Briefs: Security upgrade for city
The city of Chicago and IBM today will announce the initial phase of what officials say could be the most advanced video security network in any U.S. city. In other words, the City of Broad Shoulders is getting eyes in the back of its head. "Chicago is really light years ahead of any metropolitan area in the U.S. now," said IBM executive Sam Docknevich. Chicago already has thousands of security cameras in use by businesses and police -- including some equipped with devices that recognize the sound of a gunshot, turn the cameras toward the source and place a 911 call. But the new system would allow cameras analyze images in real time 24 hours a day, IBM and city officials said.
Family offers reward
The family of a missing Chicago woman now is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to her whereabouts. Nailah Franklin, 28, was last heard from a week ago. Franklin's car was found Friday night in Hammond, Ind., near an abandoned building. The pharmaceutical sales representative for Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly was reported missing Sept. 19 after she didn't show up for an important work meeting. Since then, family members and volunteers have been papering the city with fliers. In addition, the family has launched a Web site asking for the public's help. Franklin filed a police report about threatening phone calls she received from a man she dated briefly. Chicago police Monday revealed they interviewed someone Franklin dated but have not named him as a suspect.
West Nile cases grow
A fourth person has died as a result of West Nile virus, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported Wednesday. The disease, spread by infected mosquitoes, has struck 48 people in Illinois so far this year and killed four. State officials also announced three people in DuPage County fell ill with the virus recently, including a man and woman in their 40s and a woman in her 30s. Officials warned that colder weather doesn't mean mosquito season is over and advised people to wear bug spray and stay indoors after sunset.
Rush-Copley honored
Aurora's Rush-Copley Medical Center was named to AARP's 2007 50 Best Employers for Workers Over 50 List, officials said this week. The center is one of six Illinois-based companies recognized for outstanding policies and practices for seniors. The medical center is the only community hospital in the state to make the list. "This award demonstrates the medical center's exemplary practices in recruitment, retention and promotion of older workers," Barry C. Finn, president and CEO of Rush-Copley said in a statement.
Bids for Kids seeks helpers
Residents interested in helping plan the 32nd annual Bids for Kids Benefit Auction for Little Friends Inc. are invited to an informational meeting at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at 140 N. Wright St., Naperville. The auction will be March 8 at the Hilton Lisle-Naperville. Last year's event raised more than $125,000 to benefit children and adults with developmental disabilities. Volunteers are needed to assist with logistics, sponsorships, marketing, decorations, and solicitation of live and silent auction items. For details, contact Cally Edwards at (630) 281-1882 or credwards@lilfriends.com.