FAA Investigating Near Collision at O'Hare

(CHICAGO) -- Federal Aviation officials are investigating a near disaster at O'Hare International Airport.

Two planes nearly collided shortly after Vice President Joe Biden's plane landed. It is believed a traffic controller made an error. A SkyWest Airlines Canadair jet carrying 29 people avoided colliding with an ExpressJet Airlines Embraer ERJ-145 carrying 50 people. The planes came within four feet horizontally and 300 feet vertically of each other -- causing the pilots to reportedly scream in terror.

The FAA investigation made require additional training or new procedures.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Canadian Man Charged in Oprah Winfrey Ticket Hoax

(CHICAGO) -- A Canadian man is facing charges after police say he allegedly faked being mugged in an effort to score tickets to Oprah Winfrey's farewell show at the United Center Tuesday night.

Robert Spearing, 44, of Ontario, Canada told police he manufactured injuries by scraping his hands on the sidewalk and using a rock to cut open his forehead to make his story more believable after telling authorities he had been assaulted and robbed for his tickets just before the show.

Police say Spearing told them he did not want to disappoint his wife by not being able to get tickets to the event. He is charged with felony disorderly conduct.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Financial Incentive for Apartment Buildings to go Smoke-Free

(CHICAGO) -- The Chicago Tobacco Prevention Project (CTPP) is offering a monetary incentive to owners and operators of apartment buildings to establish smoke-free environments in buildings.

The CTPP is offering property managers, owners, and condo associations up to $10,000 in grants for the implementation of smoke-free policies in buildings with multiple units. Officials say the effort is part of the "Piloting and Promoting Smoke-free Homes" initiative, which seeks to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke in the Chicago area.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

CPS Financial Officer Resigns

(CHICAGO) -- Chicago Public Schools' chief financial officer, Diana Ferguson, resigned on Monday. Ferguson was one of the few leaders Mayor Rahm Emanuel retained in their positions.

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Ferguson is getting married and moving to the suburbs; city employees are required to live in the city. CPS faces a $720 million budget deficit. Ferguson will continue working pro-bono until her replacement is found.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio

Rahm Emanuel Pledges $75 Million in Budget Cuts

(CHICAGO) -- Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced his intentions to shave $75 million off the city budget on Tuesday, the day after he was sworn in.

The Chicago deficit is estimated between $500 and $700 million, according to WLS-TV. Emanuel addressed the financial situation to commuters at the CTA Red Line station on 95th Street.

Some of the proposed cuts include the senior management payroll, non-essential contracts, and a more efficient use of government grants.

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio