I had an early morning showing at my Uptown listing at 860 W Lakeside Place and took the opportunity to cycle a bit. With five showings along lakefront neighborhoods I set out on my bike rather than drive.

Published by The Chicago Real Estate Local blog on May 11, 2008.

Janasia Grant disappeared after she was picked up from school by her mother, 38-year-old Felicia "Shawn" Lomax, Thursday in the 6100 block of North Fairfield. Police said Lomax does not have legal custody of her daughter.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

Janasia Grant disappeared after she was picked up from school by her mother, 38-year-old Felicia "Shawn" Lomax, Thursday in the 6100 block of North Fairfield. Police said Lomax does not have legal custody of her daughter. The two may be in the area of the 3500 block of South Rhodes, the 2800 block of West Wilcox or the 600 block of West Division near Cabrini-Green. They may also be riding trains or CTA buses, authorities said.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

Janasia Grant disappeared after she was picked up from school by her mother, 38-year-old Felicia "Shawn" Lomax, Thursday in the 6100 block of North Fairfield. Police said Lomax does not have legal custody of her daughter. The two may be in the area of the 3500 block of South Rhodes, the 2800 block of West Wilcox or the 600 block of West Division near Cabrini-Green. They may also be riding trains or CTA buses, authorities said.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

Janasia Grant disappeared after she was picked up from school by her mother, 38-year-old Felicia "Shawn" Lomax, Thursday in the 6100 block of North Fairfield. Police said Lomax does not have legal custody of her daughter. The two may be in the area of the 3500 block of South Rhodes, the 2800 block of West Wilcox or the 600 block of West Division near Cabrini-Green. They may also be riding trains or CTA buses, authorities said.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

Janasia Grant disappeared after she was picked up from school by her mother, 38-year-old Felicia "Shawn" Lomax, Thursday in the 6100 block of North Fairfield. Police said Lomax does not have legal custody of her daughter. The two may be in the area of the 3500 block of South Rhodes, the 2800 block of West Wilcox or the 600 block of West Division near Cabrini-Green. They may also be riding trains or CTA buses, authorities said.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

At Geja's Cafe, on West Armitage, they're expecting more people than last year, though because of the economy, Jeff Lawler, general manager of the Lincoln Park restaurant, says hours were extended to keep the Mother's Day crowd robust. Last year, Geja's sat 157 people during its regular 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sunday hours. This year, 110 people made Mother's Day reservations for those hours, Lawler said, but the restaurant will open Sunday at noon, and an additional 70 people have reservations during the extended hours.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

A mixed-breed pooch that was dognapped from her panhandler owner last summer -- only to be returned to him weeks later, thanks to the help of Loop workers -- has died. The tale of Tom Finley and his beloved Reba came to an end last Sunday, after Reba's ailments overcame her at the Anti-Cruelty Society in River North.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

A mixed-breed pooch that was dognapped from her panhandler owner last summer -- only to be returned to him weeks later, thanks to the help of Loop workers -- has died. The tale of Tom Finley and his beloved Reba came to an end last Sunday, after Reba's ailments overcame her at the Anti-Cruelty Society in River North.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

CeaseFire -- the high-profile anti-violence program that was hit with a major cut last year in its state funding -- is successful at stopping shootings in Chicago, a Northwestern University study has found.The study focused on shootings in seven areas of Chicago where CeaseFire has operated -- Logan Square, Rogers Park, the Southwest Side, West Garfield Park, West Humboldt Park, Englewood and Auburn-Gresham. Six of the seven areas of the city studied grew "noticeably safer," the study concluded. The only exception was Logan Square.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

CeaseFire -- the high-profile anti-violence program that was hit with a major cut last year in its state funding -- is successful at stopping shootings in Chicago, a Northwestern University study has found.The study focused on shootings in seven areas of Chicago where CeaseFire has operated -- Logan Square, Rogers Park, the Southwest Side, West Garfield Park, West Humboldt Park, Englewood and Auburn-Gresham. Six of the seven areas of the city studied grew "noticeably safer," the study concluded. The only exception was Logan Square.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

CeaseFire -- the high-profile anti-violence program that was hit with a major cut last year in its state funding -- is successful at stopping shootings in Chicago, a Northwestern University study has found.The study focused on shootings in seven areas of Chicago where CeaseFire has operated -- Logan Square, Rogers Park, the Southwest Side, West Garfield Park, West Humboldt Park, Englewood and Auburn-Gresham. Six of the seven areas of the city studied grew "noticeably safer," the study concluded. The only exception was Logan Square.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

CeaseFire -- the high-profile anti-violence program that was hit with a major cut last year in its state funding -- is successful at stopping shootings in Chicago, a Northwestern University study has found.The study focused on shootings in seven areas of Chicago where CeaseFire has operated -- Logan Square, Rogers Park, the Southwest Side, West Garfield Park, West Humboldt Park, Englewood and Auburn-Gresham. Six of the seven areas of the city studied grew "noticeably safer," the study concluded. The only exception was Logan Square.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

CeaseFire -- the high-profile anti-violence program that was hit with a major cut last year in its state funding -- is successful at stopping shootings in Chicago, a Northwestern University study has found.The study focused on shootings in seven areas of Chicago where CeaseFire has operated -- Logan Square, Rogers Park, the Southwest Side, West Garfield Park, West Humboldt Park, Englewood and Auburn-Gresham. Six of the seven areas of the city studied grew "noticeably safer," the study concluded. The only exception was Logan Square.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

CeaseFire -- the high-profile anti-violence program that was hit with a major cut last year in its state funding -- is successful at stopping shootings in Chicago, a Northwestern University study has found.The study focused on shootings in seven areas of Chicago where CeaseFire has operated -- Logan Square, Rogers Park, the Southwest Side, West Garfield Park, West Humboldt Park, Englewood and Auburn-Gresham. Six of the seven areas of the city studied grew "noticeably safer," the study concluded. The only exception was Logan Square.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

CeaseFire -- the high-profile anti-violence program that was hit with a major cut last year in its state funding -- is successful at stopping shootings in Chicago, a Northwestern University study has found.The study focused on shootings in seven areas of Chicago where CeaseFire has operated -- Logan Square, Rogers Park, the Southwest Side, West Garfield Park, West Humboldt Park, Englewood and Auburn-Gresham. Six of the seven areas of the city studied grew "noticeably safer," the study concluded. The only exception was Logan Square.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

A cable fire near some Loop elevated tracks late Saturday forced the CTA to shut down all elevated train service in the Loop for almost seven hours.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

A cable fire near some Loop elevated tracks late Saturday forced the CTA to shut down all elevated train service in the Loop for almost seven hours. Shuttle buses were provided for CTA customers between the Cermak-Chinatown station and the Merchandise Mart, CTA spokeswoman Noelle Gaffney said.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

A cable fire near some Loop elevated tracks late Saturday forced the CTA to shut down all elevated train service in the Loop for almost seven hours. Shuttle buses were provided for CTA customers between the Cermak-Chinatown station and the Merchandise Mart, CTA spokeswoman Noelle Gaffney said.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

A 22-year-old man suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head in the Far South Side Pullman area early Sunday. About 2:05 a.m., witnesses saw a man fire a gun at the victim, striking him in the head in the 600 block of East 115th Street, according to a report from the police First Deputy Superintendent's Office. The gunman then fled in a car, the report said.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

Chicago Police shot a man running from authorities Sunday afternoon in the South Side’s Back-of-the-Yards neighborhood. Englewood District police tactical officers responded to a report of a man with a gun in the 5800 block of South Damen Avenue about 2:55 p.m. A chase ensued and police shot the man, police said.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

* Tom Farley Jr. signs The Chris Farley Show, 7 p.m. May 12th at Borders, 830 N. Michigan.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

* Tom Farley Jr. discussion and signing of The Chris Farley Show, 10 p.m May 12th at IO Chicago, 3541 N. Clark.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

MAY 13, Elizabeth George signs Careless in Red, 12:30 p.m. at Borders, 150 N. State.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

Jessica Hagy, 7 p.m. May 13th at Quimby's, 1854 W. North.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

Arianna Huffington discussion and signing for Right is Wrong, 7 p.m May 13th at Borders, 830 N. Michigan.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

Chris Bohjalian signs Skeletons at the Feast, 7 p.m. May 14th at Borders, 830 N. Michigan.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

* Sarah Miller Caldicott signs lnnovate Like Edison, 12:30 p.m May 14th at Borders, 150 N. State.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

* Chip Kidd reads from The Learners, 7 p.m. May 14th at Quimby's, 1854 W. North.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

* Lerone Bennett Jr. will read from and discuss his books, Before the Mayflower: A History of Black America and Forced into Glory: Abraham Lincoln's White Dream, 6 p.m. May 15th at eta Square, 7558 S. South Chicago Ave.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

Elizabeth Berg signs The Day I Ate Whatever I Wanted: And Other Small Acts of Liberation, 7 p.m. May 15th at Chicago Public LIbrary, Bucktown-Wicker Park Branch, 1701 N. Milwaukee.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

Kate Sweeney reads from the third book in the Kate Ryan series; Anne Laughlin reads from Sometimes Quickly, 7:30 p.m. May 15th at Women and Children First, 5233 N. Clark.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

Alex Kershaw discusses and live webcast for his book Escape from the Deep: The Epic Story of a Legendary Submarine and her Courages Crew, 6 p.m. May 15th at Pritzker Military Library, 610 N. Fairbanks Court.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

However, the department was informed a tree fell on a house in the 2500 block of West Cortland Street about 2:15 p.m., spokesman Matt Smith said. At 5:45 p.m., crews were removing a large tree that was downed in the 1700 block of West 104th Place.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

However, the department was informed a tree fell on a house in the 2500 block of West Cortland Street about 2:15 p.m., spokesman Matt Smith said. At 5:45 p.m., crews were removing a large tree that was downed in the 1700 block of West 104th Place.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on May 11, 2008.

Men were shot dead in separate incidents Saturday -- one in the West Englewood neighborhood, the other in the ABLA public housing development. In the first incident, police received reports of a man shot in the 1400 block of South Throop Street

Published by CBS News (Channel 2) on May 11, 2008.

Men were shot dead in separate incidents Saturday -- one in the West Englewood neighborhood, the other in the ABLA public housing development. In the second incident, Robert Liggins, 28, of 6432 S. Oakley Ave., suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn at 1:01 p.m., the Cook County Medical Examiner's office said.

Published by CBS News (Channel 2) on May 11, 2008.

One person was taken to an area hospital Saturday evening when a car slammed into a building in the Mt. Greenwood neighborhood. The car went through a window in the building at 3152 W. 111th St., officials said.

Published by CBS News (Channel 2) on May 11, 2008.

ix people were injured Saturday evening in a car crash on the city's South Side near the Dan Ryan Expressway Saturday evening. The Fire Department called an Emergency Medical Services Plan 1, automatically sending five ambulances, for the crash at 69th and State streets at 6:30 p.m.

Published by CBS News (Channel 2) on May 11, 2008.

A cable fire on CTA elevated tracks in the River North neighborhood caused major delays and cancellations overnight, but the trains were back in service by 6 a.m.

Published by CBS News (Channel 2) on May 11, 2008.

A 22-year-old man suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head in the Far South Side Pullman area early Sunday. About 2:05 a.m., witnesses saw a man fire a gun at the victim, striking him in the head in the 600 block of East 115th Street, according to a report from the police First Deputy Superintendent's Office. The gunman then fled in a car, the report said.

Published by CBS News (Channel 2) on May 11, 2008.

Tens of thousands of breast cancer survivors and their families took part in a Mothers' Day tradition. The Y-Me Race to Empower kicked off Sunday morning in Grant Park. Y-Me estimated that 35,000 people took part in the annual race.

Published by CBS News (Channel 2) on May 11, 2008.

A cable fire on CTA elevated tracks in the River North neighborhood caused major delays and cancellations overnight, at a time when the Red Line subway and half of the CTA's elevated Loop stations already were shut down for construction work.

Published by CBS News (Channel 2) on May 11, 2008.

Chicago Police shot a man running from police Sunday afternoon in the South Side's Back-of-the-Yards neighborhood. Englewood District police tactical officers responded to a report of a man with a gun in the 5800 block of South Damen Avenue about 2:55 p.m. A chase ensued and police shot the man, police said.

Published by CBS News (Channel 2) on May 11, 2008.

Nasty weather pummeled the Chicago area Sunday – damaging homes and battering residents. City crews have been responding to hundreds of calls of downed trees tossed around by the strong winds. A downed tree fell on a Logan Square home.

Published by CBS News (Channel 2) on May 11, 2008.

The day's gusty winds did do damage, most of it minor, all over the city. Not a good day to be outside. It also kept city crews very busy. And folks on the 2500 block of West Cortland hope the winds die down before it takes another tree down.

Published by CBS News (Channel 2) on May 11, 2008.

Police are seeking the public's help to find a missing 10-year-old boy. Keayr Griffin was at a baby sitter's house Friday in the 1400 block of South Loomis Street, when he became upset and left the residence, police said.

Published by NBC 5 on May 11, 2008.

A cable fire near some Loop elevated tracks stranded some CTA passengers on the rails early Sunday morning.The fire forced the CTA to shut down all elevated train service in the Loop for almost seven hours.

Published by NBC 5 on May 11, 2008.

A cable fire near some Loop elevated tracks stranded some CTA passengers on the rails early Sunday morning.The fire forced the CTA to shut down all elevated train service in the Loop for almost seven hours.Shuttle buses were provided for CTA customers between the Cermak-Chinatown station and the Merchandise Mart,

Published by NBC 5 on May 11, 2008.

A cable fire near some Loop elevated tracks stranded some CTA passengers on the rails early Sunday morning.The fire forced the CTA to shut down all elevated train service in the Loop for almost seven hours.Shuttle buses were provided for CTA customers between the Cermak-Chinatown station and the Merchandise Mart.

Published by NBC 5 on May 11, 2008.

Police said a Chicago woman who lost custody of her 8-year-old girl and her daughter are missing. Eight-year-old Janasia "Nana" Grant was last seen Thursday near a North Side elementary school, one day after her mother lost custody of her. The mother and daughter may be in the area of 3500 S. Rhodes Ave., 2800 W. Wilcox St. or 600 W. Division St. near Cabrini Green

Published by NBC 5 on May 11, 2008.

Police said a Chicago woman who lost custody of her 8-year-old girl and her daughter are missing. Eight-year-old Janasia "Nana" Grant was last seen Thursday near a North Side elementary school, one day after her mother lost custody of her.The mother and daughter may be in the area of 3500 S. Rhodes Ave., 2800 W. Wilcox St. or 600 W. Division St. near Cabrini Green

Published by NBC 5 on May 11, 2008.

Police said a Chicago woman who lost custody of her 8-year-old girl and her daughter are missing. Eight-year-old Janasia "Nana" Grant was last seen Thursday near a North Side elementary school, one day after her mother lost custody of her. The mother and daughter may be in the area of 3500 S. Rhodes Ave., 2800 W. Wilcox St. or 600 W. Division St. near Cabrini Green

Published by NBC 5 on May 11, 2008.

Police said a Chicago woman who lost custody of her 8-year-old girl and her daughter are missing. Eight-year-old Janasia "Nana" Grant was last seen Thursday near a North Side elementary school, one day after her mother lost custody of her. The mother and daughter may be in the area of 3500 S. Rhodes Ave., 2800 W. Wilcox St. or 600 W. Division St. near Cabrini Green.

Published by NBC 5 on May 11, 2008.

Chicago police shot a man Sunday afternoon in the South Side’s Back-of-the-Yards neighborhood, police said.Englewood District police tactical officers responded to a report of a man with a gun in the 5800 block of South Damen Avenue at about 2:55 p.m.

Published by NBC 5 on May 11, 2008.

Fire crews responded to reports of a cable fire on the tracks south of Van Buren Street at about 11:15 p.m. Saturday, a CTA spokeswoman said. Trains were stopped on the Green and Orange lines, as well as the Red line, which was sharing the tracks while scheduled weekend work was being conducted on the subway line, spokeswoman Noelle Gaffney said.

Published by Chicago Tribune on May 11, 2008.

A 22-year-old man was shot and killed on the South Side early Sunday in what Chicago police said they think is a gang-related incident. Victor Ortiz, of the 11300 block of South Langley Avenue, was in the street on the 600 block of East 115th Street when he was shot in the head, said Chicago Police Officer Marcel Bright. Bright said a suspect was seen fleeing in a vehicle, and police are looking for that person.

Published by Chicago Tribune on May 11, 2008.

A 20-year-old woman trying to cross a street was hit by a car Friday around 4:30 p.m., and died Saturday, Chicago police said. Alice Rosado-Jackson, of the 1300 block of West 81st Street, was walking on South Ashland Avenue near 79th Street when she was hit by a Kia, said Chicago Police Sgt. Antoinette Ursitti.

Published by Chicago Tribune on May 11, 2008.

Chicago police on Sunday afternoon shot and seriously wounded a man in the West Englewood neighborhood on the South Side, authorities said. Officers responded to a call about a gunman in the 5800 block of South Damen Avenue at about 3 p.m., police said in a news release. After the man was found by police, a chase ensued and shots were fired, injuring the man.

Published by Chicago Tribune on May 11, 2008.

A Chicago man convicted of attempted murder was held without bail Sunday after allegedly beating and sexually assaulting his girlfriend, authorities said. Larry Blakney, 55, of the 11400 block of South Edbrooke Avenue had previously been convicted of attempted murder in 1995 related to an incident involving his wife at the time, said Assistant State's Atty. Stephanie Miller at Sunday's bail hearing before Cook County Judge Maura Slattery Boyle.

Published by Chicago Tribune on May 11, 2008.

EcoLogic Lofts, at 2359 N. Seeley Ave. in Bucktown, is one of a growing number of local developments that promotes its use of environmentally sustainable building materials, water-use efficiency and indoor air-quality standards, among other "green" features. But it has put an unusual twist in its model loft (around the corner at 2023 W. Fullerton Ave.).

Published by Chicago Tribune on May 11, 2008.

A $13.7 million senior housing project, with 70 units, is set for city-owned land in Grand Boulevard. Non-profit developer Renaissance Collaborative Inc. will build the project on the southeast corner of Wabash Avenue and Pershing Road through TRC Senior Village I. The Chicago Community Development Commission approved the sale of the 32,513-square-foot parcel in April.

Published by Chicago Tribune on May 11, 2008.

Address: 175 N. Harbor Drive, Chicago Size: Two bedrooms, two bathsRent: $2,405-$2,490, depending on floor, view and sizeSecurity deposit: Depends on resident's qualifying credit

Published by Chicago Tribune on May 11, 2008.

CTA rail service in the Loop was back on track after big headaches for riders trying to get through the Loop overnight Saturday.

Published by ABC News (Channel 7) on May 11, 2008.

A cable fire near some elevated Loop tracks at Wabash and Van Buren forced the CTA to cancel overnight service downtown.

Published by ABC News (Channel 7) on May 11, 2008.

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich joined leaders of the Susan G. Komen foundation near Wrigley Field Sunday as they recruited Cubs players, who used pink bats during their baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks to remind women of the importance of breast cancer screenings.

Published by ABC News (Channel 7) on May 11, 2008.

By early afternoon, most of the rain had ended and the wind started to die down. But, the extreme weather did leave some scattered damage behind. At 2551 W. Cortland, a tree fell on a house. Fortunately, there were only a few broken windows as a result.

Published by ABC News (Channel 7) on May 11, 2008.

About 8:15 a.m. Friday, a man driving a silver, four-door late-model SUV approached a 14-year-old girl walking in the 1700 block of West Addison Street near St. Andrews Elementary School, according to an alert from Belmont Area  detectives.

Published by Fox News Chicago on May 11, 2008.

The verdict's "in" for the woman who set a deadly fire in Wrigleyville last year. Not guilty by reason of insanity. The victim's families had hoped for more. But as Andy Roesgen reports, the woman won't be going anywhere soon.

Published by Fox News Chicago on May 11, 2008.

Felicia "Shawn" Lomax, 38, and her daughter, Janasia “Nana” Grant, were last seen in the 6100 block of North Fairfield Avenue on Thursday, according to a community alert from Calumet Area detectives.

Published by Fox News Chicago on May 11, 2008.

Both mother and daughter may be in the area of 3500 S. Rhodes Ave., 2800 W. Wilcox St. or 600 W. Division St. near Cabrini Green, police said.

Published by Fox News Chicago on May 11, 2008.

Both mother and daughter may be in the area of 3500 S. Rhodes Ave., 2800 W. Wilcox St. or 600 W. Division St. near Cabrini Green, police said.

Published by Fox News Chicago on May 11, 2008.

Both mother and daughter may be in the area of 3500 S. Rhodes Ave., 2800 W. Wilcox St. or 600 W. Division St. near Cabrini Green, police said.

Published by Fox News Chicago on May 11, 2008.

EcoLogic Lofts, at 2359 N. Seeley Ave. in Bucktown, is one of a growing number of local developments that promotes its use of environmentally sustainable building materials, water-use efficiency and indoor air-quality standards, among other "green" features.

Published by Chicago Tribune on May 11, 2008.

But it has put an unusual twist in its model loft (around the corner at 2023 W. Fullerton Ave.).

Published by Chicago Tribune on May 11, 2008.

Breathtaking views and spacious areas attract residents to 175 N. Harbor Drive in Lakeshore East. Off-the-beaten-path

Published by Chicago Tribune on May 11, 2008.