Custom Placements: City Life Lead
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?
How Patrick Kane Shaped Me
The player’s exit from the Blackhawks lineup marks the end of an era for the city — and closes an important chapter of one of his biggest fans.
Decades of Chicago in 10 Miles of Belmont Avenue
Start at the lake and head west on Belmont Avenue — you’ll travel back through time.