Prison closings have pitted unions against progressives, the result of decades of using prisons as a rural economic development tool—with only very modest results. Read more
Even compared to the rest of Chicago's winter, February is the least cruel month in the city, as the homicide rate plunges to its lowest levels. Read more
During adolescence, intellectual ability starts to take off around 15-16 years old... and it takes a decade for maturity to catch up. It's a perilous time. Read more
It can be passed down from one generation to the next—not just to victimizers, but to victims. And the threats that accompany it make leaving difficult. Read more
The state's pulled together something like a balanced budget—but the end of the tax increase and increasing pension pressures will make that an extreme challenge to maintain. Read more
After an okay 2012 and a boring off-season, the White Sox are projected to be middling this year. But they tend to outperform the numbers, thanks in part to excellent health. Read more
Local photographer David Schalliol gives a glimpse into a small corner of Englewood that's slowly giving way to the expansion of a rail facility. Read more
A poll on how the state should fix its fiscal problems finds substantial support for cutting spending and gutting some retirement benefits, but divided answers on more complex issues. Read more
