Mar 14, 2010 03:00AM

Everyone's Irish at the St. Patrick's Day parade

A bolt of green -- shiny, glittery, and sometimes booze-soaked -- pierced the city's foggy gloom Saturday, as hundreds of thousands of revelers lined the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade route downtown. Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day. Some are flashy, with others in the crowd were a little less showy, but no less proud.

Mar 14, 2010 03:00AM

Mom accused of 1st-degree murder in infant's death

Bond was denied Saturday for a Southeast Side woman charged with murdering her 7-month-old daughter in July 2009. Vanessa Urbina, 23, of the 10600 block of South Avenue E, was charged Friday night with one count of first-degree murder in the death of Isaly Navia.

Mar 14, 2010 03:00AM

First time in 40 years: Cops' rule book gets a makeover

Back in 1924, the Chicago Police Department's rule book could fit in the palm of an officer's hand. Now the rules are compiled in six ring binders -- a 16-inch stack of paper. "It's a mess," said Rachel Johnston, director of research and development. For the first time in 40 years, a team of officers and civilian employees is busy cleaning it up. The team is eliminating earlier versions of general orders that have been modified over the years and removing other nonessential things.

Mar 14, 2010 03:00AM

Ditka glad he turned down 2004 bid against Obama

Mike Ditka says he has no regrets about passing up Republican Party overtures to run against Barack Obama for U.S. Senate in 2004.

Mar 14, 2010 03:00AM

Can't stand heat, chefs get out of the kitchen -- and smoke

There's no smoking inside Illinois restaurants. But what about outside, or around back?