7 Jobs that Make the World a Better Place

Want to make a real difference in the world? Consider one of these seven "green" careers that help protect—and improve—our planet. Provided by Jobs at AOL.

The following story was provided by AOLJobs.com. By Debra Auerbach for CareerBuilder Have you ever had an itch to quit your job and instead do work that makes a real difference in the world? In honor of Earth Day on April 22, we've compiled a list of seven jobs that help people live a better life – from the buildings they work and live in, to the energy that fuels their homes, to the air they breathe.  1. Conservation scientist: Conservation scientists are hired to help preserve and protect natural habitats. They usually work with landowners and federal, state and local governments to find the best ways to use and improve the land while conserving the environment.* 2. Energy auditor: When a building is cooled or heated, it uses energy. …

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MAP: Flooded Roads Throughout Chicago Area

From interstates to local roads, our map provides updates on closures and high-standing water in your area.

From the Wisconsin border to the south side of Chicago and into the western suburbs, local roads, interstates and highways were closed Thursday because of flooding.  Click through the pins above to see which roads in your area — or on your route to and from work today — have been closed due to flooding or have high-standing water. Police are encouraging drivers to avoid roadways with standing water.  If you come upon an area with high-standing water or that is closed, add that information to our map by visiting this link. Otherwise, let us know about the closure by commenting below.  Drivers are asked to beware of high-standing water on roadways. The water on a roadway can be deeper than it appears and can cause a vehicle to stall or be …

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Skokie Man Led International Tax Fraud Scheme

A Skokie, Ill. man was sentenced to 85 months in prison after leading an international tax fraud scheme that shorted the U.S. Department of Treasury of more than $1.6 million.

SKOKIE, Ill. - A Skokie man has been sentenced to 85 months in prison and ordered to pay $1.6 million in restitution after directing more than 20 federal income tax refunds to his homeland in Romania, authorities said on Monday. Ovidiu Isac, 31, of Skokie, claimed refunds in the names of Romania citizens who had visited the U.S. on exchange student visas, authorities said. Isac will be subject to deportation after completing his sentence in the U.S. At least 470 false tax returns, typically claiming refunds between $4,000 and $7,000, were filed and resulted in a loss of more than $1.6 million to the U.S. Treasury during the conspiracy that spanned three tax years between 2007 and 2009.  The returns were filed in the names and social …

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Internet Tough Guy

11:06 am on Tuesday, April 16, 2013

The Treasury Dept has requested slots for an additional 1269 employees, but only 291 of those are agents and 193 of the agents are to be tasked with making sure people get proper tax credits. But, once again, what does this have to do with the article?   more ›

'America's Got Talent' to Hold Chicago Tryouts

NBC's top-rated summer show will be holding auditions in Chicago at McCormick Place on Jan. 26 and Jan. 27.

Last season, "American's Got Talent" had three unique finalists: A comedian, a family dog act and a one-of-a-kind musical instrument. The winner? A group of dogs that danced, performed jump rope tricks and even some gymnastics. "Chicago is an important city for 'America's Got Talent,'" said senior casting producer Jason Shuler. "We have had several top talent audition at our Chicago open calls. Among them are Chicago group Footworkingz and the piano player from Edon from our most current season." Notable winners who auditioned in Chicago: Neal E. Boyd from season three and Kevin Skinner from season four. The show will be holding auditions on Jan. 26 and Jan. 27 at McCormick Place, 2301 Lake Shore Dr. Entrances can be found at Gate 4 or …

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Patch to Open Soon on Chicago's North Side

Five new neighborhood sites in the city of Chicago will open later this month as Patch expands its Chicago-area offerings.

Patch is coming to the North Side of Chicago. Residents of Lincoln Park, Lake View, Roscoe Village, North Center, Bucktown, Wicker Park and Lincoln Square will be the first North Siders to get Patch's unique brand of news, conversation and community celebration later this month. Our web sites operate on the philosophy that an informed, engaged community is a better community. In the summer of 2010, Patch Media set up shop in the Chicago suburbs. Today, 62 Patch sites serve communities from the North Shore to the South Suburbs, from McHenry and Lake counties in the north to Kane, Will and Kendall counties in the west and southwest. For two years, Chicagoans have asked us, "When will Patch come to the city?" To meet the demand, in August, we…

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Community Letters

Preview: Chicago-Area Municipalities Propose Solutions to ComEd Outages

The NWMC will host a press conference at 10 a.m. Tuesday regarding their concerns.

The above letter was submitted by the Northwest Municipal Conference, a regional association of Illinois governing bodies that represents more than one million residents. Stay tuned to Patch for more on the story. Like your local Patch on Facebook to join the conversation. 

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Racy Chicago Musical Comes to Wilmette

After 23 years, the Annoyance Theatre debuts prison production in the North Shore.

It’s nothing if not sensational. With a name like Co-Ed Prison Sluts, it has to be. But for Chicago’s Annoyance Theatre, that’s business as usual, and now the playhouse is partnering with the Wilmette Theatre to bring the 23-year-old performance to the suburbs on Oct. 12. Styled as a “bawdy musical,” event organizers hope it will stir things up in “sedate Wilmette.” “I would love a little controversy,” said Nili Yelin, who is producing the show at the Wilmette Theatre. “We shouldn’t all just stay in our comfort zones. And it’s a clever show. It doesn’t matter if it’s shocking or disturbing; to me, what matters is whether it’s good quality.” Earlier: 'The Interrupters' Premiers at the Wilmette Theatre The Annoyance Theatre debuted its …

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Chicagoland Public Spaces to be Highlighted in App Contest

Nonprofit group searching for developers to create "Placemaking" application.

In today’s constantly connected world, there seems to be a mobile application for just about everything. There’s an app to find the cheapest gas, the best nearby bar and even for counting calories. But now the Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) is looking for someone to develop an app that could help users discover great public spaces throughout the Chicago metro area. Earlier: Patch launches an iPhone app The nonprofit is holding a contest for any web developer or community group that can create the best “Placemaking” application. This app will help both residents and visitors make the most out of local transportation, neighborhoods, parks and malls. With the help of their sponsor, IBM, the group will reward the winner $2,500. Developers…

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Air Quality Alert for Chicago

Illinois EPA issues orange alert for sensitive groups.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has issued an air quality alert for the Chicago area tomorrow, Sept. 1, according to AIRNow.gov. This is an orange level alert, which means the air may be unhealthy for sensitive groups. Earlier: Air Quality Alert Issued for Cook County "Active children and adults, people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should avoid prolonged outdoor exertion. Everyone else, especially children, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion," according to the National Weather Service. For more information visit the National Weather Service.

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