Metro & Tri-state One killed, two wounded in post-fireworks shootings Boy dies after falling into Jackson Park harbor Woman charged, brother apologizes Black teens to compete in tribute to Negro Leagues Dolton man fatally shot at home Colo. woman killed in crash on way to fireworks Stebic agrees to let kids see missing wife's family Legoland throws block party Police: One killed in South Side drive-by No bond for man accused of killing 5 people Gov boils over at corruption talk Scientists: Watermelon may work like Viagra Artist honors fallen soldiers with sketches Neighbor suspected girls would be caged

STNG Video View more local videos R. Kelly Trial Jailed for outburst, Kelly fan free Tony Rezko Trial Gov boils over at corruption talk Chicago 24/7 Crime Woman charged, brother apologizes One killed, two wounded in post-fireworks shootings Seven charged in death caused by someone else Neighbor suspected girls would be caged Education U of C cuts ties with state student loan agency Educator recalls Sheley as mix of anger, courtesy

Sports An end run for Oakland It's a question that Paul Konerko has a hard time answering. On one hand, he doesn't want to disrupt the flow that has been taking place during his absence: an 11-6 record since he went on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left oblique muscle.

Hoping for a fresh start The Cubs' season gets reborn on the Fourth of July. At least that's their hope as they head into this weekend's showdown with the hated -- and second-place -- St. Louis Cardinals, led by ace Carlos Zambrano's charge off the disabled list to open the series tonight.

Rose gets 1st taste of professional life After a week of talking about what it would be like to put on a Bulls uniform, Derrick Rose finally got the opportunity Thursday -- albeit a reversible black-and-white practice jersey. Rose took the court at the Berto Center for the first time since the Bulls made him the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft for the start of summer-league minicamp.

Lifestyles The city celebrates Independence Day Chicago celebrates the Fourth of July with one of the largest food festivals in the nation and fireworks that light up the lakefront. What did the day mean to those gathered at Grant Park on Thursday to join the celebration? Veronica Vasko, 4, of Woodridge, decked herself out in attire fit for a party.

Photos: July 4th celebration Fireworks for the 4th Kadner: Hero finally gets his due Portraits of sacrifice Independence Day closings
At Home Interior Affairs: A mid-century night's dream Designer's Eye: Client wants small closet turned into 'awesome' pantry Religion Archbishop warns: No campaigning Pilgrim Baptist finally gets $1M from state Horoscopes Holiday Mathis horoscopes for July 4 Georgia Nicols horoscopes for July 4

Entertainment Bartenders give insight into our favorite drinks From its historic anti-Prohibition, speakeasy culture in the 1920s to the mid-century brewery boom in the Midwest, Chicago has always been one of the hardest-hitting, bar-centric, alcohol-appreciating cities in the nation. Few other places in the world -- if any -- have a citywide signature way to take shots.

Infused booze has many new sour-faced devotees Disgusting yes, but Malort is proudly ours Sweet sips of liberty
Books Historian gets fireworked up about Fourth of July past Judge throws out law making bookstores pay fine to sell porn George F. Will has eyes on the nation Classical McGlaughlin at ease at Grant Park Stage Two fine shows extend their runs FORTUNATO'S GOLDEN TICKET Well hello, WALL-E! Animated film inspired by stage musical

Business Legoland throws block party The first indoor Legoland Discovery Center in America, featuring a Lego factory, 4-D Lego movie and a model workshop, will open at noon July 25 at the Streets of Woodfield shopping center across the street from Woodfield Mall. The 30,000-square-foot center, designed for families with children ages 2 to 12, is modeled after a Lego world in Berlin, Germany, that attracted 500,000 visitors in its first year last year. Adrian Jones, U.S. general manager for the U.K.-based center operator Merlin Entertainment, said Schaumburg was picked for Legoland's U.S. debut because of its access to highways.

United to sock passengers with another surcharge Radio fires up readers just in time for holiday grilling Personal touch at Allstate Farmers say salmonella scare has hurt tomato sales