News Net Relive the very worst of the CTA with YouTube

Since sifting through dull newspapers, hyperbolic blogs, and overflowing RSS feeds for meaningful news can be an arduous process, News Net catches and compiles both the amusing and the significant reports that were overlooked throughout the week. Here are some things to think about as the weekend begins.

• Chicagoans have seen their fair share of CTA hijinks over the years. Crackheads lighting up, public defecation, brawls, puddles of vomit, disturbing sexual acts, nuclear arms sales—the list could go on. But now, with the help of YouTube and some brave passengers, we can relive our CTA horror stories forever. Gems from the past week or so include a shit-faced dude who can’t hold it on the train, and a cranky old lady with a gargantuan cart who nearly incites a riot on the bus.

• One clear conclusion that could be reached from the city sticker debacle: Forget the damn kids and hire a local professional artist next time. The first-place sticker pictured what could potentially be construed as “gang signs,” and it caused plenty of controversy this week when it was scrapped in favor of the runner-up.

• When people think of bald eagles, they rarely think of the South Side of Chicago. But nesting bald eagles on the southeast side of the city may endanger the Chicago Police Department’s plan to build an outdoor shooting range on 33 acres of land. Bald eagles were removed from the list of endangered and threatened species in 2007, but they’re still protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. The proposed area for the shooting range borders wetlands that are scheduled for conversion to public space, and that are currently used by rare and endangered birds.

• Mayor Rahm Emanuel is urging state lawmakers to require that all handguns in Illinois be registered with the state. Those that do not comply could face felony charges. Emanuel said a statewide gun registry would help solve Chicago crimes that involve handguns from outside the city, and would also help deter gun trafficking. More than 50 percent of the guns recovered at Chicago crime scenes come from outside city limits. Of course there is that whole 2nd amendment thing that may work its way into this discussion.

• A settlement has been reached in the class action lawsuit brought by the 800 some people who were arrested after protesters took Lake Shore Drive in a 2003 march against the Iraq War. Those arrested, charged, and detained—as well as those arrested but not charged—will receive up to $15,000. The lawsuit will cost the city at least $6.2 million. The court opinion also holds that the city cannot arrest peaceful demonstrators without warning or solely because they do not have a permit. The decision will certainly hold relevance come May when the NATO/G8 Summits roll into town.

• An Illinois House Committee approved amendments to the Illinois Eavesdropping Act Wednesday. The proposed change would allow citizens to make audio recordings of police officers in public places. Under the current law an individual can be arrested and charged with a felony for recording a member of law enforcement without permission.

• The Chicago Tribune has a useful guide for this weekend’s auto show. Highlights include the highly anticipated return of the Dodge Dart, which has been missing in action since 1976.

• The Vintage Bazaar will be in Lincoln Square this weekend at DANK Haus. The roaming flea market showcases vintage housewares, furniture, artwork, jewelry, clothing, and pretty much anything else imaginable. Beer and food will also be present.

• Goose Island has a new beer that should be appearing on tap at a bar near you soon.

• Oddly enough, these nuns would prefer a titty bar not open next door to their convent.

• An astute Chicago teen was arrested while visiting a juvenile detention center last week. He was unaware it was illegal to bring in five bags of sticky icky weed.