Spin City
Chicago is one of the top markets for vinyl record sales in the U.S.
Gapers Block has ceased publication.
Gapers Block published from April 22, 2003 to Jan. 1, 2016. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit Third Coast Review, a new site by several GB alumni.
✶ Thank you for your readership and contributions. ✶
TODAY
Monday, November 17
Merge
Monthly Archive
June 2014
Chicago Weather Lexicon: Derecho
The National Weather Service warns a storm with winds of up to 70 mph could hit Chicago tonight.
Trash Talk
New rules for dumpsters passed by City Council are the latest example of how ordinances are passed with minimal oversight, writes Mick Dumke in the Reader.
The Workers, Divided
The Supreme Court ruled home health care workers in Illinois can't be required to pay union dues, partly because they're not considered full-fledged state employees.
Sketching the City
Artist Jane Labowitch made a picture of Chicago's skyline using an Etch A Sketch. [via]
Door Closing on Chicago Cards
The CTA's full transition to Ventra starts on Tuesday, when old transit cards will no longer be accepted.
Studying the Flight of Birds
Augur, a new iPhone app by former GB contributor Felix Jung, turns Twitter into a fortune-telling device.
No Logo
Sufi Muslims protested on Michigan Avenue Sunday night against a logo used by perfumer Roberto Cavalli that they believe is based on a Sufi icon for Allah.
Montrose Beach Shootings
Two women were shot near Montrose Beach Sunday night; photographer Todd Diedrich captured the scene around one of the victims.
Dividing Division
Heads up: The Division Street bridge will be closed today for demolition; the new bridge will open in October.
World Cup in Soldier Field
The World Cup will be played in Soldier Field for the first time since 1994 -- but just on the big screen. Tuesday's free USA vs. Belgium viewing party has been moved to the 61,500-capacity stadium. Doors open at 1:30 ahead of the 3pm match.
Still Separate
A decreasing number of students of color at Chicago's selective enrollment schools reflects a larger failure of desegregation in Chicago's public schools, writes Steve Bogira in the Reader.
Starting Up Chicago
Techweek Chicago is officially live and you can get the play-by-play of the latest apps and buzzwords to emerge from the conference through Tribune's Blue Sky.
The Baristas vs. Paula Deen
Local café owners are resisting the latest trend of adding some butter to your coffee.
Quickest Ways to Get Around
Find out which mode of transportation is the fastest for getting from where you are to anywhere else in the city on a map by the You Are Here project. [via]
The Foggy Confines
Dense fog covering Wrigley Field helped Cubs infielder Luis Valbuena hit a triple Thursday when Nationals outfielder Denard Span completely lost sight of the ball.
Maps to the Stars
Not the ones in Hollywood -- Phil Thompson's new Homes of the Chicago Famous map guides you to places like Tina Fey's former apartment, the Obamas' condo and the Marx Brothers' house.
Get Your Lollas
If you missed out on Lollapalooza tickets, several sites and companies are willing to give you a second chance through contests, including Crain's; Front Gate Tickets; Nylon; Bacardi; Blood, Sweat & Cheers; the Verge; Dobel Tequila; NBCchicago.com and RedBull Sound Select. (Thanks, Frank!)
Pushing Rahm Forward
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle hasn't thrown her hat in the ring for mayor yet, but Chicago Forward, a super PAC backing Rahm Emanuel, is ready for her.
United States of X: Native American Edition
Chicagoland is home of the Michigimaw and Kaskaskaham tribes, according to a new map of Native American nations. [via]
Sign of the Times
Criticism of Trump Tower's "TRUMP" stamp has City Hall considering a ban of any similar signs on the riverwalk.
Midwest Life
Former GB writer Britt Julious and designer Ria Roberts are launching Inland, an online and print magazine about Midwest culture in the 21st century. They're looking for submissions.
The Color of Cook County
Cook County continues to have the largest African American population in the country.
Life Among the Clouds
Fog blanketing the city is partly due to colder waters in Lake Michigan, which is still chilled from the polar vortex.
Deadbeat Donors
Justin Kaufmann offers some creative ways to make your way into street festivals without paying the suggested donation (although technically you can just walk by).
Casualties of California & Augusta's Rise
Humboldt Park's Knockbox Cafe and Peanut Gallery will close at the end of September, as their leases were not renewed.
Hipsters Have More Fun?
USA Today's got a "hipster guide to Chicago" that reads like a weekend I want to have.
Gun on Bus: Two Outcomes
Two guns were found on CTA buses yesterday. One was discovered by the driver as he broke up a fight; at least one of the young men involved was arrested. In a separate incident, a passenger found a small gun left on a seat, and accidentally shot another passenger in the leg.
Working Underground
Unable to find work in traditional jobs, many Chicagoans are forced to find work off the books.
As the Spire Turns
Curbed revisits the saga of the Chicago Spire, now free from bankruptcies and lawsuits but still facing an uncertain future.
Pimping Their Rides
From pickup trucks to jeeps with over 80,000 miles, politicians use their cars to show they're just like everyone else, even if they're really millionaires.
Freebies Under Fire
A program offering free rides for low-income seniors and the disabled, and another providing free trash pickup, are facing increasing scrutiny after the inspector general found Chicago spends millions on free garbage collection for units that don't qualify.
The Customer is Always a Problem
NBC 5 investigates a man's claims that a company retaliated against him for a negative review he posted to Angie's List.
Blue Line Blues
A power outage shut down a Blue Line track between LaSalle and Western, forcing trains in both directions to share a single track and delaying some commuters for two hours.
Bacon Double
If you can't imagine waiting till next April for BaconFest, you're in luck: The folks behind the American Beer Classic are organizing the Great American Bacon Festival for September.
Duncan's Best Defense
Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith took home the 2014 Norris Trophy for outstanding defense, making him the only active NHL player to win the award twice. Jim Crago offers further thoughts in Tailgate.
They're the Best... Around
The Reader's annual Best of Chicago winners are up. Proceed to dissect and disagree. (And hey, we were voted Best Local Blog! Thanks!)
Skyscraper Showcase
Mayor Emanuel announced plans yesterday for a Chicago Architecture Biennial late next year, with the intent of it becoming the largest showcase of global contemporary architecture in North America.
United States of X: Money Makers Edition
Agriculture giant Archer Daniels Midland covers Illinois on a map showing the largest companies by revenue in each state; ADM brings in an estimated $89.80 billion.
Stuffed with Steak & Accolades
L'Patron's carne asada burrito made the The Daily Meal's list of the 35 Best Burritos in America.
Elder Sportsmen
After the retirement of Bears long-snapper Patrick Mannelly, White Sox captain Paul Konerko is the longest-serving Chicago athlete (15 years), followed by the Bears' Lance Briggs and Charles Tillman (both 10 years).
OKNeighborhood
Find out which Chicago neighborhood you belong in with a quiz put together by TimeOut.
Donut Smackdown
L.A.-based Stan's Donuts is opening a second Chicago shop practically next door to the upcoming Do-Rite Donuts in Streeterville. Eater.com has the full story.
The Bull Moose Partier
Nicknamed "Teddy Goal-sevelt," Chicagoan Mike D'Amico is getting attention online for his costumed homage to the Rough Rider as he cheers on the U.S.A. at the World Cup.
New Restaurants from Achatz & Izard?
Apparently you have to go to Aspen to get Chicago restaurant news now. Eater learned that Stephanie Izard may have a new restaurant in the works, and that Grant Achatz definitely does, plus Alinea will be undergoing a thorough remodeling in time for its 10th anniversary next year.
No Degree in Copy Editing?
Northwestern's Medill School is now known as the Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications -- which is quite a mouth full. Might be why some of the school's diploma had a typo on it.
Think Twice About That Tag
City Council is considering doubling fines for graffiti, from $750 to $1,500.
Inventing Over Spilled Milk
11-year-old Lily Born created the Kangaroo Cup so her grandfather, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, wouldn't spill his drinks.
A Very Belated Homecoming
The remains of three native Tasmanians kept in the Field Museum's collection since the 1950's are returning to their homeland.
All Sports, All the Time
Starting Wednesday, 120 Sports will stream NHL, NBA and MLB coverage 24/7 while also producing live studio shows at Harpo Studios.
Remembering Josh Marks
Chicago Magazine looks back at the budding culinary career and sudden death of Josh Marks.
Number One at the Pump
With an estimated average of $4.15 per gallon for regular gasoline, Chicago's gas prices may be the highest in the nation.
Courting Carmelo
Knicks player Carmelo Anthony may be heading towards free agency, and hoping he could help them reach the NBA Championships, the Bulls are scrambling to find a way to add him to their roster.
Quantifying Life as Art
The Reader reviews an exhibition of personal data-based art at Elmhurst's art museum and the "life loggers" behind the works.
You Are a Beautiful Woman and Mother
Michael Davis wrote a love letter to his wife -- using his feet and GPS.
Mana Contemporary's Third Open House
Mana Contemporary is having their third open house where they will be featuring the Renegade Craft Fair Mini Market, art exhibitions, performances by Mana residents and much more! This third open house is celebrating the opening of a new floor of artists studios. The event is occurring today, June 22, from 1 to 7pm at 2233 S. Throop St.
Pressing Pause on Pensions Again
The City and AFSCME, a union representing over 3,000 workers, agreed on a tentative five-year contract, although it does not include any measures to address the city's looming pension issues.
The Name of the Game
After the Redskins lost trademark protection for being offensive to Native Americans, will the Blackhawks face similar pressure to change their name?
Get Brand New Info
The Brand New Conference, organized by once-upon-a-time Chicago-based Under Consideration, is in Chicago in September, and early-bird pricing expires June 27.
Measuring the City
Small boxes filled with sensors will soon provide real-time measurements of things like temperature, air quality, and noise levels in areas of the city.
Carmageddon II: Car Harder
Construction on the Ohio Street bridge continues this weekend, but this time northbound lanes on the Kennedy will be closed heading into the Loop, causing trouble for drivers coming from the South Side.
Taking It Outside
The Blackhawks will play the Capitals in Washington, D.C. for the 2015 Winter Classic.
In Case of Emergency, Follow the Disco Lights
A Southwest flight attendant delivered a funny, surprisingly memorable speech to kick of a flight from San Francisco to Chicago.
Look Up
Tour company Chicago Elevated has added a binoculars tour of the Loop to its roster, encouraging folks to see the sights above their heads.
Computers: the Fabric of Our Lives
Artist Jesse Seay shows you how to knit a working circuit board, allowing you to make wearable tech. [via]
Mean Streets
StreetScore, a project from the MIT Media Lab, assigns a perceived safety score to images from Google Street View. The Chicago map reveals some of its limitations -- such as Navy Pier and Buckingham Fountain getting low, dangerous scores.
Sharing Our Stories
StoryCorps has already had a permanent spot in the Cultural Center where people can record true stories about their lives. Soon it will also have an exhibition space to help share those stories.
Find Your Beach
Whether you want to watch birds flying by or people stumbling around, it's important to choose the right beach before setting your towel down.
Flatter Than a Pancake
Illinois is the second flattest state in the nation, according to researchers.
Fly-by-night Feds
The Sun-Times reports federal officials released incorrect information about how runway updates at O'Hare would affect nearby communities prior to public hearings.
Our Man At Gunpoint
Lifelong Chicagoan and "Our Man in Chicago" blogger Scott Smith shares his experience being robbed at gunpoint for the first time near his home in Beverly.
Crowdsourcing Charity
Inspired by a Northwestern philanthropy course profiled in the New York Times, Bill Gates asked his Twitter followers how they would give away $50,000. What would you do?
United States of X: Scary Movie Edition
Halloween represents Illinois on the horror movie map of the US. [via]
No Such Thing as Nothing to Do
Hypelocal is a new app designed to help you explore the city beyond your usual bubble.
Punky QB in a Funk
Former Bears quarterback Jim McMahon talked about his struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts as well as early onset dimentia, which he blames on his years in the NFL.
Skipping School
Chronic absenteeism rose at 80 percent of CPS elementary schools over the past three years.
Dog Dealer
After graduating from Vienna Beef's Hot Dog University, writer John Carruthers found out what it's like to work at a hot dog cart.
From Geeks to Jocks
Robert Morris University added a new sports program for gamers who compete in League of Legends tournaments online, making them eligible for athletic scholarships.
Makes Trump Look Tiny
While many are upset over the TRUMP stamped on Trump Tower, back in the 1930's a lighted sign 23 stories high sign burned the Chevrolet logo into the skies.
A Garden Underground
An old freight tunnel underneath the Palmer House Hilton now serves as a mushroom garden for the hotel's restaurant.
Budget Bomb
If Chicago's credit rating drops again, the city could end up owing banks and investors nearly $200 million.
The Edge of Glory
Lady Gaga prevailed in the plagiarism case brought against her by local musician Rebecca Francescatti last year.
Freddy's Back
Robert Eglund is dressing up as Freddy Krueger for the first time in more than a decade at Flashback Weekend. For $365, you can get your picture taken with him, with proceeds benefiting the Midway Drive-In in Dixon's digital conversion.
Not Playing Around
As covered extensively by Jim DeRogatis over the years, Lollapalooza's proximity clause can keep artists from playing in Chicago -- and as far away as Detroit and St. Louis -- for up to nine months surrounding the festival.
Deals Gone Bad
The Sun-Times reports that the City may be stuck with a $200 million charge if its bond rating drops further, due to Daley administration-era financial moves.
The Mayor's New Clothes
Vanity Fair dubbed Rahm Emanuel one of the best-dressed mayors in the country for his denim shirts, pinstripe suits, and other sartorial choices.
Having Nun of It
A group of nuns in Stone Park filed suit to get a strip club located next to their convent shut down, saying the bass and flashing lights disturbs their worship.
Return of the Flash Mobs
Over a dozen people are suspected of running out with at least $5,000 worth of merchandise from a South Side store.
Green Makers
Cleaning and hygiene product company Method is planning to build its first manufacturing facility in Pullman, one of only two LEED platinum certified factories, including a wind turbine, solar panels, and rooftop greenhouses.
I Think I Understand You
I don't care if they live in LA now, OK Go is still a Chicago band. And their new video for "The Writing's On the Wall" is amazing.
Your Complaints, Mapped
Chicagoans dial 311 when they want a pothole fixed, graffiti blasted, or rats taken care of, and a map shows Archer Heights residents make more calls to the City on a per person basis than any other 'hood.
Put Some Butter On It
Culver's is bringing their Wisconsin brand of butter burgers and custard to Wrigleyville.
United States of X: Bartender's Handshake Edition
While Malört is no doubt still popular, at least some of Chicago's bartenders have moved on from the bitter stuff for "staff meals," according to this article from Punch. (In other Punch news, read this nice writeup of Three Dots and a Dash.)
Chicago's World Cup Moment
Twenty years ago today, the 1994 World Cup opening ceremonies were held in Soldier Field.
Barn Razing
An historic barn in Logan Square may have been demolished illegally, preservationists allege.
Painting the Town Red
Members of the Community Party USA returned Chicago, where the party started, to celebrate its 95th anniversary.
New Life for Dead Trees
Artists are turning dead and dying trees infested with the emerald ash borer into works of art.
Speculation is Always in Season
Oddsmakers think the Blackhawks are the team most likely to win the Stanley Cup in 2015.
Rahm's Fight
The Economist breaks down Chicago's pension crisis and Mayor Emanuel's efforts to get it under control.
The Do-Not-Care List
Aldermen are refusing to abide by a do-not-hire list used by other city agencies to ensure people fired for misconduct are not re-hired.
Staying the Course
Jenn Gibbons, the woman who went all the way around Lake Michigan on a rowboat to raise money for charity, plans to circumnavigate the lake once again, this time with fellow fundraisers, on bikes. (Read our profile of Gibbons and Recovery on Water from 2010.)
Sold on Chicago
After buying local startup Braintree, eBay plans to grow its presence in Chicago, hiring hundreds of employees and setting up shop in the Merchandise Mart.
Beauty Queen Consolidates Power
Marisa Buchheit, already Miss Chicago 2014, was crowned Miss Illinois this weekend.
Jewelers Row is Tarnishing
The stretch of Wabash Street in the Loop that is home to hundreds of jewelers is dealing with the economy, competition from big brands, and now CTA construction that will close the street to traffic for up to two years.
No Quotas
You know how police always deny having a quota on tickets? Now it's really true in Illinois; Gov. Quinn just signed a bill banning them.
Fighting White Flight
"Home equity districts," formed decades ago to calm white residents' concerns of property values going down as diversity increased in their neighborhoods, are still collecting money- and doing little else, WBEZ reports.
Before the Donut Craze
The life expectancy of Chicagoans increased to almost 78 years old, and may be on track to exceed the national average.
Twitter Treasure Hunters
@hiddencash will be hiding $2,000 dollars in envelopes scattered around a park somewhere in Chicago on Sunday.
Steer Clear of Carmageddon
A section of the Kennedy will be shut down this weekend as crews demolish the Ontario Street Bridge, so it's probably best to avoid it completely.
After the 20-Game Run
The third winningest "Jeopardy" contestant lives in Wilmette. The Reader's Gwynedd Stuart interviewed her.
"Magnificent and Popular"
Mayor Emanuel waited for the final P to be placed in huge TRUMP sign on the side of said tower to call it tasteless.
Saving the People's Bank
After the FDIC shut down a bank in Little Village, a grassroots partnership turned it into a credit union focused on helping residents avoid foreclosure.
A Big Bust
More than two dozen gang members were arrested for their connection to a heroin and crack trafficking operation on the West Side.
The World's Cup Runneth Over
Today's the day: the World Cup is finally here. Robyn Nisi shared some places to watch the games (and where to eat afterward) in Drive-Thru, and the Huffington Post created a map of bars to watch at by the nation they support.
Cult of Media Personalities
The Guardian takes a look at how Second City training impacted the careers and lives of its most successful alumni.
X Marks the What?
Buildings marked with a red "X" across the city aren't condemned as some believe, but rather are marked as potentially dangerous for firefighters and first responders.
A Year After the Final Bells
A year after CPS closed 50 schools, truthout looks back at whether the school district kept its promises, including upgrading technology and increasing resources for receiving schools.
Click This
ClickHole, the Onion's new viral content parody site, officially launched today. Get ready for even more crap on your Facebook feed.
The Best in the Land
Women & Children First is one of WhereTraveler's 10 best independent bookstores in the country.
Get "Real"?
Crain's reports that the production company behind reality TV stalwart, "The Real World," has designs on a location in the West Loop.
School of Architecture
Chicago Historic Schools is a blog dedicated to documenting the "rich architectural and social history of Chicago's public schools."
The Best Camera is the One You Have With You
Cocu Liu is one of the winners of the 2014 iPhone Photography Awards, snagging first place in the Seasons category. He also came in second in the Trees and Others categories, and third in Architecture.[via]
Selective Placement
The Reader's Steve Bogira examines the case for picking a different location for the propsed Obama High School.
Still "Saving" Neighborhoods
Chicagoans in certain neighborhoods are still paying taxes set up in the 1980s to stem white flight, WBEZ's Natalie Moore reports.
Backyard Car Fire
Someone set eight cars on fire in Wrigleyville, similar to another recent incident where someone torched vehicles in Englewood.
City of Big Dreamers
Big, out-there ideas for the city are a Chicago tradition, with more recent schemes including gondolas in the river, the Spire, and an airport in Lake Michigan.
Keef's Bad Week
After being evicted from his apartment for failing to pay rent, Chief Keef's concert in Cicero was cancelled because officials feared his appearance would cause chaos and violence.
The New Asylums
Reporting on untreated mental illness across the country, 60 Minutes visited Cook County Jail, referring to it as the "largest mental institution in the United States."
Another Go Around
Spin Nightclub may be gone, but two new businesses--one an old-school saloon, the other a gay nightclub--are set to open in its place.
Before the Targets
TimeOut uses Google Street View to show how different areas of the city developed over the past few years.
Not Worth Stealing
A robber allegedly held a man at gunpoint and demanded his possessions, but gave the victim his cellphone back because it wasn't an iPhone or better phone worth taking.
Life in a Great City
LIFE magazine launched a new "Great Cities" series with a collection of historic photos from Chicago. Chicagoist's Chuck Sudo wrote the introduction.
Tastes Good Going Down
New Bubbly Creek Soda from Bridgeport Coffee tastes like coffee and is named after the still-stewing South Branch waterway that runs through the neighborhood. Sales of the drink benefit the Wetlands Initiative, which is working to clean up Bubbly Creek.
United States of X: School Shooting Edition
There have been 74 school shootings since Newtown, including the murder of Tyrone Lawson after a basketball game in January of last year. Mark Gongloff mapped them.
Map of the 74 school shootings since Sandy Hook. Red markers = K-12. via http://t.co/1YzxxdZUo2 pic.twitter.com/z7FFoCmsC2
— Mark Gongloff (@markgongloff) June 10, 2014There Goes Another One
Rep. Derrick Smith was found guilty of corruption charges for accepting a bribe.
Floating an Idea
A proposal to build a floating entertainment complex a mile off shore in Lake Michigan is first being tested on Kickstarter to gauge the concept's popularity.
Nothing But Nets
A Sun-Times investigation found CPS is missing most of its records showing which high school basketball teams and players were actually eligible to play this year.
It's Noodlin' Time
The DNR and its allies plan to release 30,000 catfish into the Chicago River and the Little Calumet River because the waterways are now clean enough to support more fish.
Watch Dogs' First Collar
The first man arrested in Chicago after he was identified by facial recognition software was sentenced to 22 years in prison for armed robbery, although questions remain about the technology's efficacy.
Guerrilla Truck Show
The Guerrilla Truck Show is celebrating their 10th anniversary tonight from 5:30 to 9:30pm at the corner of Aberdeen and Fulton Market. The event is free and open to the public. The Guerrilla Truck show is an event which gives all creatives the freedom to exhibit and show their work in temporary gallery spaces -- the back of a truck!
Pension Fix Part One
Governor Quinn signed a bill backed by Mayor Emanuel increasing the amount some city workers pay into pension funds and decreasing the amount they get after retirement.
No Mustache? No Sale.
Last week White Sox pitcher Chris Sale was ordered to shave his scruffy beard and mustache. The American Mustache Institute has filed a discrimination lawsuit on Sale behalf. [via]
Weighing in on Wages
The Mayor's task force on the minimum wage hosts its first public hearing tonight, giving residents a chance to weigh in on whether Chicago workers should be guaranteed wages of $15 an hour or some other amount.
Opening Night Notes
The 2014 season of the Grant Park Music Festival kicks off Wednesday, June 11, with a Tchaikovsky Extravaganza.
Cycling Challenge
Companies across the city will compete to see whose employees are most willing to pedal their way to work between June 13 and 20 as part of the Bike Commuter Challenge.
Two Takes on the Mayor
Politico compares public perceptions of Mayor Emanuel inside the Beltway in Washington, D.C., with those here in Chicago.
Images of the West Side
The Morning News shares photos of Chicago's West Side, from We Shall, a new book by Columbia College professor Paul D'Amato.
Problems with Pronouns
After University of Chicago students accused Dan Savage of a hate crime for referring to a transsexual person as "it" in conversation refusing to stop using the word "tranny" in an academic setting, he shares his side of the story and reflects on the nature of language in universities today.
Ignoring Street Fest Suggestions
Fewer people are paying the suggested donation before heading into street festivals across the city.
Out of Earshot
Hearings held by the FAA on runway changes at O'Hare weren't actually held in areas that will be impacted by increased airplane noise, a Sun-Times investigation found.
No More Microbeads
Illinois became the first state to ban skin care products containing microbeads, after researchers showed the tiny bits of plastic were showing up in fish in the Great Lakes.
RIP Bob Abrahamian
Bob Abrahamian, Chicago soul collector, historian and host of WHPK's Sitting in the Park, died Thursday of an apparent suicide.
A Link Back to the Cubs' Glory Days
Lennie Merullo, the last living member of the 1945 Cubs team that played in the World Series, threw out the first pitch at Saturday's game.
Nude Cycling, Night Cycling
Early warning: World Naked Bike Ride is a week away, and the L.A.T.E. Ride is the week after that. Make your plans.
Guerrilla Greenery
A mysterious group is anonymously installing flower-filled planters along Morgan St. in Bridgeport.
Windy Citizen Gets a Nice Postscript
Almost two years after the link-sharing site shut down, an ad design software that was a spinoff of the site was sold for over $25 million.
Black Tie Wrecking Ball
Techweek Chicago cancelled its Black Tie Rave after the group faced criticism for promoting the event using pictures of women in provocative poses.
Wither the 2nd Ward?
The 2nd Ward went from being one of the least gerrymandered to the very most over the past 80+ years, as WBEZ demonstrates with a .gif.
Driving for a Fair Wage
While half of Chicago cabdrivers earn less than the minimum wage, the cab industry generates $30 million for the City every year, leading some drivers to demand they be recognized as City employees.
This is Getting Ridiculous
I tried to resist posting about yet another donut hybrid, but the bonut, based on the tasty biscuits at Bang Bang Pie Shop, actually sounds pretty good.
No Longer Truant
There used to be a team of truancy officers keeping tabs on CPS students skipping class. WBEZ's Curious City finds out what happened to them.
Purloining Pickles & Packing Peanuts
Four suspects were caught breaking into train cars containing pickles and packing peanuts yesterday.
Top Cop in the Shop
Police chief McCarthy had a heart attack Thursday morning, followed by emergency angioplasty to open two clogged arteries.
Jet-ting Off the Newsstand
The last-ever print edition of Jet magazine will be available Monday. After that, the 63 year-old publication will transition to an all-digital format.
Teachers Speak Up in the Sun-Times
The Sun-Times is running essays by CPS teachers through a partnership with Illinois Writing Project. The first one is about Common Core, written by a social studies teacher. (You might also be interested in GB's Classroom Mechanics oral history project from 2010/11.)
Paternity TV
"Swab Stories," a new VH1 reality series following the travels and travails of a mobile DNA testing service, is filming in Chicago this week. Watch for it in Lakeview today.
What Ticketing Tables Does
It's been three years since Next opened with a ticket-based reservation system, and the concept is beginning to catch on in the industry. Nick Kokonas explains how the system works and what difference it's made to the business.
The Burger That's Second to None
Kuma's Corner just earned more bragging rights: The Daily Meal declared the Kuma Burger the best burger in the nation.
Brotherly Love & Rivalry
Chicago-based writer Eric Spitznagel's brother is filthy rich and Eric is not. What brought them closer together was a $50 Timex watch.
Burrito Bracket Goes Big
Back in 2007, Nate Silver -- soon to be of FiveThirtyEight fame -- began the Burrito Bracket in an attempt to find the best burrito in his neighborhood. Today, Silver turned his attention back to his favorite Mexican-American food and took the bracket national.
Writing About Writers
On the cusp of Printers Row Lit Fest, NewCity released its annual Lit 50 list.
Jupiter Delaying
Jupiter Ascending, the Wachowskis' sci-fi epic that was to be one of several Chicago-set films released this year, has been pushed back to February 2015 from its original July 18 release date.
Graduate & Move Here
Evidently Chicago is the fifth most attractive city to move to for "young grads," according to a LinkedIn survey.
Rahm and Jimmy Part Two
Mayor Emanuel made good on his promise to appear on the "Tonight Show" after host Jimmy Fallon did the Polar Plunge, making another bet with Fallon that the host will bring his show to Chicago if kids read over 2.4 million books this summer.
The Light City
The City is officially asking for proposals of how to light up bridges, the El, the riverwalk, and other spaces to attract tourists to Chicago. Any suggestions?
Custom Combos
You can invent the next cronut, wonut or cuffin with Chicago Magazine's food combo generator.
T-Shirt Redistricting
It doesn't appear to be available online, but Old Navy's State Street store is selling an almost hysterically inaccurate Chicago map on a t-shirt. At least they didn't flat-out steal Ork Posters' design.
A New Home for Cubs Baseball
The Cubs are moving up the radio dial to WBBM, ending 90 years of broadcasts on WGN after the station tried to renegotiate its deal, saying they were actually losing money on the partnership. Chad Ruter thinks the deal makes sense for all involved.
Photo Bombed
Techweek Chicago is facing a barrage of criticism for using somewhat-sexy images of women to advertise a charity event, as the tech industry already faces scrutiny for its treatment of women. Techweek Chicago has apologized, saying they will host discussions about their promotions and diversity in tech. EDIT: Jacqui Cheng notes that Techweek should have learned their lesson six months ago when they were called out for having bikini models dance at their afterparty last year.
DIY, Again
After a year hiatus, the DIY Trunk Show is returning this fall. Vendor applications are now open.
Rock the Chive On
It's easy to forget that bro-blog The Chive was founded in Chicago (and that it started off as an Onion imitator). The site has a rabid following, and it's hosting a touring music festival that's coming to Soldier Field June 28.
The Thin Maroon Line
The Gate examines the effect of University of Chicago Police in keeping the university and Hyde Park safe -- and separate -- from neighboring communities, for better or worse.
Props for Public Access Theater
Oracle Productions' The Mother and Theo Ubique's staging of Passion won top honors at this year's non-Equity Jeff Awards.
Jeopardy Juggernaut
Chicago-area woman Julia Collins won Jeopardy! 20 times in a row before losing in an episode aired this week, setting the record for a woman and taking home around $428,100 in winnings.
Venerable Venues
Jim DeRogatis looks at the uncertain future of historic theaters serving as concert venues, including the Congress, the Uptown, and the Portage.
Listing Success
Crain's highlights Chicago's 50 fastest growing companies while Techweek Chicago profiles leaders from 100 organizations making an impact on business & technology.
Untying Knots Before They Happen
The CTA and IDOT averted traffic disaster later this month by agreeing not to simultaneously close lanes on the Kennedy and shut down the Blue Line for repairs on the same dates.
A New Fest Payment Plan
While three-day passes to Riot Fest cost $180, the festival is now offering to put tickets on layaway so concert-goers can pay in installments.
Making Daley Progress
Construction on Maggie Daley Park is moving along, despite still looking like a pile of styrofoam and dirt.
Gin, Campari & Compassion
Evidently this is Negroni Week; order a negroni at one of more than three dozen bars and restaurants around town and a portion of the cost goes to charity.
Going After Big Pharma Dealers
The City is suing five drug companies for pushing consumer use of opiod painkillers, then driving prices up after patients become addicted.
Plush Pat-Downs
A revamped TSA checkpoint at O'Hare adds couches, wall art, and soothing music to make passing through security more comfortable.
Charter Fraud
The SEC has charged UNO with defrauding investors on a charter school bond by not revealing conflicts of interest. UNO is settling the charge by agreeing to outside monitoring and policy changes.
Uptown Upgrade
Proposed funding in the Illinois Senate includes $10 million for renovating the Uptown Theatre, as part of a larger effort to revitalize the area.
Holy Cow! That's a Lot of Booze.
A diary left behind by Harry Caray documents the extensive bar tabs he racked up with journalists and athletes in 1972.
No Longer Homemade
Homemade Pizza abruptly closed all its stores this weekend, and deleted its website and social media presence.
NewCity, New Summer
NewCity's summer guide issue is out, including tips for how to be "work summer fashion on a winter body."
Cash Drop
You heard about the mystery person hiding cash around San Francisco, right? Well, now there's a Chicago copycat. Follow @HiddencashChi to join the chase.
