Impatient passengers led to delays in rush hour subway traffic on Tuesday, causing a slowdown that lasted almost four hour. The delay began when a packed subway train had to stop for an hour due to a malfunctioning train ahead. The passengers got anxious in the heat and stuffy atmosphere and left the train.

Authorities arrested a man who attempted to rob a local muffler store, and left his contact number with the employees. At about 9 a. m. Monday, Ruben Zarate, 18 years old, allegedly went to a Mufflers for Less, and held up the place at gunpoint, insisting that the employees hand over the money. He was told, however, that there was no money in the store at the moment, as the manager was the only one with access to the safe, and he was not present.

As thousands of Irish citizens took to the streets in celebration of St. Patrick's Day, several leaders have raised concerns about the need for people to practice restraint when drinking during the celebration. Local authorities announced that they will be keeping a closer eye on people's drinking consumption for this year's celebration, in an effort to avoid incidents such as street fighting or drunk driving - events that have reportedly occurred in the past, right after the celebrations.

Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis announced a new system to help keep city police officers in shape and physically fit, saying the old requirements are not working. Weis, who said the current cash-incentive system is not working, announced a new plan which would focus on more "holistic" or "integral" approach to physical fitness, including healthier eating habits and sustainable workout programs.

Loneliness is painful and potentially deadly, according to new research at the University of Chicago that found animals, gadgets and spiritual beliefs - not just friends - ease the sense of being alone. "It's actually a greater risk for morbidity or mortality than cigarette smoking is," says Nicholas Epley, Assistant Professor of Behavioral Science at the university's Graduate School of Business and lead author of an article on the subject in the February issue of the journal Psychological Science.