Justin Bieber's monkey becomes German property

BERLIN (AP) — Justin Bieber's pet monkey is no longer his.

Jury convicts Crestwood official of lying about water

CHICAGO | After a former suburban Chicago water official was convicted Monday for lying about secretly mixing carcinogen-tainted well water into the village's drinking supply, the sense of bitterness and betrayal among residents remained.

Even urbanites can navigate a park like Yosemite

The vista of Yosemite Valley stunned me: a majestic waterfall, soaring granite, and a winding river flowing through an endless stretch of pine trees.

Prosecutors: Official lied about tainted water

CHICAGO | A prosecutor told jurors before they began deliberations Friday that a one-time suburban Chicago water official lied about drawing village water from a well tainted with a cancer-causing chemical, while her attorney declared her a scapegoat of an inner circle of powerful men.

Closing arguments under way in tainted water trial

Theresa Neubauer, the former water supervisor in Crestwood, enters the federal court in Chicago on Tuesday. Closing arguments were Friday in the case for Neubauer who is accused of lying about how the village drew drinking water from a well tainted with a cancer-causing chemical. She has ple…

Dunes hosts Green Gary and Junior Ranger Day

GARY | Join the celebration of Earth Day and National Park Week at the annual Green Gary and Junior Ranger Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore’s Douglas Center, 100 N. Lake St. in the Miller neighborhood.

Contaminated-water trial starts in Chicago

CHICAGO | The trial has started for a former Crestwood water official accused of lying about how the village drew drinking water from a tainted well for decades, apparently to save money.

Shirley Heinze Land Trust announces new officers and board

The Board of Directors of Shirley Heinze Land Trust has elected Margaret Williford as its new president.

US proposes 'musical instrument passports'

BANGKOK (AP) — Musicians, take note: Next time you travel abroad, you might need a passport — for your instrument.

Wild Ones meets Saturday for prairie talk

HAMMOND | The Gibson Woods Chapter of Wild Ones continues to grow as the interest in gardening with native plants increases.

Land trust acquires Meadowbrook Girl Scout Camp

VALPARAISO | Shirley Heinze Land Trust has purchased the former Meadowbrook Girl Scout Camp in Liberty Township, north of Valparaiso.

History of the Grand Kankakee Marsh to be explored

LOWELL | A free presentation on the Grand Kankakee Marsh, once known as the Everglades of the North, will be held at noon Saturday at the Lowell Public Library, 1505 E. Commercial Ave.

Registration under way for spring rain barrel workshops

VALPARAISO | Registration has begun for the Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County spring rain barrel workshops that aim to help Porter County residents learn more about the benefits of rain barrels, how to use them, and proper location and installation.

A good cart helps make a good garden

Let us now praise an unsung hero of the garden: the humble garden cart.

Shirley Heinze Land Trust protects nature and educates

Women’s liberation! It’s wonderful, that is, if you happen to be married to a beautiful and brainy Southern belle with a college education, a highly successful career as an executive, and an annual income that would choke an ATM.

Eco hybrid is most fuel-efficient Malibu ever

The family-size, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco hybrid sedan is the most fuel efficient Malibu ever, with a combined city/highway federal government mileage rating of 29 miles per gallon.

Park and lagoon made Horace Mann High construction unique

The Calumet Region reached its apogee in 1929, just before The Crash.

Cutler's status remains up in air

LAKE FOREST, Ill. | The Bears believe they can get by without Jay Cutler. That theory might be tested this week.

Giants lead Cardinals 5-1 in Game 6 of NLCS

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Chris Carpenter reacts after giving up a triple to San Francisco Giants' Brandon Belt on Sunday in San Francisco.

Giants lead Cardinals 5-1 in Game 6 of NLCS

San Francisco Giants' Pablo Sandoval hits an RBI single during the second inning of Game 6 of the National League championship series against the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday in San Francisco.