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The drive, called Operation Cover Chicago, doesn’t have the funds needed to buy enough gifts for the roughly 10,000 kids expected to show up to receive toys Dec. 20.

Judge Lauren Edidin marked her retirement at a ceremony for graduates from Skokie Mental Health Court. And four more people were celebrated for exiting the criminal justice system.

At this point, few are convinced he’s the right guy.

About 5.9 million Illinoisans will travel more than 50 miles over the holidays. That’s 3.5% more people traveling than the same period last year.

Former President Barack Obama made a surprise visit to a pre-kindergarten class at Parkside Community Academy in South Shore, people enjoyed hot tub rides down the Chicago River, andthe Humboldt Park Puerto Rican flag at Western and Division was lit up for the holiday season for the first time…

Debbie Peterson used the band’s signature lips logo and other images associated with the Stones on a building she co-owns because she loves their music: “They’re like family.”

Lorenz Elion, 23, who works in real estate, knows people from his neighborhood who’ve been killed and others in prison for murder. But Englewood, he says, is home.

Somehow, deadline pressure can’t beat Midwestern decency, the Sun-Times’ Kwame Opam, a newcomer to Chicago, writes.

The campaign contributions are legal, but failed mayoral candidate Willie Wilson wants them banned in mayoral races. Ald. Gilbert Villegas wants to limit contributions to city officials from unions with city contracts.