Top Jobs for Tough Times
by Robert Reed and Shane Tritsch
In this slumping economy, we found a host of local employers that are bucking the trends. Not merely surviving, they are thriving, hiring, and treating employees well.

Witness at Haditha
by Bryan Smith
A sergeant from Chicago, involved  in a bloody 2005 encounter between U.S. marines and Iraqi civilians, contends that the carnage that day was a vengeance-fueled massacre. 

Playing the Fields
by Jeff Ruby
Overshadowed by flashy videos, loud music, and bountiful food courts, live major-league baseball games seem almost an afterthought. Is there hope left for our national pastime? Across seven days in seven ballparks, one fan goes looking for an answer. 

The Naturals
by Noah Isackson, Nora O’Donnell, and Jennifer Wehunt
Don’t hate them because they’re beautiful. These 20 singles—a top table-tennis player, a nightlife impresario, and a gallery owner among them—are smart and talented, too.  

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Contributors

Arena
PAGE TWO Is Paul Vallas joining the GOP? The Burnham gene ARTS & CULTURE Hannibal Buress stands up for all slackers on Comedy Central; The Blip goes concert crazy; an afternoon with Kosuke Fukudome—and his translator; a Chicago architecture mystery resurfaces in Mississippi; the controversial Night of Bush Capturing comes to Chicago; Pitchfork picks. Plus: An “extra” special look at The Dark Knight SERVICE DESK Tips from pros for mastering seven summertime sports and having more fun in the sun. Plus: The pay gap STYLE What happens when a fashion designer, an interiors guru, a Blackhawk, and a Top Chef contestant make their own T-shirts? (Hint: We give them away!) Plus: Affordable midcentury modernism comes to Grand Avenue.

Events
The Green Awards rocked the Shedd.

Table
When trends collide; three more good hotel restaurants; the hottest spots right now; belly up to the restobars

Cheers
by Sarah Preston
Hotel bars with high-rent views. Plus: Pete Wentz’s new baby 

Reporter
by Brendan Reilly
Jesus Trujillo, paralyzed from the neck down, arrives at Stroger Cook County Hospital. What’s his story? 

Deal Estate
by Dennis Rodkin
Two storied houses—in Glencoe and on the Gold Coast—and a suburban show house with a Scottish heritage 

Classifieds

The Closer
by Jeff Ruby
Nominations for the inaugural class of the Panhandler Hall of Fame

Chicago Guide®
Hairpin turns, oodles of spandex: Bike racing hits Grant Park. Plus: More top events

Restaurants
The definitive guide to Chicago’s top restaurants. Avenues’ new chef takes an exciting path; Schwa comes back stronger than ever.