The Evening Rush for Tuesday, October 29, 2013

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

He’s back

Do you feel that growing buzz, Chicago? Do you feel the swelling excitement? It’s not just those Pixie Stix you mainlined: He’s back. Number One. Pooh. D-Rose. Derrick. Whatever you call him, he’s one of the best players in the NBA and after a sizzling preseason (yeah, it’s only preseason but still), Derrick Rose hits the court for the first time in a meaningful game since blowing out his knee in April 2012. The Bulls are going toe-to-toe with the two-time reigning champion Miami Heat on their home court, just a few months after the two teams played a hotly contested playoff series. A depleted, pesky Bulls team poked the Heat, who were quick to slap back. But both sides are fully healthy now. It’s NBA Opening Night, national television, Derrick’s return, up against LeBron and the rival Heat. . . . If this doesn’t get your blood pumping, I don’t know what else to tell you. [Morrissey on Rose’s return, Interactive front page, Rose ebook, Bulls page]

JJJ goes to jail

After a strange 12-hour stretch where it seemed Jesse Jackson Jr. showed up to prison, was turned away, and his whereabouts were briefly unknown, he’s now in federal custody to begin his prison sentence. [Sun-Times]

I spy

The NSA and White House are at odds over surveillance of our allies. [WaPo]

All bark, no bite

It seems the city’s push to force dog owners to get licenses for their pooches isn’t nearly as successful as officials were hoping. [Sun-Times]

Testifying for Trayvon

Trayvon Martin’s mother testified in front of a U.S. Senate subcommittee about controversial “stand your ground” laws. [L.A. Times]

Undocumented licenses

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White has announced a new initiative that will give temporary drivers licenses to undocumented residents. [Sun-Times]

Marking Sandy

One year after Superstorm Sandy, the East Coast reflects on rebuilding and the future. [NJ.com]

Nobody wins

If you thought commutes were the worst, reverse commutes are growing to be just as bad. [Sun-Times]

Cooling off?

No! Not Sriracha! Leave the rooster alone! [Smithsonian]

Mystery Islands

What’s Google up to with these mysterious floating structures? Innovations or preparing for “Waterworld” to become reality? [CBS SF]

RIP

Adieu, Chicago Rush. [Sun-Times]

The Bright One

Gerry Chico wants every student in Illinois to have an iPad or a laptop. [Sneed]

Commute

Sudoku; Weather; Traffic; CTA; Metra; Flight delays

And finally

Recovered: Five of Blackbeard’s cannons. Still not real: Johnny Depp as a pirate. [PopSci]