1 Missing million
More than a decade after Bobby Rush landed a million-plus in private and federal funds to build a tech center in Englewood, nobody has laid a brick. The congressman says that every penny of the allocated money went to community projects in the neighborhood. He also says he’s not sure what programs those are or how much they got. [Sun-Times]
2 Hostage situation
A man who allegedly shot a cop in the face was killed by police in Arlington Heights last night. The man had barricaded himself inside a house and taken a woman hostage. [Sun-Times]
3 Less cold, briefly
It’ll warm up to the point that your saliva won’t freeze today, but by tonight, you should brace for a bunch of snow. And then it’ll get freezing again. [Sun-Times]
4 More bad news from Dominick’s
In addition to the 5,600 layoffs the grocery chain had announced, there will be almost 500 more folks laid off throughout Chicago before the new year. Dominick’s is still trying to sell more of its 72 stores. So far, only 15 have been taken off its hands. [Tribune]
5 Federal charges
Block 37 developer Laurance Freed has been indicted on federal fraud charges. Allegations stem from a project in Uptown that was funded with TIF money. [Sun-Times]
6 Puffing away
With the U.S. and other rich countries smoking less, the tobacco industry is doing its damnedest to block anti-smoking regulations in poorer countries, where they’re making more money. Part of its strategy is to be totally passive-aggressive about international law. [NY Times]
7 Roar of the tiger
More than 35 years after Stanley Tigerman designed the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art on Chicago Avenue, the outspoken architect is back to watch over the Ukrainian Village museum’s expansion. Also, he totally lives up to his awesome last name. [Grid]
8 Gulp.
Playing quarterback in the NFL is often called the most difficult job in sports. Add to that the pressures of following a guy who’s thrown for more than 1,000 yards in his last three games, and the rest that gathers over the course of a month off the field, and you can see why Jay Cutler has his hands full. Rick Morrissey assesses Marc Trestman’s gutsy decision to stick with his starter. [Sun-Times]
