A High-Tech Alternative for Hollywood Hopefuls

by JAMES WARREN

“House lights up!” proclaimed the silver-haired former lawyer who, with blue jeans, black T-shirt, black safari jacket and Nikes, looked oh-so Hollywood in an oh-so Chicago bastion, the Merchandise Mart. As four understudies from the Second City comedy troupe entered the sound stage, they were trailed by film students climaxing three weeks of labor by taping [...]

New Chef Will Help Pastry Level to Rise

by BEN GOLDBERGER

Chicago has long attracted ambitious immigrants from all corners of the world. World champion bakers from tiny Alsatian villages are not usually among them. Pierre Zimmermann may well be the first when he arrives in August to join the faculty of Chicago’s French Pastry School. Mr. Zimmermann stands out in the tightly-knit and highly competitive international [...]

Vote Shows Machine Breaking Down

by DAN MIHALOPOULOS

Terrence O’Brien got his start in Chicago Democratic politics like so many of his peers and the generations that came before him, dutifully ringing doorbells to solicit votes for his state senator on the far North Side. He rose to coordinating other precinct captains for such candidates as a young Cook County state’s attorney and [...]

If You Get a Parking Ticket, a Prayer May Not Help

by KATIE FRETLAND

In a conflict between churches and the state of affairs with the city’s new parking meters, a group of black ministers is circulating petitions designed to end the ticketing of parked cars during church events. The movement started after people leaving a recent community meeting at Israel Methodist Community Church on the South Side found their [...]

Kick Back and Relax as a Cafe Returns

by JESSICA REAVES

Two years ago, when the grungy Wicker Park icon Filter Cafe was ousted from its prime location in the Flat Iron Arts Building by a bank, its clientele was forced to seek other venues in which to lounge while drinking the occasional cup of coffee. Late last month, much to the carefully modulated delight of its [...]

City’s Public Schools Seek a Bit of Serenity

by CRYSTAL YEDNAK

Ron Huberman, the chief executive of Chicago’s public schools, is looking to hire a “Culture of Calm” coordinator to improve conditions in schools deemed most at risk for student violence. The coordinator would work closely with principals on resolving conflicts, providing better emotional support for students, and improving discipline and attendance. The job could pay up [...]

If EU Countries Default, How Will the U.S. Be Affected?

Paul Solman answers your questions on business and economic news on "The Business Desk."

Flying Cheap: Sky Safety Lags as Airline Outsourcing Booms

Since 2002, the last six fatal commercial airline accidents in the U.S. have all involved the small regional airlines that major carriers are increasingly leaning on to keep down fares. In an excerpt from the PBS program "Frontline," Miles O'Brien investigates the safety issues associated with such outsourcing.

Greek Deficit Sends Financial Tremors Through EU

The financial markets remain unstable as disagreement persists within the European Union about how to deal with swelling debt levels in Greece, Portugal and Spain. Jeffrey Brown talks to an economist for insight.

Debt Lands Greece in 'New Age of Austerity'

With mounting debt putting Greece dangerously close to a sovereign default, the country is under increasing pressure from European Union nations to reign in spending. John Sparks of ITN reports.

California Braces as NUMMI Auto Plant Nears Closing

This spring, Toyota expects to slam the brakes on one of its California-based assembly plants. About 5,000 workers are preparing for unemployment at the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. plant, as well as hundreds more in the auto pipeline across the state. Spencer Michels reports.

Toyota Recalls More Cars as Safety Woes Continue

Toyota will recall 437,000 Prius and other hybrid vehicle models, bringing its worldwide recall total to 8.5 million vehicles for brake and accelerator problems.