Karzai: Afghan troops take lead to secure country

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — Afghan forces have taken over the lead from the U.S.-led NATO coalition for security nationwide, President Hamid Karzai announced Tuesday in a significant milestone in the 12-year war.

NATO and SEATO no longer necessary organizations

NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, was formed after World War II at the beginning of the Cold War. This was formed by nations of Europe, North America and the United Kingdom to put a lid on the progress of communism that was spreading at the end of the war.

South Shore revenue grew despite fewer riders

Commuters prepare to board a Chicago-bound South Shore Line train at the Gary Metro Center in May. Despite a slight ridership dip due in part to a fare increase, revenue at the region's commuter rail service improved last year compared to 2010.

NWI economy idling

Commuters prepare to board a Chicago-bound South Shore Line train at the Gary Metro Center last year. Ridership on the South Shore commuter railroad so far this year is down 6 percent as compared to one year ago.

Porter man arrested during NATO summit demonstrations

CHICAGO | A Porter man is one of six people who face a felony charge after being arrested Sunday night during demonstrations at the recent NATO summit.

NICTD sees light traffic on Monday morning commute

Anti-NATO protesters march in Chicago on Monday, the last day of the NATO Summit.

NICTD sees light traffic on Monday morning commute

Anti-NATO protesters march in Chicago on Monday, the last day of the NATO summit.

NICTD sees light traffic on Monday morning commute

A waiter watches anti-NATO protesters march in Chicago on Monday, the last day of the NATO summit.

NICTD sees light traffic on Monday morning commute

Occupy Chicago member Marcus Demery takes a break during an anti-NATO rally in Chicago on Monday, the last day of the NATO summit.

NICTD sees light traffic on Monday morning commute

Anti-NATO protesters march on Lake Street in Chicago on Monday, the last day of the NATO summit.

NICTD sees light traffic on Monday morning commute

Anti-NATO protesters march in Chicago on Monday, the last day of the NATO summit.

NICTD sees light traffic on Monday morning commute

Rosa Vazquez, of Dyer, had warned her boss she might be hours late Monday to her job in Chicago's Loop.

NATO's final day in Chicago

As the NATO summit concluded Monday, police kept the morning transit smooth for commuters while protesters took to the streets.

NICTD sees light traffic on Monday morning commute

South Shore commuters and co-workers Kari Wasserott, left, of Lowell, and Bev Grabek, of Hebron, exit the Van Buren Street stop in Chicago on Monday morning. The women were pleased with the ease of their commute on the close of the NATO summit.

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CHICAGO | South Shore commuters from Indiana exit a westbound train at the Van Buren Street stop in Chicago on Monday morning.

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CHICAGO | A Chicago Police officer monitors the Van Buren Street stop in Chicago on Monday morning.

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CHICAGO | METRA Police monitor the Van Buren Street stop in Chicago on Monday morning.

NICTD sees light traffic on Monday morning commute

Metra security employee off-duty Chicago police Officer Scott Babich monitors South Shore commuters Monday as they exit a westbound train at the Van Buren Street stop in Chicago.

NICTD sees light traffic on Monday morning commute

Metra security employees monitor South Shore trains Monday as they depart the Van Buren Street stop in Chicago.

NICTD sees light traffic on Monday morning commute

Hobart resident Christian Arotoma waits Monday for an eastbound South Shore train to take him to Indiana at the Van Buren Street stop in Chicago. The 6:57 a.m. train Arotoma was waiting for passed by without picking up any passengers. At least two eastbound trains were canceled and he had to…