Actress Jennifer Hudson has year of tragedy and triumph, following deaths of 3 family members

CHICAGO — In the year since three members of her family were brutally killed in Chicago, Grammy and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson has found ways to heal and start a new life.

Bon Jovi Tour Dates 2010

Popular Rock band Bon Jovi announced plans on Thursday for a new world tour in 2010-2011. The two-year tour begins Feb. 19 2010 in Seattle and includes a May 26 show at New Jersey’s new $1.6 billion Meadowlands football stadium, which will be home to the New York Giants and Jets. It will feature 135 shows in 30 countries. The first leg of the tour in 2010 covers USA and Canada.

Seven teams for three spots: MLS playoff scenarios will keep heads spinning into final weekend

One team is in with a win, can still get there with a loss. Another needs to win or lose by two goals or fewer. Five teams have already clinched, three are out. Six could end up tied and the deciding factor could be goal differential, fewest disciplinary points, even a coin toss.

Federal arts chair to see how ‘Rent’ plays in Peoria as part of 6-month tour of US

NEW YORK — The country’s top arts official is going on the road.

More young people are using Twitter, pushed to do so by an unlikely crowd _ their elders

CHICAGO — They think it’s pointless, narcissistic. Some don’t even know what it is.

Federal arts chair Rocco Landesman to tour country

NEW YORK — The country’s top arts official is going on the road.

Kyle Orton goes from ordinary in Chicago to outstanding in Denver, where Broncos are 5-0

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — In Chicago, his many critics suggested the “O” in quarterback Kyle Orton’s name really stood for “Ordinary.”

Chicago Marathon

Sergio D. Reyes,
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

AP Source: Ex-Ill. Gov. Blagojevich to appear on Trump’s ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ reality show

CHICAGO — Out of work since he was impeached by Illinois lawmakers, Rod Blagojevich is taking his job search to TV’s toughest boss — Donald Trump.

Madeleine Albright

Madeleine Albright first woman United States Secretary of State signs copies of her new book ‘Read My Pins Stories from a Diplomat’s Jewel Box’ at Borders Books Chicago.

Acting chief of US Olympic committee leaving amid turmoil in wake of Chicago 2016 vote

Six months of shaky decisions and turmoil came to a head for the U.S. Olympic Committee on Wednesday when its acting CEO said she would step down, bringing more chaos to an organization that was humiliated when Chicago’s bid to host the 2016 Games fell flat.

Jennifer Hudson to tape prime-time Christmas special in Chicago hometown

NEW YORK — Jennifer Hudson returns to her hometown of Chicago for an ABC prime-time special, “Jennifer Hudson: I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” that will air in December.

CAPITAL CULTURE: Michelle Obama’s staff helps her carry out duties as White House hostess

PITTSBURGH — One by one, gleaming motorcades pulled up outside of a white-columned home on a farm just outside this city, each depositing the wife of a foreign leader here for an economic summit. Inside, Michelle Obama waited for her first turn as international hostess.

IOC says American TV rights for 2014-2016 Olympics now less valuable after Rio de Janeiro win

COPENHAGEN — The cost of Chicago’s defeat in its bid to host the 2016 Olympics will be felt in the value of the next U.S. broadcast deal.

Northern Illinois University unveils memorial sculpture for victims of campus shooting

DEKALB, Ill. — Officials at Northern Illinois University have unveiled a sculpture at the site of a campus shooting that left five students dead in 2008.

Oprah and Chicago’s other celebs turn on the star power to lobby for city’s 2016 Olympics bid

COPENHAGEN — Want a picture with Oprah? She’s holding court in the restaurant. Interested in talking to a Dream Teamer or a Perfect 10? David Robinson and Nadia Comaneci are roaming the halls. How about a meeting with the first lady? If you’re an International Olympic Committee member, it’s a good bet Michelle Obama could work you in.

3 reasons why each 2016 bid city can win; 3 reasons why each can lose

Friday’s vote by the International Olympic Committee in Copenhagen to select the host city for the 2016 Summer Games is too close to call.

Site of 2016 Games will play big part in USOC’s future relations with IOC, own members

COPENHAGEN — They shelved long-awaited plans for a TV network after only a month, and made nice with International Olympic Committee members who think they’re hogging the piggy bank.

Lyric Opera of Chicago opens season with glowing “Tosca,” but labor problems threaten

CHICAGO — Less than a week after the boobirds perched at New York’s Lincoln Center for the season opening of the Metropolitan Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago opened its own 2009-10 season Saturday night with the same opera, Puccini’s “Tosca,” and drew only cheers and applause.

“Time Traveler’s Wife” author finds perfect cemetery for new novel set in London

LONDON — West of Karl Marx and just up the path from Charles Dickens’ widow and daughter stands author Audrey Niffenegger, deep in the heart of London’s Highgate Cemetery, the setting for her new novel, “Her Fearful Symmetry.”

Hugh Jackman, Daniel Craig star in a melodramatic ‘Steady Rain’ on Broadway

NEW YORK — Superheroes can do just about anything on screen, courtesy of the special effects department.

Chicago fashion designers to outfit city’s Olympic delegation to Copenhagen

CHICAGO — Fashion designer Maria Pinto has been a favorite of first lady Michelle Obama. President Barack Obama has worn suits from menswear maker Hart Schaffner Marx.

Daniel Craig, Hugh Jackman open ‘A Steady Rain,’ about Chicago police officers, on Broadway

NEW YORK — James Bond and Wolverine have hit Broadway.

Oprah Winfrey’s fans gather for talk show taping as Chicago’s Michigan Avenue shut down

CHICAGO — Thousands of Oprah Winfrey’s fans gathered on Michigan Avenue to help the talk show host celebrate the 24th season of her show with a public taping Tuesday that included performances from the Black Eyed Peas and Jennifer Hudson.

Oprah Winfrey to launch season with Black Eyed Peas, taping show on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue

CHICAGO — Oprah Winfrey is taking over the Magnificent Mile.

Panthers racing to catch up with Steelers on and off field ahead of preseason finale

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson has long said he wanted his young franchise to emulate the family-run Pittsburgh Steelers.

Reverend Horton

The Reverend Horton Heat and his band
perform at the House of Blues.