The Evening Rush for Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014

File Photo

Alderman takes on the rats

In light of the redevelopment of Children’s Memorial Hospital, Ald. Michele Smith (43rd) is pushing an ordinance requiring developers to take on a larger role in preventing the mass exodus of rats from construction sites.

“This would go a long way toward confining rodents and killing them on site before they can be a nuisance to the neighbors. Every neighborhood in the city suffers this with every project,” Smith said. “This is a hole in our regulatory scheme I hope we can close.” [Sun-Times]

The nominees are…

The 2014 Oscar nominations were announced this morning, and our Richard Roeper breaks them down. [Sun-Times | Movie trailers]

Blago prosecutor sets sights on Chris Christie

The lead prosecutor in Rod Blagojevich’s case has been tapped to head up the investigation into allegations of political payback in New Jersey. [Voices]

A history of industrial accidents in West Virginia

The chemical spill last week that affected 300,000 people is not the state’s first controversy. [National Geographic]

South Side Parade pre-party

Have you ever had a pre-party to raise money for your party? [DNAinfo Chicago]

Where do millionaires live?

You’d be surprised. For the record, Illinois has 270,414. [Wall Street Journal]

Jimmy Butler sets Bulls record

Jimmy Butler logged 60 minutes against the Magic, which I think makes him the new Thibodeau workhorse in the post Luol Deng era. [Sun-Times]

Billy Joel to play Wrigley

The Piano Man will hit the Friendly Confines in July. No word on if Clark the Cub will make an appearance. [NBC Chicago]

On digital hoarding

“I am a self-confessed digital hoarder; I never get rid of anything, unless it falls victim to tech failure.” [XOJane]

Cubs curse lifted

Rapper/actor Ice Cube declared it so while in town promoting his new movie. Here’s hoping. [Voices]

The Bright One

Chill out, Blackhawks fans, Januworry is almost over. So says Rick Morrissey. [Sun-Times]

Commute

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

And finally

Starting in August, fans will be able to legally stream all 530 episodes of The Simpsons. Woo hoo! [QZ]