United States of X: Racist Search Edition
A study found the most racist people live in the Northeast and Southern U.S., and that Northeast Illinois is less racist than average, by measuring the number of racist searches on Google.
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
Tuesday, November 18
Merge
Monthly Archive
April 2015
This is How We Work
Chicago magazine launched a new photo essay, At Work, documenting some of the city's most interesting workplaces and the people who work there.
Welcome to Draft Town
The NFL Draft's takeover of Grant Park at Draft Town is free to get in and includes a Super Bowl museum, fan village, and games to test your skills.
From the Bay to the Lake
The Chronicle reports on how Chicago ended up with George Lucas' Museum of Narrative Art instead of San Francisco. (Thanks, Phil!)
Get with the Seeding, Already
Alderman Maldonado, whose ward includes Humboldt Park, isn't too keen on Riot Fest's park cleanup from last year's expanded festival. He's being pretty vocal that the organizers need to fix some sub-par grass seeding before it gets too late in the spring.
Grow Your Own
To build the "world's first" fully sustainable restaurant that grows its own food, chef and marketer Jaime Guerrero is enlisting the help of students at a local high school.
Here, Let Me Explain
Molly Adams and Tim Barnes team up to explain Mansplaining. You should probably read this, it actually has a lot to do with your everyday life.
Achatz & Kokonas on What's Next
Ten years ago, Alinea opened and turned fine dining on its ear. Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas talked with the Trib's Kevin Pang about the past decade and what's coming with Roister and Alinea, and Achatz chatted with Elyzabeth Alfano about his career.
Business is Scarry
In Welcome to Businesstown, Tony Ruth (aka Lunchbreath) illustrates the people you meet in the modern business world in a style reminiscent of Richard Scarry's Busytown books
Say Goodbye to That Old Car
Victory Auto Wreckers' iconic ad airs for the last time Thursday. It will soon be replaced by an updated commercial that reflects the car scrapyard's broader offerings.
Looking for a Bulldog Linebacker
The public kickoff event for NFL Draft Week downtown was sparsely populated today, but who cares about meeting football players when the first-ever Puppy Bowl draft is happening at PAWS Chicago?
Revisionary
Jack Silverstein thinks some new awards are in order to honor the NBA's best players; and he has some ideas of who would've won them over the past 25 years.
Made to Order
Food critic Penny Pollack says her career as a journalist started on accident while she was in her 40s, working as an intern at Chicago magazine.
Prime Location
Amazon is planning its first Chicago-area warehouse to open the door for same-day deliveries.
Going Green to Save Green
Method's new plant is definitely green -- but cutting-edge technology means it takes far fewer workers to operate it.
Internet Famous
Fish tacos at Big Star, tonkotsu at Ramen-san, and the burger at Au Cheval are among the most-Instagrammed dishes in the city, according to First We Feast.
Life in a Northern Town
Satellite magazine interviewed GB's own David Schalliol about his documentary photography in Northwest Indiana industrial towns.
Time Ran Out
A Chicago-based Kickstarter for the thinnest watch ever still hasn't shipped two year after earning more than $1 million, enraging its backers raising the possibility of lawsuits.
#Chi2Baltimore
Hundreds of demonstrators showed solidarity with those in Baltimore and spoke out against police violence Tuesday, marching from CPD headquarters on the South Side to Hyde Park.
Harshest Review Ever
Federal agents ate at several of Tony Hu's restaurants before raiding them in October, searching for evidence they were underreporting earnings to the IRS.
More Than a Game
What if instead of canceling their game against the White Sox, the Baltimore Orioles made a statement by playing in an empty, silent stadium? We'll find out tomorrow.
North Coast Lineup Announced
The Chemical Brothers and D'Angelo will headline this year's North Coast Music Festival.
Still Good
Works so damaged they're not legally considered "art" are now on display in a gallery at the University of Chicago.
Mixed Message McCarthy
CPD Chief Garry McCarthy is going on a listening tour to meet with residents to hear their concerns and build trust between police and the community. Meanwhile, McCarthy also said that the criminal charges of brought against Det. Dante Servin in the Rekia Boyd case would "provide a safety hazard" as officers might be more hesitant about using their guns.
Disrupting Delivery
Uber users can now order curbside delivery of lunch and dinner from a "curated menu" using the app.
Be Kind, Rewind
Odd Obsession, a 10 year old specialty video rental store, is getting ready to move -- and is calling on customers to return $25,000 in missing and stolen movies and pay late fees.
Don't Drink, Kids
A report from the Lurie Children's Hospital found that underage drinking at Lollapalooza is a major problem.
This is Not a Game
Tonight's White Sox game versus the Orioles was postponed amid the Freddy Gray protests in Baltimore. The Sox supported the decision, and Orioles COO John Angelos eloquently expressed his support of the protestors.
Ready for the End
Chicago Magazine profiles doomsday preppers who stock their suburban homes with supplies -- and guns -- to prepare for when "shit hits the fan."
Well, Hot Dog
Two former Hot Doug's cooks opened their own hot dog joint in Uptown, putting their own spin on Doug's classics like sausages made from strange meats and duck-fat fries.
The Critics' Picks
The third annual Chicago Critics Film Festival starts this Friday for a week run at the Music Box Theatre. Our own critic, Steve Prokopy, previewed the festivities in his latest column.
If You Build It
Eater profiles chef Phillip Foss, whose EL Ideas brings accessible, avant-garde fine dining to an industrial area in Douglas Park on the Near South Side.
Divvys, Trains, and Automobiles
For many Divvy users, biking is actually faster than taking the CTA.
Stories About Buildings
"To the Best of Our Knowledge" discussed buildings this weekend, including stories from Cabrini Green and an interview with Chris Ware.
Two-Way Outrage
Comedian Tamale Sepp discovered a two-way mirror in the women's bathroom at Cigars and Stripes in Berwyn. Jezebel's Karyn Polewaczyk gave the bar a call.
(h/t Andy Boyle)
Murder is Hip
Logan Square is tied with North Lawndale, Roseland and South Shore for third deadliest neighborhood so far in 2015.
Radio Static
Nearly nine years after Loyola began to turn WLUW back into a student-run station (leading to the launch of CHIRP Radio), the station has canceled or reduced the hours for several community shows.
So Long, Sassy Service
Ed Debevic's in River North will close and be replaced by a residential tower.
200 First Dates
Thrillist asked 100 men and 100 women on Tinder where they would go on a first date.
All of the Things
Adding as many toppings as possible with McDonald's build-your-own burger kiosk creates a four-pound mess costing almost $25.
Heavy Lifter
If you ever see a strange helicopter flying over downtown, dangling some massive piece of equipment, it's probably these guys.
C4 Closing
Community Counseling Centers of Chicago, one of the city's largest mental health services agencies, is closing at the end of May.
"boys will be boys"?
A bench-clearing brawl led to a massive dogpile -- but no serious injuries -- during the White Sox's game against the Royals.
Our Rock'n'Roll Lifestyle
Steve Albini spoke at a music conference in Melbourne last year about the state of the music industry in 2015.
The City is Aglow
And Curious City explains what causes the orange aura of Chicago's night sky -- and why it's been changing color recently.
It might be. It could be.
A change.org petition calls on the Cubs to use their newfangled jumbotron to show Harry Caray singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the 7th inning stretch.
Schubas and Lincoln Hall: Sold
Brothers Chris and Mike Schuba have sold their eponymous music club (and Lincoln Hall) to Audioleaf (a combo of local music company Audiotree and Michigan's Greenleaf Companies). They hope to keep things "business as usual" — as do fans of the venues' shows and staff (which includes many here at GB).
Jeni's Ice Cream Temporarily Off Shelves
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams is voluntarily recalling all its products and temporarily closing its shops -- including the ones in Chicago -- due to a possible listeria contamination, following the Blue Bell Creameries outbreak.
Could Use a Bailout
One in four homes with a mortgage are "seriously underwater" in the Chicago area.
Do No Harm
An Illinois-based drug manufacturer will no longer sell a sedative used for lethal injections to prisons.
You Can Recycle That
DNAInfo Chicago has a helpful piece on ways you can recycle oft-trashed items like K-cups, cigarette butts, tennis balls and even old bras! Read before you toss 'em.
United States of X: Twister Edition
Cook County's worst month for tornadoes is June, according to a map by USTornadoes.com.
The Pizza Box Nexus
Thrillist figured out the part of town with perhaps the best pizza delivery options of all.
Geek Out with the Nerd Circus at C2E2
If you are part of the hordes rushing to get your fill of sci-fi and fanfiction at Mc Cormick Place's C2E2 this weekend,don't be surprised to see some of your favorite characters doing more than just posing for pictures. Acrobatica Infiniti, a group of acrobats, contortionists and jugglers will be in house stirring up dust. They call themselves the Nerd Circus because they appear as superhero,supervillain and fictional characters to perform all of their stunts.
If the sight of Batman and Robin flipping through the air together doesn't make it worth braving the C2E2 crowds, then nothing will. Acrobatica Infiniti performs on Friday at 2pm, Saturday at 6, and Sunday at 1:15 at the Family HQ stage, or visit booth 162 to meet the cast in person. There are rumored to be appearances from the Green Arrow, Magneto, Wonder Woman, Harley and the Joker, Batman and Robin, Cat Woman, a jedi and many more.
Taxi Financing Freezes Up
Once upon a time, owning a taxi medallion was a great investment. But now that Uber and other car-sharing companies are "disrupting" the industry, medallion owners are finding themselves underwater.
The First Lady
The city's first Mexican church, Our Lady of Gaudalupe, was built in South Chicago to serve the first wave of Mexican immigrants as they settled in the area.
Red Light Loophole
The Illinois House passed a ban on red light cameras in some areas -- just not in Chicago.
Eyes in the Sky
A Chicago freelance photographer is one of the few cleared by the FAA to fly drones for news coverage.
Sweet Relief
The Blackhawks won in triple overtime with a goal by Brent Seabrook; they now lead Nashville 3-1 in the first-round playoff series.
Flasher Arrested
A futures trader accused of causing the "Flash Crash" of 2010 while attempting to manipulate futures on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange was arrested in Great Britain.
Popular Move
The Art Institute is getting a gift of art worth over $500 million from a private collector, one of the largest in its history, made up largely of Pop pieces from artists like Warhol and Johns.
Obama Library Obstacle Lifted?
Cassandra Francis, head of Friends of the Parks, stepped down Tuesday, potentially paving the way for the Obama Presidential Library.
Don't You, Forget About Me
When your school is used as a location for an iconic '80s film, you find the strangest things in filing cabinets — like a first draft script of The Breakfast Club. Good to know the administration had the good sense to green light that little gem.
Silicon Prairie
A growing number of startups and developments like the soon-to-open digital manufacturing hub made Chicago one of the fastest-growing cities for tech jobs in the country.
Chefapalooza
Tickets for the inaugural Food and Wine Festival are now available; The event will feature tastings and demonstrations by some of the city's best-known chefs.
Find Your Church
TouchVision profiles rapper Kia Kahlo and her emergence from a "sheltered" religious upbringing.
Back to ComEd
The City will stop buying electricity for residents this fall, ending a two-year program with Integrys Energy that was intended to deliver better rates than ComEd.
Not Guilty
A judge dismissed charges against CPD officer Dante Servin for the shooting death of Rekia Boyd in 2012.
Meet the Meat Purveyors
Slagel Family Farm provides meat to many of the city's top restaurants. Chicago magazine tells the tale of the farm's rise to prominence.
Clean Lines & Glass Block
Forgotten Chicago posted the final installment of its overview of the work of architect James F. Eppenstein. Load up parts one and two and save it for lunchtime reading.
Fanning the Flames
The Great Chicago Fire Festival on the river was, you may recall, a bit of a bust. City Council and Redmoon are planning changes to make sure it's better this year.
Groovy Tunes on the Big Screen
White Mystery's film That Was Awesome is premiering at CIMMfest, and the Grateful Dead's farewell shows at Soldier Field will be shown live at movie theaters across the country.
Schools Probe Spreads
Federal investigators looking into corruption at CPS are investigating the involvement of the Chicago Public Education Fund, an education reform group once headed by Gov. Rauner.
Next Stop
RedEye's transportation columnist Tracy Swartz shares lessons she learned about getting around the city as she departs for the entertainment beat at the Tribune.
A Tradition is Born?
Two Cubs fans caught foul balls in their beer cups and then chugged what liquid was left. Is this a thing now?
Not Prosecuting Possession
The Cook County state's attorney will no longer prosecute people for possession of small amounts of marijuana.
Brokedown Movie Palace
Good news for Deadheads who didn't manage to get tickets to the Grateful Dead's final concerts in July: the concerts will be screened live in movie theaters in Chicagoland and beyond. Tickets go on sale May 4
Clean up Bubbly Creek
The Army Corps of Engineers has released a feasibility study for restoring Bubbly Creek, the south fork of the south branch of the Chicago River. [via]
The Bloomingdale Trail has an Opening Date
The Bloomingdale Trail will officially open on June 6 with an opening ceremony featuring music, dancing, and a series of processions on the trail.
Life Lessons from Cubs Pitcher Jon Lester
When the ball gets caught in your mitt, throw the mitt. (The same thing happened to Sox second baseman Jose Abreu last season.)
Chicago's Disproportionately Popular Foods on a Map
Want to know what the most disproportionately popular food is in your neighborhood-meaning the type of restaurant people rave most about on Yelp? Then look no further than the interactive map over at DNAinfo- and for your sake, I hope its not salad.
Where We Live
A map showing the number of housing units allowed around the city shows how difficult it is to build more affordable housing in most places, writes Daniel Kay Hertz.
RIP Cardinal Francis George
Chicago native Cardinal Francis George died after a long battle with cancer.
The Food Must Go On
Homaro Cantu's Moto will reopen to the public this weekend thanks to some help from guest chefs and returning alumni.
Cop v. Golf Cart
A Loyola campus cop busted out his baton to stop a runaway golf cart from turning endless loops on the Loyola campus.
Calling BS on Bud's Pumpkin-Peach Beer
Remember the Budweiser Super Bowl commercial that dismissed craft beer as "pumpkin peach ale"? Larry Bell of Bell's Brewery took offense -- and decided to retaliate by brewing a batch of pumpkin-peach ale, made with a pumpkin grown at Bell's Lakeview house. Just 48 bottles are for sale at the brewery this weekend, with proceeds going to charity.
Beard Stays Here
The James Beard Foundation Awards haven't even happened here yet (it's May 4 at the Lyric Opera), but formerly New York-based culinary awards will be back in 2016 and 2017.
RIP 100
Chicago's 100th murder of the year was recorded on Wednesday. It took 12 days longer to reach that milestone last year.
As Illinoisan as Pumpkin Pie
The Illinois House voted overwhelmingly to make pumpkin the official state pie.
The Stars Align Tonight
Join us tonight at 7:30pm for Stars Align at GMan Tavern. Our monthly music series sponsored by Begyle Brewing features a one-time-only collaboration between Cameron McGill and Angela Mullenhour. Best of all, it's free!
The Chicagoest Book
The Reader crowned a champion in its "Greatest Ever Chicago Book" competition. The winner is The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson.
Their Plates Are Full
Newcity's Food and Drink Fifty serves up the butchers, restaurateurs, critics, and other leaders of Chicago's dining scene.
Glass Stage Ceilings
The lineups of this summer's music festivals are dominated by all-male acts, reports Pixable, showing Pitchfork leads the pack with 30% of acts including women, ahead of Lollapalooza (28%) and Riot Fest (13%).
Moving is the Worst
RedEye has some advice for making your transition to a new pad a little less painful.
Festival Season is Upon Us
The City's new Lake FX Summet & Expo starts today, as does CIMMFest. The Chicago Latino Film Festival is ongoing, and Bacon Fest starts tomorrow. Oh, and there's also the Chicago Palestine Film Festival and HUMP! Film Festival this weekend. Whew!
Cold Kickstarting it Live
A mobile guide to the art world, the expansion of the #SquirrelTruth ad campaign, a place to keep your coffee beans and a Pride Parade float for the TaTa bikini are among the campaigns currently on Gapers Block's curated Kickstarter page.
CPS Chief Under Investigation
The US Attorney is investigating CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett's relationship with north suburban SUPES Academy, which received a no-bid contract to provide leadership training. CPS's own inspector general has been looking into the deal since 2013, spurred by a Catalyst Chicago investigation.
Better Red Lights
Streetsblog suggests some steps to make Chicago's red light cameras more transparent and fairer, including maintaining them properly and removing them from low-crash intersections.
Backing Up the Fed
The Federal Reserve's Chicago branch can now handle the day-to-day operations of the main New York location; officials concerned with the impact of natural disasters and other events built up the satellite location.
Take it Off
City Council is considering a measure that would allow topless dancers at strip clubs that serve alcohol.
The Past in HD
Film colorist Jeff Altman shares footage captured by his grandfather, a Chicago cop, over decades of traveling the world with a 16mm film camera.
Building the Future
Dubbed "The State of the Art of Architecture," the inaugural Chicago Architecture Biennial will highlight the latest innovations in architectural design with events around the city in October.
That Stolen Check Came Due
A Dept. of Transportation clerk pleaded guilty to stealing $741,299 in payments to the Office of Emergency Management and Communication between 2008 and last year.
Is it Lunchtime Yet?
The mother-in-law, the Italian beef and Rick Bayless' tortas made it into the NYTimes' Field Guide to the Sandwich. But what, no jibarito or pepper and egg?
RIP Homaro Cantu
Homaro Cantu, chef of Moto, the shuttered iNG and Berrista, was found dead yesterday of an apparent suicide outside a building in which he planned to open a brewery. He was 38.
"We thought he was honest and had a bright future."
According to the Daily Beast, one of Aaron Schock's donors is suing for a refund from the disgraced former U.S. representative.
Peak Artisan
If you're making dinner plans, Chicago Magazine's list of the best new restaurants is a good place to start, but book those reservations fast to beat the buzz.
Events for the Discerning Mind
If Gapers Block's Slowdown event calendar isn't enough for you, maybe you'd be interested in IntelligentEvent, a calendar of intellectually stimulating events.
Raising the Minimum
As fast food employees across the country prepare to strike tomorrow, Touchvision shares the stories of workers fighting for a $15/hour minimum wage.
That Old Commercial Might Be Worth Changing
Victory Auto Wreckers is crowdsourcing its first new commercial in decades with an online contest searching for the best new ad.
Cleaning up the Preserves
The Cook County Forest Preserve has been thinning its forests to allow new, healthier growth.
City Paying Up
Mayor Emanuel is supporting an ordinance approving a $5.5 million reparations package for victims of torture under former Chicago police commander Jon Burge. Meanwhile, the City is also paying the families of David Koschman and Laquan McDonald, as well as $350,000 for a music collection ruined by basement flooding.
Recovered for the Cup
Patrick Kane may return to the Blackhawks in time for the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
In the Wake of Death
Life Matters Media is an online resource for end-of-life planning, founded by WGN-TV reporter Randi Belisomo and Northwestern oncologist Dr. Mary Mulcahy, inspired by the 2010 passing of Belisomo's husband, Carlos Hernandez Gomez.
Cutthroat Kitchen
Legal battles alleging embezzlement, forgery, and even inappropriate photos are raging behind the scenes at the Purple Pig.
Building Buzzwords
Chicago tourism officials are appealing to national audiences with an "epic" campaign.
Towus Interruptus
It's actually illegal to tow a car from a private lot if the owner shows up, reports DNAinfo's Paul Biasco.
Honoring the Absent
Statues commemorating gun violence victims reflect their personality and style, but the faces are missing.
Imported Drug Addicts
Puerto Rico has been sending drug addicts to Chicago for treatment and rehabilitation -- but the centers they're supposed to attend are unlicensed and chaotic, so many end up wandering the streets, homeless. Reporter Adriana Cardona-Maguidad explained how she stumbled onto the story on "This American Life."
Unapproved Travelers
Trespassing incidents at O'Hare, including a guy who rode his bike across the runways, are among the airport perimeter breaches detailed in an AP investigation
Event to Remember the TB Sanitarium
North Park Village Nature Center will mark the 100th anniversary of the Chicago Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium on April 25. The nature center is on the sanitarium's former grounds.
1001 Chicago Afternoons Salute Ben Hecht
Paul Dailing writes the 1001 Chicago Afternoons blog as a sort of homage to Ben Hecht's gritty daily slice-of-life newspaper column from the 1920s. It was later compiled in to a book called A Thousand and One Afternoons in Chicago. If any part of you gladdens at accidentally wandering in to the meat packing district, or eavesdropping on late night bar brawls, or gaping at the people and places of Chicago with a sense of wonder, you will enjoy both Paul and Ben's works equally.
Cubs Tied for First!
...In terms of the cost of a beer in the park, that is, at $7.75 for a pint. The Sox are toward the middle of the pack at $6.50. [via]
Gotta Tag Em All
Chicago Wildlife Watch captured over 1 million photos of wild animals in the Chicagoland area -- but they're crowdsourcing the effort to identify them.
Oil on the Rails
While more oil passes through Chicago than anywhere else in the country, residents are mostly unaware of the risk they would face if there was an accident, reports Midwest Energy News. [Previously]
Less Free Days?
A bill under consideration in Springfield would cut in half the number of free days at the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and other museums.
Buzzfeed Does it Right
Most of the places on Buzzfeed's list of the best hidden gems in Chicago will be familiar to locals, but at least they won't be steering tourists terribly wrong.
When Weather Attacks
Yesterday's severe storms spawned tornadoes west of Chicago, tearing up Trib's liveblog. Residents of Washington, hit by a tornado in 2013, set up a fundraiser for residents affected by the twisters.
The #chicagoGirl on Film
Chicago college student Alaa Basatneh talked with Channel 5 about her efforts to support the Syrian revolution and the documentary about her. #chicagoGirl screens at the Family of Woman Film Festival at the Wilmette Theatre tonight.
Cutting-Edge
The latest installment of Mortal Kombat appears to be even more gory than its predecessors -- but when is video game violence too extreme?
Do the Chiraq Thing
Spike Lee is reportedly going to direct Chiraq the movie, possibly casting Kanye West, Common, and Jeremy Piven in the project.
I'm Betting It's Not "Rust"
Riverfront buildings have an unpleasant bird's eye view of some mysterious brown ooze leaking into the Chicago river this morning.
Girl in a Book Club
You still have time to read Girl in a Band, Kim Gordon's memoir, before the Empty Bottle Book Club meets April 18 to discuss it.
United States of X: Recognizable Terrain Edition
Seems like Chicago should also have gotten Transformers and most of John Hughes' movies in addition to the one on xkcd's Cheat Sheet for Figuring out Where in the US You Are by Recognizing the Background from Movies.
Hadiya Pendleton Park Approved
A year after it was proposed, the Chicago Park District approved the renaming of Buckthorn Park, 4345 S. Calumet Ave., will be after Hadiya Pendleton, the young woman killed two years ago while walking through a park with her friends in a case of mistaken identity.
If You Bobble It, They Will Come
The founders of a bobblehead museum are raising money by selling figurines of Ronnie "Woo Woo" Wickers and other obscure sports figures.
Bike This Way
Fans can sweat near Lady Gaga by buying a seat in the same SoulCycle class as her as part of a fundraiser for her foundation.
When Winning is Losing
While pundits attribute Chuy Garcia's loss to his lack of concrete plans, they say his candidacy exposed Mayor Emanuel's political vulnerability, making the election win a loss for Emanuel, and a possible victory for the progressives who oppose him.
Mental Health Behind Bars
VICE News assesses the state of the mentally ill in Cook County Jail, documenting their path from under-resourced communities to the criminal justice system.
The Return - Again
Derrick Rose will be back on the court tonight when the Bulls play the Orlando Magic.
Meet the New Boss, Same as the Old Boss
While Mayor Emanuel was re-elected, it looks like many of the 12 incumbent aldermen on Tuesday's ballot will be voted out, with estimated voter turnout near 40 percent.
Hannibal at the Gates
Fader profiles Hannibal Buress as he tours the country post-Bill Cosby rape joke.
Back on the Streets
Streetsblog Chicago has reached its funding goal and relaunches full-time today. Congrats, guys!
When Nature Calls
There will be no bathrooms on the Bloomingdale Trail, which is a little disconcerting after seeing what happened with limited bathroom access at Wrigley Field.
Not too Late to Vote
Polls close at 7pm tonight, but a few will close at 8pm due to late starts this morning.
Make Reservations
Anthony Bourdain will stop in Chicago to perform his live one-man show, "Close to the Bone."
Saving a Dog from the Impound
The man who drove his jeep off of a tow truck says he jumped into his car as it was being taken away because his English bulldog was inside.
The City's Shrinking Middle
Edward McClelland argues that while Chicago's overall statistics may have improved under Mayor Emanuel, things are actually worse in neighborhoods beyond downtown.
United States of X: Climate Change Edition
Believing in man-made climate change (and agreeing with 97% of scientists) is more popular in the Chicagoland area than in downstate Illinois.
But Do They Chip in for Rent?
One lucky Lakeview resident has some new neighbors living on his balcony: a nesting pair of peregrine falcons. Check out his Instagram for video and pics. You can also watch falcon cams around the city and suburbs.
Last-Minute Studying Material
You can check out election guides by DNAinfo, the Tribune, and the Sun-Times before heading to the polls.
That Old Car is Worth Money
The Distance profiles Victory Auto Wreckers, the auto salvage yard with the iconic low-budget commercial.
Two of a Kind
Camille and Kennerly Kitt, aka "the Harp Twins," are Chicago-based harpists and actors. They just released a videos for their covers of Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," and Metallica's "Unforgiven." Pick up their album here.
Every Election Day I'm Shuffling
Al Scorch breaks out the air sax to remind Chicagoans to vote in "City Hall Shuffle."
Hyenas in the Hall
The Field Museum is crowd-funding its plans to build the first new animal diorama in over 20 years, giving its stuffed striped hyenas a home in the Hall of Mammals.
Remembering DePriest
Oscar DePriest was elected as the first African-American alderman in Chicago 100 years ago.
Don't Forget to Vote
Chicago's runoff elections are in the international spotlight -- so let's make a good impression and head to the polls tomorrow.
Hot Pipes
CPD raided a recycling facility which authorities claim bought and resold hundreds of catalytic converters stolen from cars across the city.
When You Gotta Go...
Deadspin shares reader emails detailing the effects of too few bathrooms at the still-being-renovated Wrigley Field on Cubs' Opening Day.
Don't Use Brown for Your Green
It's one thing to be dumb enough to try to mail pot from Colorado to Chicago. It's another to do it twice -- and get caught both times.
Unforgettable
Scott Simon's tweets from beside his mother's deathbed reached millions, and he shares the stories she told in her last days in a new book.
They Think and They Act As One
Sisters Danielle and Tiffany Puterbaugh have been a comedy duo since they first learned to finish each other's sentences.
Falcon Cam Time
It's spring, which means the city's perigrine falcons are breeding. Watch them on live cams at UIC, South Loop, Evanston and Waukegan -- there's also one near Millennium Park is either badly placed or the falcons aren't there. Follow the Chicago Perigrine Program on Facebook for details. Also, actor Dacey Arashiba has started posting photos on Instagram of the falcons that live on his balcony.
Wilco WILL Go
Wilco reinstated their show in Indiana after the state clarified its religious freedom law to say it doesn't permit discrimination against LGBTQ people.
What Did Jordan Do?
With his mansion on the market, restaurant closed, and foundation long-since shut down, Curious City asks what Michael Jordan's lasting legacy is in Chicago.
Vote Digger
"Rahm + Kanye = Rahmye" is the math behind a short film criticizing Mayor Emanuel, produced by the Young Fugitives and the Grid's Ben Kolak.
Four Stars, Two Bars
Phil Thompson of Cape Horn Illustration drew a history lesson in each of Chicago flag's stars and blue bars. [via]
Bunny Trouble
Just like baby chicks, live bunnies aren't a great idea for an impulsive Easter present. Still, plenty of people still make a go of it, without really thinking about what they're getting into. If you're a rabbit lover, and would like to get involved with some bunny saving, maybe try volunteering for the Bunderground Railroad.
Who Knows Bo?
Watch former White Sox outfielder and current team ambassador Bo Jackson explain to current Sox first baseman Adam LaRoche's son who he is at the Sox's training camp.
Harrington to Close
Harrington College of Design is shutting down after 84 years, citing declining enrollment. Current students will be transferred to Columbia College (or wherever they choose to go otherwise) and the school's operations will cease by 2018.
Doubling Down
Bettors at the MGM casino in Vegas are putting more money on the Cubs winning the World Series than any other team.
Dick's Moves
Sen. Dick Durbin (IL) is battling with Sen. Chuck Schumer (NY) for the Democrats' top spot in the Senate after Harry Reid announced his retirement.
Reading the City, Together
The Paper Machete brings a unique combination of news, comedy, and cabaret to the Green Mill every week.
As Chicago Goes
Does Mayor Emanuel have a big lead against Chuy Garcia, or is the race too close to call? Either way, progressives around the country are watching for strategies they could use to challenge Hillary Clinton.
Checking Chicago's Credit
Investors concerned with Chicago's major pension shortfalls are growing wary of investing in the city.
Checking the Record
Truthout investigates how police shootings are handled by CPD, raising questions about the accuracy of official statistics.
Roll Out the Weirder Barrels
Well over a decade after the debut of Goose Island's Bourbon County Stout, brewers are entering the third wave of barrel aging beers, posits Aaron Goldfarb in Punch.
Making Memories Pay
Jason Narducy and his band Split Single drove to Walkerton, IN to not eat at Memories Pizza, the shop that announced it wouldn't cater gay weddings after the state's RFRA law passed. Instead they bought $100 of pizza from the other pizza place in town, and fed it to the gathered journalists. Meanwhile, people have threatened Memories and defaced its Yelp page, leading to the owners closing the pizzeria for the time being.
Stunt Man
If someone jumps out of a window, gets lit on fire, or otherwise risks bodily harm for a movie or TV show filmed in Illinois, Rick LeFevour was probably behind it.
Scenic Cellphone Views
The Illinois Tollway is adding "Safe Phone Zones" with wifi to oases, hoping distracted drivers will get off the road if they need to text or check the Internet.
Angel in the Outfield
The Cubs will pay tribute to Ernie Banks on Opening Day by covering the (under-construction) bleacher section with photos of Mr. Cub.
Rocking the Silver Screen
White Mystery produced their own feature-length film, That Was Awesome, which will premiere at the Chicago International Music and Movies Festival.
Last Words
WTTW hosted Rahm Emanuel and Jesus "Chuy" Garcia for their final debate ahead of the mayoral runoff elections. Questions about the criminal past of Garcia's son did not go over well.
Save the Velodrome
Cycle racing supporters are trying to save the city's only velodrome in South Chicago.
Kane's Got Skills
Patrick Kane strapped on a GoPro camera to show off his impressive stickhandling skills.
How the Link Snaps
Ever wonder what it's like running a hot dog stand? John Carruthers fills you in at Serious Eats.
Road Hazard Ahead
In Fuller Park on the South Side, thieves are putting up fake roadblocks near legitimate construction zones and robbing drivers.
