Topic: Chicago

City of Refuge

A new novel offers an impassioned take on life in New Orleans in the wake of Katrina.

The hunt is on for host families

Hosting a foreign exchange student improves global understanding, but fewer families are volunteering because of the poor economy.

Ethics down side to big-donor convention parties?

Special interests can give unlimited sums to national party conventions through convention host committees.

Sunday morning reads

Sales down, so firms boost morale

Some managers come up with creative tactics to offset the effects of a sagging economy.

Denver’s second coming-out party

Local officials will showcase at the Democratic convention a city transformed – just as they did a hundred years ago.

Amid injury, an opportunity to exhibit Olympic traits

Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang withdrew from competition today in a huge blow to the host nation. But many athletes say such disappointments spur dedication – and successful comebacks.

Traffic stoppers

An increasing number of cities are temporarily closing streets to cars and opening them to pedestrians and cyclists. It fosters a greater sense of community.

Obama’s strategy for anti-Obama efforts

Some supporters ask if he’s done enough to counter a bestseller.

Sunday morning reads

Where workers can walk – without leaving their workstations

'Treadmill desks,' company-sponsored or home-built, energize the desk-bound.

Battle over gun rights – Round 2

Handgun bans under fire after high court's ruling. Oak Park, Ill., fights back.

Opinion: The outrage in your credit card's fine print

Penalty fees make up nearly half of industry revenues.

Factory-built homes may be greener

Modular houses are built to higher standards and with less waste, proponents say.

"Republicans for Obama" launches Tuesday

Learn while you earn

In a rough economy, most businesses still support education – especially online.

Marriage across the miles

Commuter marriages are on the rise, due to the slow housing market.

USA

A beginning for global Christian-Muslim compatibility

Leaders within the two faiths, meeting at Yale this week, acknowledge dangers of prejudice, pledge to work toward mutual understanding.

U.S. cities tout merits of less costly 'staycations'

As the economy drags, cities launch campaigns to woo residents to local attractions.

High gas prices boost bus travel

After decades of decline, bus travel is on the rise again. But is it right for you?

Tide of illegal immigrants now being reversed

Border crackdown and tough economic times in the US are seen as reasons.

More Mail Bag matches

Readers remember the pen pals they found through the Monitor's old Mail Bag column.

USA

The Monitor's View: Obama's answer to racist voters

He wisely sticks with his big-tent message, despite pressure to be the 'black' candidate.