We have never made it a secret that we like bees* and the good work they do. However, we know that people tend to be wary of bees. And ex-convicts. The public at large tends to get anxious at the sight of, starts backing away from, and doesn't have a really friendly relationship with bees or ex-cons. But in the neighborhood of North Lawndale, there are people working hard to make a difference in the lives of people who have served time and have criminal records or other barriers to employment. The North Lawndale Employment Network, created in 1997, has implemented their Sweet Beginnings program. more ›

Lots of loud, hip rock music tonight at Metro with The Hives, Sahara Hotnights, and The Reigning Sound. Headliners The Hives – whose name really needs to sound different than "The Vines" – will be supporting their new record Tyrannosaurus Hives, flaunting their crazy front-man, wearing stylish matching suits, and acting vaguely Swedish. But Rachel, a friend of Chicagoist, tips us off that the opening acts are really the ones to catch, especially The Reigning Sound. (And Rachel knows her stuff. Check out Wicked Upstart, a blog to her NYU radio show, which highlights music from the strong but oft-neglected Midwestern rock scene.) This show has been sold-out for some time – damn hype machine! – but it's nothing a little good ol' fashioned scalping can't fix. more ›