Chicago Sun-Times

Longtime Ald. Richard Mell stepping down, daughter Deb Mell to take his seat

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 02:23:38 -0600

The Chicago City Council is about to lose its second-longest serving member — and a healthy chunk of its colorful personality and institutional memory. Ald. Richard Mell (33rd) — father-in-law of convicted former Gov. Rod Blagojevich — has told associates he is preparing to step down within the next few month. Sources said Mell, 75, has persuaded Mayor Rahm Emanuel to appoint his daughter, State Rep. Deb Mell, to replace him in the City Council.

Responding to Sun-Times story of dad’s threat to burn kids, Alvarez launches investigation

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 02:22:46 -0600

Saying she has “serious questions and concerns” about her office’s handling of the Nathaniel Beller arson tragedy, Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez has launched an internal investigation. Hours after the Chicago Sun-Times revealed Thursday that Beller wasn’t charged with any crime after he threatened to burn his children to death during a tense standoff with Cicero Police in September, Alvarez issued a statement promising a “complete review” of the case.

Sen. Mark Kirk returns to Congress after stroke

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 02:22:07 -0600

Using a cane for balance as well as the helpful arm of the vice president, Sen. Mark Kirk walked up the U.S. Capitol steps on Thursday, one year after suffering a stroke.

Father’s last words to son: ‘They shot me in the back’

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 02:22:29 -0600

“They shot me in the back.” Michael Kozel, a beloved Gage Park muffler shop owner, managed to pick up a telephone and speak those words to his 31-year-old son late Wednesday afternoon. They were Kozel’s last words to his boy.

Senate Dems wave white flag on gay marriage, guns as session winds down

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 02:57:53 -0600

The math isn’t on the side of supporters of the high-profile legislation on gay marriage, gun control and pension reform as the lame-duck Legislature nears end of its term next Wednesday with much unfinished business.

Former executive accused of bilking Tribune out of $260,000 skips hearing

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 11:36:01 -0600

A former Tribune Co. executive accused of bilking the Chicago-based business out of $260,000 failed to show up in federal court for her arraignment Thursday. Stephanie Pater, the company’s 39-year-old former real estate director, was due to enter a plea to fraud charges before Judge Samuel Der-Yeghiayan at 10 a.m. But neither a federal defender representing her nor Assistant U.S. Attorney Kruti Trivedi could tell the judge where Pater was. Der-Yeghiayan reset the hearing for January 10 in the hopes that Pater, who lives out of state, will show up then. Pater has not made any public statements since her …

Seven candidates file petitions to run for Jackson’s old congressional seat

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 20:18:33 -0600

It was the first day candidates could file with the Illinois State Board of Elections for a special primary to replace Jackson, which will be held February 26th. More candidates are expected to enter the crowded field before the January 7th filing deadline.