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 [...]

Iran Announces Plans to Increase Uranium Enrichment

Iran told the U.N. International Atomic Energy Agency Monday that it would begin enriching its stockpile of uranium to 20 percent purity for a medical reactor, renewing calls from U.S., Russian and French officials for a tougher approach and unified action against Tehran.

Opposition Candidate Appears to Eke Out Win in Ukraine

With almost all of the votes tallied, opposition candidate Viktor Yanukovych claimed a victory over Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko by a slim margin in Sunday's presidential runoff in Ukraine, although Tymoshenko refused to concede defeat by Monday evening local time.

Blueprint America: Motor City Faces Transportation Crossroads

Once a hub of innovation, Detroit's now stands as the symbol of an industry's struggle for progress. As much of the world looks to faster, cleaner and more modern transportation, the Blueprint America series on infrastructure examines the future of the Motor City and transportation in America.

Hope, Healing for New Orleans After Super Bowl

New Orleans is riding high on the momentum of Sunday's Super Bowl upset by the hometown Saints over the Indianapolis Colts. And for a city still rebuilding from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the championship signifies the spirit of survival in the Big Easy.

Saints Stun Colts for First Super Bowl Win

The New Orleans Saints defeated the Indianapolis Colts in the Super Bowl, offering hope for a city still recovering from Hurricane Katrina.

'Checklist Manifesto' Author Pairs Simplicity With Lifesaving

Could the straightforward checklists used by airline pilots also help save lives in the operating room? Dr. Atul Gawande's book, "The Checklist Manifesto," examines how lists can reduce risk in the medical field and beyond.