All articles from Mark Guarino

Detroit bankruptcy: Already, clock is ticking to get in and out

The plan calls for Detroit, burdened by $18 billion in debt, to emerge from bankruptcy in 15 months. The timeline is ambitious but realistic, say bankruptcy experts. But some speed bumps have already appeared.
Detroit bankruptcy: Governor authorizes filing, declaring 'no viable alternative' (+video)

The Detroit bankruptcy filing, which follows a decades-long decline in city finances that led to $18 billion in debt, sets the stage for a showdown with 43 public sector unions facing a drastic cut in pensions.
Blagojevich sought 'political deal ... in the public interest,' appeal says

The disgraced former governor of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich, is appealing his conviction on corruption charges, arguing the judge barred evidence that put his actions in context.
Stifling heat wave settles over northeast quarter of US. Not cool.

From the mid-Atlantic to the Northeast and back through Michigan, extreme heat is firing up this week over a broad area, prompting cities to prepare cooling centers.
Ariel Castro now facing 977 charges in Cleveland: A statement by prosecutors?

A new indictment, announced Friday, nearly triples the number of charges against alleged Cleveland captor Ariel Castro following his arrest in May. He’s due to be arraigned again next Wednesday.
Conceal-carry: Heeding court, Illinois becomes 50th state to allow it

Both chambers of the Illinois legislature on Tuesday overrode a veto on the matter by Gov. Pat Quinn. About 300,000 residents could apply for conceal-carry permits, although some details of the law have to be worked out first.
Cleveland strong: 3 women, once kidnapped, thank supporters

In a video, three Cleveland women, kidnapped and held captive for about a decade, thank the public and the Cleveland Courage Fund, which has raised more than $1 million to help them start anew.
Chicago erupts in gun violence: 74 people shot, 12 killed over July 4 weekend

The July 4 weekend gun violence pushed the number of Chicago murder victims this year over 200. Many of he shootings were in neighborhoods where gangs are well established.
Year after drought, wettest Midwest spring in 40 years delays crop planting

Last year, Midwest farmers struggled with drought; this year, it's heavy rain and sodden farmlands, which have pushed back the planting season. By contrast, farmers in the South worry about too little rain.
Fourth of July events: how cities are beefing up security post Boston Marathon

This Fourth of July, Detroit’s RiverWalk, where many people usually watch the fireworks, will be closed. Atlanta, meanwhile, has a multi-agency operations center that will allow various officials to combine efforts.
Lonesome George, famous Galápagos tortoise, to be preserved: why he's a symbol

Lonesome George, who died last year, will be displayed at the American Museum of Natural History in New York this winter. Experts hope the exhibit will spread awareness about species extinction.
Why states that ban gay marriage are resting easy after Supreme Court rulings

As gay marriage supporters celebrate this week's rulings at the US Supreme Court, states that prohibit same-sex marriage are also elated, reassured that their bans are not in legal jeopardy.
McDonalds has served its last halal McChicken sandwich in US

McDonalds has served halal food, which is in accordance with Muslim dietary laws, at two Michigan restaurants for 12 years. But it's stopping the service after a lawsuit alleging the food was not halal. One problem: Not everyone agrees what halal is.
Nik Wallenda above the canyon: a 1,400-foot conversation with Jesus (+video)

Nik Wallenda, who was wearing a microphone, put his faith on display during the broadcast of his high-wire walk above a gorge near the Grand Canyon, especially as wind started moving the cable.
Daredevil Wallenda to take on Grand Canyon – without a safety net

Daredevil aerialist Nik Wallenda is poised to take on his greatest challenge Sunday: Walking 1,500 feet above a gorge in the Grand Canyon. His last feat was wire-walking over Niagara Falls.
Why prosecutors aren't done charging alleged Cleveland captor Ariel Castro

Earlier this month, a grand jury indicted Ariel Castro on 139 counts of rape and 177 counts of kidnapping. Prosecutors say they expect to add more charges within two weeks.
Difference Maker David Eads runs FreeGeek Chicago, 'an Apple Store for the rest of us'

FreeGeek Chicago gives volunteers hands-on training in restoring old computers to sell or recycle – while they earn credits toward taking home their own desktop or laptop free of charge.
Progress Watch Chicago violence abates after 2012 homicide spike

The city has boosted foot patrols in high-crime areas and is adding again to a downsized police force. It's too soon to say whether that explains a 33 percent drop in the homicide rate – or whether the improvement can be sustained.
Cleveland kidnap case: Will the 3 women have to testify to ordeal?

Ariel Castro, facing 329 criminal counts in connection with the kidnap and abuse of three Cleveland women, is back in court Wednesday. If he contests the charges, the women will need to testify, no matter how difficult that challenge.
Little urgency, a lot of politicking in Illinois over deepening pension crisis (+video)

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn (D) has called lawmakers back into session to try to deal with the state's unfunded pension obligation. But expectations are low for a resolution, even though Democrats control both chambers and the state's credit rating is taking a beating.