OFFBEAT: Lassie's Timmy and Blackhawk Denis Savard here this week

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Leno to leave NBC's 'Tonight Show' next spring

NBC on Wednesday announced its long-rumored switch in late night, replacing Jay Leno at the "Tonight" show with Jimmy Fallon and moving the iconic franchise back to New York.

Analysis: Despite ouster plans, Leno leads ratings

Jay Leno and the "Tonight" show is one of the few remaining successful programs that NBC has on its network. So why would its executives think about getting rid of him?

Coffee from an elephant's gut fills a $50 cup

GOLDEN TRIANGLE, Thailand (AP) — In the lush hills of northern Thailand, a herd of 20 elephants is excreting some of the world's most expensive coffee.

Lake County Council paves way for highway department raises

CROWN POINT | The Lake County Council on Tuesday approved across-the-board 3 percent pay raises for the Lake County Highway Department.

Classic crooner Bobby Vinton happy for Chicagoland return visit

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

OFFBEAT: Gladys Knight comes to Star Plaza after 'Dancing with the Stars' run

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Blue Man Group celebrates 15 years at Chicago Briar Street Theatre

The Blue Man Group had just celebrated their first year with Briar Street Theatre in Chicago when Tom Galassi joined the glowing drumming trio.

Funny business: Center for Visual and Performing Arts offering some comedy greats

Performing and show business is all about timing. It's one of the reasons local claim-to-fame Nick Gaza, the nationally known TV comedian who is originally from East Chicago, says it's a great time to be funny.

Funny business: Center for Visual and Performing Arts offering some comedy greats

Performing and show business is all about timing.

OFFBEAT: 'The Situation' causing 'situation' at Hammond nightclub opening

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

OFFBEAT: 'Jersey Shore' Mike 'The Situation' headed to Hammond for New Year's Eve

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Locals welcome 'ugly' sweater season with book

The Crown Point and St. John natives who run uglychristmassweaterparty.com are now autographing their new 152-page hardcover, "Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Book," which they just launched with an appearance on "The Tonight Show."

Local trio welcomes holidays and 'ugly' sweater season with new book

When Adam Paulson was contacted earlier this year by a literary agent pitching a book project about ugly sweaters and themed parties dedicated to the worst of the worst in wool, he was skeptical.

Ugly Christmas sweater trio to laugh it up 'Tonight' with Leno

CROWN POINT | From a $70 purchase of three ugly sweaters at a local Goodwill Store in 2009 to three seats tonight on Jay Leno's couch, a whimsical investment is paying off.