What was once a debate about elevating standards in higher education has become a challenge to their existence, and more broadly, an excuse to ignore even the most basic forms of propriety. Read more
Amanda Seligman’s new book Chicago’s Block Clubs: How Neighbors Shape the City uncovers the history of these little-studied groups. Here’s what we learned. Read more
The first two nodes of the open-source environmental monitoring network are live, with hundreds more to follow; other cities in the U.S. and abroad will be installing their own networks. Here's what it does (and what it doesn't do). Read more
The dean of students at the University of Chicago says the school doesn't support or condone them. To ask a very U. of C. question: what do "support," "condone," and "them" mean? Read more
Activist Tom Tresser doesn't think so. He's got a new book full of ideas to balance the books and fund the things we aren't, and he wants Chicagoans talking about them. Read more
From the brains behind Cards Against Humanity, Secret Hitler is a new party game in which political operatives try to sow distrust and rise to power. And yes, you can get stickers to make it "Secret Trump" instead. Read more
His body and mechanics make him probably the hardest-throwing pitcher who's ever lived. But his 105.1 mph record isn't necessarily what it seems. Read more
Cook County says DJing doesn't qualify as "fine art," and they could collect some hefty taxes for it. But it'll be an uphill battle against history, taste, and case law. Read more
