The briefs
Daily Herald, ABC7 report
From far-flung suburbs to the heart of Chicago, a monthslong investigation by the Daily Herald and ABC7 I-Team reveals how the watchdogs may not be catching some shoddy home construction. Many municipal inspectors are being stretched thin, increasing the chance that unsafe conditions in new homes will slip through the cracks, the research shows. How can you protect yourself? Read the special two-day series starting Thursday in the Daily Herald and watch it at 10 p.m. Wednesday on ABC7 Chicago.
Cops hold Kids Night Out
Naperville police will sponsor "Too Good For Drugs Kids Night Out" from 6 to 9 p.m. today at Brunswick Zone, 1515 Aurora Ave., Naperville. For $5, each child will receive an unlimited event pass for the evening that entitles them to unlimited carnival rides access and reduced prices for snacks and game keys. Brunswick Zone's Event Coordinator Jennifer Kuikman has pledged that half of all profits will go directly to the Too Good For Drugs program in Naperville. All Naperville elementary school resource officers and other police personnel will be present to meet with participants. For details, call (630) 305-5477.
Veterans Day in Lombard
Lombard's Veterans Day ceremony will be at 11 a.m. today in Volunteer Plaza, Main Street and St. Charles Road. Participants include American Legion Post 391, Lilac VFW Post 5815 and village president William Mueller. The Rev. Jerry Bimber from Lombard Church of the Nazarene will give the convocation and the keynote speaker will be Rick Frank, VFW state adjutant. A reception follows at the Grove Family Restaurant, 2 St. Charles Road. For details, call Kate Burke at (630) 620-3083 or visit www.villageoflombard.org.
Job training, GED programs
The Early School Leaver Program in Addison is accepting applications for its 2008 spring semester that begins in mid-January. The next informational meetings are at 1:30 p.m. this Wednesday and Dec. 12 at the Technology Center of DuPage, 301 S. Swift Road in Addison. The program offers free GED preparation, workplace skill-building and career training on weekdays for DuPage residents ages 17 to 21. For details or to register, call (630) 691-7577 or visit www.tcdupage.org/esl.html.