Bikes vs. Business
A hardware store’s closing in Logan Square brings to a head the rising tensions over protected bike lanes.
Custom Placements: City Life Lead
Youse Hear About Inclusive Language?
Once considered an unsophisticated term, “youse” may be one of the most gender-neutral ways to address others.
Want Great Lakes Water? Move Here.
The late Sam Kinison, the second-funniest comedian to come out of Illinois, launched his career with a riff about solving world hunger. “Stop sending them food,” Kinison whispered, then screamed, as was his shtick. “Don’t send them another bite. Send them U-Hauls. Send them a guy that says, ‘You know, we’ve been coming here giving … Read more
Fresh Snow Perspectives in Chicago
My work is often inspired by what I observe when walking or cycling through a city — very often by bike, as I am Dutch. My background is also in urban design, so I like to feature Chicago’s beautiful architecture, characteristic neighborhoods, iconic skyline — and how people use their city. Chicago winters are much … Read more
Riding Down the Most Dangerous Bikeway in Chicago
Milwaukee Avenue is, according to the city’s Department of Transportation, “Chicago’s busiest bikeway” — on a typical day, 2,736 cyclists pedal past the intersection with Elston Avenue. As a diagonal street, it offers a quick route into downtown, and it passes through the city’s most progressive neighborhoods — Avondale, Logan Square, Wicker Park — which … Read more
The History of Chicago’s Irish Catholics
How one little island in the North Atlantic came to play such a big role in a Midwestern city’s culture.
The Only Thing To Do in a Dying Mall
Get your steps in at the Ford City Mall — where there’s not a whole lot going on these days.
The Mystery Millionaire of Gage Park
When Joseph Stancak died, he left behind a secret: He was worth $11 million. How did a reclusive electrician living in a modest bungalow amass the largest unclaimed estate in American history?