While there is arguably no good time for a governor to have one of his political insiders on federal trial, the looming verdict in the case of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's pal Tony Rezko likely couldn't come at a worse time.

Michelle Obama, speaking as her husband may have the Democratic presidential nomination within his grasp, told a Chicago luncheon crowd Friday that she's more convinced than ever he is ready for the office.

In early spring, the big bushes fronting Echo Lake Road greened up nicely giving the new homeowners a pleasant view and some privacy.

If ever there was a time for the cable guy to show up, it was Friday morning. Trapped by smoke in his bedroom as fire flared in the basement of his two-story farmhouse about 9:30 a.m. Friday, a Lake in the Hills man fled to safety through a window -- and onto the porch roof, where he stood stranded.