AP file photo
City Council passes tougher e-cigarette regulations
Bad news for those hoping e-cigarettes would provide a reprieve from the harsh Chicago winter: The City Council has banned e-cigarettes wherever smoking is already prohibited. The ordinance approved Wednesday would regulate e-cigarettes as “tobacco products” subject to Chicago’s smoking ban. That will move them behind the counter of retail stores, ban the sale to minors, prohibit adults from smoking e-cigarettes in virtually all of indoor Chicago — and within 15 feet of building entrances — and empower the city to license e-cigarette dealers.
After the vote, Rahm Emanuel argued from the rostrum that the FDA “leads from behind” and he’s not about wait for that follower federal bureaucracy to lead when it comes to protecting the health of Chicago’s children. [Sun-Times]
Body of woman who fell in Chicago River recovered
The 21-year-old woman has been missing since she fell into the water early Monday trying to retrieve a friend’s cellphone. [Sun-Times]
Archdiocese releases sex abuse documents
Officials say they will release some 6,000 pages of documents detailing clergy sex abuse allegations. [Sun-Times]
Former Maine West coach not guilty of hazing, battery
A judge dismissed the charges against Michael Divincenzo, saying child abuse laws do not apply to acts committed by students upon other students. [Sun-Times]
Would-be robber foiled by door
A man tried to break in to Shambles on Division Street but couldn’t figure out why pulling on a door labeled “push” wasn’t working. [DNAinfo Chicago]
Mark your calendar: Poutine Fest returns
Let the gravy flow! Poutine Fest returns to Haymarket Pub & Brewery on Feb. 23. See you there? [Redeye Chicago]
History of the T-shirt cannon
It has more to do with the Civil War than you might expect. [New York Times]
Sacrilegious burger makes the list
Everyone got in a tizzy for two weeks over Kuma’s burger featuring a communion wafer, and that was enough to earn it a spot on TIME’s most influential burgers of all time. [Voices]
Tacos are the new sandwich
Big ones, small ones, some as big as your head: Tacos are taking over. [Sun-Times]
Poll: Mascot Cage Match
Who would win, Clark the Cub or Southpaw? Also a few video clips of historic mascot matchups. [Voices]
The Bright One
Rick Morrissey says the Bulls’ front office is likely driving Tom Thibodeau away. [Sun-Times]
Commute
Sudoku; Weather; Traffic; CTA; Metra; Flight delays
And finally
Anderson Cooper calls out a CNN reporter for being high while reporting from Colorado. [Gawker]
