GUEST COMMENTARY: The Grinch didn't steal Christmas, and other good news

"Nattering nabobs of negativism," is probably the most enduring of the many alliterative announcements of Spiro Agnew, vice president in the Nixon administration until forced to resign because of corruption.

Holiday events: Trees, lighting displays and more

From elaborately decorated trees to drive-through lighting displays to boat parades and train shows, a variety of holiday spectacles are being staged through the end of December and into early January around the country. Here are a few of them.

Pantones new color

Couple tango dancing

Former White Sox official pleads guilty in kickback scheme

CHICAGO | A former White Sox executive pleaded guilty in federal court Friday to a single count of wire fraud in connection with more than $400,000 in kickbacks received from prospective players in Latin America.

EDITORIAL: Keep the faith Munsey exemplified

Bishop Frank Munsey, who died Saturday, should be remembered for his commitment to spreading the Gospel not just in the region but far beyond U.S. borders. His life should teach us all the value of religious commitment.

Seeking common ground in the immigration debate

Editor's note: Bishop Gerald Kicanas agreed to share his remarks at the Nov. 12 "Seeking Common Ground in the Immigration Debate" conference at Lost Marsh Conference Center in Hammond.

Former Sox scout pleads not guilty

CHICAGO | A former scout for the Chicago White Sox has pleaded not guilty to accepting kickbacks — totaling about $400,000 — from signing bonuses and contract buyouts paid to secure 23 prospective players between December 2004 and February 2008.

Feds charge former Sox official, scouts in kickback scheme

CHICAGO | Federal authorities have charged a former scouting executive for the Chicago White Sox and two former scouts for the team in Latin America for allegedly accepting kickbacks -- totaling about $400,000 -- from signing bonuses and contract buyouts paid to secure 23 prospective players…

Buena Vista Social Club band leader in Chicago

CHICAGO | The man behind the world renowned Buena Vista Social Club and Sierra Maestra, Cuban band leader, producer, and gifted visionary Juan de Marcos, has gathered the most remarkable expatriate Cuban musicians from around the world to present a new version of the Afro-Cuban All Stars tha…

Viva news briefs

Nueva ley anula certificados de nacimiento Puertorriqueños

Say ole to sweetness

Grab a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and toast to Cinco de Mayo with a Mexican pastry. Whether you have a taste for cake, cookies or sweet rolls, the Mexican dessert menu boasts a variety of goodies to start your day or provide the finishing touch to a traditional Latin meal.

Say ole to sweetness

TONY V. MARTIN | THE TIMES Calumet Bakery manager Suzie Barbarosa with a slice of Tres Leches cake with whipped cream frosting.

Say ole to sweetness

TONY V. MARTIN | THE TIMES Tres Leches Cake with chocolate ganache frosting at Calumet bakery.

Luna Negra honors Frida Kahlo

The art of Frida Kahlo comes to life in a different medium on Saturday.

Luna Negra honors Frida Kahlo

Cheryl Mann | PROVIDED PHOTO While honoring the centennial of the Mexican Revolution and the bicentennial of Mexican Independence, Luna Negra Dance Theater also celebrates Mexico and native painter Frida Kahlo during its Spring show March 27 at Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Chicago.

Manifestación de inmigración puede incluir al obispo

EAST CHICAGO – Un grupo que está organizando una manifestación para apoyar los intentos en el Congreso para reformar las leyes de inmigración de la nación dijo que espera contar con el apoyo del obispo Dale Melczek de la Diócesis Católica de Gary.

Removal of anti-Chavez TV channel spurs protests

CARACAS, Venezuela | Police fired tear gas and plastic bullets at thousands of university students on Jan. 25, breaking up a protest after President Hugo Chavez's government forced an opposition cable TV channel off the air.

Salvaging corpses at a bend in the river

MARSELLA, Colombia | At this bend in the Cauca River, an eddy urges debris ashore. The rocky bank is scattered with sticks, reeds and plastic bottles, and vultures pick at the sodden, shiny white carcass of a small dog.