CHICAGO — In America’s third largest city, it’s possible to get a crash course in the world’s religions in a journey of just a few miles — from the University of Chicago’s majestic, ecumenical Christian Rockefeller Memorial Chapel on Chicago’s South Side to the humble Masjid Al-Taqwa, which meets in a converted stable, still under renovation a 15-minute ride to the south.

An amazing sunrise greets West Hawaii after a storm as seen from Keahole Point.

A Jackson’s chameleon (Trioceros jacksonii) smiles for the camera after being pulled away from a predator before being released into a tree.

A monarch caterpillar is latched to Calotropis procura flower buds.

Classic risotto is made with starchy medium-grain Italian rice, such as Arborio or carnaroli. It is toasted then cooked, sometimes slowly, over low heat as broth is ladled into the pan in stages. While the liquid absorbs, the cook stirs, stirs and keeps stirring.

She may not be able to tell you which came first, the chicken or the egg, but food writer Lisa Steele is an expert on everything else poultry related. Her new “Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook” (Harper Horizon, $28) dishes on not just recipes — more than 100 of them — but common mistakes you may be making in the kitchen.

This French toast recipe is both festive and extremely easy to prepare. Thanks to a homemade, honey-kissed strawberry syrup that speaks to the arrival of spring berries, it’s also sure to be a crowd-pleaser, especially with kids.

Switching to cold water will get your clothes clean, but it won’t sanitize them, report finds

April showers bring May flowers. Some in Hawaii are from Australia. When it comes to strange animals and plants, Australia is in the lead for its share of the unusual to unique. This ancient mini continent has mammals that lay eggs to the marsupials that carry their premature babies in pouches. Recent fires put many in the animal kingdom at risk and the plant kingdom as well. Some Australian ecosystems will be altered for centuries and some may never recover.

Safe isn’t always best when it comes to interior design. In many instances, people are afraid to take the plunge with prints and graphics. But from artwork to accessories and rugs, graphics can often be the best choice for those looking to infuse a modern edge as well as add color and pattern to a space.

HALLE, Belgium — Nature’s beauty is rapturous again this springtime — flaunting its purple haze of bluebells in the woods south of Brussels.

Hualalai is seen on a clear day from Queen Kaahumanu Highway.

A large grasshopper clingS to a lilikoi tendril swinging in a gentle breeze in South Kona.

NEW YORK — Shopping for Passover on a recent day at a kosher supermarket in the Hasidic Jewish section of Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood, Moshe Werzberger worried about how inflation is driving up prices during one of the most important holidays for Jews.

A gecko stands out on a colorful background in Kealakekua.