Can you say stimu–late? Those IRS checks would have been worth more earlier

by Gabrielle Tompkins and Sol Lieberman

When is $600 worth $480? Now -- assuming you are a recipient of a stimulus check and frequenter of Chicago gasoline pumps. And that's not all -- food prices are up too, making the upcoming summer driving season all the more daunting for Chicagoans.


Experts see new fees ahead for airline passengers

by Jason M. Breslow

This week five major carriers began charging flyers an extra $25 to check a second bag. Airlines are also increasing the costs to change a ticket, and purchase beverages and snacks a la carte. The question is, what else can airlines charge for next to cope with the burden of high fuel costs on their bottom line?


Judge in R. Kelly case hears media arguments to release sealed documents

by Joyce Dominick

News organizations pressed Judge Vincent Gaughan to release sealed information and lift the "gag" order on lawyers involved in the R. Kelly case. Gaughan said he would make his decision May 16.


Need a lawyer? There are now 765 more in Illinois

by James Edwards

Hundreds of Illinois' newest attorneys gathered at the Arie Crown Theatre to take the oath, finalizing the last step on their way to practicing law.



Stylish, family-oriented neighborhood by day; prostitution destination by night

by Anne Look

Despite an aggressive and controversial initiative against the sex trade in 2002, prostitution has returned to Bucktown and community frustration is mounting. Volunteers for the district's CAPS court advocacy program are seeking new strategies to fight the sex trade in their community.


ACPback

When it comes to ending youth violence, one group says it's already on it

by Chloe Wiley

For months, state and local officials have urged community groups to step up to the challenge of providing city youth with outlets to combat violence and crime. Medill Reports profiles one faith-based group in the heart of the historically troubled Cabrini-Green area that has successfully provided at-risk kids with service and structure for the past 11 years.


Ten weeks after it's passed, there's still no county budget

by Adam Verwymeren

The fiscal year is already half over and there is no firm date for when the budget will be released to the public, making it difficult for citizens, watchdogs and journalists to understand how county money is being spent.


The art of science: Forensic sketch artists combine disparate talents

by Hallie D. Martin

They're rarely featured on Law & Order or CSI, but forensic artists use science and anatomy to give a face to an unnamed body. But jobs for them are scarce as technology and computers are taking over.


BENSON

As layoffs loom, Chicago may have an edge on Wall Street

by John Detrixhe

Some think Chicago's greater diversification will help it to better withstand the recent turmoil in financial services.