A file clerk who became a photographer with the help of the Farm Service Administration's team of stars, John Vachon captured two summers in Chicago as America was at war. Read more
The four-time All-American from Oak Park-River Forest developed one of the most remarkable moves in wrestling—but the story of him and his coach gets more dramatic from there. Read more
It's unlikely that the President will need to spend much time in Illinois this election season, or his opponent. Not to worry: demographic changes ensure there will be plenty of rallies in the swing states next door. Read more
Like Thomas Eagleton almost exactly 40 years ago, reports of "exhaustion" from a politician spiraled into a confusing media scrum. We've gotten better about discussing mental illness since then, but the vocabulary, and our expectations, remain flawed. Read more
Have you ever arm-twisted? Been part of a quarrelsome political faction? Even derided a classical-realist painter? You, too, could be a Chicago-style politician. Read more
Was the most recent heat wave caused by global warming? It's not a yes or no question, but we're starting to get a more nuanced sense of what "maybe" means. The Dust Bowl summers that set Chicago's record high provide a good metaphor. Read more
In their debate at Freeport, Steven A. Douglas gave America the first iteration of "Cadillac-driving welfare queens," while Abraham Lincoln's rhetoric subtly traced the geography of Illinois politics. Read more
If you think Chicago's public transportation is segregated, the numbers from the comparatively desegregated metropolis of Los Angeles will surprise you. Is it race or class at work? I'd start with parking. Read more
Is the president planning on cutting taxes "for middle class families"? Yes, in the way that you get the biggest piece of cake on your birthday, but don't get to eat the whole thing. Read more
The London Interbank Offer Rate scandal hasn't gotten much attention in these parts, even though it effects everything from student loans to the trillions in futures whizzing through Chicago every day. It's worth getting into—it's not going away for a long time. Read more
