Two years ago, Tricia Shanks lay stoic atop her doctor’s table and held her breath while waiting for him to deliver the news.  Having already endured a miscarriage, the 28-year-old from Indianapolis, Ind., did not want to be told a second time that artificial insemination had failed. But Shanks and...

Jamie Locher had a rough time in Teach for America. She taught in a Baltimore high school. Even in the best of times, college seniors have to arm themselves with parent-ready responses to the stinging question: “What’s next after graduation?” But for students like Claire Steinbeck, who...

Thomas Harkins,13, celebrates his win. With the soundtrack of Rocky V ringing in his ears, Thomas Harkins became the hero of New York City’s Hunter College High School yesterday.  Confident, charismatic, and characteristically tow-headed, he wore the part well, posing for the flashing cameras while...

When it comes to engagements, diamonds like this one are still a girl's best friend. “Let the diamond find you.” Sipping mimosas beneath an arrestive chandelier in the Harry Winston private suite, one floor above the storied flagship salon on Fifth Avenue, a dozen glittering women and a handful...

Not telling a sexual partner you have HIV could land you jail When Peter Ayala set his girlfriend’s car aflame last year, he was convicted and sentenced to a year in prison in his native Ohio.  But this past November, the 45 year old was charged with another crime that earned him an additional five...