Crazy for Cartoons? Look Back at 2013 for Laughs

Which Illinois politician will be arrested next? What will happen with our taxes? Which big corporation will threaten to leave us next? Predictions, anyone?

14 New Laws for the New Year

New state laws on pet stores, Facebook, child visitation, wine and unpaid tolls take effect Jan. 1, 2014.

5 Things to Know: Increase in Stamp Prices, Healthcare.gov Deadline Extension

Here are some interesting and important things to know for the coming week.

10 Fun News Year's Facts and Traditions

Here are some interesting tidbits about the upcoming holiday.

10 Money-Saving New Year's Resolutions for 2014

These promises are easy to keep—and a boon for your bank account.

Budget-Friendly Day Trips Around Chicago

Think you need a ton of money to have a ton of fun? Think again and take a look at some of our area day trips.

Homaro Cantu Bringing Cutting-Edge Cuisine to Coffee Shop

The famed chef/owner of Moto and iNG is opening a coffee and pastry shop in the Old Irving Park neighborhood. He'll use a 'miracle berry' to replace sugar in his creations.

See 'The Santaland Diaries' and Have a Polar Party at the Zoo

An adaptation of David Sedaris' hilarious account of working as a Macy's elf runs through Sunday. You can also head to the Lincoln Park Zoo to learn about how animals deal with frigid weather.

Today's Classroom Lesson: Changes in Teacher Salaries Since 1970

A Chicago blogger has put together a useful and fascinating interactive map for tracking average teacher pay by state since 1970. You can even adjust the figures for inflation. Highly recommended.

Help a 5-Year-Old Cancer Survivor's Family With Its Bills

Also, two sisters are raising money to do relief work in Haiti, a woman heads to Columbia to teach English and a dog owner needs help covering her pups surgery bill.

Local DJ Sees Music as a "Way to Give Back"

Marc Moder, aka DJ Moose, regularly plays at several bars around Boystown. This New Year’s Eve, he’s using those skills to raise money for Lambda Legal.

New Gen X Moms in Town: Best Data Maps of 2013

Are you a new mom with an old Lemonheads t-shirt? The map below shows where you can find other new moms of your generation.

12 Delicious and Surprising Holiday Side Dishes

These sides will take center stage at the holiday table.

Christmas Dinner SOS: How to Save Your Holiday Dishes

Simple tips for making sure all your hard work in the kitchen doesn't go to waste.

10 Weird Facts About Christmas Foods

Here are some fun and weird facts about Christmas foods that might have you rethinking your own holiday menu and traditions.

Photo Gallery: The Most Festive and Wacky Gingerbread Houses

From an entire gingerbread village to a life-sized gingerbread house, these sweet and festive creations are the perfect addition to the holiday season.

This Trick Will Save Your Holiday Fruit Pie

A pie bird will prevent your pies from getting soggy.

5 Fun Activities the Family Can Do Together on Christmas Eve

Keep the kids amused and make some memories together while waiting for the relatives to arrive.

Upscale Restaurant Opens in Eataly

Baffo opened last week — and is the final addition to the now-complete Eataly.

Nuclear Winter for IL GOP?

Unique Holiday Dessert Recipes

Spice up your holiday dessert spread with these creative dishes.

Your Guide to Holiday Tipping

We reveal how much to tip your babysitter, mail carrier, hairdresser, and more.

Could You Go an Entire Year Without Buying Clothes?

…Or a cup of coffee, or going to the movies? Smart spender Betty Linneman made the ultimate New Year’s resolution in 2013. Could you do the same?

Holiday Viewing Guide: Christmas 2013 TV Schedule

Check out these holiday classics with your family this week.

Best Maps of 2013: Who Has the Worst Commute?

The map below shows a snapshot of how many minutes it generally takes people to get to work.

New O'Hare Noise is out of hand

Explainer: Why Holiday Radio Is Such Big Business

Where are the stations playing Christmas music? Everywhere. We looked at the numbers of just how many in 2012.

[VIDEO] What to Do When Cake Gets Stuck in the Pan

Follow this simple tip to ensure baking your holiday cake is a no-fuss experience.

This Week's Pets: BFF Cats, Curious Monkey

This week's pets include two best friend cats and an energetic Pit Bull Terrier.

Drunk Guy Visits Police, Holy Scriptures Stolen

A look at weird crime in the Chicago area this week.

[VIDEO] How to Fix Hardened Brown Sugar

If your holiday desserts require brown sugar but it's too hard to use, here's a great tip for softening it in only 10 minutes.

Best Maps of 2013: Are Men or Women Living Longer?

Click on the map below to find out the life expectancy for 2010 for men or women.

Which Illinois Counties Have the Highest Property Taxes?

There are 23 Illinois counties that rank among the highest property taxes nationally. We made a chart of them ranked by the average home price in each county.

Weight Loss Tips, Housing Market Stats and an Eagle Safari

Best of the Blogs: This Week's Top Reads.

$9.3 Million Pricetag on 100-Year-Old Inn

Also in this week's "Good Reads," the Glenbrook North students raised more than $1,200 for tornado victims in Washington, Ill.

Map: Where in Town Were the Most Homes Decreasing in Values?

The recent drops in home values suggest that 2014's numbers might not be as strong as they were this year. Hover over any area of town in the map below to see the percentage of homes whose values diminished.

[VIDEO] How to Shop Your House for Last-Minute Gifts

Here are some easy last-minute gift ideas that will save you time and money.

Last-Minute Gift Idea: Homemade Granola

Don't have time to holiday shop? Homemade granola is an easy and affordable gift.

Quinn: Time for $10 minimum wage

Winter Adventure Day Trips Near Chicago

Getting into the holiday spirit? From ice skating to choosing the perfect tree, we have some day trips that will transport you to a winter wonderland or one tank of gas.