
It can be easy to associate salads with repetition and zero flavor, but these mixed greens have a completely refreshing point of view. Here,
Rachael Ray takes what's thought to be junky ballpark food and turns it into something entirely unexpected. Juicy tomatoes, succulent hot dogs, tart relish, tangy mustard, and pungent onions make for a satiating, hearty salad.

The Mayor of Chicago estimates that the Obama election night party could cost the city as much as $2 million. The free and open-to-the-public lakefront party at Grant Park will require the city to beef up security; but the Obama campaign has
agreed to reimburse seriously cash-strapped Chicago.
Down in Arizona, rumor has it that McCain
might not even show up to his soiree.

A
new study comparing US urban school districts and foreign countries found that math scores in Chicago are on par with other countries — Third World countries. Only 13 percent of eighth graders in the city's public schools are proficient in math.
One education expert thinks the scores make a persuasive case against creating magnet schools for gifted students, arguing that students need the few top students as role models, and examples of "normal kids who perform well."

Finally, I've found an endangered animal recently born at a US zoo! This baby girl entered the world on Oct. 6 at Illinois's
Brookfield Zoo to proud mama, Sophia, a 27-year-old Bornean Orangutan seen here cuddling the lil one.
Last week I told you I had never been to Chicago but was dying to go. Well, I went over the weekend! I saw all there was to see — landmarks, museums, restaurants, boutiques, bars — and absolutely loved it.
I've never been to Chicago but have been itching to go for years. Good news is I'm finally planning a trip. I want to see all there is to see — landmarks, museums, restaurants, boutiques, bars, etc.

Questioning the notion that segregation is bad for students, Chicago's school district is
considering opening a high school for gay, lesbian, and transgender students. The school is among a group of recommended specialized schools, another example being a technology-focused campus.
Schools targeting gay students — a group more likely to drop out, abusing drugs, and committing suicide — exist in other cities.

Chicago residents have
faced an exceptionally deadly Summer this year — 123 people were shot and killed, twice the amount of US soldier casualties in Iraq over the same period.
Throughout 2008, murder rates in Chicago have risen. In July Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich said he was
prepared to call in the National Guard to help restore order to the "out of control" city.

It's back to school day for everyone from Belgian princesses to my mom (Princess Laetitia of Belgium, pictured) but not for hundreds of Chicago public school students
expected to skip classes today. They're protesting the financial divide in the Illinois public school system.
Packed classrooms, old textbooks, and a dearth of technology tips the scale between schools who have and schools who ain't got it.

Do you feel that, too? That giant hole in your Wednesday and Thursday nights that used to be filled with glorious dance (and Nigel Lythgoe)? It's just one week since the finale, and I'm already suffering withdrawal from
So You Think You Can Dance.