Features The Rising Significance of Race by Gretchen ReynoldsWilliam Julius Wilson helped set the national agenda and elect Bill Clinton with his theories on poverty and race. Now, at the height of his influence, there’s a small problem: He’s changed his mind. ‘Home’ Moviesby Richard LalichHow director and John Hughes protégé Chris Columbus discovered fame, … Read more
Features Critics’ Choice by Dennis Ray Wheaton, with Anne Spiselman, David Novick, and Allen H. KelsonOur annual roundup of the city’s most notable restaurants reveals an altered dining landscape. Plus: a special section with scores of great dishes, places, and people on the local dining scene Pier Pressureby Joseph CrumpThe design competition to rehab a … Read more
Features Behind the Braun Phenomenon by Gretchen ReynoldsSince winning the Democratic primary, Carol Moseley Braun has been the strong favorite in a potentially historic race. But who is she really? And does she have what it will take to win? The Gray Matterby Mark JannotEveryone was so sure Gerhard Casper would replace Hanna Gray as … Read more
Features What a Deal! by Leah Eskin, Libby Morse, and Dan SantowOur insider’s guide to off-price shopping explores some of the city’s lesser-known outlets and warehouses for designer clothing, fine housewares, and more. Plus, retail store sales, and what’s new at the outlet malls Presence of Mindsby Penelope MesicDr. Bennet Braun is one of the … Read more
Features The Player by Gretchen ReynoldsRaising money for Richard M. Daley is the hottest game in town, and for more than a decade, Paul Stepan had been top man in it. Then his luck started to turn. A Rahm for the Moneyby Mark JannotBill Clinton’s chief fund-raiser, Chicagoan Rahm Emanuel, may be too good for … Read more
Features Rx for a Troubled City The Great Flood and the Los Angeles riots were harsh reminders of the fragility of city life. Though Chicago seems to be soldiering forward with considerable aplomb, the problems ahead are enormous. We asked 20 prominent thinkers for advice on keeping the city on track. The Scapegoatby Dennis RodkinActing … Read more
Features Wish You Were HereIf crowds of people get you down, consider these alternatives to the season’s main events – for the best in against-the-flow summer fun. The Far Shoreby Gretchen ReynoldsHow Harbor Country, Michigan, is grappling with its sudden success One-day Wondersby Gale Kappe and Jeanne RattenburyRiding the South Shore line to the Indiana … Read more
Features Managing Clinton by Joseph CrumpBehind every successful man there’s often another one: In Bill Clinton’s case it’s David Wilhelm, the Chicagoan running his rollercoaster Presidential campaign. Sugar! Baby!by Marcia Froelke CoburnThe blond bombshell of high society is all set to prove that she’s got a brain. That’s why Sugar Rautbord’s new novel is called … Read more
Features Design Disasters by Joseph CrumpIn a city full of architectural treasures, the clinkers really stand out. Here are one observer’s picks of Chicago’s ten worst planning mistakes. A Moveable Feastby Henry HansonFor 75 years, the Arts Club of Chicago has been the place where the elite meet to greet the avant-garde. Now, with a … Read more
Features Crowded Skies by Gretchen ReynoldsChicago has the busiest, most efficient airspace in the world. But delayed flights and a rash of “near misses” and radar failures have raised troubling questions. Are our skies safe? Why are so many flights late? Will a third airport help? An inside look at how the city’s airports work … Read more
