Mi Casa Is Not Tu Casa

Let's get one thing straight: The protesters who gather outside the El Sol Day Labor Center in Jupiter every Saturday morning don't hate immigrants. They hate illegal immigration.

"America was built by immigrants," concedes a man who gives his name only as Bob. He is a former Marine, a self-described patriot, and a commercial diver. "We're opposed to illegals getting paid but then not contributing to Social Security, not paying taxes. They're taking benefits but not contributing to society. It's important to get that fact out."

That's the main gripe.

There are... full story >>

A career con man brings his talents to Cleveland’s art world

Six years ago, Zachary Coleman looked like a godsend to the founders of Arts Collinwood. They were trying to turn the abandoned storefronts and ghostly corners of Waterloo Road into the Tremont of the East Side. Coleman seemed perfect to lead the charge.

He was smart and charming, a wealthy lawyer from Bratenahl with an abundance of free time. With his closely cropped beard and tailored suits, he had an air of effortless gentility that put him at ease among the pedigreed set. He also came highly recommended by his wife, Betty Vandenbosch, an associate dean at Case Western... full story >>

Dallas' The Bridge Homeless Center's Progressive Approach May Actually Make a Difference

The southern edge of downtown Dallas has grown quiet and dank before tonight’s storm, and there’s not a homeless person in sight. Most have sought cover in shelters, under bridges or in the construction sites that dot this side of town. But that doesn’t stop Mike Faenza, on this blustery April night, from tracking down anyone left to the elements. The wiry-haired 57-year-old is the president and CEO of Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance, which on May 20 is scheduled to open one of the most progressive homeless centers in the country. Although The Bridge is the city’s... full story >>

This Guardian Angel Bleeds Red

Four Guardian Angels meet in the 1400 block of Ogden Street at dusk for their weekly march up and around Colfax Avenue, where they patrol the streets and alleys, looking to deter gang activity and other crimes — and to search for new recruits.

Three wear the recognizable Angels uniform: red berets, red and white T-shirts, black pants tucked into combat boots. They pat each other down for weapons, then sniff each other's breath to check for alcohol and peer into each other's eyes, looking for a drug haze — a ritual that Angels across the country perform.

A... full story >>

Chess Masters at UT-Brownsville

Nadya Ortiz's natural instinct is to attack. But for the moment, she must bide her time.

Ortiz briskly taps her finger against her lip as she studies the chessboard. She is playing black, an immediate disadvantage because the white team always moves first. It is several hours into the match, and from the get-go she's been on her heels.

Ortiz began with what is called the "Sicilian Defense," one of the oldest strategies. The idea is to withstand her opponent's advances while slowly gaining control over the middle of the board. Then, when the moment is right, go for... full story >>

The Shawnee Mission East class of '08 loves its gay homecoming king

On a cold February night, the Shawnee Mission East gym is packed. It's Senior Night, and the boys' basketball team is taking on the rival Shawnee Mission South Raiders. It's a close game, and the excitement and tension threaten to sweep the crowd into a frenzy.

Well-dressed parents cluster together on the bleachers and the limited floor space. Hordes of younger siblings stroll around in packs, toting soda bottles, red licorice whips and popcorn from the snack bar. The student bleachers line one wall of the small gym. The East kids, a block of dark blue, are separated from their... full story >>

The Shooting of Estefano

Fabio "Estefano" Salgado drove his midnight blue Aston Martin convertible down Biscayne Boulevard, across the Venetian Causeway, through the tollbooth, and into the driveway of his $7.5-million San Marco Island mansion. He passed the 12-foot-tall aluminum gate and entered the white modern two-story home with a commanding view of downtown Miami. Then he removed his shirt and shoes. Wearing only white cotton pants, he padded around the house and checked his e-mail.

Estefano, a trim, handsome man with a curly mop of dark hair, was just two weeks shy of his fortieth birthday. He... full story >>

Relentless stickering and guerrilla marketing have made Digital Summer one of the Valley’s hottest bands

Terrorists? Hardly. More like sticker-wielding supporters of local hard rockers Digital Summer, who plan on affixing hundreds of black-and-white rectangular decals emblazoned with the band's name to street signs, drive-thru menus, phone booths, bus shelters, and numerous other public objects.

It's all part of the madness of "Sticker Night," when, almost every... full story >>

Punk Family Values

Carola Anderson carries a pitcher of limeade through her sprawling SOMA home affectionately known as the Complex, the ice cubes bouncing among sprigs of mint. A black beret is cocked atop her crimson bob. She sets the pitcher next to a plate of hummus for her teenage children, George and Lou Lou, and their friends.

It's a family moment that might warm Pat Robertson's cockles — mom bringing the kids fresh-squeezed refreshments. Except this is not exactly the home of the Cleavers: It's more like the Osbournes, minus the pooping bulldog. To wit: Carola is the business-savvy... full story >>

Radio Active: What has Patty Wente done to create such a meltdown at KWMU?

The University of Missouri-St. Louis is looking into questions surrounding the management and accounting practices at its radio station KWMU (90.7 FM). News of the university investigation reached employees of the National Public Radio broadcaster on April 14 in an e-mail from UMSL Chancellor Thomas George.

"Recently, some issues have been raised concerning KWMU that need to be explored, and I have taken steps to initiate a review of those issues," George wrote in a succinct, two-paragraph note.

The chancellor gave no timeline for the review and asked only that station... full story >>