Privatization and Other Policy Reads
Why Chicago is now the Fourth City behind New York, Los Angeles, and… Washington D.C.?; the European model of infrastructure privatization and why they’re so much better at it than us; and more
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Anthony Davis: Chicago's Late-Blooming High School Star Is the Best Player in College Basketball
University of Kentucky star Anthony Davis went from Cleveland State recruit to the most sought-after player in the country in a matter of weeks. Even as he prepares to play in the NCAA final, his talent requires looking deeper than the box score.
Quinn Brings Jerry Stermer Back in the Fold
During his campaign in 2010, Pat Quinn suffered the loss of one of his longest and must trusted confidantes, Jerry Stermer. Stermer now has a new job as acting director of the Office of Management and Budget, announced today by the gov’s office.
Would Winning the Mega Millions Make You Unhappy or Broke?
It’s accepted folk wisdom that lottery winners end up miserable and/or bankrupt. Two Northwestern psychologists found that winning the lottery actually makes you happy and less stressed—but less able to enjoy what you did before, for no net effect on your happiness. One piece of advice: if you win, keep the news to yourself.
Facebook, Law, and Employment: Before Dissing Your Boss, Think Like a Lawyer
A bill working its way through the Illinois legislature would ban employers from asking for your social media passwords. Your public likes and tweets are still fair game—unless they’re “concerted.”
Inside the Mind of Philip Glass
GLASS IS IN SESSION: The University of Chicago graduate celebrates his 75th birthday with a solo show at the Art Institute
Chicago's Infrastructure Trust and Washington's Gridlock
The mayor rolls out a comprehensive, $7-billion infrastructure scheme, elements of which you’ll recognize. Meanwhile, federal transportation funding of all kinds nearly came to a halt this week, as the political reckoning got pushed back a mere 90 days. Washington’s ideological divide is putting immense pressure on cities and states to deal with overdue infrastructure issues.
Where the Chicago Accent Comes From and How Politics is Changing It
Ever wondered why Chicago sounds so much different from the rest of the state (and more like Buffalo than downstate)? It begins with the Erie Canal, probably has a lot to do with the Civil War, and seems to be getting even more distinct.
Joe Walsh on Tammy Duckworth: Did He Really Say That?
Nobody would ever call Joe Walsh a temperate personality; he has made his reputation and become a favorite of cable TV shout shows by saying what’s on his mind. But he went over the line in an interview with Politico’s David Catanese, held in an Elgin coffee shop, published today.
Week 25: Vicious Cycle
If there were Pregnancy Police, I’d be calling 911 right now. As it turns out, my wife’s not really respecting the laws of the bed rest. She’s using the extra time to launch all kinds of complex projects involving sewing and reorganizing bookshelves and figuring out why our bathroom smells like a hungover moose. I can’t stop her, and she can’t stop herself…