Chicago magazine’s August 2010 issue hits newsstands Thursday, July 15th. To schedule an interview with one of our writers or editors, please contact Elizabeth Riley at enriley@chicagomag.com.

Issue Highlights:

Best of Chicago (cover story): In this annual feature, we cover the Chicago landscape like no other publication. From the best craft brews and desserts to the best dog trainer and cooking classes, our editors highlight 83 people, places, and things that make Chicago great.

A Friendship in Winter: This piece by writer-at-large Bryan Smith explores the unique—and unlikely—friendship between Marty Cook, a 34-year-old high-school dropout and recovering alcoholic, and Dan Rostenkowski, the fallen political giant.

When Faith Meets Hard Times: In a town where tradition outweighs modernism, the Amish community of Arthur, Illinois has found itself plagued by a very contemporary issue: the failing economy.

The Hair Awards: No matter what style or cut, we’ve got 32 top salons to choose from in the city and suburbs.

The Real Deal: Senior editor Marcia Froelke Coburn takes a look at the collective buying website Groupon and its CEO Andrew Mason, examining the site’s modest beginnings and ambitious future. Can it become the city’s big high-tech breakthrough?

Chicago’s Got Game: The magazine’s 40th anniversary celebration continues with our list of the top 40 most memorable moments in Chicago sports.