license plate, an invitation to view the video of your car going through a "red light", and a bill for $100.

Good luck trying to get out of it.

Now, State Senator Terry Link is proposing to set up the same type of fixed cameras to catch speeders in eight Illinois counties. The counties are Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, Madison, McHenry, St. Clair and Will. That report is in the Chicago Tribune.

Outrage is growing over the University of Notre Dame's invitation for President Barack Obama to speak at graduation.

No, it wasn’t an early April Fool’s joke! "The Tom Joyner Morning Show" is NOT coming back to Chicago’s V-103. Joyner told WGN’s Dean Richards he was just as surprised as everyone else when he found out his show had been dumped. He says he doesn’t think it had anything to do with his strong political views. In fact he’s hoping another station in town will pick up his show.

Now there are signs "The Steve Harvey Morning Show," which replaced Joyner, could be sticking around V-103 for awhile.

Did you see Valerie Bertinelli in a bikini on the cover of People Magazine?

Good for her. It takes guts to pose in a bikini at age 48. I guess this shows it's never too late in get into shape and start living a healthier lifestyle.

As a 40-something woman, I'm inspired.

Check out her cover.
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20267734,00.html

The 2016 Olympic Games could inject up to 22-billion dollars into the region's economy, and today's Memorandum of Understanding between Chicago 2016 and the Outreach Advisory Council helped guarantee more residents more opportunites.

Among the 75 objectives:

He was born July 14, 2008. Just 8-and-a-half months old at this writing.
In need of a new heart.

His name is Faris Samara and he's a real cutie!
(check out the video posted here)

Right now, our neighbors to the North, in North Dakota and Minnesota, are fighting off an absolute disaster.

The Red River, which flows north between the North Dakota and Minnesota border, is at near-record flood stage.

In 1997, I was a reporter right out of college when I was hired by the ABC affiliate in Fargo, ND.

It was just a month after what was being called a 100 year flood destroyed many homes, lives and communities along the Red River.

You may remember the picture above from Grand Forks, ND. The city had to be evacuated when flood waters broke through the sandbag dikes.

Flooding in that area isn't new. It happens every spring.

But right now, the Red River is about to crest at levels up to 2.5 feet higher than the devastating levels seen in 1997.

I couldn't hold my excitement in. Take a look at the new trailer released for the upcoming big-screen adaptation of the classic children's book "Where the Wild Things Are".

Rapper T.I. was sentenced to serve one year and one day in jail after pleading guilty to weapons charges. T.I (whose real name is Clifford Harris, Jr.) was arrested October 2007 attempting to add guns to an already large illegal arsenal, which is wrong on so many levels.
Federal sentencing guideline state that T.I should spend at least four year and nine months in prison for his crime, but the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports T.I.'s legal team was able to work out an "experimental plea bargain" on the his behalf.

It's the only shelter in the state to make it to the top twenty in the race to win one-million dollars, and the folks there (and the animals too) need your votes.

LaGrange Park's Catnap from the Heart has earned finalist status in Zootoo.com's Shelter Makeover II, and if you caught the story on TV or here on the blog- you know why they need the money.

Here's how you can help:

As prom season approaches, many Chicago families will be struggling to buy their kids dresses, shoes and tuxedos for the big night. To help ease the financial burden, schools like Bloom Trail High in Chicago Heights have started a program that encourages community members to donate new or slightly-worn formal-wear. Make sure to check out Bahar Takhtehchian’s story on Bloom Trail this Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon.

According to a recent survey, Chicago was just voted one of the least manliest cities in the America. As a life long Chicagoland resident I don't think this is in anyway true. To be honest I think the Windy City is one of the most masculine cities in the U.S.

More and more salon's / boutiques in the city are catering to the needs of men, but that doesn't mean that the city is predominantly metrosexual. I decided to go to Chicago's first men's grooming club, John Allan's and see if the clientele was more "metro". What I saw from their penthouse location in the heart of the financial district was a spot for men to hang out, relax, get their hair cut and most importantly forget their professional lives.

I thought the lounge and cappuccino was top notch and the service seemed to be first rate. For more info check out their website.

- Matt Knutson | CLTV Producer

Just when we thought we were done with winter, Mother Nature says.. not so fast!
Guess, we hearty Chicagoans should be used to this. (I remember covering a couple of April snowstorms. That was no fun.)

The weather is one reason why Forbes Magazine recently named Chicago one of the most miserable cities to live. That crossed my mind as I'm grumbled while driving to work in the storm at four in the morning.

Still, thirty thousand runners will show Sunday morning for the Shamrock Shuffle which is the official kick-off to our running season.
Plus, didn't the U.S. Census just report the Chicago-area population is growing? Obviously, people still want to live here no matter how miserable the weather may be.

You know what they say-- if you don't like the weather in Chicago, wait five minutes. It will change.

Roads repaved in Washington Park.
Banners are up.
And the water will flow a little early to show Millenium Park's fountains in all their glory.

Chicago is rolling out the red carpet for the International Olympic Committee as it conducts its white-glove inspection of the city's bid to host the 2016 games.

I traveled with members of the U.S. Olympic Committee when it toured Chicago two years ago. It was still cold and snowy. We were humming along when our bus broke down and brought everything to a halt. That soon became a distant memory. We were at Northerly Island when some committee members paused to marvel at the skyline. They were in awe.

Here we go again. Protestors say they've upped their game, too.
Could be an interesting week.

At the request of the White House, the chief executive of General Motors is stepping down. President Obama is preparing to introduce a new round of plans to help struggling American automakers.

I like people to be specific and give plenty of details and suggestions when I ask for their advice.

So I was left a little wanting after reading the Trib’s “Ask Amy” advice column this weekend.

An entry titled “Debt-free, but emotionally spent” caught my eye. A woman wrote in looking for help to “get a life.”

She wrote:

Dear Amy: I am in a position that many people might envy. At 44, I am single, never married, have no kids and completely debt free.

The problem is I also hate my job and my life.

The Anti-Cruelty Society offered up seven dogs from the South Side puppy mill for adoption today, but six remain.

Here's what you need to know in order to take one home:

The bodies of a father and his two sons who have been missing since early this month have been discovered in a remote, rural area of downstate Putnam County.

Duncan Connolly, 9, and his brother, Jack, 7, had been missing since March 8, when their father Michael Connolly failed to return them to their mother in the town of LeRoy near Bloomington-Normal.

CLTV plans live coverage of the McLean County Sheriff's Deputy news conference beginning at 4pm Monday.

That's reportedly the extra state pension money now approved for a former Illinois state legislator who, at the behest of former Governor Blagojevich, was appointed as head of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. But only served there for less than a month.

Today Mayor Daley announced $12 million in federal stimulus money is making its way to Chicago's O'Hare Airport. It will be used to repair one of the airport's busiest runways and widen a taxiway. The money will make the runways safer, while apparently creating 75 new construction jobs. What do you think about the federal funds? Will it ever truly reach the common person? Do you believe in the trickle up effect? All these projects help the construction industry, one of the hardest hit sectors out there. Any new jobs are great jobs, but what about everybody else? When are we going to hear the stimulus money created new jobs in other sectors? Love pumping money into the economy, but are you actually seeing the benefits and can you afford to wait?

Billions of your hard-earned tax dollars have already gone to bailout U.S. automakers. Now beleaguered auto giants General Motors and Chrysler are asking for more government aid to survive.

A search for two missing brothers and their father ends in tragedy. They were found dead in downstate Putnam County, after an apparent double murder-suicide.

Ahh... computers. They're one of man's greatest inventions and greatest curses.

I'm not talking about when you're at your computer and it locks up just before you save a great narrative.

No, no. I'm talking about when one of us gets replaced by a computer.

I've seen it happen in manufacturing jobs for years. Now it's happening at the airport in a job that used to be uniquely human.

Who wants a new car?? I do, I do!! But why in the world would I buy one given the uncertainty of my financial future. My employer (Tribune Company) has filed for bankruptcy protection; we’re merging with WGN-TV in a few months and have been told there will be job cuts; not to mention the stock market doesn’t seem to have found the “bottom” of its free fall yet.

My story is not much different than a lot of people’s story. But that hasn’t stopped car companies from trying to entice us to buy a new car. In January Hyundai came up with a program where it will let customers return the new cars they buy if they lose their job within the first year of the purchase. Hyundai’s sales rose 5% since then, while everyone’s sales plunged.

Then this morning Ford announced a similar program in which it will cover payments for up to year if customers lose their jobs. And on top of that, it’s offering 0% financing on some of its vehicles.

And General Motors is offering to make nine payments of up to $500 if a customer loses his or her job. It will also provide assistance for buyers who find their vehicle trade-in values have deteriorated.

These deals sound GREAT! But I’m still not sure if I’m going to run out and buy a new car. How about you???

The Illinois Reform Commission has issued its "mid-term" report, focusing its first proposals on the areas of campaign finance, procurement and enforcement.

Below are the specifics members are hoping Springfield will study and eventually make law- working to end the "culture of corruption" here in Illinois.

Now that the Obamas have arrived in Europe (his first trip there as President), could the purpose of the trip (global financial crisis, international terrorism) possibly be 'overshadowed' by the First Lady?

Sure, World Leaders will be hunkering down with *Mr. Obama, but World Eyes could very well be on Mrs. O.

Think Jackie K!

Mrs. Kennedy was often known to somewhat out-shine JFK -- with her great fashion sense.

And Michelle Obama -ain't- no fashion slouch! (Did ya catch her inauguration ensemble?)

You Decide!

Check out her ..'HIGH-BELTED' number.. in the video posted here of the Obama's London arrival! Oo-la-la!

A website is now set up for the public to donate money and send their condolences to the family of Jack and Duncan Connolly. The two brothers were found dead Sunday night in rural Putnam County. Their father, Michael, who is suspected of killing himself, didn't return the boys to their mother after a court-ordered visitation.

You can find out more at helpfindduncanandjack.com, which allows you to make a donation to the Center for Missing and Exploited Children, in lieu of flowers for the family.

The Sun-Times Media Group, which publishes the Chicago Sun-Times, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company says its the best opportunity it has to survive long term and says it still will operate its newspapers and on-line sites. Tribune Company did the same thing three months ago. Several newspapers around the country have already shut down and others cities are now one paper towns. To me, it's scary to think of a world without newspapers. Can you imagine Chicago without either one? I think people will miss newspapers as the web takes over the world. Many news sources with lots of reporters doing original reporting is needed and I would argue necessary. One journalism professor said democracy is in jeopardy. As any radio station, tv station, newspaper or any other media source struggles, so goes another way to really find out what's going on. Soon some cities may not even have a newspaper. I just got the chills.

If you have a bag of pistachios or any product containing pistachios in your home don't eat them.

The Food and Drug Administration is warning people not to eat foods containing pistachios while they figure out the source of a possible Salmonella contamination. One big California-based producer - Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella - is voluntarily recalling more than 2 million pounds of the nuts. California is the second-largest producer of pistachios in the world.