North Lawndale Men

Todd Johnson/MEDILL

Darrius Caston (far right) said the high expectations for Obama come with the nature of his position.  He said he hopes Obama can win a second term.

Obama election invigorates black lives, but doesn't end struggles, some caution

by Todd Johnson

Barack Obama's rise to the presidency has sparked widespread pride among African Americans.  Some professors say the enormous levels of hope and optimism could have drawbacks.


Jobless claims spike to highest level in 16 years

by Ashley Johnson

Ashley Johnson The number of U.S. workers filing for jobless benefits soared by 27,000 last week to a seasonally adjusted 542,000, the highest figure since 1992, the U.S. Department of Labor reported Thursday. This figure highlights a very weak economy, said Northern Trust Economist Asha Bangalore in an intervi



Olympic boosters, community groups butt heads

by Matt Field

A coalition of labor and community groups wants Chicago 2016, the Olympic bid committee, to include agreements on affordable housing and other issues in the bid document. Organizers say the agreements don't belong in the bid. Both sides have until this coming February, when the bid is due, to sort things out.



EAR

Experts advise iPod users to protect their hearing

by Jenelle Molenaar

Hearing loss among children is a growing concern because of increased use of personal audio devices like MP3 players and iPods set at high volumes.  On Wednesday the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association hosted a campaign at the Museum of Science and Industry to promote safe listening methods to young children.  This article describes why audiologists are worried about hearing loss and research that indicates these results.


DOGWED1

Till death do we bark

by Sigrid Lupieri

“You may now lick the bride,” says the ceremony officiator, as newlywed couples in Oak Park enjoy their first moments of marriage bliss. Within minutes, dozens of canine couples race toward the reception to gulp down their share of wedding cake, as their spouses become a fading memory. Amid lace and frills, tuxedos and bow ties, dog weddings seem to be the latest trend, as states and towns compete to break the world record of mass marriages. Oak Park hosted 87 earlier this month at "I Do, Doggone It!"

 


ADOPT

Recent vote puts spotlight on gay adoption

by Jessica Dill

There are 129,000 children waiting in adoption homes across the country, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. While Illinois allows all couples to adopt, some people disagree with that policy.



IEXPLORE_photo

West Loop travel agent foresees continuing success booking exotic trips

by Liz Fischer

From a loft office in the West Loop, George Deeb and his staff at iExplore Inc. send clients all around the world on exotic adventures from the Amazon to the Great Wall. Deeb feels confident that the company, reliant on affluent clients, will weather an expected downturn in the travel industry.