Patch Flash: Forecasts Say La Nina Likely to Bring Another Cold, Snowy Winter

Long-range forecasters are expecting this winter's snowfall and average temperatures to rank the city as home to the nation's worst winter. According to AccuWeather.com's forecast, the Chicago area will likely be clobbered by between 50 and 58 inches of snow this winter -- approximately the same amount as the 56 inches that fell over the city last year. The culprit is La Nina, said Ed Fenelon, meteorologist for the National Weather Service's Chicago office. There is a higher than normal risk of severe weather, like the tornadoes we had in November last year,” Fenelon said.

The city of Elmhurst has not escaped the emerald ash borer infestation identified in Illinois more than five years ago. The city has determined that no effective chemical or biological treatments exist that are appropriate on a large scale

on Sept. 29. Alexander Stover has been charged with one count of bank robbery. Stover was taken into custody by Arlington Heights police on Sept. 30.

The owner of the Oak Park Avenue bar called the cops Monday after an employee said a roll of quarters was all that remained in a cash box that previously contained $400 in small bills.

Chicago is not only going after distracted drivers, but also distracted bicycle riders. The Chicago City Council on Wednesday approved an ordinance barring bicyclists from using their cell phones to text message or talk on the phone without a hands-free device. Fines start at $20 compared to the motorist’s fines, which start at $75.

The death of Apple co-founder Steve She puts him in the same category as Walt Disney; magic makers of the first order.