1. The Long Rebound of Darrell Williams
The Chicago basketball star was convicted of a sexual assault in college. Now that it’s been overturned, can he resurrect his hoop dreams? Chicago tells his story.
2. Johnny Outlaw Works on the Right Side of the Law, Helping Ex-Cons Stay Out of Prison
He served more than 30 years for murder—while earning a college degree and mentoring inmates. Now he’s counseling men on the outside. The Christian Science Monitor profiles the director of Teamwork Englewood’s re-entry programs.
3. Emanuel-Rauner Ties Create Campaign Subplot
The friendship between the Republican candidate and the Democratic mayor creates strange bedfellows—which aren’t that unusual in local political history. The Tribune explores their relationship.
4. The Chief
As the tide turns against the use of Native Americans as sports mascots, how long will Chief Illiniwek survive? The Classical visits the University of Illinois.
5. Two Neighboring States, One Big Gap
How did Indiana build its $2 billion surplus? WBEZ asks Hoosiers about their state.
6. Next Year Might Really Be the Year, Cubs Fans
The team has been much better than its bad record indicates. Next year should be better still. Fox Sports offers hope for the Lovable Losers.
7. Librarians Are a Luxury Chicago Public Schools Can’t Afford
The number of librarians in CPS has fallen precipitously as they’re pulled from the stacks and into the classroom. NPR tracks where they’re going.
8. Meet Bruce Rauner, the Big Spender
The gubernatorial candidate wants to fully fund education and infrastructure. How’s he going to pay for it? Rich Miller casts a skeptical eye in Crain’s.
9. How a Mysterious Box of Photos Sent an Evanston Couple Halfway Around the World
The $20 estate-sale find turned into a Fulbright grant, a historical hunt, and a new photographic project. The Reader follows Jerri Zbiral and Alan Teller on their search.
10. What Rahm Needs to Know About the Taxi Industry
Former cab driver Dmitry Samarov finds the flaws in how the city and state control the industry. Chicago lets a hack have his say.