Chicago: Not the Murder Capital, Never Has Been
The city's romanticized gangland past has given it a reputation, not entirely deserved, as a particularly murderous place.
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What's Wrong with Illinois's Economy?
The Rust Belt is rebounding, led by manufacturing gains in the auto industry—and leaving behind the less car-dependent Land of Lincoln.
10 Stories Everyone in Chicago Should Read This Week
A look inside the Edgewater Beach Apartments, a Logan Square SRO, a Chicago neighborhood facing a new threat of gang violence, and more—including what it's like to live on an...
Listen to the Man Who Built the Purple Hotel
One of the Internet's best podcasts talks with the architect of Chicagoland's most (in)famous buildings.
How Health and Housing Relate to Crime in Chicago
Low birth weight, childhood lead poisoning, pre-term births, and infant mortality rate all go hand in hand with the crime rate—but there are significant differences in how neighboring communities are...
What Does Bike-Share Data Tell Us About Chicago?
The Divvy system gives us a rare look at how people get around the city—where they are, where they've been, and where they go from there.
10 Stories You Should Read This Week
Read about a crime reporter’s view of city violence, why Lurie Garden is an overlooked treasure, how school choice further segregates CPS students, a tax in the ’burbs for crashing...
In Praise of Lurie Garden, Millennium Park's Quiet Corner
How Chicago's public gardens evolved from Burnham to Jensen to Ouldolf, and how they reflect the ambitions of our urbs in horto.
Have a Little Sympathy for the Sidewalk Cyclists
Ignorance of the law isn't an excuse, but the patchwork chaos of cycling rules is a better explanation than stupidity or selfishness.
10 Local Stories Chicagoans Should Read This Week
Chicago’s recent shootings make headlines nationally, Sports Illustrated catches up with Mr. Cub, Chicago magazine publishes its annual Best list, and more.