An Unlikely Friendship with Dan Rostenkowski
A FRIENDSHIP IN WINTER: How a 34-year-old high-school dropout and recovering alcoholic found inspiration and a buddy in the irascible, imperious Dan Rostenkowski, the fallen political giant
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Raising Chicago: An Illustrated History
In 1855, the city embarked on a far-fetched scheme to hoist itself out of the mud and gunk. On the 155th anniversary of the project’s launch, we take a lively illustrated look back.
Kirk Ex-wife: Mark Will Win
Yesterday, I ran excerpts of my conversation with Kirk’s ex-wife, Kimberly Vertolli, in which she discussed the “Svengali figure” behind his campaign, Dodie McCracken. Here, Vertolli offers her take on what would seem to be Kirk’s perplexingly unnecessary exaggerations. She adds that, despite some missteps in his campaign, in the race between Kirk and Giannoulias, she would vote for her ex…
Mark Kirk’s Ex-wife: ‘Svengali Figure’ Influencing Candidate
Her marriage to Rep. Mark Kirk (R-10th Dist.) may have ended amicably in June 2009, and the two may remain friends today, but Kimberly Vertolli said that she will not “advocate” for her ex in his Senate run because she fears he is too influenced by a “Svengali figure” in his life—a former staffer named Dorothy “Dodie” McCracken…
Owning a Piece of Jonathan
When Dan and Debbie Greenberg’s son was born with a deadly genetic disorder, the Homewood couple vigorously campaigned to help find the cause, even donating autopsy samples after he died. Eventually, the doctor they assisted uncovered the lethal gene—and then, to the Greenbergs’ amazement, quietly patented it. Now they are suing, in a case being closely watched by the booming biotech industry
Interview with John W. Rowe, CEO of ComEd Parent Company Exelon
We talk to the energy company exec about politics, nukes, and climate change
Materious Duo Discusses Their Philanthropic Modern Designs
MATERIOUS: Stephanie and Bruce Tharp put a domestic twist on design
Best of Chicago 2010: Biking
Best bets for the pickiest cyclists
Jesse Jackson Jr. Makes The Hill's 50 Most Beautiful List
His career may be in the tank and his White House dreams shattered, but there’s some good news for Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. this week: He made The Hill’s “50 Most Beautiful People 2010” list—even cracking the coveted top ten…
Veteran Defense Lawyer: Blago Will Win Some Counts
After the closing arguments on Tuesday, I called a prominent defense lawyer in town whom I’ve known for decades. He asked not to be identified, but his insights are worth sharing as jurors begin deliberating today in the corruption trial of Rod Blagojevich. Caveat: His experience, legal acumen, and street smarts are from years of working as a criminal defense attorney…