COMEDY: This weekend marks the 9th Annual Del Close Marathon. Del Close, if you don't know by now, "was the driving force behind improvisational comedy in Chicago for over 30 years influencing Bill Murray, Tina Fey, Mike Myers, John Belushi, Chris Farley and the Upright Citizens Brigade to name a few." The annual weekend began after Del's passing in 1999. more ›

After being suspended from the Village Voice for writing a fabricated cover story this week, Nick Sylvester has just been forced to quit his other job as associate editor at Pitchfork Media. more ›

"We are deeply saddened by Elliott Smith's tragic death and send our condolences to his friends and family. He was perhaps his generation's most gifted singer-songwriter. His enormous talent could change your life with a whisper. We will miss him." - Dreamworks Records statement. more ›