[ METRO BRIEFS ]

Cops say man stole from mom

An Oak Park man has been charged with stealing more than $500,000from his 94-year-old mother, but the elderly woman's caretaker -- whoDuPage County authorities allege also was involved in the theft --may have fled the country to avoid prosecution. David A. Hofmann, 68,remains jailed on $1 million bond after being charged with theft,forgery and financial exploitation of an elderly person. Hofmann isaccused of taking at least $500,000 from his mother, allegedlytelling her he was investing in an overseas business run by hercaretaker, 52-year-old Thelma Ogden of Gurnee. Authorities contendHofmann and Ogden instead used the money to pay for luxury trips tothe Philippines, where Ogden originally lived. Ogden remains atlarge, authorities said.

Burned store reopens

A popular magic shop in Homewood that burned down in an accidentalfire last Halloween has reopened. Chuck's House of Magic moved to anew location, 18725 Dixie Hwy., after the fire at its old store, at18301 Dixie Hwy. The new store is smaller than the old one, but JoyceGruberman, who owns the business with her husband, Chuck, saidexpansion might be possible.

Millennium parking could rise

Motorists who use the Millennium Park garage will have to dig alittle deeper, under a rate hike advanced by a City Council committeeMonday to help retire debt for the $475 million park. Under the plan,the daily parking rate for 12 hours or less will rise from $12 to$13. The move is expected to increase garage revenues that havelagged behind projections by $400,000 a year. Even with the increase,the Millennium Park garage is expected to remain a downtown bargain."We did an analysis of similarly situated garages," said Matt Darst,managing deputy of the city's Department of Revenue. "This allows usto maintain our competitive standing with those other garages."

Captured soldier is promoted

The only soldier the U.S. Army lists as captured in Iraq has beenpromoted to sergeant, the second promotion for the soldier from anIllinois unit since he went missing last year, the Army said Monday.Reservist Keith M. "Matt" Maupin is part of the Downstate Bartonville-based 724th Transportation Company. Maupin's promotion was effectivelast Friday, said Maj. Elizabeth Robbins, an Army spokeswoman at thePentagon.

Contributing: AP