i asked one writer john kass, is he acting like a monarch?> we don't have monarchs in chicago, we have bosses. you know this. you were here, you know what politics is all about, this is the epicenter of politics and here's where it's played and it's all about leverage. >> go ahead, it's all about leverage, and this is a criticism that he is playing chicago style politics, he's taken a chapter from the mayor daily book. he doesn't really need to get anyone's approval? >> first of all, you know, i -- let's give the president some credit here, he doesn't -- he shouldn't have to run his appointment list past sally quinn or george matron. it really doesn't matter what they think. he's from chicago, he's going to put people around him that are his people that he trusts. so all that is nonsense, that part of the criticism. the myth of barack obama was -- and you know the difference between the man and the myth. the myth was sold by david axelrod who is rich daily's mouthpiece. he told it to the national media, that barack obama was transcending poli

. >> john kass calls it like it is. much. >>> the president's spokesman when asked about the monarch criticism said the president wants to work with congress. but that gridlock is not an excuse for inaction. my thanks to john kass for his insight. >>> as a child, he almost drowned. as an adult, he is a world record holder for this -- swimming. imagine that. next, lessons learned by colin jones that he's passing along to save lives in the pool. >>> but first, it is time already to begin our annual search for cnn heroes. honoring everyday people who are changing the world. you can nominate someone special at cnnheroes.com and give them a chance to expand their work helping others and also give them the recognition they so deserve. here's anderson cooper to show you how. >> tonight we gather to honor the best that humanity has to offer. >> if you join us, we'll be unstoppable. >> cnn heroes is looking for everyday people who are changing the world. how do we find these extraordinary people? with your help. you can nominate

officials shut down a share yesterday after john kass of the chicago tribune informed them that the usda is in the process of revoking the shows of license organizers are accused of health and safety violations and mistreating the animals the show's owner said that the claims are not true navy pier paid $27,000 for the exhibit it was supposed to run until february 12th. a new wal-mart super store is open today in the west chatham neighborhood bringing hundreds of jobs to the area it came with a fight nancy loo is live with that story >>in west chatham many did not want to miss out on this morning's grand opening >>people are working i think it's a great thing >>the 157,000 wal-mart supercenter is its second here in chicago ... the local alderman here for for this store seven years battling the city and the labor unions that finally reached agreement last year paving the way for the opening on this former steel mill site >>it was contaminated it was a real eyesore and to see this new building and all of these people working ... it's a very exciting time >>along with a wider array of fresh