Jury worries for R. Kelly
Jury selection in the R. Kelly case wrapped up Thursday -- but not before the defense howled in protest over the process. Eight men and four women will decide if R&B superstar Kelly is guilty of child pornography charges. Before the panel was finalized, Kelly's lawyers accused prosecutors of deliberately removing black jurors.

Audit: CSU misspent millions
A new audit of Chicago State University found "significant deficiencies,'' including millions of dollars in improper no-bid contracts, an employee who was wrongly awarded a $250,000 contract and thousands of dollars in charges to a university credit card that weren't backed up with receipts.

Savvy shopper finds bargains with coupons
Brenda Bromfield of west suburban Woodridge has become such a skilled shopper, she can come up with a coupon or a bulk bargain buy on nearly everything. Her grocery bill is $40 a week to feed herself, husband Jim, 9-year-old daughter Madison and 6-year-old son Ian.

2 killed in nursing home fire Teen impaled in crash Prosecutor says son's arrest unwarranted Drew Peterson autographed cap on eBay Hair, fingerprints haven't helped Lane Bryant case City repeals foie gras ban R. Kelly jury selected Rezko jurors submit first question to the court Teachers help man escape from burning home Man seriously injured in Bronzeville shooting Public library helps family cut expenses Update: Fire, reported blast sparks evacuation Lane Bryant survivor called 911 instead of fleeing Baby mamas bear down on Briggs CTA moves up repair schedule State program helped janitor become teacher Jurors urged to weigh who Rezko talked to Millionaire pleads guilty to money laundering Boy rescued from lake on mend, off respirator Cops planted gun on wounded man: witnesses Lawsuit: Yoga class definitely not relaxing She's 1st Jewish graduate of Catholic Union Suspected drunk drivers to give blood sample Insurers may have to cover eating disorders Naperville woman makes return to 'Family Feud' Park board cancels pact for soccer field, but not giving up Google this: 3rd-grader's doodle a regional winner Potential juror: R. Kelly's 'not very smart' Mistakes of 'ignorance' turn up in CSU audit Aurora may mellow on pot possession penalties Move afoot to spay Chicago pets School half empty despite arrests in bomb threat Daley gets Council to drop Iran resolution Judge accused of DUI reassigned Inquest: Chicagoan left for dead after OD Naperville man charged with assaulting child Woman admits tying man up, beating him Wisconsin man busted for 9th DUI Bakery burglars jeopardize weddings Carpentersville trustee pleads not guilty Ex-aide claims Brookins owes him

Good news for L riders Toddler who fell in lake transferred to rehab center McKeon, 1st openly gay legislator, dies Daley opposes resolution against Iran invasion Demolition begins on beloved toboggan slides Car strikes city building, 1 injured Fight leads to 5 shot at Riverdale bar Joe Birkett's son arrested for pot Couple cut food budget by $100 Wrigleyville couple need help in 'Today' contest Oprah honors Tutu with Lincoln prize Drew's son may get guns, attorney says Skokie police sued for malicious arrest Thief swipes amputee's van, wheelchair Hospital board grows to 11 for balance 2 hurt, 5 displaced in S. Side fire Feds hit back at Rezko as case goes to jury Aspiring cop on Kelly's jury 'Unprecedented' suspension for racial slur over fire radio Police: Angry teen leads to high school lockdown Promoter's ordinance returned to committee U. of C. goes shopping Daley ready for Children's Museum court battle Judge in crash was driving drunk: cops Lane Bryant manager tried to save shooting victims Checks written on account of Wisconsin woman after her remains found on toilet Train kills wheelchair man stuck on tracks Ball St. student: I was attacked for being gay Metro briefs Will Chicago repeal foie gras ban? Zell rejects state-Wrigley deal; Thompson still trying

Judge: No guns for Drew Peterson How Beth cuts her family's grocery bill in half Are Chicago aldermen killing live music? Storms wipe out power for 10,000 customers 6 Stroger nominees OK'd for hospital board Female-dominated jury in Rezko case Woman killed in high-speed wreck in west suburb Masked gunman invades Tinley home, takes cash, watches Meet Mr. Trust - Mr. In God We Trust Police: Mom files report on kids who aren't missing U of Chicago buys Harper Court for new retail center Epic ride: Hood breaks spinning world record Motorist fatally shot on S. Side Why all the potholes? City blames the state Injuries reported in Cook County Jail fight More CPS grads heading off to college Suspect shot, another captured after home invasion 3 Kelly jurors picked 1st day Sajak, slain cop get own streets NU names new music school for Henry Bienen Police still looking for SUV driver, passenger who fled after fatal crash Rezko defense rips Levine as 'Pinocchio' Beer bash outgrows itself City Council panel OKs $50M fire settlement Your guide to understanding key medical exams Birkett: 'Disappointment is what you feel' Zell no to bid for Wrigley Children's Museum design shines light on critics Desmond Tutu visits Lincoln Library Metro briefs

Best and worst of the 'L' Three jurors picked in Kelly trial Two police officers, civilian injured in crash Woman found strangled, bludgeoned in alley Judge issues gag order in Abbate case Country Club Hills middle school vandalized Bright Space gives jailed moms time with kids Student arrested for assaulting officer with M&Ms Three shot in Hamilton Park neighborhood Key moments in the case against Rezko Rookie teacher plants Crane with the seeds of peace Hospital board slights suburbs 34-year-old student arrested for college threat State can't afford gov's $300 child tax credit Loop CTA trains shut down for hours after cable fire Prof uses bible to teach psychotherapy Weekend violence leaves 3 dead, 6 injured Condom awareness tour to set up shop at U. of C. Farina arrested for loaded gun in his carry-on at LAX Man charged with sexual abuse of family member Facial-recognition software nabs 2 in fraud probe Cablevision buys Newsday from Tribune for $650 million Wanted murder suspect surrenders in Texas Assault suspect denied bail, has 2 murder convictions Obama's haircut part of scavenger hunt Friends in toilet death case: We warned her Blowtorch game sends teen to hospital 'I've been watching you': Cop charged in 4 rapes Metro briefs

Does the Millennium bridge rival Bean? Strong winds down city trees Chicago's dangerous intersections Overnight fire shuts down CTA Loop L service Police Supt. Weis admits murders up from last year Chicago Police shoot, wound man in chase Study: CeaseFire successful at stopping violence Teen fatally shot in Chicago Heights City's drug testing chief fired for errors Salute to Pullman porters Flashback: 1933 World's Fair Plan calls for bus-only lanes to reduce congestion Cops seek missing girl, 8, non-custodial mom New book shows good, bad Farley Halsted, 79th, Chicago, Jeffery picked in plan for bus-only lanes Moms still get to dine out despite lousy economy Boy, 4, woman killed in crash -- drivers flee Dognapped Loop pooch put to sleep Metra adds weekend service along Edens South suburban woman struck, killed by car A bridge to Farley 22-year-old man fatally shot in head in Pullman IDOT Minuteman, motorist injured in five-vehicle crash on I-55

Tests: Water drinkable despite drug Video lets Marine dad in Iraq meet new daughter Homeless woman accused in fire is ruled insane If Michelle Obama is next first lady ... Boy charged in sex abuse of classmate Park Dist. ready to kill soccer field Free education for state's war vets Cubs chairman raises taxes to pay $400M tab 'Taste of the Taste' at O'Hare? Millionaire with over 80 guns a 'collector' Maurice Lenell buyer to open cookie stores Restaurants: Grease rules could force closings Delay denied: R. Kelly trial must go on -- finally 3 arrested in mortgage scheme Man accused of scamming seniors charged Metro briefs

Video shows Cedric Benson in custody No-tax plan to renovate Wrigley on Zell's desk Millionaire arrested in gun case was 'collector' Judge orders private guards for juvy center Update: Defense blasts Sun-Times article as first day of Kelly trial ends Aviation chief wants more local flavor in airports Holy cow! Students read 11,000 books Ex-hospital chief back as consultant Cops probe reported sex assault at school Thousands descend on Six Flags for physics class Stroger closer to firing county public defender 26 years after murder, witnesses speak up Dan Ryan ramps to close for 'finishing touches' Burmese monk waiting to hear from family in Myanmar Site of racially-charged party will be home for African-American Firefighters Museum Bikes save a wad of cash St. Francis buyer lends life support to failing hospital Arthritis rates twice as high in diabetics: study 'Loophole' leaves curbs on contractor contributions in doubt 'Wheel' real deal for duo Schools webcast commencement ceremonies High school girls get a turn at the wheel of a tall ship House 'pimping' on pay: Hendon R. Kelly throws basketball at reporter Judge denies motion to delay trial Was woman in R. Kelly case paid to get sex tape back? Trader charged in gun seizure is just 'collector' Metro briefs

Juvenile center chief dressed down Bond denied for 2 men charged in woman's murder Firehouse will be museum honoring black firefighters Court clears way for Stroger to oust public defender Car crashes into South Side elementary school Police seize cache of guns in Lake Forest Judge OKs private guards for Juvenile Center Bubbly Creek OK for rowing -- but don't fall in Feds hope to bring ailing mobster to trial Cole Hall renovation and new building decided Power restored on Near West Side Fat tax break for felon Archbishop Tutu helps raise funds for the disabled St. Francis Hospital to stay open, get new name Couple finds ways to save on prescription meds Pedestrian struck by vehicle in Loop New security checkpoint system unveiled at Midway R. Kelly seeks delay in pornography trial Arrest in '81 murder of pizza deliveryman Family will celebrate a very special Mother's Day Rules inspired by E2 stampede approved Shooting victim found lying dead on sidewalk Committee acts to avoid repeat of Duff slap on wrist Fire survivor testifies in homeless woman's trial Cops: Teacher caught smoking pot at school MSI looks to past for futuristic green house One held in S. Side standoff Ex-teacher gets five years for sex with teenage boy Students put Operation Twinkie into action for soldiers Critics: Too many holes poked in plastic bag law Raises for lawmakers now up to Jones Lucky number 26 Enodis backs $2B buyout offer from Illinois Tool Works Clout corner Aurora cops to release johns' photos Cop cleared in fatal crash Mayor defends Lake Geneva trip Rapist tries to lure girl, kills self in jail: police Sox vs. Cubs: Fan thrown through window Disabled riders blast Pace 3 charged in beating of Glen Ellyn man Suburb offers buyers $5,000 for purchasing home Autopsy: Couple killed by train not a suicide Metro briefs Area firms, group unite to help minority businesses

Ex-prison watchdog official acquitted of payoffs Harper College resumes classes after threat Cops solve 1981 murder of pizza delivery driver Roof collapses on Near South Side One girl's story: Pimp bought me for $400 Dad died saving his little girl Teacher accused of smoking marijuana at school Fillups now a thing of the past Ex-teacher admits having sex with former student Golden Apple winner 'makes you want to dance' Couple killed by Metra train 6 hurt in S. Side hit-and-run Crews battle Far South Side blaze 2 teachers at W. Side school win 'Oscars' Daley asks where is the money for gov's anti-violence plan Reilly: Kids museum would grow after OK Teen with weapon arrested after chase Toddler shot: 'He never cried' Man found dead in Douglas Park apartment Denied Wal-Mart, developer sells site Bill would tighten state's leash on parolees Man opened fire: cop Woman who took Elgin mayor's car pleads guilty CSU hires interim president to replace Daniel Firefighters battle Far South Side blaze Guilty plea in stabbing of teacher

Woman killed in possible gang crossfire Man charged with DUI for hitting girl, killing her dad 4 kids, 2 adults injured in S. Side hit-and-run Abducted children reunited with mother Two reportedly killed by Metra train on NW Side Price check on walk down aisle Father abducts children during visit Two men dead after West Side shooting Peterson pulled over on way to help 'friend' CTA sued over "Grand Theft Auto" ads 3-year-old recovering after being shot Defense calls no witnesses, says case vs. Rezko weak Sycamore paper boy helps save customer Gov to unveil $150 million anti-violence plan today Mendenhall OK after robbery Marist band teacher ousted Cheerleading coach faces sexual assault charges Court denies requests to unseal R. Kelly court files White Sox doll blow up Lake View bank branch robbed Daley: Museum opponents using political intimidation Acts of kindness 'Grand' new principal for Marian Catholic Metro briefs

Cops: 3-year-old caught in crossfire U. of I. football star Mendenhall robbed at gunpoint Blagojevich aide owed IRS when hired Off-duty firefighter rescues man from burning car Lane Bryant shooting survivor still terrified Teenager shot on Near West Side Child, adult severly hurt after pinned against fence Chatham woman rings up almost $300 in savings Five shot in three separate South Side shootings Benson on drunk boating charges: 'I wasn't drunk' 20-year-old woman fatally shot on South Side Cop impersonator tries to abduct, assault woman I-PASS loophole allows some to escape fines Treasurer: Beware of stimulus check scams Rollover accident causes injuries in south suburbs Parent charged after son shoots himself Cadets in step with mom, dad Funding, test scores key to Catholic schools' future Construction begins on coke plant in Granite City Family told Tionda isn't 'mystery girl' Trinity members pray for Wright, Obama Dream job, with or without diploma Champion beagle visits with the president Suspected serial bank robber arrested, charged Most moms balk at HPV vaccine for young girls: study Lawyer's suit says dealership refuses to refund $10K deposit 'Food Boy' launches film career Teen does 'right thing,' leaves newborn at fire station Child injured after fall from second-floor window CTA's bumpy passage Despite debt, college still worth cost -- to a degree Elgin man dies following motorcycle crash

Woman to testify to threesome with Kelly Families try to cope months after Tinley Park slayings Helen DeGeneres? Oh 'El' no, Mr. Mayor Moms, mayor, clergy march against violence Pedestrian killed in South Side hit-and-run Entrepreneur changes homeless man's life Boy, 5, shoots himself in head, parents charged Illinois man designs beer can coffin Son denied bail, dad's set at $5 mil. for murder Man fatally shot on S. Side porch You can't have your stuff back Teen held in St. Xavier threat must see doctor Nothing elementary about haphazard school pick up He 'never stopped' going to college Cubs, rooftop owner settle profit-sharing spat State still renting space from felon Metro briefs

Student charged in St. Xavier U. threat Lynne Harvey, wife of Paul Harvey, dies Blue bags out, blue carts in Bond issued for factory murder suspects 5th time's not the charm for Children's Museum design Swindlers get only 6 months for stealing from dad Chicago Police honor fallen officers Thai restaurant destroyed in early morning blaze CTA bus driver cited following South Side crash Cubs reach deal with rooftop owner The spindle comes down Person stumbles into firehouse after being shot Man cited with DUI after hitting Sun-Times truck 38 of my law clients have city biz: Burke 3 'drug hit' victims from Calif. Stroger names finalists to oversee hospitals $15,000 bond for St. Xavier threat suspect McNabb, Rice urge peace at Hall of Fame Stroger's health board picks praised Ata took state job for 'redemption' Gov accused of trading favors to get recall plan killed Work halts weekend Blue Line service Public defender's ouster blocked

Student arrested in St. Xavier shutdown Gov's ex-aide: I gave Rezko cash For NU: Wright is wrong but Jerry's not so scary CTA bus hits S. Side building, 11 hurt Burke, aldermen release ethics statements Parents of girl killed in CTA crash sue driver Chinatown CTA station to reopen Cubs know Thompson's Wrigley secret Death of burned toddler ruled homicide Gary toddler killed by train next to his home Man charged in West Side factory shooting Two seriously injured in Near North Side crash 2 people fatally shot in triple-homicide identified Wastewater, roaches close two restaurants Children's Museum redesigned again Judge: Stroger can't remove public defender City Hall to get rid of blue bag recycling program Moms team up to battle influence of gangs Person shot stumbles into firehouse Net photo is missing girl: expert Big splash over probe of mayor's pool house 105-0: House OKs audit of gov's $1 mil. church pledge 'We are not aliens': marchers Bears fan runs in Packers gear for wounded vets Senate rejects recall proposal Daley ready to slice city spending again Cops beat teen over link to Ryan Harris case: lawyer Win for bilingual education 'I need a pay raise': Jones City aims to curb violence through jobs, park programs

Grand jury investigates suburban officials Fall Out Boy rocker Pete Wentz sued Public defender: Stroger's appointments unqualified Toddler fatally struck by Chicago-bound train Teacher dies after bicycle accident Man shot dead outside Far South Side home 3 murdered in Little Village Immigration activists join national protests Red Bull wins big against Wet bar: $680,000 Mom, 5 others arrested in melee with cops Drew Peterson offers reward for Stacy Slain cougar likely from South Dakota Aurora man pleads guilty to cyberstalking Little Village residents: Gangs a part of everyday life NU withdraws honorary degree offer to Rev. Wright Man killed in W. Side factory Two shot near South Side elementary school City a sanctuary for immigrants, but not O’Hare Three crashes in same area on Dan Ryan State Senate votes to kill recall amendment Cops: Bus driver slammed brakes, hurt kids Clout HMO pops up in Rezko case Several rescued in possibly suspicious N. Side fire Will fans own Wrigley seats? CTA to cut 100 office jobs, offer free rides to military Sen. Barack Obama, meet your new neighbors CTA may build wall at Chinatown stop State lawmakers set for another hefty pay raise More CPS students can learn Arabic Concrete mogul begins bid to hold south suburb seat for GOP Broken boards, sore hand still no ticket to Oprah Pics of jewelry from S. Side home released Hispanics drive state population growth 'Snowing in hell': Deal bans some gifts to pols Fire inspector payments for weekend tests alleged 1 Illinois-Iowa bridge reopens after crash Watch out for deer attacks, SIU warns School retreats from no-religion art policy

3 shot, killed on S.W. Side DNA shows cougar came from Wisconsin How much wood can an Oprah fan chuck — or chop? Woman fatally struck by car while riding bicycle Peterson offers $25K reward for info on Stacy Four killed in Indiana crash Pete Wentz sued for alleged post-concert beatdown Free CTA rides for military personnel begin Thursday Huntley school bus driver cited after 18 children hurt Gymnastics coach guilty of child porn charges Aurora man pleads guilty to cyberstalking Playmate No taxes in deal to buy, rehab Wrigley? Bag of cash to save gov's house? City receives $153M to address traffic issues Charges against pilot who landed on golf course 28-year-old man fatally shot at West Side factory Northwestern Medill dean concedes mistake Man in custody for firing shots at police Carnival worker gets 6 years for kissing girls Catholic teacher gunned down in SUV Asthma rates in some Cook suburbs worse than city's Wedding derailed by immigration arrest 90 at CPD get clout-fund cash Truth, justice, & rock 'n' roll NIU won't raze Cole Hall Police get call of NW Side cougar sighting Counterfeit shoes might be biggest Midwest bust Looks like electric bills going up too School bus driver suspended after caught taunting kids All aboard foreclosure bus tour Cop K-9 safer thanks to teen State may sue school in sex harassment case Parking cops on booting binge One critically hurt during pin-in crash Dead goats found in field Pepper-sprayed judge to plead not guilty to DUI Alleged threatening calls lead to felony charges Downstater's Hudson used for Depp movie 40-year Downstate radio host dies Depp movie giving props to Oshkosh Wisconsin law school OKs Sex Toys 101 Metro briefs

Trucker had someone else's prescription William Wrigley Jr. will stay as chairman-- for now Judge pepper-sprayed in DUI arrest Rezko sought cash to avoid lien on gov's home Woman pinned under dead husband's body for days NIU officials drop idea of demolishing Cole Hall Man shot in head, crashes into house Suburban school on lockdown after threat found Sun-Times, Trib ask court to unseal R. Kelly filings Astronaut returns medal to students S. Side mom faces charges over baby's death Fire suit hits $100M Rezko said prosecutor to be fired: witness Carpentersville man's trial begins in toddler's death 'It's a little sad,' but sale won't hurt Chicago Vallas hints at making run for gov in 2010 Woman given 8 years for stealing over $132,000 from employer Wheel of Fortune workout pays off Before brain death Death gives new life to friend Obama to donate funds received from Rezko friend Suburban Dominick's em ployees raise money for prostate research Bus, car collide on Northwest Side First lady, daughter tout joy of reading U. of I. grads pick new Chief Illiniwek Woman, 44, accused of planning boy sex Metro briefs Wis. Internet official fired for sex e-mail

Truck driver cited for fatal CTA crash Shootings plunge over the weekend Fatal Loop high-rise fire settled for $100 million Sweet deal: Mars buys Wrigley Co. for $23B Horse on loose in Old Town returned to stable Over 100 customers without power in Old Town State gets $3.5M to dole out for college scholarships Political donors in line to run health system Professor got a divorce, now he's out of a job Man killed in rear-end crash on Kennedy 2 injured in S. Side fire One held in fatal Ukrainian Village slaying Porch inspections taper off What's cooking? Man shot inside car on W. Side Employment security worker to fight federal bribery charges Motorcyclist seriously injured in South Side crash New Web site lets 3 million CPS alums reconnect Woman sold $100 tickets, but skipped the raffle: cops Great America ride takes you on wild run through Gotham Poor students shut out CTA closes Blue Line branch 2,900 take Sun-Times prostate cancer screening Family, friends walk to remember Lisa Wild Wisconsin deer has arrow stuck in side Johnny Depp movie filming this week in Wis. Who's ahead in Wis. presidential poll? No one Metro briefs

Ex-fugitive put up homes to spring Rezko 2 women killed in Friday crash, questions loom Lisa Stebic's family marks 1 year missing Boy and man shot while exiting bus near church Boy, 14, fatally struck by train in Hoffman Estates Daley backs plan to give assault rifles to all cops Rollover crash injures five in Willow Springs Police: Man fatally stabs brother Crash probe focuses on driver's log book: source Three police officers injured in crash Current bloodshed worsens pain for Dantrell's mom Who'll get all the trains? Woman dies following South Side collision Sun-Times staffers win 5 awards Black amputation rate rises Did female serial killer lurk in rural Indiana? CTA Red line crash victim: Delisia Brown, 18 CTA Red line crash victim: Elosia Guerrero, 47 Man fatally shot by Markham police 'Saulito' delivers Elvira message

Cops to get rifles to compete with gangs 'The lifestyle would not let go' of slain teen Legendary doctor retires, turns to activism Victims of CTA crash identified Huberman hints at CTA fare hikes Deal near to end Aurora abortion protest suit Illinois proclaims Danica Patrick Day 25-year-old fatally shot on South Side CTA service resumes at Chinatown station Man shot in West Side drive-by Bridging riverwalk gaps I-Pass users 'want the dinger back' -- may get it Judge questions soccer field deal Don't put it off any longer - free PSA testing ends today Ebertfest welcomes Ang Lee Victims were South Side women $500K bond for mentally ill man in attack on TV anchor, others

Wright says remarks taken out of context Logan takes in Sox game $500,000 bond for man charged in punching Burton Truck hits CTA station: At least 2 dead, several injured City closer to walkway under Michigan Ave. Six Flags Great America prepares for Dark Knight Slain woman's kids sighted with dad: cops Clinton to get Gary welcome Fire breaks out in N.W. Side steel factory Tornado watch for McHenry, Kendall , Kane counties Teen without a ride steals car, cop says Seniors being scammed by fake cops Judge: Latin School can build soccer fields I-PASS: A big beeping deal Ch. 7's Burton on mend after punched Autistic teen finds help at Easter Seals Obama applauds unions at convention Producer describes Rezko's shakedown Mistrial declared after bid to photograph jurors 'Jimmy T.' thrives 24 years after falling into lake CTA bus drags woman for block: attorney Woman apparently dragged by CTA bus in S. Loop Lake View man hit by Taser dies Court OKs 'Be Happy, Not Gay' T-shirt Women's advocates fight Daley merger plan Body of apparent shooting victim found on driveway Cops ask for help in South Side slaying Ex-con charged with killing his foster family Words from the street Hundreds turnout for prostate screenings