Three with Chicago ties win Rhodes scholarships

"Two Chicago-area residents and a University of Chicago grad are among the 32 winners of this year's Rhodes scholarships.

The prestigious scholarships provide tuition and a living stipend for two to three years study in any field at the University of Oxford in England."

For more on these winners, click here.

Postal Service to resume North Pole Santa letters

"Wide-eyed children around the world will be hearing from Santa's 'elves' at the North Pole after all."

Click here to read more about North Pole mail service.

Does every little gift really make a life-changing impact for children around the world? World Vision goes around world to find the answer – and the true spirit of Christmas

"Beginning November 19, join World Vision and thousands of people around the world on the 'Spirit of Christmas' tour as a team from the Christian humanitarian agency travels around the globe in search of the Christmas spirit. The month-long tour will feature interviews and stories with children and families in the United States, Ecuador, Cambodia, Zambia and Ethiopia. World Vision’s team will circle the globe highlighting both the heartbreaking circumstances of the poor and the inspiring impact even small donations of a few dollars can make in helping families provide for their children."

Stand Up for Religious Freedom: Now Is the Hour

"Allow me to make a very direct statement. I believe it is time for the Church in this country to stand up for religious freedom.

Especially over the course of the last few years, we have seen repeated efforts—in the courts, in state legislatures, in Congress, and on Pennsylvania Avenue—to erode what has been called the first freedom: religious liberty."

Click here for the rest of Chuck Colson's commentary.

Marching to glory: The Marian Catholic High School Band

"In a series of three stories, reporter Howard Reich traces the struggles of the Marian Catholic High School Band of Chicago Heights, IL. The once-legendary band is struggling to reclaim a national crown. All three stories, as well as a photo gallery and video, await you here."

Click here for the whole Marian Catholic High School Trilogy.

Relief group says simple, effective tactic in global AIDS fight also one of most neglected

"A proven and cost-effective strategy for turning the tide on global AIDS still remains significantly underutilized, World Vision warned in advance of World AIDS Day. Efforts to prevent mother-to-baby transmission of HIV must be urgently scaled up in high-prevalence countries to avoid needless infection of children, the Christian humanitarian organization said."

For more on the upcoming World AIDS Day observance on December 1, click here.

Theater, puppets, opera and cabaret are among the sights to behold at the second New Orleans Fringe Festival

Strange and innovative performances in theater, dance, clowning, puppetry, opera, video, cabaret and other media will take place this weekend at seven official venues in the Marigny and Bywater, as well as at several spaces utilizing this year's new Bring Your Own Venue option -- which include restaurants, private homes and the streets of downtown.

Click here for more on this unusual event.