No this is not a blog extolling the virtues of one or the other. It's more about how long held injustices can evenutally be righted.

Blacks have long complained that when it comes to the justice system, the deck is stacked against them.

Most point to the sentences handed out involving cocaine as a prime example.

Even though powder and crack cocaine are the exact same drug (chemically speaking), if someone is convicted of selling 5 grams of crack cocaine (the same as about two sugar packets), that person gets the same 5-year prison sentence as a person convicted of selling 500 grams of powdered cocaine. This is a mandatory sentenced dictated by the Federal Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986.

FYI, police say 5 grams of crack costs about $150, where as 500 grams of powder cocaine is worth about $14,000.

Navigating this current housing market can be confusing. Real Estate professional Joyce Courtney offers tips for buying and selling in these economic times.

The above jewelry by Jill Bush is just a sample of the art on display this weekend at the 1st Annual Artwalk at the Promenade Bolingbrook. It's an outdoor juried art fair where yours truly, Randi Belisomo, will serve as one of the judges deciding who will when the one thousand dollar grand prize.

SATURDAY SPORTS-GASM

By Jerry Riles

Wives, girlfriends, lovers, friends with benefits, casual acquaintances, neighbors and pets, move out of the way the Chicago fanatic is about to have a SPORTS-GASM.

As the late, great former Cubs announcer Pat Piper would say: "Fans get out your pencils and scorecards for today's starting line-up" Actually the line-up is for Saturday and if you love sports what a day that's on tap for you. These are the no miss events you DEFINITELY want to see. And the key to your successful SPORTS-GASM will be to have multiple monitors.

First off, you can begin your day by getting the Northsiders on the big plasma screen TV beginning at 12:05pm for the Cubs Marlins clash. Then at 2pm watch Tiger Woods tee it up in the Quail Hollow Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina. Remember ALL times are local. The next stop is at 3pm with the Kentucky Derby. Mint juleps anyone? By this time you may want to take a little break and get the steaks going on the grill. Remember throughout the afternoon you want to make sure to have your dogs, brats, and burgers going. The steaks are for the BIG-BANG later in the evening.

Maybe 'sings' isn't the right word...

Susan Boyle, who at age 47 stunned the world with her voice on the TV show Britain's Got Talent has tried for years to break into business of show.

New video has surfaced on "the internets" which shows a younger, slimmer verision of Boyle singing in 1984.

Check it out!

Yes, they're fake.

Miss California, Carrie Prejean, got FREE breast implants right before she competed in the Miss USA pageant. The director of the pageant program in California confirms-- the pageant paid for the surgery, perhaps to help increase her chances of winning. (Prejean is the contestant who believes she lost because of her answer to a question about gay marriage.)

I have no problem with anyone having plastic surgery-- none of my business really.
But-- isn't the point of a beauty contest to showcase natural beauties? Maybe, that's just too old-school these days.

Medical centers across the Chicago area are filled with people trying to make sure they don't have the H1N1 flu or swine flu. Comer Children's Hospital on the campus of the University of Chicago has added more staff to help deal with the increase in patients. One doctor called the increase "dramatic." This means wait times are getting longer for kids coming to the emergency room. Is this a problem? Health care professionals and state health officials are walking a tight rope. On one hand, they want people to get checked out if they have serious flu-like symptoms. On the other hand, they don't want people flooding emergency rooms with ailments that might not be so serious. It takes away from resources and adds to the wait time. If this continues, how dangerous do you think this could be? Do you think the concern is going too far? Do schools really need to close for one probable case when they don't close if a bunch of students have the regular flu? By the looks of some emergency rooms, I guess this concern is not going away any time soon.

Tough decisions surrounded me today as I encountered so many talented and provocative artists at the 1st Annual Artwalk at the Promenade Bolingbrook, where I served on a panel of three judges.

Awards were given to artists- not to pieces in particular- so entire bodies of work were pitted against each other, no matter the medium.

We awarded three prizes- the Best in Show and two Awards of Excellence.

Looking for something to do this weekend? I headed out Saturday to the 1st Annual Artwalk at the Promenade Bolingbrook and enjoyed the weather, the music....and most importantly- the art! You can find paintings, like Tina Guide's acrylics seen above, as well as jewelry, ceramics, scultpture and pottery, like Hank Olenick's handled jar seen below. There are some fabulous pieces on display!

Here is Sunday's music schedule:

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn commuted the life sentence of Debra Lynn Gindorf, Friday. Gindorf has spent more than twenty years in prison for killing her two small children. Doctors say she was suffering from postpartum psychosis.

Many cities are laying off workers and forcing others to take furlough days. They're also trying another way to make ends meet-- hiring a Washington lobbyist.

U.S. Senate records show cities and counties nationwide signed up with lobbying firms during the first three months of this year. They're hoping the lobbyist can get them a bigger piece of Obama's economic stimulus pie. Deer Park-- a northwest suburb with a population of just 3200-- hired a lobbying firm to help it get money for road and drainage projects.

For cash-strapped municipalities, worth the risk?
Check on your community.

http://soprweb.senate.gov/index.cfm?event=selectfields

At the annual St. Jude Memorial March near Soldier Field, thousands came out to say thank you for a job well done. They came holding signs of praise for those men and women who put their lives on the line everyday. Families of the fallen came armed with stories about dedication and service. It's a reminder of exactly what police officers do and how difficult their job is compared to others. Superintendent Jody Weis says the number of people who came out shows the support for these officers. Are you inspired by the job police officers do everyday? For one day, there was no talk of morale or negativity surrounding the department. It was about pride, honor, and remembering the fallen heroes. Say what you want, but when you need help, who do you call? Imagine a world without police, a world without having someone to call in your time of need.

ARE THE BULLS ON THEIR WAY?

By Jerry Riles

Well the Chicago Bulls playoff run has come to an end after the Boston Celtics eliminated them 4-3 in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference first round action.

My question is did this series catapult the young Bulls to the next level toward reaching championship status? And are you happy with first year coach Vinnie Del Negro’s handling of the team in game situations? Can he lead them to the top of the east?

Many critics questioned Del Negro’s use of, or lack there of, timeouts throughout the series. Of course a young coach will have some questionable decisions to make in the heat of competition, but Del Negro at times appeared not to know when or exactly what to do at crucial times during the games.

I like Vinnie, but just as when John Paxson, the Bulls Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations hired the former San Antonio Spur guard, I was surprised and somewhat shocked at the selection. To me, Vinnie just didn’t seem to fit the mode. But with assistants Bernie Bickerstaff and Del Harris on his staff, it eased the pain a little.

More than a dozen Chicagoland schools will remain shuttered Monday- the beginning of the second week of the H1N1 flu outbreak.

Here's the list:

We've started a new segment on CLTV called "Stump Tim & Tonya." It's basically a challenge to see how well Tim and I know the Chicago area. We're asking viewers to send in pictures of recognizable "things" in the Chicago area and we try guess what and where it is. Today is the first day.

This is "The Monument to the Great Northern Migration."

It's located in Chicago, on the circular median on King Drive and 26th Place.

It's 15ft tall and represents the 6,000,000 African American men, women and children that migrated to the south side of Chicago in the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s.

The figure, carrying a briefcase in one hand and waving into the distance with the other, is covered with patches depicting the worn shoe soles of African Americans that migrated from southern states in search of a “Promised Land” of Chicago.

If you want to try to stump us, just send your photo to cltvdesk@tribune.com.
You MUST put "Stump Tim & Tonya" in the subject line. Make sure to include your name, where you're from and as much information as possible about the photo. Then watch CLTV to see if we use your photo.

Governor Pat Quinn took the train Monday morning, saying no one should be scared to take public transportation because of the H1N1 Flu. He says people should live their normal lives and take proper precautions. Has the flu changed your commuting habits? Quinn says the number of people taking the train has not dropped off dramatically since this outbreak happened last week. He also talked about what Vice President Joe Biden said when he told his family to avoid taking planes and trains for now. Quinn called that a poor decision and says high ranking officials should not be handing out "bum advice." Do you agree? Do you agree with Biden? The scare surrounding this flu caused a lot of people to say things and do things that were probably unnecessary. Have you seen people doing things that had you scratching your head? We want to hear from you.

The whole thing's just sad. A 56 year old woman riding a motorcyle in northwest suburban Lake Zurich; killed while stopped at a yellow light. She was rear-ended (and thrown along with her bike) by another female driver -- this one in a car; allegedly applying nail polish at the time of the accident.

Three years ago, north suburban Waukegan raised some eyebrows when it cracked down on women with wet, freshly manicured nails not 'buckling up.' They were apparently forgoing safety, so as not to smear their paint job. As part of the crackdown, nail salons across the area were posting signs that read, "Don't fret if your nails are wet.. we will help you buckle up."
Salon employees would literally walk out and belt-in a client with not-yet-dry nails.

All seemingly silly on some level. But not so much now. Now that one woman's dead and another one's at least -near- future.. is ruined.

Susan Boyle may have surprised Simon Cowell and the rest of the judges (and the world as a whole) with her performance on Britain's Got Talent, but this recently released video from 1984 shows she's been a crowd pleaser for years.

"Pay to Play: How Rod Blagojevich Turned Political Corruption into a National Sideshow" by veteran WTTW reporter Elizabeth Brackett has hit book shelves.

Today's Stump Tim & Tonya picture is courtesy of Tim McGill.

SHOULD HE STAY OR SHOULD HE GO??????

BY JERRY RILES

What does the 2008-2009 NBA Rookie of the Year have in common with the likes of say Isiah Thomas, Allen Iverson, a John Stockton, Steve Nash, Tony Parker….need I continue?

In my opinion, he’s the building block to a championship team. With the exception of Iverson, whose 76ers advanced to the Finals, the others have led their squads to NBA titles, and with the right chemistry Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose will do the same.

Granted, he’ll have to eventually get past LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers out of the East, but the King himself was able to advance his team to the Finals only to fall to the Spurs early in his career so that’s not an impossible feat.

The question remains, should the Bulls and John Paxson pursue hot scoring guard Ben Gordon? My answer is no. His name is Gordon NOT JORDAN.

A 20-point scorer during the regular season sure, but what you see in Ben, you’ll continue to get from Ben. And that is, a lack of team play.

In order to continue to develop Rose and this young hot team, Coach Vinny Del Negro (which that’s another story in itself) needs more of a team concept as oppose to a one man band, and that’s what Gordon brings to the Bulls.

Here's an old clip from the show Candid Camera which premiered back in 1948.
It's a funny video that shows how group behavior influences our personal behavior on a daily basis.

Watch CLTV's previous coverage of the teen police officer impersonator, including press conference and statements from Jody Weis and the Chicago Police Department.

No more Pit Bulls allowed. That's what the mayor of north suburban Highland Park is after. He's working toward having the entire breed banned in his town.

Why?

A 14 year old girl was mauled by a Pit Bull in Highland Park; the dog's owner was able to yank the animal away via its leash, but the girl still required a hundred stitches.

We've certainly heard of dog ban attempts in the past; Rottweilers, other Pit Bull calls. But is it the answer?

Even little Poodles have been known to chomp away. By the way, the morning director I work with here at CLTV has a little Puggle. He says it scared off a Pit Bull at the park the other day.

The mayor of H.P. is hoping to have a local Pit Bull Ban in place by June.

What do you think?

Alex Arellano’s family members and police insist that the 15 year old was a good kid who was not into gangs. But pictures of Arellano on his MySpace page tell a different story. They show Arellano proudly displaying what appear to be gang signs.

Over the weekend Arellano was found fatally beaten, shot and burned in a gangway on the city’s southwest side, a day after family members reported him missing.

Protester Randall Terry of Operation Rescue says people are thinking of ways to "disrupt" President Obama's planned commencement speech at the University of Notre Dame on May 17. The controversy continues as many catholics are upset the school invited Obama, despite his views on embryonic stem cell research and abortion. Terry says, "The fact people want to put this aside and move forward is absurd." Do you agree? Cardinal George said at one point the invitation was an extreme embarrassment, but says the Office of the President deserves respect and the school should not take back the invitation. Where do you stand on this issue? Is this firestorm overblown? Protesters pushed strollers of baby dolls covered in blood on the campus. Notre Dame says it's valuable to engage in conversation, even though it doesn't agree with all of Obama's policies. The showdown continues. Less than two weeks and counting.

It's a story out of science fiction. A woman, without a face re-emerging with another woman's face after 30 intensive surgeries.

Above, you can see the before and after photos of Connie Culp. In 2004, her husband shot her in the face with a shotgun then turned the gun on himself. He survived and got 7 years in jail.

Below, you can see what Connie looked like before the shooting.

Where in the world were the Chicago Blackhawks, Tuesday night? Fans say the team certainly didn't show up at the United Center for Game 3 against the Vancouver Canucks.

This was the Hawks' first home game of the second round Stanley Cup playoff series, Apparently, playing on home ice, in front of thousands of screaming fans didn't help much.

Today's picture is courtesy of Tim McGill.

This is "Landforms" at the Riverwalk in Naperville. Dedicated in 1984 and done by the artist Jack Arnold.

If you want to try to stump us, just send your photo to cltvdesk@tribune.com.
You MUST put "Stump Tim & Tonya" in the subject line. Make sure to include your name, where you're from and as much information as possible about the photo. Then watch CLTV to see if we use your photo.

I did a bit of garden shopping after work the other night ('tis the season?). I stopped at a very large *HOME improvement chain store, where apparently you now bag your own stuff , while the clerks just stand around and gossip!

Could Someone Help - Please?!

One would think that especially in these tough times when people are losing their jobs by the thousands -- those *with jobs would try harder to be top-notch employees. (Not that you shouldn't be doing that anyway, regardless of the economic climate; if nothing else, personal pride and integrity should mandate it. Right?)

Not Everyone Got The Memo?

If there was a sort of *baseline work memo, wouldn't it at the very least mandate:
"Tough times require performing at an *average level*."?

Apparently Not

Anyway, back to my experience at the Depot-like store...
With arms full, the cashier just looked at me, as I tried to hand her the items for check out. Finally, as I struggled and asked, "Can you take this?," did she actually begin to try and assist me. My fragile plants were knocked over in the process, and she plopped a trimmer onto the ground - blade first (the part you like to keep as sharp as possible for the season).

I couldn't help myself. "Oh my god," escaped my lips. She ignored me, ran my credit card and chatted up her co-cashier about some management guy at their store. She then handed me my receipt. I don't recall a "Thank-you" (though I couldn't 100 % testify that there wasn't one). She just continued ignoring me; talking to her co-worker.

I Really Need A Bag!

So, there I was with my stuff in my arms and on the ground thinking, "How am I supposed to get this to the car?" Then, right there in front of me I spied the bags. I started to put my stuff into a bag as Miss Clerk kept chatting with Mr. Clerk. At one point she looked over, and as nicely as possible, I asked, "Is this some Bag-It-Yourself deal now?" She said that, basically, YES it was, because some customers didn't want bags for their plants and so it was up to the individual person as to whether they took a bag, yada, yada, yada. (Oh my god!)

Listen, I'm all for bagging your stuff yourself, if necessary (even bringing your own bag, which I often do in a green-effort). But if a store's saving money by not having their people bag items, then have them at least working at other things. Don't have two of 'em in front of my face just gossiping away! Otherwise, "I" WANT TO BE PAID FOR BAGGING MY STUFF!

I'm just saying....

Chicago Teams "Blow" Cinco de Mayo Fun!!!!!!

JERRY RILES

Chicago may be known as the Windy City around the country, but on the first Tuesday of the month in May, our Sports teams simply Blew!!!!
Which team had the worst performance of the day? Was it the Cubs in their 6-2 loss to the San Francisco Giants over at Wrigley? How about the Blackhawks 3-1 playoff loss in front of a sold-out electrifying crowd over at the United Center, or possibly the White Sox blowing a 5-1 lead to the first place Kansas City Royals at Kaufman Stadium in extra-innings?
YOU BE THE JUDGE!!!!!!
My vote goes to Ozzie Guillen’s South-side “can’t pitch or hit-men”. (Cubs fans this is NOT a time to bash the Sox. Remember, they DO have a World Series under their belts. It wasn’t too friendly at the confines either).
After Josh Fields and Jermaine Dye each homered in the third inning and Carlos Quentin collected an RBI single in the fourth to give the Sox that 5-1 lead, everything just seemed to go south. And I don’t mean the team preparing to head home for a five game homestand at the Cell.
I mean the Sox left 13 men on base eight of them in scoring position. They out hit the Royals 16-11. So how could they fall 8-7 in 11 innings? Simply put. Pitching. This team is in disarray right now and skipper Ozzie knows it.
Sure it’s still early and the Sox bats are expected to heat up as the temperature does, but for the pitching staff to struggle on the mound as they have of late is not a good sign.

Dekalb firefighters are investigating whether careless use of smoking materials caused a fire at the Omega Delta fraternity house near the Northern Illinois Unviversity campus. The fire started on a couch on the front porch. Two people were injured including a student who jumped out a second floor window to escape.

Firefighters say the fraternity house passed inspection at the beginning of the school year and has a fire alarm system. Was that system working this morning? Parents of one fraternity member told me it was not working, and their son was told to keep quiet. Dekalb's assistant fire chief says investigators are still looking into it.

It's seems like Cook County Board President Todd Stroger says there are only two options when it comes to the rollback of the sales tax increase of one percent. Stroger says without the $300 million or so from the sales tax increase, the county could lose two of its hospitals and several medical clinics. Some commissioners say there would be numerous service cuts. If there is no rollback, then cook county residents will continue to deal with the highest sales tax in the country. Where do you stand? Is this just another scare tactic like some commissioners would like you to believe? If you had to choose, what way would you go? Stroger has less than one week to veto the repeal of the sales tax increase. He says he's willing to listen to any ideas out there to save money and bring in more revenue. What are your ideas? Stroger apparently says he's listening.

This morning Chicago Public Schools officials welcomed students back to Joyce Kilmer Elementary School in the Rogers Park neighborhood.

Kilmer was the first school in the state to close last week after a 12-year-old female student contracted the H1N1 virus and was hospitalized.

A teenage boy is gunned down on the city's west side just moments after dropping off his little sister at school. The shooting happened in the 4400 block of West Adams, Wednesday morning. Police are still looking for the gunman.

Red light cameras are popping up all over the city and suburbs, whether you like it or not.
Some of you may think it's just a way for the city to earn an extra buck, while others truly believe it will help make the streets safer.
Meanwhile an electronics company is working to help you spot those red light cameras, a little bit easier.
Check it out for yourself, here's their website.

http://www.cobra.com/

Today's picture is courtesy of our executive producer, Frava.

This is a statue of U.S. Army PFC George Dilboy on a tall pedestal in front of Hines V.A. Hospital.

Dilboy won the Congressional Medal of Honor and was K.I.A. on 18 July 1918 near Belleau, France.

The Citation: After his platoon had gained its objective along a railroad embankment, Pfc. Dilboy, accompanying his platoon leader to reconnoiter the ground beyond, was suddenly fired upon by an enemy machinegun from 100 yards. From a standing position on the railroad track, fully exposed to view, he opened fire at once, but failing to silence the gun, rushed forward with his bayonet fixed, through a wheat field toward the gun emplacement, falling within 25 yards of the gun with his right leg nearly severed above the knee and with several bullet holes in his body. With undaunted courage he continued to fire into the emplacement from a prone position, killing 2 of the enemy and dispersing the rest of the crew.

If you want to try to stump us, just send your photo to cltvdesk@tribune.com.
You MUST put "Stump Tim & Tonya" in the subject line. Make sure to include your name, where you're from and as much information as possible about the photo. Then watch CLTV to see if we use your photo.

Is Man-Ram GUILTY of Banned Substance use OR Eating Too Much?

JERRY RILES

There some meat on that bone!

The million dollar question remains (or should I say closer to $8-million question), is Manny Ramirez guilty of taking steroids?

The All-Star outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers tested positive for a banned substance and now Major League Baseball has suspended Man-Ram for 50 games.
Agent Scott Boras and Ramirez have agreed NOT to appeal the suspension that was handed down on Thursday.

Ramirez stands by his claim that a doctor prescribed medication for him to treat a personal problem. I’m going to give the multi-million dollar slugger the benefit of the doubt and say I believe him.

What player in his right mind would continue to take steroids, a performance enhancing drug, or a banned substance knowing that baseball and the world is keeping a close watch? Manny just recently agreed to a whopping two year $45-million deal to stay in the Bay area to play for skipper Joe Torre and the Dodger Blue. The suspension will cost him a third of his $25-million salary this season.

So why would a player want to jeopardize his relationship with his new bosses and undergo such scrutiny?

My answer is he wouldn’t. Manny is innocent of knowing he was putting something illegal into his system. I believe Manny was treated for a personal problem, and I believe his doctor prescribed him with a medication to control his illness.

I believe that illness that Man-Ram is struggling with is high cholesterol. Let’s face it, the power hitting machine who has posted incredible numbers (533 homers, 1745 RBI, and a .594 slugging percentage for his career) is from the Dominican Republic which means he loves to eat.

The City of Chicago's budget deficit is so bad that even Mayor Richard Daley is going to take an additional 13 days off without pay along with the rest of the city's non-union workers.

That will bring the number of furlough days to 16 days, that, coupled with management effeciencies, should save taxpayers $12.6 million.

Unfortunately that doesn't make enough of a dent in the problem, so the mayor wants the city's unionized workforce to share in the sacrifice.

The City of Chicago's budget deficit is so bad that even Mayor Richard Daley is going to take an additional 13 days off without pay along with the rest of the city's non-union workers.

That will bring the number of furlough days to 16 days, that, coupled with management effeciencies, should save taxpayers $12.6 million.

Unfortunately that doesn't make enough of a dent in the problem, so the mayor wants the city's unionized workforce to share in the sacrifice.

Kate Gosselin of the TLC smash hit 'Jon and Kate Plus 8' appeared on the Today Show Thursday morning to promote her new book, but she also had some rumors of her husband's affair to address.

Bristol Palin is the new teen ambassador for Candie's Foundation.

The company that makes the Candie's line of teen fashions started the foundation in response to people who criticized the "designs" of the clothing it sells to young women. The foundation's goal is to fight teen pregnancy.

In earlier interviews, Bristol Palin said abstinence isn't realistic.
Now-- as the foundation's ambassador-- she's promoting abstinence because it's the only safe choice.

So, which is it?

Renita Carter is a grieving mother on a mission. Last night, her only child was shot and killed by Chicago Police officers and she's determined to find out what really happened.

According to police, Carter’s son, Dashaun Winston wounded four people last night when he opened fire in a convenience store in the South Shore neighborhood.

No, the ghost of Ralph Kramden isn't going to commandeer a suburban Pace bus and gun it down some Chicagoland road; changing traffic lights at will -so he's green-lighted all the way back in time to 'The Honeymooners!'

No, a Sandra-Bullock-Clone isn't going to plow her Pace bus down the lane at breakneck 'Speed,' magically flipping red lights to green!

But Pace bus drivers are enroute to having more green light time to keep their buses moving, and on schedule. The bus drivers themselves, however, will have No Control over the new traffic-light-changing-bit. It will be run by Super Technology. A mainframe computer system will, in conjunction with GPS, figure out when to give a Pace bus a little more green, or a little less red.

According to Pace, it's all part of a plan to *express certain bus traffic. An effort called 'Aterial Rapid Transit.' A-R-T routes will also have fewer stops, so buses can keep on flyin'.

Check out my video story posted here.

AND - Pace Officials swear the longest additional time drivers stopped at intersections, so a green-lighted bus can get through, will have to wait is -- Ten Seconds!

They also say such rapid bus transit is 'cutting edge' and has already been proven to work in other markets, especially in California (Oakland and LA). According to Pace spokesman Patrick Wilmot,
"They found that there's even drivers that ride behind a bus, because they found that there's a little bit of an advantage of getting through a traffic light."

Get ready for Bus Bumper Stickers that read: Get Off My Tail! (kidding)

From the Chicago Breaking News Center: "Former Bolingbrook police sergeant Drew Peterson was arrested today in the death of his ex-wife, Kathleen Savio, who was found drowned in an empty bathtub in March 2004, according to Will County State's Atty. James Glasgow."

Read more here.

Watch CLTV's previous coverage of Drew Peterson and the death of Kathleen Savio and the disappearance of Stacey Peterson. Stay tuned to CLTV and The Chicago Breaking News Center for updates.

Drew Peterson's bond has been set at 20 million dollars- punitive, that's for sure.

What that means is he has to post 10 percent- or 2 million bucks to secure his release before his trial.

Will Peterson's pals come up with the cash?

How long do you think he'll remain behind bars?

Is such a high bond fair, or just a function of the high-profile nature of the case?

More drama for Drew Peterson.

The former Bolingbrook police sergeant will make his first court appearance this morning for the drowning death of his third wife.

Peterson is scheduled to be arraigned today on charges of first-degree murder in the death of Kathleen Savio. She was found dead in a dry bathtub in 2004. Her death was originally ruled an accidental drowning.

Would you have the will to keep living if you suddenly became paralyzed?

That’s the question I asked myself before my interview with Jim Mullen, a former Chicago police officer who was shot in the line of duty and paralyzed from the neck down. Jim’s been confined to a wheelchair for more than a decade, but his disability hasn’t stopped him from living a fulfilling life and spreading his positivity to whomever he meets.

Today's picture is courtesy of Mark Zonca, our interim news director.

This is the lobby of the Museum of Science and Industry on 57th & Lake Shore Drive in Chicago.

If you want to try to stump us, just send your photo to cltvdesk@tribune.com.
You MUST put "Stump Tim & Tonya" in the subject line. Make sure to include your name, where you're from and as much information as possible about the photo. Then watch CLTV to see if we use your photo.

From the AP on YouTube: "Television mothers were honored recently by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. The "Mother's Day Salute to TV Moms," event included appearances by Bonnie Franklin, Marion Ross, Holland Taylor. "

Drew Peterson has been the subject of national and international media fame.

Everyone knows his face...after all- it's on the front page of AOL.com!

What that means for his jury selection could be problematic.

Has Tiger Woods Hit The Wall?????

BY JERRY RILES

Is Tiger Woods still a TIGER or has he been reduced to simply a Puddy Cat?
After 18 holes of the second round in The Players Championship golf tournament played in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida this weekend, the once most intimidating being on a golf course has been relegated to a tie for 26th place shooting a 1-under 71 for the second round.
This is Tiger’s fifth tournament since coming off of ACL knee surgery and he has only won one of them thus far. That was the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Master Card on the last weekend in March.
Just this past weekend he finished fourth in the Quail Hollow Championship. He battled for a 6th place tie in the Masters, a tie for 9th in the World Championships, and a 17th place finish in the Accenture Match Play Championship.
Not the Tiger of old that’s for sure.
He and rival Phil “Lefty” Mickelson were neck and neck down the back nine during fourth round action of the Masters, before they both fell off on the 18th with bogeys. Tiger bogeyed the 17th as well, finishing one shot behind Lefty.
Has Tiger hit the WALL? The wall that haunts most men. Marriage and children. The FAMILY WALL?

With the birth of his second child, son Charlie Axel and of course the love of his life after wife Elin, daughter Sam Alexis, the most dominating golfer in the world appears to have lost some of his killer-instinct.
Many thought his putting game would be incredible since that’s the only thing he could really work on during the time off rehabbing the knee. Not to be. He’s just okay!!!!

Get ready for some massive street construction this summer.

The City of Chicago announced Friday that $86 million in federal stimulus money is on its way here to fix the battered streets.

Approximately $50 million will be spent on 37 resurfacing projects, totally 31.4 miles of Chicago streets.

The remainder will be used on 4 major road re-construction projects at Chicago Avenue from Laramie to Grand, Congress Drive from Wells to Michigan, LaSalle Drive from Clark Street to Lake Shore Drive and Lake Park from 51st to 57th.

Here's a list of the 37 projects announced. Construction should start sometime in June and last 6-8 weeks, according to the city.

At a march against gun violence, Father Michael Pfleger says his way of sounding the alarm on gun violence is gaining national attention. Pfleger decided to fly an American flag upside down in protest outside his church this week. He's calling it a signal for distress throughout the city, a way to let everyone know youth violence needs to stop. So far, 36 CPS students have been killed this year. Pfleger says he's been receiving calls from around the nation from people who are going to fly their flags the same way this week in protest. Is this too much? Is this disrespectful? Are there other ways of getting attention on this issue? The plan seems to be working since people are talking about it. The flag outside his church was even torn down this week before he put it back up. There are marches every weekend, but this one act has gained more attention than many of those protests. What else can someone do? Agree or disagree, people are paying attention.

I recently spent some time at Project Onward in the Chicago Cultural Center, a program which provides artists with mental illnesses the studio space and supplies to pursue their passion.

President Obama promised to overhaul our health care system.
Congress is working on it.

Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa says wellness programs should be the centerpiece of health care reform. He and other lawmakers are drafting legislation that would allow employers to reward workers for healthy behavior like eating better, exercising more, and quitting smoking. Businesses that do this would get tax credits, lower their health care costs, and boost productivity because employees would get sick less often.

On one hand, it sounds good. The obesity problem is costing our country too much.
On the other hand, you could say.. my unhealthy habits are none of my employer's business! Is this a form of lifestyle discrimmination?

More than 30,000 people came out to Grant Park for Mother's Day, walking for breast cancer survivors and those who lost the battle. It was the 18th annual Walk to Empower. They came with their signs and pink-colored shirts, telling these women they don't have to face this alone. Many families say it's a tradition they wouldn't miss for the world. What inspires you about these strong women? Share your stories of courage and inspiration. These walks bring families together and breast cancer survivors are able to find a support system to help them through the tough times. The Breast Cancer Network of Strength is looking to raise $4 million in Chicago, money that could go a long way to helping someone in your family. Like one person said, "This walk could help some family two weeks from now and they don't even know it." The strength of these survivors are shining through brightly on Mother's Day.

A new state law may allow letters Kathleen Savio wrote to friends and family to be entered into the evidence in Drew Peterson's murder trial.

Will County State's Attorney Jim Glasgow says these letters are telling, and that they will allow the jury to hear from Savio herself, "from the grave."

Today's photo is courtesy of Aline Wessel-Cox, a freelance producer.

It's a picture former Gov. Rod Blagojevich's house in the winter. The media spent so much time camped out there between December and February, I'm surprised it's not on a tour of local tourist attractions.

If you want to try to stump us, just send your photo to cltvdesk@tribune.com.
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I’ve never been one to air my “dirty laundry” in public. But the Republican Party doesn’t seem to have a problem with it.

For example, there have been some very public differences with the new Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele. Sen. Arlen Specter defected to the Democrat Party saying his political philosophy is no longer in line with Republicans. Now former Vice President Dick Cheney says he sides with talk show host Rush Limbaugh over former Secretary of State Colin Powell, a man he worked closely with at the start of the Iraq war.

Hawks Are One Game Away From Conference Finals!!!

By JERRY RILES

How many of you out there thought the Blackhawks would be one game away from advancing to the Western Conference finals?
Honestly, did you even think the Hawks would make the playoffs before the season started? Be honest!
I certainly didn’t and would bet neither did you. But hats off to new president John McDonough, chairman Rocky Wirtz, and general manager Dale Tallon for pulling off one of the best moves of the year in Chicago sports.
That move of course was canning Denis Savard and jump starting the head spot with long time veteran coach Joel Quenneville. His leadership and stubbornness has place the South side hockey club in a great position to advance to the conference finals for the first time since 1995.
Keep in mind we can’t overlook the importance of Senior Advisor Scotty Bowman who helped orchestrate the changing of the guard. At the time of the move four games into the season, Bowman told Hawks fans that veteran coaching experience was the key to success and Quennville would provide it.
He certainly has.
This young and vibrant group of scrappers has responded well to the first year coach and now with the Vancouver Canucks on the ropes can KO their confused and stunned opponent.
Another brilliant move made on west Madison was to keep both goaltenders of Cristobal Huet and Nikolai Khabibulan. Both netters have been standing on their heads all season long and in the playoffs Khabibulan has been stellar.

Since a lot of you are talking about this weekend's SNL short featuring Justin Timberlake, we thought we'd hit you with a little flashback of Timberlake in his earlier performance days.
Enjoy his rendition of "Opposites Attract".

More than 600 factory workers at Hart Schaffner and Marx in Des Plaines voted to stage a sit-in if the plant closes its doors. Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias is telling Wells Fargo Bank, the company's major creditor, to keep the doors open or risk losing state business. Do you agree with the sit-in? Are there other ways of saving the plant? Wells Fargo received $25 billion in federal bailout money, while HartMarx filed for bankruptcy protection in January because its line of credit was cut back. Three bidders are vying for the factory, but one of them wants to liquidate the company, potentially leaving these workers out in the cold. One worker says, "I have a mortgage. I have 13 years to go. If this plant closes, Wells Fargo is going to take my house too." Desperate times call for desperate measures. Hopefully, no jobs are lost.

The news spread quickly around the world this morning. Northwestern University graduate and American journalist Roxana Saberi was finally freed.

Saberi was imprisoned on espionage charges four months ago. She was sentenced to eight years in jail, but an Iranian appeals court reduced her term to a two year suspended sentence.

Catholic Priest caught on the beach - with WOMAN!

A Spanish language magazine is running pictures of a Miami priest cavorting on the beach with a bathing-suited woman.

Now that he's been caught, he's thinking about leaving the church; marrying the woman. Maybe.

What he's clear on:

39 year old Father Alberto Cutie (pronounced: KOO-tee-ay) doesn't want to be the 'poster boy' for the anti-celibacy movement in the priesthood. He apparently still believes in the no-sex rule for priests.

Age old case of - "Do as I say, not as I do?"

Seems like joy has a theme song when it comes to the Chicago Blackhawks. If you've attended any games at the UC lately, you'll have sung along to part of The Fratellis' 'Chelsea Dagger' - maybe without even knowing it.
Here's the Scottish band's video for the song - which became popular after its use in an Amstel Light ad.

Today's picture is courtesy of a viewer, Dallas Carr of Lincoln Park.

It's a picture of the entrance to the Reebie Storage and Moving warehouse on N. Clark Street in Chicago. It was built in 1922. The Egyptian-revival architecture, complete with accurate hieroglyphics and ancient Egyptian imagery, garnered much attention. The expansive warehouse was fashioned after an Egyptian temple with twin statues of Pharaoh Ramses II keeping guard outside the entrance. The Reebie warehouse was named an official Chicago landmark in 1999 and continues to stand as a symbol of excellence.

If you want to try to stump us, just send your photo to cltvdesk@tribune.com.
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Here's a little something to help you get into the spirit of the game...Go Hawks!

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger explained why he vetoed the repeal of the one percent sales tax increase. He says it would save essential services like two hospitals and several medical clinics. He says county commissioners didn't come up with any plans to make up the $300 million. Do you believe him? Is it possible Stroger is telling the truth? There was a lot of tough talk from Stroger Tuesday morning. He called out the media, commissioners, anyone who was not on his side. He argued the offices of elected officials could not handle the potential of losing 22% from their budgets. Is it the principle or do you believe the savings from this rollback would truly help your family? More has to be done than just cutting patronage jobs. That's not making up $300 million. Everyone needs to sit down and come up with ways to really cut government and it might hurt.

BLACKHAWKS AWAIT WINNER OF DUCKS-RED WINGS SERIES!!!!!

By JERRY RILES

How ‘bout them Blackhawks!

Joel Quenneville’s feisty bunch has accomplished the unthinkable. The youngsters have advanced to the Western Conference Finals and await the winner of the Anaheim/Detroit series.

And from the chants being shouted from the rafters of the United Center, Hawks fans believe the match-up of match-ups, the road to Lord’s Stanley Cup goes through Mo-town. The Motor-City, and ALL of the city appears to be ready for the highly anticipated fisticuffs.

Can the kids shock the hockey world?

Congratulations to General Manager Dale Tallon for acquiring the likes of Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews who combined for 5 goals to help lead the Hawks to a 7-5 victory over the Vancouver Canucks to move on to the conference championship.

The Detroit Red Wings lead the best of seven series 3 games to 2 and can wrap things up tonight with a victory over the Ducks in Game 6.

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger is standing by his decision to block a rollback of the controversial sales tax increase he pushed for last year.

At a press conference this morning at Provident Hospital on the city's South Side, Stroger said the county has too much at stake to let the repeal of the penny-on-the-dollar tax go through.

Preliminary results of a new Depaul University study show Cook County's penny-on-the dollar sales tax hike is hurting suburbs along the county's border.

Today's picture is courtesy of Lindsey Nesselbush, CLTV producer.

This statue of Bob Newhart and his psychoanalyst's couch can be found near the entrance to Chicago's Navy Pier. The statue is based on the well known television comedy where Newhart plays Robert Hartley, a Chicago psychologist. Lindsey's friend Chad is sitting on Bob's couch being analyzed.

If you want to try to stump us, just send your photo to cltvdesk@tribune.com.
You MUST put "Stump Tim & Tonya" in the subject line. Make sure to include your name, where you're from and as much information as possible about the photo. Then watch CLTV to see if we use your photo.

It looks like man's best friend, has a new BFF.
Check out this adorable friendship between an unlikely animal duo.

To allow more gambling, or -- not to?

That, apparently, is no longer the question, at least not in this economy.

More and more, the question for government bodies simply seems to be, "How to bring in more (tax) revenue as painlessly as possible?"

Illinois' Poker Face

A legislative committee in the Illinois House has signed off on a bill that would allow bars, truck stops and some clubs, to operate *video poker machines. Backers of the measure say the machines could generate up to 300 Million Dollars in additional state revenue each year, through a 25% tax.

Word is, the lion's share would go to the state's school construction fund; the rest earmarked for local government needs.

Sin? Tax

The idea here is obviously to try and find a way to bring in more state dollars to pay for government services for most, while taxing just a few (i.e. those sinners? who like to gamble).

Not a bad plan really. But then again, perhaps 'not bad' only in the *short term. Some might argue that if more folks start gambling in these tough times, more folks good end up in *personally tougher times (more debt, addiction, etc.). In other words, just helping to feed the economic downturn, rather than a recovery?

The Art Institute of Chicago opens its new modern wing this weekend, and it's celebrating with free admission.

The 300 million dollar addition makes the Art Institute the second largest art museum in the country. Three floors of gallery space house the museum's modern art, contemporary art, photography, architecture and design collections. The rooms are airy-- allowing visitors to gaze at many of the pieces in natural light.

Museum members who got a preview approve, but some of them express concerns about new admission prices for the general public. On May 23rd, it goes up to eighteen-dollars! (you get two dollars off with proof of Chicago residency)

Take advantage of free week-- May 16th to May 22nd.

Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias is urging federal lawmakers to pass the Credit Card Bill of Rights, and he wants state lawmakers to pass the Responsible Credit Card Marketing Act.

Giannoulias says the bills are aimed at protecting consumers from the predatory practices of credit card companies.

The website Craigslist is shutting down its erotic services section, a category some describe as an internet brothel. The website will now offer an adult services section and will have employees manually watch for illegal ads. They will also not show any ads that are considered objectionable, graphic, or showing nudity. Do you buy this? Will this actually work? Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart referred to the erotic section as the country's largest source of prostitution, leading to the exploitation of women and children. Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan said for the first time in Craigslist's history, it will review the ads before they're posted. How could that be possible? How could the website not monitor the ads it's showing the world? The website says it's optimistic these changes will be an acceptable compromise. Only time will tell if this slows down illegal activity. And by the way, can you tell me the difference between an adult services section and erotic section? They say only legal ads for things like massages will be put there. Once again, are you buying it?

The city of Chicago is in the midst of a major cash flow crisis.

Facing a budget shortfall projected at $300 million, Mayor Richard Daley wants thousands of non-union city workers to take as many as 17 unpaid days off before year’s end.

He makes around $170,000 a year, yet somehow Cook County Board President Todd Stroger didn't pay all of his 2007 taxes.

And as a result of that nearly $12,000 debt, the IRS has put a lien on Stroger's South Side home.

So at a time when is Stroger is sticking to his guns on his unpopular sales tax hike which is taking nearly half a billion dollars out of taxpayers' (many of whom can least afford it) pockets, shouldn't Stroger use his six-figure, taxpayer-funded salary to be paying his own taxes?

What do you think?

Is it hypocritical?

It's officially Marine week in Chicago; a way to honor our local heroes.
Events are going on until this Sunday the 17th.
Check out the website below for more information.

http://chicagomarines.com/

Even though this story is from San Jose, CA, it might as well be at any office in the United States.

Take a look at this story from the Associated Press:

Today's picture is courtesy of Mark Zonca, CLTV's interim news director.

It's of the Chinese Market Square in Chinatown. This outdoor mall is the largest Chinese mall in the US, west of San Francisco, East of New York City. In the middle of the Mall, there are 12 statues of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac from Xiamen, China. Other landmarks in the mall include two twin Pagodas.

If you want to try to stump us, just send your photo to cltvdesk@tribune.com.
You MUST put "Stump Tim & Tonya" in the subject line. Make sure to include your name, where you're from and as much information as possible about the photo. Then watch CLTV to see if we use your photo.

A Detroit judge has either found a creative way to sentence “deadbeat dads” or he's lost his mind.

He wants deadbeat dads who have agreed to start making child support payments in order to stay out of jail, to also watch the Maury Povich show at least once a month and discuss it with their probation officers.

It's the end of the road for hundreds of Chrysler dealerships. The automaker plans to close 789 dealerships nationwide, including more than two dozen in the Chicago area and Northwest Indiana by June 9th. The bankrupt automaker says low sales volumns at those dealerships are to blame. The Chrysler dealers have the right to appeal. A complete list, click here.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/chi-chrysler-dealerships-close-pdf,0,1757299.htmlpage

Gear up for the next round of Hawks playoffs with this redeux of Vanilla Ice's Ice Ice Baby.

Air travelers could pay even more to check a bag.

United Airlines and US Airways are raising the price to check a first bag to 20 dollars. A second checked bag will cost you 30 dollars. Other carriers will likely follow suit. Travelers who pay online pay the old rate. (Fifteen dollars for bag number one and 25 dollars for bag number two.)

When airlines started charging these fees, they said it was because fuel charges were so high. Fuel prices have come down since then, but the fees stayed. Passengers are shoving everything they can into a carry-on bag to avoid the fees. Am I the only one frustrated there's no more room in the overhead compartments now? If you're one of the last passengers to board, you'll find no more room and end up checking your bag anyway.

Isn't there a better way?

When three adults were shot (one fatal) at a home in southwest suburban Bolingbrook Thursday morning, six children were also there, according to relatives.

Family members say police told them the kids were safe, but *wouldn't let them see them!
Check out the story posted here:

If your three year old daughter was kept from you for hours - what would you do?

Hundreds of people in parts of northwest Indiana and Illinois spent the day cleaning up from last night’s fast-moving storms.

One home in Dyer, Indiana took a direct hit from the storm. High winds uprooted a massive tree causing it to come crashing down on the roof.

EVENING THE SCORE:

By JERRY RILES

I have to say this is irresistible. The flavor of Chicago. It’s the streets, sounds and sights of the Windy City that EVERYONE loves to be a part of.
Is this the BADDEST city on the planet? A native Chicagoan or not, you gotta say Yessir!!!!!!
Let’s set the record straight though. Many guys who talk about Chicago being the greatest city around believe everything unique and wonderful about the town is North of 35th Street and East of Damn Avenue.
Chicago is NOT the Cubs, Rush Street, and Lake Michigan. The character of the city also includes the World Champion White Sox, the CTA El-train which runs north, south, downtown and west side, but also out to the greatest airport around, O’Hare. Not to mention Bronzeville.
Get with it you HOT-DOGS out there!!!!!!
Remember, there’s more than just the Irish and Italians living in this wonderful city we all call home. This is the most diversified city in the country and it belongs to all of us. From African Americans, to Hispanics, Asians, Indians, and the likes, this is our town.
There’s Hyde Park home to the first ever African American president this country has ever witnessed. And the dining there is impeccable too.
One of the best eating joints this part of town is Dixie Kitchen. Believe me, that southern style cookin’ of cornbread, red beans and rice with a side of collard greens and a nice cold one to wash it down is “off the hook”. For you Northsiders, that means it’s good. Don’t be afraid to venture out you may discover another side of the city.

From North of the Stateline...

Late Thursday, the court announced it would take up a case thrown out of Dane County court last year.

In 2006, Wisconsin voters approved a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage and civil unions.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court will look at a challenge to that vote. Namely, whether the referendum illegally put two issues to voters at the same time: whether to ban gay marriage and whether to outlaw civil unions.

Here's a picture of the missing member of the Chicago Police K-9 Unit.

The German Shepherd named "Bear" escaped during Wednesday night's storms after being spooked by the clap of thunder.

Bear ran north from his handler's home in the 3800 block of West 109th Street at about 10:30 p.m., and he was last spotted running on the campus of St. Xavier University.

If you see Bear, you're asked to call Chicago Police immediately at (312) 746- 7180.

Today's photo is courtesy of Ivan Latalladi from Humboldt Park.

This is a picture of a sculpture called "Allele" by William Carlson. It's made of granite. It stands 16 feet tall and weighs approximately 100 tons. It sits on the University of Illinois at Chicago campus by the College of Dentistry. It's located behind the building on Marshfield Ave. between Polk and Taylor and sits in front of the Molecular Biology Research Building.

If you want to try to stump us, just send your photo to cltvdesk@tribune.com.
You MUST put "Stump Tim & Tonya" in the subject line. Make sure to include your name, where you're from and as much information as possible about the photo. Then watch CLTV to see if we use your photo.

Protesters against the President speaking at Notre Dame's Commencement Sunday, got booted from the campus Friday. They were arrested for trespassing. But you could make an argument that, in effect, it shut down their Free Speech rights.

They're against a Catholic University (which is against Abortion) inviting a speaker who is for Abortion Rights (not to mention, also another matter denounced by the church: Embryonic Stem Cell Research).

But then again, wouldn't rescinding the Obama invite (as the protesters would like), amount to violating His Free Speech rights?

Tonight, CLTV reporter Jae Miller is covering a story of Jasper Duinstra - a young boy who was diagnosed with Late Infantile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (LINCL), often referred to as Batten Disease.

For more information on LINCL and how you can help Jasper and the Duinstras, visit JasperAgainstBatten.org

What a Friday this has been for one Hanover Park family. Their home was devastated by a fast-moving fire earlier today, but the family of four managed to escape unharmed.

As I walked up to the burned out shell in the 2100 block of Laurel Avenue I could see what looked like a kitchen chair but not much else in the charred rubble.

I was quickly taken back to October of 2001.

Hyungseok (Henry) Koh of Northbrook has been charged in the April 16th stabbing death of his 22-year old son Paul.

Koh is currently being held at the Cook County Jail on a $5 million bond, which his attorney says shows "outrageous prejudice" on the part of the office of the Cook County State's Attorney.

Defense lawyer Elliot Zinger says his client is seen as a flight risk, simply because he's Asian.

After more than 200 tip calls about Chicago Police Dog "Bear" who ran off during Wednesday night's thunderstorms, a $2,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to his return.

"Bear," a 2 ½-year-old German Shepherd, scaled a fence and fled from his handler's backyard
in the 3800 block of 109th St. after he was startled by a sudden clap of thunder Wednesday
night.

Why is it whenever one of the Chicago's sports team is about to win their respective title, Mayor Richard Daley has bet the mayor of the opposing team's city?

And true to form, as the Chicago Blackhawks prepare to take on the Detroit Red Wings, Daley has made a friendly wager with the new mayor of the motor city.

The Chicago Park District says it will now charge a $1 an hour to park along the lake, something that used to be free. It could happen by the time the summer ends. I guess at least we get the summer to enjoy free parking. They say rates could double, even quadruple, at another 500 metered parking spots. They say it will bring in $700,000 the first year and help avoid layoffs and a reduction in services. People are already fed up with the parking meters all across the city. Maybe they will just avoid these too like they have been in others areas of the city. How do you feel about this? Do you care? Does it bother you that everything is going up in price? They claim it will save jobs, but are you buying it?

I couldn't remember the name of the man who spoke at my graduation from the University of Notre Dame back in 2004.

Maybe most folks can't name their graduation speakers, but as Domers- my fellow alumns and I tend to believe our school is simply more "special" than the rest, and for that reason- I bet my friends' memories are equally clouded by the tradition of commencement day and the anticipation of four years- and in many cases a lifetime- coming to fruition in the receipt of our diplomas.

President Obama will receive one of those diplomas Sunday, just as through a scrapbook search I was reminded that Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan Page did on my day five years ago.

But it was my day, shared with friends, roommates and family members that traveled across the country to witness what so many proud moms and dads for generations have dreamed for their kids.

They were likely listening as the first black justice in his state gave us graduates some advice about breaking barriers and accomplishing our dreams.

But for that class, and at that school, so many of us already did.

That's the case in every class at every university, particularly ones with such prestige. It's a sacrifice for families and an accomplishment for the graduates that no one can ever take away.

It's my hope that the President and accompanying campus protests won't distract the Class of 2009 and those who join them from the real meaning in tomorrow's commencement.

They're the newest graduates set to begin their lives outside the shadow of the Golden Dome.

That's what matters.

They'll just be more likely to remember who took the podium.

Are the protesters are Notre Dame going too far? When is enough, enough? Protesters upset at the school for inviting President Obama to speak at its commencement ceremony have been on campus for several days. They are getting arrested for what they believe in. They are pushing strollers with baby dolls covered in blood. Banners and signs are flying by the school for the last three weeks with disturbing and graphic pictures. I understand fighting for a cause and voicing your opinion, but there are other ways to do it. It's turning into a circus up there, taking away from the real cause for celebration, the actual graduation. These students spent the last four years or so working hard for this day. Don't you think there are other ways to get your point across? Write letters. Don't support the school. Put pressure on your local religious leaders. Protest peacefully. I don't know. I guess this will be a day these students will never forget. But I guess it will be for all the wrong reasons.

KENNY, OZZIE, JERRY...LIGHT THE FIRE NOW!!!!!!
"START 'ER UP"

By JERRY RILES

The object of playing competitive sports is to WIN. Right now I’m not sure Ozzie Guillen and the White Sox are trying to accomplish that style of play.

I think they’re trying a different approach. And that approach is called losing, with a capital “L”.

They have now dropped 10 of their last 14 contest and I’m not sure who’s to blame at this time.

Should the blame go to general manager Ken Williams for trying to blend a group of young and inexperience players with a almost over the hill group of veterans, who like that old Desoto, takes a few minutes to start up before it’s ready to hit the road?

The owners of this Desoto have yet to put the key into the ignition it appears.

Or maybe it’s the driver, in skipper Guillen, who has a great looking car, but no engine underneath the hood?

Perhaps the players are just bad. You be the judge.

Shortstop phenom Alexi Ramirez was benched for poor play. The pitching rotation has struggled with the exception of lefty Mark Buehrle. The bats and run production are too inconsistent, and Guillen himself seems clueless at times as well.

Is it time for an overhaul or are Sox fans just pushing the panic button too soon?

Chicago police officers, would you like to take a survey?

For months, officers have been saying privately that morale in the department is in the dumps. Now, Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis wants to guage officer morale.

The department is issuing an online survey that officers can complete anonymously.

RNC Chairman Michael Steele called the honorary degree the University of Notre Dame conferred upon President Obama today "inappropriate" given his divergent views on abortion and stem-cell research from those the Catholic Church teaches.

Would the decision to withold that degree have stopped the massive protests on campus during commencement exercises?

Today's picture is courtesy of Linda Ramos of Rogers Park.

This is at Loyola Park between Pratt and Morse Beach. The art on the stone wall is done annually at the "Artist of the Wall Festival" by the people in the Rogers Park community.

This is the pencil sculpture picture on the opposite side of the wall. And if you look in the background of that picture, you'll see another sculpture.

If you want to try to stump us, just send your photo to cltvdesk@tribune.com.
You MUST put "Stump Tim & Tonya" in the subject line. Make sure to include your name, where you're from and as much information as possible about the photo. Then watch CLTV to see if we use your photo.

Sister Marie Marot is wearing her habit, and will for the remainder of her trial on a traffic violation charge.

The 24-year old nun, who is a member of the Fraternite Notre Dame order, had a collision with another car in Elgin back in October of 2007. The crash was deadly- killing a 16-year old boy from Carpentersville.

Prosecutors didn't want the nun to wear her religous garb, because it may garner sympathy or prejudice among potential jurors.

The judge ruled Sister Marie could stand trial in her habit.

Is it unfair?

Before she gave away cars, Oprah was giving away headlines. Also, it's two for the price of one Videos of the Day - Watch then-Vice President George Bush having a hard time at a bowling alley.

From YouTube: "Oprah and Joel Daly on the April 12 1984 Local Chicago News Broadcast"

Okay, I've learned something since the release of the latest Star Trek movie. I used to think that the uber-fans were simply 'Trekkies.' But recently, when I tried to incorrectly (apparently) correct a CLTV script that referred to 'Trekkers' by switching it to read: 'Trekkies' --boy was I set straight!

Apparently, the average fans of Mr. Spock, Captain Kirk and Company are 'Trekkies,' while the super-duper-forever fans that have been onboard ever since the Starship Enterprise began blazing a trail to where no man has gone before... well, *They are 'Trekkers?'

Classic Crew

It all simply leaves me ...'Trek-less.' However, I will say, that I did once sit across a plane aisle from Mr. Sulu (actor George Takei) - who was sitting next to the president of his personal fan club (they had just been to a Trekkie/Trekker? convention in Phoenix. But I digress.

Mr. Sulu

Back to the Trekker vs. Trekkie bit... Who Knew? Am I the only one --who was Lost in Space on this deal?

P.S. One of my coworkers, an anchor whose names rhymes with Dawn, realled liked the new movie. I think he is therefore -possibly- a 'Trekkie.'

Cortez Brown is serving a life sentence for his conviction of two murders in 1990. He claims he was tortured, beaten into making a false confession. His lawyers say his story matches 100 others so he has credibility. He's accusing three Chicago Police detectives under the watch of former Chicago Police Commander Burge of punching him, slapping him, and beating him with a flashlight. Attorneys in the Attorney General's office say he will not be found credible. They say he was asked twice at separate times after the crimes if he was treated okay by police and they say both times he responded yes. Do you believe him? Or do you believe this could happen? Detectives took the stand on Monday, but refused to answer questions, taking the 5th amendment. Is police brutality of thing of the past and are you scared of the authorities? Imagine sitting in jail for a crime you never committed. I don't know who is telling the truth, but hopefully we find out soon.

The Drew Peterson drama is heating up again. The ex cop turned murder suspect has to sit in jail for a few more days.

At his arraignment today on murder charges, Peterson’s attorney, Joel Brodsky, planned on asking that Peterson’s $20 million bond be reduced. But that effort was put on hold after prosecutors, in a surprise move, requested that the judge in the case be taken off the case “on the ground of prejudice” against prosecutors.

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn is laying out a doomsday scenario for the state, if lawmakers don't pass his income tax hike.

Illinois' former First Lady, Patti Blagojevich, apparently now has an offer from NBC to be one of the contestants on the reality television show "I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here!"

If she accepts, she would take over for her husband, Rod Blagojevich, who had the orginial offer from NBC to be on the show that tapes in the Costa Rican jungle.

A judge already said the former governor couldn't leave the country to be a part of the show.

An attorney for Blagojevich says Mrs. Blagojevich made make the deal because the family needs the money.

Do you think Illinois' former First Lady should take part in a reality TV show?

Today's picture is courtesy of Judy Juds, CLTV's Director of Finance.

It's the Paul Bunyan statue at Governors State University in University Park.

If you want to try to stump us, just send your photo to cltvdesk@tribune.com.
You MUST put "Stump Tim & Tonya" in the subject line. Make sure to include your name, where you're from and as much information as possible about the photo. Then watch CLTV to see if we use your photo.

“IT’S QUENNEVILLE TIME”

By JERRY RILES

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, this is the moment we all have been waiting for. Or at least all of Chicago’s hockey fans.
This is what general manager Dale Tallon, senior advisor of hockey operations Scotty Bowman, and the Blackhawk brass have all been waiting for. The chance to play the best and beat the best.
Can Coach Joel Quenneville’s young, inexperience, but scrappy hockey club take on and dethrone the defending world champion Detroit Red Wings in the best of seven series in the Western Conference Finals?

Only time will tell. And if Game 1 is any indication of time, it won’t be long before the Hawks are on their way back home and possibly watching the Stanley Cup finals from the comfort of their lazyboy recliners.
Quenneville is the X-factor in this series.
“Our challenge will be on-going. We’ve all got to be at our best,” the first year coach was quoted as saying following the Hawks 5-2 stumble to open the series.
And that includes Coach Q!
Wings coach Mike Babcock mentioned the Hawks are a determined group, and they are. But can that relentless style of determination overcome a group of hard fighting, aggressive, physical, speedy veterans who obviously know how to play the game?

OMG! prbly not gd idea!

Just like oh so many others* I've done it. Ugh. A Nationwide Insurance *study estimated that 20 percent of all drivers send or receive text messages, and 66 percent of drivers between the ages of 18 and 24 confessed in a Zogby poll that they drive while texting. I, personally, have since vowed *not to DWT (drive while texting). Just too risky to take ones eyes off the road for even the second it takes to look down at your phone and type.

State Senate Agrees

The Illinois Senate has now approved what the state House okayed last month; a ban on texting while driving. Senators voted 45-6 Tuesday to make texting behind the wheel a traffic violation, just like speeding. Though, the Senate version apparently makes one change. It would allow for a driver to send a text if their car is pulled over to the side of the road and not moving (so no texting at a red light). The Illinois House now needs to sign off on the change. If so, it'll be up to Governor Quinn to sign the measure into law. Apparently, if it happens, Illinois would be the first state in our region to have such a law. (Missouri is working on a similar ban, but it only covers those 21 and under.)

By the way, it's reportedly not just a ban on *writing a text message, but also reading or sending one while driving (including instant messages and e-mails). Plus, the ban would also cover logging onto the internet and downloading ring tones.

Policing the Ban?

Not sure though how police will handle this? Do you pull someone over and demand to see their phone and then check when the last text was sent? More info needed...

The Lawndale Christian Development Corporation and the Metropolitan Tenants Organization are doing everything they can to keep residents off the streets. Many tenants are living in buildings facing foreclosure and don't even know it. That's why these groups were going to door to door on Tuesday, informing residents of what's going on. Many of these tenants living in North Lawndale can't afford to move somewhere else and that means they could be homeless. A family of four in North Lawndale makes an average of $1,000 a month. They would have been absolutely blind-sided if it wasn't for these people. In the 24th ward, there are 848 foreclosures. It's costing more than $221 million in lost property value. In the first quarter of 2009, there were more than 13,000 cases of foreclosure in Cook County. Is this crisis going away? Are foreclosures still a concern? These organizations are doing the work that landlords are required to do. They have to notify tenants within seven days of their court filings, but that obviously didn't happen. It's a small part in solving a large problem. Thankfully, someone is looking out for those who sometimes can't.

The Cook County Board tested embattled President Todd Stroger’s veto power today.

Commissioners supporting a rollback of a penny-on-the-dollar sales tax increase needed 14 out of 17 board members to side with them to override Stroger’s veto of a measure to withdraw the tax increase.

But they came up short.

Ever think..."Hey, I really want to teach my cat to yodel"?
Well, check out our video of the day.

It was an on again, off again affair with the Cook County Board.

President Todd Stroger, who pushed through a one percent sales tax hike last year, last week vetoed a vote to do away with the tax increase.

He did so, facing a possible veto override by commissioners.

The cards were stacked against him.

Two weeks ago, the Board voted 12-3 to rollback the one percent tax that gave Chicago the dubious distinction of having the highest sales tax in the country. Two commissioners were not there for that vote.

Stroger said doing away with the one percent sales tax would leave a $400 million dollar budget hole which would mean closing down county supported hospitals and medical clinics.

In order to override the veto, the Board needed 14 votes. Not only didn't it have that. It didn't have the 12 original votes.

Here's how commissioners voted in this round:

Score one for Cook County Board President Todd Stroger. He got his way today when opposition commissioners couldn't muster up enough votes to override his veto of the sales tax rollback.

Eleven Commissioners voted yes, to override Stroger, but they needed 14 of 17 commissioners to support them.

But the opposition isn't giving up yet. Commissioner Pete Silvestri of Elmwood Park says commissioners will continue to vote to rollback the sales tax. And if Stroger vetos that they'll keep voting for it until Stroger relents.

And while Stroger may be happy with his victory today, by supporting an unpopular sales tax, he's giving his opponents a powerful issue to club him with in the 2010 primary ... one that could bump him from office.

I know it's been in west suburban Melrose Park for 81 years -- but so what?

Kiddieland Then

I know I didn't grow up in Chicagoland, but I've lived here for a loooooong time, so I still say..
-- so what?

Kiddieland Now

A family fued of some sort (one part of the family owns the park; the other the land it sits on), has now led to the lease apparently not being renewed. Kiddieland is to close after this 2009 season.

If a *family behind a supposedly fun place for *kids .. can't get along..
---then what are they really showing kids anyway?

Besides, there's plenty of other fun stuff to do in Chicagoland. It's part of what makes it such a great place to live.

BEARS HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS

By JERRY RILES

71-days until training camp and counting.
Wednesday marks the first day of OTAs for the Chicago Bears up at Halas Hall. The first organized team activity of the year has the spot light shining brightly on general manager Jerry Angelo’s biggest off-season acquisition.
That of course is stud quarterback Jay Cutler.

Will the question be answered? Do the Bears need a high caliber go to receiver, or will the crew of Devin Hester, Earl Bennett, and veteran Rashied Davis be enough to get them back to the playoffs and a run toward the Super Bowl?
I say roll the dice and go for it. Cutler has proven with the Denver Broncos that he definitely can get the ball to his receivers.
With speed from Hester, veteran leadership from Davis, and the upside of Bennett, this indicates to me that these guys can become household names by mid-season.
The key to their success though lies not in the hands of Cutler, but in those of tightend Greg Olsen (54-recp, 574-yds, 5-TDs) and runningback Matt Forte(64-recp, 484-yds, 4-TDs).

If they can produce similar numbers of a year ago that will give this receiving corp more chances down field which proves to be the Pro-Bowl QB’s deadliest weapon. Extending the field.
Hester’s ready to breakout, Davis is ready to rebound, and Bennett is ready to prove himself.

ABC's Dancing with the Stars crowned their latest champs Tuesday night. In case you missed it, or want to see it again, here's Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson's final dance. This freestyle dance earned her (and professional partner Mark Ballis) a perfect score.

The Illinois Senate passes a bill that legalizes video gambling to help pay for a capital program-- something the state hasn't had in nearly a decade.

Proceeds from video poker machines could generate 375 million dollars a year to help build new schools, roads, and bridges. Governor Pat Quinn has long opposed gaming expansion, but may be changing his tune because of the state's money woes. Many say video poker is already in many bars and restaurants. Why not let the state reap some benefits?

Anti-gambling forces argue it would be too hard for law enforcement to police video poker. They fear more gambling will mean more addicts, more foreclosures, and more bankruptcy filings. They also worry this will open the back door to more casinos including one in Chicago and threaten to vote Quinn out of office if he signs the bill.

Which side are you on?

Bus drivers who don’t stop to pick up passengers.

That’s the top complaint right now for the Chicago Transit Authority, according to new statistics released by the agency.

There is good news for the CTA and its riders, however -- complaints are down in most other areas.

Kiddieland in Melrose Park will be shutting down the final weekend in September. It's one of the last family owned amusement parks in Illinois, opened in 1929. The owner says its lease won't be renewed for another year, despite asking for an extension. Some have said it's closing because of a family feud between two sides of the family. One branch owns the land and Tom Norini's side owns and operates the park. Norini claims there was tension but those issues no longer exist. He also wanted to make clear the park was not closing because of money, saying the park is a family's best friend during tough economic times. He says that's when Kiddieland does its best business. Everyone who grows up in the area has memories of going there. They have memories of taking their kids and grandkids to the park. Some wondered out loud, "Where will the kids go now." Others said, "I can't believe it. It's nuts." The land is apparently worth a lot of money and could soon be home to retailer. The village mayor says a few years ago Costco was interested in moving in. So a final summer to enjoy the rides and make a few more memories. Take a last ride if you can. Share your memories and feelings about Kiddieland. It's an institution in Melrose Park, closing its doors after 81 years.

Chicago's FBI Violent Crimes Taskforce has a new website to help catch bank robbers. The announcement comes just one day after 3 men robbed a bank in Calumet City and led police on a chase that ended with a police officer and one of the suspects wounded.

I may be working right now but I still was paying some attention to the doings on the American Idol finale.

Would it be Kris, the folksy college student from Arkansas?

Would it be Adam, the flamboyant showman with an incredicle range from San Diego?

Adam was the judge's favorite. I suspect, had it been up to Simon Cowell, Adam would've gotten the title weeks ago.

But it wasn't Adam.

It was Kris Allen. He looked overwhemled, in a way.

It's hard to imagine what the loved ones of Stacy Peterson and Lisa Stebic must be going through right now.

This morning, an autopsy will be performed on the badly decomposed body found yesterday by a cleanup crew on the banks of the Des Plaines River near Channahon and Interstate Highway 55.

That's an area where searchers have looked for Peterson since she disappeared Oct. 28, 2007.

PEAVY TO CHICAG0???? SOUTH SIDE??? WAIT AND SEE!!!!!!!

By JERRY RILES

The rumor heard all day long Thursday throughout baseball was that former Cy Young award winner Jake Peavy was headed to Chicago pending his approval of a trade.
The team in Chicago would be the South-siders NOT the Cubs on the North-side who have been rumored since the start of the year to be the front runner in the Peavy derby.
Everyone in the baseball world seems to be waiting for the Ace right-hander to decide, along with his wife, where’s the best place for the Peavy’s to reside for the next few years. Will it be Chicago, California, or another location?

White Sox general manager Kenny Williams is at it again, and if he is successful in pulling off this blockbuster deal, this definitely puts the 2005 World Series champs in position to lockdown the A.L. Central and more importantly a chance to own the city’s baseball bragging rights for sure.
What a slap in the face to the Cubbies and G.M. Jim Hendry who have been wooing Peavy since forever it seems in hopes of landing him by the Mid-season Classic in July. Wow what a blow.
For now though everyone is sitting by their radios, televisions, computers, iphones, and laptops to find out if the Peavy’s will accept the Sox offer.
Barry Axelrod is not crossing the “T’s” and dotting the “I’s” as of yet though. The agent for the righty is sticking by his guns saying that Peavy is not too keen about pitching in the American League, pitching at U.S. Cellular, and pitching for Ozzie Guillen.
Could it be true? Certainly, but many of the experts around the game believe like everything else in the world it all comes down to money. $22-million for the option year to be exact. Talk about playing possum.

Kris Allen won the title of this season's American Idol in what some would call an upset over Adam Lambert. Here's Kris's victory lap.

The following statement is the latest information received from the Will County Coroner related to the discovery of skeletal remains on the banks of the Desplaines River near Channahon:

A food fight, of sorts, is brewing in Chicago.

A federal lawsuit, filed this week in Chicago, claims Kraft Foods is using false advertising.

In the lawsuit, Sara Lee claims Kraft is misleading consumers with ads presenting Oscar Mayer hot dogs as superior in taste tests to Sara Lee’s Ball Park franks.

Ball Park and Oscar Mayer each claim to be the nation's largest hot dog-maker, but Ball Park has been gaining on its main rival in recent years. Data from Information Resources Inc., a market researcher, show that Ball Park surpassed Oscar Mayer in market share last year.

Ahhh... How I long for the days of a simple Oscar Mayer ad that wasn't reason for legal action.

Today's picture is courtesy of Anna Roberts, CLTV Web Producer.

It's the Saint-Gaudens Statue in Lincoln Park

According to Abraham Lincoln online:

If you're near Lincoln Park in Chicago (Clark Street and North Avenue), take the opportunity to see one of America's most famous Lincoln statues. You will find it on the east lawn of the Chicago Historical Society. A replica of this work by sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens also stands outside Westminster Abbey, London. To create this monumental figure Saint-Gaudens used the 1860 life mask of Lincoln by Chicago sculptor Leonard Volk. A Vermont farmer of approximately Lincoln's height served as the model. Thousands of people watched the dedication ceremony on October 22, 1887, when Lincoln's grandson and namesake unveiled the statute and Leonard Swett delivered the address.

If you want to try to stump us, just send your photo to cltvdesk@tribune.com.
You MUST put "Stump Tim & Tonya" in the subject line. Make sure to include your name, where you're from and as much information as possible about the photo. Then watch CLTV to see if we use your photo.

Today's picture is courtesy of Frava Burgess, CLTV executive producer.