The Evening Rush for Tuesday, August 6, 2013

The must-read news stories for Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2013

Lake Shore Drive, clogged with traffic even in December 1954. | Sun-Times Library

LSD Makeover

Lake Shore Drive not only offers a breathtaking view of the downtown skyline and a beautiful view of Lake Michigan. It also is the scene of huge traffic logjams and accidents, and some are trying to take control of a proposed redesign. And based on reader reaction to one proposal across Twitter and Facebook today, it’s also a divisive thoroughfare. A coalition of 15 groups has unveiled a plan that includes lowering the speed limit on LSD between Grand and Hollywood from 40 mph to 35 mph, which is optimistic given that no one drives slower than 55 mph anyway. The plan also includes creating bus-only or high-speed-rail lanes, constructing a nearby lane for high-speed cyclists, reducing parking and adding greenery. The idea, according to organizers is to make it more boulevard, less freeway. Regardless of what plan wins out, I’m sure the residents of the city will come to a calm, rational resolution like on all traffic and transportation matters. [Sun-Times]

Fort Hood trial

The trial of Maj. Nidal Malik, accused of the 2009 Fort Hood massacre, kicked off with Malik telling the jury, “I am the shooter.” [N.Y. Times]

Double murder

Two brothers were found shot to death inside a car in the West Pullman neighborhood. [Sun-Times]

Pay cut

Gov. Quinn showed up for the first court hearing in the lawsuit over his decision to hold lawmaker paychecks until they solved the pension crisis. Meanwhile, Attorney General Lisa Madigan swears that nope, there’s not conflict of interest at all, even though both her office and her father are involved in the case. [Sun-Times, Sun-Times]

Drone’d

After the report of terrorist chatter in Yemen has put the U.S. on alert, a drone strike in Yemen reportedly killed four al-Qaida members. [CNN]

None of my business

Mayor Emanuel is staying out of the ethics debate of Ald. Joe Moore (49th). [Sun-Times]

Cold case

Police in Janesville, Wis., are digging in an attempt to find clues in the case of an 8-year-old girl who disappeared 66 years ago. [CBS 2]

1-click checkout

WaPo weighs on its own sale to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. [WaPo]

History in maps

Using maps to, well, map the history of Chicago. [Chicago Mag via Gapers Block]

Closing shop

Chef Graham Elliot’s downtown sandwich shop Grahamwich has closed its doors. [The Reader]

He’s a giver

Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw is auctioning off his stitches for charity. Seriously. His stitches. [DNA Info]

The most wonderful time of the year

Which players have gone to new teams and how this affects your Fantasy Football draft. [Sun-Times]

The Bright One

Ahead of the show’s final run of new episodes, Lori Rackl explores how Breaking Bad‘s Walter White transformed into a killer. [Sun-Times]

Commute

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

And finally

A young boy credits Mario Kart for his driving skills that helped avoid an accident when his grandmother passed out at the wheel. [Kotaku]