Cover: Dr. Roger, Mr. Hide
When Roger Mialocq is called in to do an audit, county departments groan. Is he really Mr. Fair-and-Square, or is he the dangerous political weapon his foes claim he is?

News: Knockout Nails
Some say that because of minimal health and safety regulations, those fabulous fake nails can be hazardous to a worker's health.

Hoop Dream: The now-defunct women's American Basketball League got stomped by the WNBA, and at least one legal expert thinks the winner may have broken the rules.

Metropolis News Extras

• Willow Glen: Two men charged in Perez murder plead 'no contest.'
  
• Sunnyvale: Rats help nab red-light runners.
  
• Los Gatos: Lexington at lowest level in four years.

Family Circle: As the courts take children away from their parents, grandparents are stepping forward.

In Good Company: John Lee Hooker trades riffs with his 'boogie chillun.'

Pent-Up Emotion: Restless Feeling is a form of musical therapy for bluesman Carl Weathersby and a musical treat for the rest of us.

Ride the 'Hi-Lo Country': The Western myth gets a complex makeover in Stephen Frear's latest film. Plus, Richard von Busack interviews Frears about his latest film.

Sharing Needles: Like acrobats in a pyramid, the cast of Another Day in Paradise stands on the shoulders of James Woods.

Chest Pains: You can't say that the soapy title doesn't give you fair warning about Playing by Heart.

Til the Oui Hours: Christina Waters does New Year's on the town in Paris and discovers affordable elegance and considerable cheer.

Out of the Cage: La Cage aux Folles is full of gender-bending fun.

Don't Squeeze The Shaman: Jacqueline Thurston's 'Cycle of Songs' looks for spiritual meaning in dream symbols.