CHICAGO -- It was Christmas week, so we understand if a few hot stories escaped your notice. Here's 8 you might have missed.
1. Quesadillas nearly two-feet long.
Machetes Big Quesadillas, a new Archer Heights restaurant, offers 20-inch quesadillas stuffed with toppings like steak, chicken, pork, cheese, mushrooms and even cactus. Employees keep a tape measure next to the counter to prove the product is nearly 2 feet in length. Check out our video.
2. Local guy headed to the Fiesta Bowl.
Fabbians Ebbele, an Arizona University offensive lineman, has been the Wildcats' Mr. Reliable for the last four seasons. The Simeon graduate and Roseland native has played in 50 consecutive games, starting 49 of them, at right tackle since being inserted into Arizona's lineup in fall 2011. Justin Breen has the story.
3. Jackie Robinson West boundaries changed. >
The boundaries that allowed Jackie Robinson West to claim some top players for last summer's run to the Little League National title were quietly changed without the knowledge of the leagues that lost turf. Mark Konkol has the details.
4. Demolition of part of the old Edgewater Hospital is starting.
After years of stagnation -- and stagnant water in the basement -- the parking garage attached to the old Edgewater Medical Center is finally coming down. Will the hospital be next as developers get ready to build new homes? Ben Woodard has the details.
5. City's New Year's Eve crackdown on all-you-can-drink specials.
Last New Year's Eve, the city cracked down on all-you-can-drink specials, invoking the Happy Hour Law. It's caused some bars to scale back plans and to change specials this year. It also cost some bars lots of money in fines. Alisa Hauser has the details.
When the newly-renovated Blue Line stop at Damen opened this week, something seemed wrong. It had the wrong address written in big gold letters at the entrance. It's been fixed. Alisa Hauser was on it.
7. "The Simpsons" in the classroom?
A Beverly woman has found an innovative way to teach, and it involves Homer Simpson. Howard Ludwig explains.
8. Holy mole!
The reliably good food, low prices and casual atmosphere that made Gio's Cafe and Deli a neighborhood hit for nearly 15 years are about to get re-created, Mexican style. The owners of the popular Italian cafe will soon open Gio's Authentic Mexican Food in the former Oliver's Cafe at 451 W. 31st St., which they've renovated with new tables and chairs, a splash of vibrant paint and Mexican folk art to adorn the walls. Casey Cora explains.
