Grad considers: Is college degree worth the debt?

Student debt is the talk of the nation, especially with interest rates on federally subsidized Stafford Loans set to double on July 1, from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent. As Congress struggles to address the issue — a Senate bill to prevent the rate increase …Read More

• Todd Thibodeaux on the future of Chicago’s tech industry — and the new graduates poised to lead it

  In 2009, I met a young man named Christopher Hayes. At that time, he was a shy freshman set to begin his high school career at the Chicago Tech Academy, a brand new, four-year high school with a curriculum focused on developing technology and entrepreneurial …Read More

• Sadie’s one cute pup, but owner thinks health issues were withheld

  PINGREE GROVE — Stacey Kranz has had seven dogs over the years, usually getting them as rescue animals from area shelters. “I am against pet stores that sell dogs. I know, logically, where they came from,” Kranz said, sitting last week with her new puppy, …Read More

• Lake Forest’s Jen Lancaster chronicles year as Martha Stewart

  Impressed by the domestic goddess’ recovery from incarceration, the best-selling author spends a self-sufficient year cooking and organizing.