Chicagoans of the Year

Each year, for 12 years now, Chicago has honored a handful of local people whose dedication and hard work have made the city a better place to live. Needless to say, we have never honored a World Series winner before. But for 2005, we have selected six outstanding individuals—a musician, a nurse, two scholars, a community activist, and a saver of soles—as well as a team, the heroic Chicago White Sox. At a January luncheon at the Four Seasons sponsored in part by LaSalle Bank, Chicago will celebrate the achievements of these remarkable people, champions all.

Fatal Connection

When a Chicago call girl turned up dead, it didn’t take police long to zero in on her killer. But the case also sheds light on the growing, hidden, and largely lawless world of online prostitution

The Best of Naperville

With a stellar selection of specialty shops, a wide variety of restaurants (be it one-of-a-kind dining experience or an old Chicago favorite), and a lively lineup of attractions that includes a children’s museum, a re-created frontier settlement, and one of the world’s biggest carillons, Naperville has something to offer both its longtime residents and fun-seeking weekend visitors.

Split Decision

The husband-and-wife team that ran Alberto-Culver announced their separation even as they were negotiating the breakup of the beauty products company. Has an ending been scripted for this colorful, family-run success story?