1. The Maestro: Joakim Noah Orchestrates Bulls on Both Ends of the Court

In the absence of Derrick Rose, the Bulls’ big man has emerged as a gifted playmaker. Sports Illustrated profiles the team’s leader.

2. Trixie and Chad Have Kids!

As its residents get older, Lincoln Park is growing up—with a $20,000 preschool and $1,600 strollers. Crain’s checks in on urban toddlers.

3. Behind the Beanie Babies: The Secret Life of Ty Warner

The reclusive Chicago billionaire has maintained a low profile while building an empire on toys. Chicago magazine goes behind the curtain.

4. Has a Decade of School Food Reform Resulted in Healthier Lunches?

Not so much: The top CPS lunch offerings are processed chicken patties, chicken nuggets, and “chicken crumbles.” WBEZ investigates what your kids are eating.

5. How White Sox’s Chris Sale Went from Anomaly to Ace

How the South Siders picked the rail-thin hurler from the rough—and how they keep him healthy. Yahoo Sports reveals Sale’s secrets.

6. Fake Peoria Mayor Twitter Account Prompts Real Raid of House

A Twitter user who mocked the city’s mayor with a parody account ended up in jail and under investigation for “false impersonation of a public official.” The Peoria Journal-Star tells the bizarre tale.

7. How Household Debt Caused the Great Recession: a Q&A with Amir Sufi

The U. of C. economist explains why we’re really in a rut, and what to watch out for next. Chicago magazine talks with the co-author of House of Debt.

8. When Chicago Spent Its Pension Money on the Mayor’s Pet Projects

To start with: $250 million for a train station we aren’t using, and maybe never will. The Reader looks back at a wasteful era.

9. Facebook Spat Led to Double Homicide of Teens, Best Friends

According to the mother of a murdered 18-year-old, a fight over a stolen power cord spiraled out of control. DNAInfo recounts the story.

10. Oh, the Stories Wrigley Field Could Tell

The 100-year-old stadium has a rich history, even if it doesn’t include much success on the field. The New York Times recounts a history of gangsters, rodeo, and the Cubs.