End of "Open Outcry"
While many traders found their fortunes in the Chicago Mercantile Exchange's futures pits, electronic trading is taking over.
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
June 2015
To Serve and Pass Protect
A video captures two Chicago police officers in the act of playing with a group of boys in Lawndale, tossing a football and giving one a chance to use their intercom.
Still Working on that Fifth Star
While a few Chicago flags with five stars do exist, every proposal to commemorate another event in the city's history has failed.
Drones of Summer
Get a glimpse of Chicago's signature sights from the air with the latest drone video from Soaring Badger Productions.
Chicago: A Bird's Eye View VII - Summer in the City from Soaring Badger Productions on Vimeo.
The American Dream
Writer Sahar Mustafah takes readers inside the home of Arab immigrants in The Great Chicago Fire.
RIP Marva Collins
Educator Marva Collins, who founded Westside Preparatory School as part of her mission to educate poor black students in Chicago, passed away Wednesday.
Timmys for Techies
Tech in Motion's 1st Annual Timmy Awards recognize the best workplaces and managers in the professional sector.
Cutting Trump Off
Microbrewery 5 Rabbits is turning off the tap on a house beer it was making for Trump Tower after Donald Trump characterized Mexican immigrants as criminals and "rapists."
Fired for Firing
A Chicago police officer who shot 16 times at the wrong car and then provided false information about the incident in 2011 should be fired, said an Independent Police Review Authority recommendation uncovered by the Reader, the first time the authority has recommended such action.
Beyond Blockbuster
Local video stores may have outlasted Blockbuster, but they still need to get creative (and usually offer porn) to make ends meet.
Hot Times in the City
An oral history of Chicago's 1995 heat wave explores why over 700 people died in the extreme heat.
ABC's of Urban Angling
An experienced urban fisherman shares some advice for catching a big one -- or at least having fun -- in Chicago.
Greatness on a Bun
The Double Cheese Burger from Au Cheval is the best in the country, according to the Food Network's "Top 5 Restaurants" show.
Taste the World
An interactive map shows the best and most popular ethnic food in each neighborhood.
Streaking Rahm
After a Greek billionaire offered $250,000 for someone to streak in front of Mayor Emanuel at this weekend's Pride Parade, a someone made good.
Videos are ever so slightly NSFW.
Where the Ice Is Clean
The Blackhawks played a match against the muppets from "Sesame Street" back in 1970.
Punching Their Numbers
Chicago aldermen faced off in a boxing ring during the Roar by the Shore back in 1997.
Love Wins, Gaga Stays Home
Lady Gaga, who performed with Tony Bennett at Ravinia on Friday and Saturday, celebrated Pride in Chicago on Sunday, posting photos from her apartment above Millennium Park. Unfortunately, she appeared to mistake a mariachi concert at the Pritzker Pavilion for the Pride Parade.
Watching over Chicago Pride from my apartment and smiling so big. So many happy people. Happy pride!! #lovewins
Posted by Lady Gaga on Sunday, June 28, 2015
This is just about the coolest things I ever saw. It feels good to know how many of my friends and loved ones are out celebrating and feeling valued. #lovewins
Posted by Lady Gaga on Sunday, June 28, 2015
Pride, Inside
If you can't make it to the annual Pride Parade today, ABC 7 will be broadcasting coverage of the event beginning tonight at 11:30.
Drink His Pain
In honor of the nationwide legalization of same-sex marriage, Geek Bar is serving a special drink this weekend called "Scalia's Tears," a concoction of Jeppson's Malort, Triple Sec, apple bitters, and salt--a perfect cocktail for enduring the dissenting Supreme Court Justice's insults.
Celebrate Marriage Equality
There's a marriage equality victory rally tonight at 7pm at the Center on Halsted. [via]
When Nature Calls on the Nature Trail
People are flooding into businesses along the Bloomingdale Trail to use their bathrooms.
Historic Pride
On a Gay Pride weekend caught up in momentous civil rights news, let's also reflect on the past. Diane Alexander White shares photos of the 7th annual parade in 1976, while Time Out has photos from the 1985 parade.
Finding Acceptance
A Hyde Park transgender couple shared their story as part of Miley Cyrus' #InstaPride social media campaign.
When Happy Leads to Unhappy
Piece owner Bill Jacobs contributed an op-ed to the NYT today about the safety and health risks of happy hours. Gov. Rauner is considering signing a bill that will re-institute happy hours, which have been banned since 1989.
New Bull on the Block
The Bulls selected Arkansas sophomore Bobby Portis in the first round of the NBA draft.
Cops MIA in Court
When cops miss court appearances for people they've arrested, the charges are dropped, which some claim is a tactic for avoiding discipline for bogus arrests.
Marva Collins, RIP
The Civil Rights activist and pioneering educator, who started West Side Preparatory School in Garfield Park, passed away Wednesday at age 78.
Love Wins
The celebration of the Supreme Court's ruling in favor of same-sex marriage is sure to continue at this weekend's Pride Parade.
Doctors on Demand
New app Orunje brings back old-school doctor home visits as an "Uber for doctors."
Down on the Corner
Federal investigators arrested 42 people in connection with running an open drug market in Lawndale.
Mug-mas in July
Looking to complete your Christkindlmarket mug collection? They'll be selling overstocks from past years online beginning at 9am this Wednesday.
I Just Wake Up This Way
Photographer Kyle La Mere looks past the edited version of the digital self to capture intimate images of people in their real lives.
Hot TIP
Chance the Rapper brought out Kendrick Lamar for a surprise performance during the free Teens in the Park Festival.
Saying "Goodbye" to Arkansas Red
For the last 30 years, Arkansas Red hosted "The Blues Excursion" on WHPK. His final show was last weekend. Relive the experience through last summer's video profile on The Grid.
Suing Over Solitary
A class action lawsuit filed against the Illinois Department of Corrections on behalf of thousands of inmates alleges the prison system misuses and overuses solitary confinement.
Reviewing the Call
Jackie Robinson West is going to court to find out where information used against it came from, while also barring some reporters from events and leaving many questions unanswered.
From Symbols to Systems
Focusing on the Confederate flag or the N-word misses the point by not addressing systemic racism, writes Felonious Munk.
Share the Road Responsibilities
Bike safety enforcement events will target cyclists who blow through red lights and motorists who park in bike lanes.
This City is the Best
The Reader's annual Best of Chicago issue hit the Internet today, with winners in such categories as best theatrical mob action, best peanut butter and jelly sandwich and best intimidating jewelry. Oh, and a certain website you're looking at right now won best local blog for the third year in a row!
About That Word
After President Obama used the N-word during an interview, writer Britt Julious reflects on its place in popular culture.
Vinyl Goes Vertical
Gramovox's Floating Record player spins records vertically, putting them on display while they play.
Riot Fest Fracas Continues
Riot Fest's relocation to Douglas Park is meeting some resistance from residents.
Makers' Island
A master plan for Goose Island envisions it as an internationally-recognized technology and manufacturing hub.
Not too Past Due
Bankruptcy isn't inevitable in Chicago despite its massive pension obligations because the city could raise enough money to cover regular payments on its debts, writes Saqib Bhatti in In These Times.
Doing the Bartman
A Cubs fan with a baby tucked under one arm made a dramatic reach to catch a foul ball that was ultimately ruled interference and counted as an out.
Wholesaling the Future
The Distance, Basecamp's profile series of long-time businesses, has fully transformed into a podcast, and the latest episode profiles two Fulton Market wholesalers and how they're handling the changes affecting that neighborhood and industry.
Cinema in the New Age
Lincoln Square's Davis Theater, which is almost 100 years old, will be getting a $4 million makeover that includes new seats and a restaurant.
The Growing City
Watch 10 years of construction and demolition in Chicago with a heat map video of development in the city.
Superman that Frisbee
An epic diving grab by the Chicago Wildfire's A.J. Nelson is impressive even if you're not into ultimate frisbee.
Behind the Music
Jim DeRogatis shares the history of the "world's only rock-and-roll talk show" as Sound Opinions celebrates its 500th episode on WBEZ.
More for a Dime
Pot is getting cheaper in Chicago, but $300 an ounce on average is still 10 percent higher than national figures, according to an analysis by the Washington Post.
Photo Paper Trail
The Sun-Times uncovered an arrest report documenting how a young man ended up in police custody before officers posed with him in a simulated hunting photo.
Ready to Boldly Go
William Shatner is preparing to road trip from Chicago to L.A. astride a crazy three-wheeled "Landjet."
Cramming into Classrooms
One in five CPS students started the school year in overcrowded classrooms, the BGA reports.
Bigger Rims
Navy Pier is getting a new, 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel with climate-controlled gondolas as part of a $300 million renovation of the tourist destination.
Breathing New Life Into the Past
Art collective ACRE will be remodeling a former funeral home in Pilsen. S. Nicole Lane interviewed Emily Green, of of ACRE's directors, about the project and the Kickstarter campaign to support it.
Baba Phooey
During NBC 5's coverage of last night's storm and tornado sighting southwest of Chicago, a phone interview with a truck driver caught in the weather went blue. Literally.
Not Supreme
Lupe Fiasco penned a letter to white supremacists in the wake of the Charleston shooting, noting some of the ways whites are not any better than other races.
The Poverty Curve
Standardized test scores in a school still consistently go down as the proportion of low-income students goes up.
Burying the Lede
Visiting the Sun-Times online now means navigating a maze of pop-ups, quizzes, and video ads to get to the story.
Behind the Battle Flag
As the mass shooting in Charleston rekindles conversations about the confederate flag, the ongoing Battle Flag documentary project by Chicago-based producers explores its complicated identity.
Night Riders
While late-night commuting on The 606 is technically allowed, police have been clearing all traffic from the park after 11pm.
Bigger Tax Bills
Property taxes in Chicago will go up 2.8%, or about $90 per homeowner on average, starting next month.
History on Trial
A mock trial of the Eastland Disaster found defendants from the steamboat company not guilty of manslaughter over the capsizing tragedy in 1915.
All Tech Everything
Take a trip through the incubator at 1871, where entrepreneurs focus more on building viable businesses than "disruptive" apps.
Submit to the Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Award through 7/1
Submissions to the 22nd Annual Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Award are being accepted through July 1. Run by the Guild Literary Complex, this poetry award has a cash prize of $600.
RIP Beachwood
Beachwood Inn is the latest neighborhood bar to close its doors in Wicker Park, over 60 years after the family-run tavern opened on the corner of Beach and Wood streets.
Here You Come Again
Jeni's Ice Cream reopens tomorrow at 5pm, following a series of voluntary shutdowns over the past two months after listeria was found in their product.
Jokes in the Machine
Clickhole's ironic viral content makes fun of today's social-driven media culture while taking advantage of it at the same time.
Keep Calm and Tag On
Street Artist Don't Fret didn't show his face for Chicago Magazine - but he did share some of his story.
Clause Célèbre
Corey Crawford couldn't resist dropping an f-bomb during his speech at the Blackhawks rally.
Getting Physical
The Physical Festival will introduce audiences to the best physical theater from Chicago and beyond.
Importing Talent
Many businesses are forced to look abroad to find high-skilled workers, but immigration to the city is decreasing.
The Projects on Stage
While Chicago's housing projects have been demolished, their history stays alive in the documentary play "The Projects."
Using It While Losing It
Obama advisor Valerie Jarrett made money from an income tax loophole while working to close it, the BGA reports.
Always Been Punk
Although women, trans people, and minorities are in and out of punk's spotlight, they never went anywhere, writes Jes Skolnik.
The Moving Dead
Cemeteries may seem permanent, but bodies are relocated all the time as roads and buildings expand, Curious City reports.
Walk Carefully
The number of pedestrians killed is up to 18 so far this year, including a person killed in West Pullman yesterday.
United States of X: Corporate Overlords Edition
Boeing is the largest company in Illinois, based on its revenue.
Steered in the Right Direction
Teaching agricultural skills is a method proven effective for community development abroad, and on the South Side.
Marking the Fallen
A map of ghost bikes shows where the memorials commemorate bikers killed across the city.
Need a Bigger Bucket
Bucket O' Blood in Logan Square is raising money for an expansion with an Indiegogo campaign.
Police Shooting in Focus
A Chicago cop shoots at a car full of unarmed black teenagers in a dashboard camera video from 2013 released recently by a retired judge, reports the Chicago Reporter.
Text a Hot Dog
Nearly a year after Blackberry users got a hot dog emoji, the symbol is being added to Unicode 8.0 and will debut on your iPhone or Android later this year. (Previously.)
Mythbusting
In case you're wondering, the Chicago Bears didn't win the Stanley Cup, and Blackhawks fans didn't flip over the United Center either.
The Sexy 606
The "606" was the name of a legendary strip-tease joint dating back to the 1930's. [Previously.]
Keepers of the Cheese
The largest source for artisan American cheese in the country, the Great American Cheese Collection, can be found at The Plant in Back of the Yards.
Dirty Money in the Meters?
The FBI are investigating an executive at the firm managing Chicago's parking meters for allegedly taking a bribe in return for steering business to a company.
Before the Storm
Homeless people were forced to relocate from the Uptown viaducts by City agencies ahead of the Mumford & Sons concert at Montrose Beach. UPDATE: And now, because of this morning's rain, tonight's concert has been postponed to Friday.
Water Damage
The City is changing the way it charges new building owners for water after an audit found it missed out on millions dollars of revenue.
Rally Ready
Get ready for Thursday's Blackhawks rally at Soldier Field by reliving the glory of the playoffs or hoisting your dog like the Cup. And if you can't get into Soldier Field, all fans who visit the Shedd Aquarium wearing Blackhawks gear will get two-for-one "Total Experience" passes, which get you into the current Amphibians show.
Kickstart My Heart
A pop-up maker space, bro-y Descartes, a fighting card game, and gourmet jerky are among the campaigns on Gapers Block's curated Kickstarter page.
"It's got a cop motor, cop tires, cop shocks..."
Restoring old police cruisers is more than just a hobby for some Chicagoans.
A Riotous Good Time
Witness the Madhouse on Addison as Blackhawks fans spilled into the streets in Wrigleyville.
Selling to Everyone
As the first black man in Chicago advertising, Tom Burrell helped advertising agencies realize not all consumers want the same things, reports NPR's Planet Money.
Southwest Side Rising
While the majority of Chicago neighborhoods are facing declining populations, parts of the Southwest Side are growing as they become the new entry points to the city, Chicago Magazine reports.
Keep up with the Cup
Follow Lord Stanley as the trophy travels around town and is filled with various fluids by Blackhawks players.
Trotter's Still to Go
Charlie Trotter passed away in 2013, and his restaurants closed a year before that. But you can still get the famed chef's smoked salmon, courtesy of a company that licensed his name and recipes.
Looking Up
Curbed profiles the skyline snapshots of photographer Michael Salisbury, a frequent contributor to Rearview.
Dynasty
With the Stanley Cup won, the streets are temporarily cleared of thousands of revelers, until a parade on Thursday brings out fans old and new.
Flooding the Riverwalk
Remember how the Riverwalk was designed to flood? Mas Context has photographs of that first eventuality.
First flood for the new #ChicagoRiverwalk pic.twitter.com/RKhARcFTVZ
— MAS Context (@MASContext) June 16, 2015And a few pics of "The Cove" area of the #ChicagoRiverwalk pic.twitter.com/7ENj7Q3Iep
— MAS Context (@MASContext) June 16, 2015Mysterious Ways
A fake honorary street sign marking "Dirty's Way" in Logan Square was taken down by the city, but its origins remain a mystery.
Big, Scary City
Chicagoist's writers share the things they're most scared of in the city. Over at the Beachwood Reporter, they say their worst fears have already come true.
Team of Rivals
Newly-elected Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd ward) hired one of his electoral opponents as his chief of staff.
Walk It Off
Starlin Castro won back-to-back games with walk-off hits for the Cubs, the first player to do so since 1966, writes Bleacher Nation.
RIP Big Time Sarah
"Big Time" Sarah Streeter, one of the city's most beloved blues singers, passed away Saturday. She was 62.
Carry On Cup
The Stanley Cup took a trip through the x-ray machine on its way to Chicago; it's empty now, but we hope it'll be full of Malört soon.
You Don't Have to Go Home, but You Can't Trade Here
As the trading pits of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange begin to go quiet, Crain's looks back at their impact on the city's economy and the fortunes of fast-talking traders.
Chiraq Tax
Some aldermen don't want Spike Lee to get any tax breaks from the state for making "Chiraq" in Chicago, unless he changes the title.
In Vitro Custody Battle
A woman can keep frozen embryos made with an ex-boyfriend who now objects to her using them, a court ruled.
Hi Hats Off to Him
A drum kit stolen from the Old Town School of Folk Music was returned by a man who bought it on Craigslist after he saw media reports about its theft.
Diverse Writing
Writers of Color is a national resource to help eliminate the excuse "I don't know enough writers of color" in the media. The Chicago list is already pretty robust.
Slippery Mysteries
Experts still aren't sure why worms crawl their way on to sidewalks when it rains.
No Party for You
Ald. Moore refused to grant Spike Lee a permit to hold a Chiraq block party -- but the party will go on anyways.
Crossing the Red Line
Racist property assessments and predatory tax-lien sales in Chicago called the "Black Tax" in the '70s hurt African American homeownership in ways that endure today.
More Listeria, More Problems
Following a nearly month-long closure in May due to a listeria contamination, Jeni's Ice Cream has closed its doors again due to a second outbreak of the bacteria. Recent customers, don't panic: Jeni's assures you that their product since returning from the last outbreak was thoroughly tested and listeria-free.
Jokes to Go
Jerry Seinfeld and Steve Harvey cruised through Chicago on the latest Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee.
For the Kids
Chance the Rapper will curate acts for the first annual Teens in the Park music festival, which will be free for kids ages 13-24.
Jukebox Heroes
While favorite jukebox songs vary between neighborhoods, "Soy de Rancho" by El Komandera topped the charts in the most neighborhoods, reports DNAinfo.
Chi Boy soars over us!
Hebru Brantley's 4-story tall mural Chi Boy was unveiled this week in downtown Chicago at 1132 South Wabash and it's a stunner! Best of all, other murals from famous street artists will be released throughout the summer. Visit the Wabash Arts Corridor website for more information.
Warranted Police Eavesdropping
While police Supt. Garry McCarthy is on a "listening tour" around the city, details of his stops remain scarce; but WBEZ received an itinerary of planned events.
Pixel City
A Minecraft user made a detailed scale model of Chicago's skyline using the game's tools.
Get a Piece of Judy
Today through Saturday, there's an estate sale for the late state comptroller Judy Baar Topinka at her Riverside, 20 minutes by bus from the Harlem-Forest Park stop on the Blue Line.
A Bulk Transportation River Odyssey
Ever wondered what it looks like when a a 730' bulk carrier ship navigates from Lake Michigan to a destination down the Calumet River? Wonder no more.
Tilt Shift City
Photographer Joerg Daiber combines tilt shift and hyperlapse for a montage of the city in miniature.
What's Up With Lunch?
Jerry Seinfeld made the first Chicago appearance with Steve Harvey (meh) of his web series "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee," grabbing coffee and pastrami sandwiches (and unheard-of table service) at Manny's Deli.
When in Doubt
Instead of trying to distinguish fireworks from gun shots, it's best to just call 911, police say.
Holography Hero
An anonymous benefactor stepped forward to save the Museum of Holography right before a new owner was set to take possession of the building.
Lobbying for Change
African American activists in town for a social justice conference say they were racially profiled by security while sitting in the lobby at the Congress Plaza Hotel.
Death and a Thousand Cuts
As Chicago passes the 1,000 mark for shooting victims this year, activists are blaming cuts to social services for the increase in violence compared to last year.
Well, Hot Dog
Doug Sohn shared the list of hot dogs that will return to the menu for the new Dog Dayz of Summer festival, which will be held June 27th-28th at the Goose Island Barrel Warehouse.
Business is Blooming
Ashland Addison Florist Co. shares its secrets of operating a family-owned business in a global industry with The Distance.
A Perp Walk Down Memory Lane
Dennis Hastert is just the latest politician to make the walk through the media gauntlet on his way into Chicago's federal courthouse.
Cloud Hacker
Personal and nude photos of famous women may have been leaked online last summer by a South Side man and others suspected of hacking celebrities' e-mail and iCloud accounts.
Booze on a Cone
Booze-infused ice cream will be served up around the city by a gold-plated "Ice Cream Dream" food truck.
Greatness on the Menu
A search for America's best food cities by the Washington Post cuts a big slice off of Chicago's food past and present.
For That Special Someone
A student accidentally gave a thong disguised as a rose to his teacher as a gift on the last day of school.
Cutting into Bone
Chicago loses when its media organizations eliminate local coverage and shift their focus to national issues, writes Scott Smith.
Smoke on the Water
Forest fires in Canada caused hazy skies in Chicago as clouds of smoke are blown our way.
Behind the Bike Curtain
The Puppet Bike is one of Chicago's strangest and most popular street sights.
Motivating Bear
Chicago Bears get some words of inspiration from a motivational rant by Shia LaBeouf.
Pin the Beard on the Blackhawks
Test your knowledge of hirsute Hawks with a pop quiz put together by DNAinfo.
Rent Smart
If you're renting, remember your rights as a tenant include withholding rent for repairs, receiving a security deposit receipt, and more.
Unclear Path Forward
Concerns over security and gentrification surround the newly-opened Bloomingdale Trail.
CCLaP call for submissions for "all-star" student anthology extended to 7/1
The Chicago Center for Literature and Photography (CCLaP) is accepting submissions for their 2nd annual "all-star" student anthology. The theme this year is: The View From Here: Stories from Chicago Neighborhoods. Work is being accepted from students at all Chicago area colleges & universities.
Blackhawks Oasis
Chicago hockey fans stuck in Tampa Bay seek shelter at the only designated Blackhawks bar outside of Illinois and Wisconsin.
Make a Difference
The City's revised One Good Deed Chicago is a searchable site for finding local volunteer opportunities.
When You Have to Go
After Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop left Game 2 of the championships for mysterious reasons, some are speculating whether he had a bad case of diarrhea.
Chart Buster
The free release of The Social Experiment's Surf reached over 10 million single downloads on iTunes.
More Meat
The Butcher & Larder will join Local Foods in Bucktown where the butcher shop will open a cafe and wholesale business.
A New Crosstown Classic
Roller derby dominance will be up for grabs when the Windy City All Star Rollers and the Chicago Outfit Syndicate will go head-to-head for the first time at the Crosstown Smackdown.
Here's Hoping It Works Out!
The tight-lipped private group transforming Jackson Park has confirmed its plan to build Yoko Ono's "Sky Landing" in the park -- without disclosing the design.
Bloomingdale Trail Opens with Three Mile Long Festival
It took Chicago a few years to build it, but this weekend you can celebrate The Bloomingdale Trail and the associated 606 park system. Details for the festival abound at the 606 website. There will be food, art installations, a ribbon cutting and dance lessons just to kick things off.
CHI from the Sky
Get some great aerial views of the city's architecture from photographer Iwan Baan.
Hastert to Face Charges
Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert will be in court in Chicago next week facing charges of bank fraud after attempting to pay over $1 million in hush money for "sexual misconduct;" the family of a now-deceased man claims Hastert sexually abused him in high school.
Protests at U. of C.
Firefighters cut through a barricaded door after protestors calling for a trauma center locked themselves inside an administration building Wednesday, and students protested budget cuts with a sit-in Thursday.
LEGOing the City
The city skyline is taking LEGO form as a student at the Illinois Institute of Technology assembles it one building at a time.
The Order of Things
ESPN's Jon Lester delves into why Cubs manager Joe Maddon put the pitcher at eighth in the order every game this season.
Heaven on an Italian Roll
The best sandwich ever made on the South Side may be the Gym Shoe from Stony Sub, writes Mark Konkol.
Signs of the Times
With the City trying to save every dollar it can, it may be losing millions from the way it handles sign installations, according to the inspector general.
Pinball Club
An underground pinball tournament sounds like a fight club but raises money for charity.
Leaky Streets
Gas detectors mounted on Google Street View cars found hundreds of methane leaks around the city that aren't dangerous but do contribute to global warming.
When is Appropriation Appropriate?
While the Blackhawks' brand is better than the Redskins or Indians, it's still tricky territory for would-be fans of Native American heritage.
Move It Yourself
Chicago ranked second on U-Haul's list of destination cities for moving truck rentals, with many of them ending up in the Wicker Park/ Bucktown area.
Page Turners
Newcity's Lit 50 highlights standout storytellers and supporters from Chicago's literary scene.
A Head Above the Rest
Half Acre tops a ranking of top local breweries done by industry experts for Thrillist.
The City in Black and White
Unique perspectives of the city captured in black-and-white by photojournalists throughout the Chicago Reader's history are on display at the Gage Gallery.
Mirror, Mirror Off the Wall
A two-way mirror in the women's restroom of Cigars and Stripes will be removed from the closet door where it hangs, after the club's owner conceded to pressure sparked by a viral video about it.
Downshifting
WBEZ announced today that they are cancelling their local news and talk show "The Afternoon Shift," which ran weekdays from 2-4pm; starting Monday, the station will debut a new schedule, with "BBC Newshour" and "All Things Considered" in the former show's slot.
Check Your Ticket
Someone who bought a Mega Millions lottery ticket in Blue Island won the $260 million prize.
Bandwagon Lions
The Art Institute's lions are now wearing Blackhawks helmets to support the team as it heads to the Stanley Cup finals.
Get Happy
A bill that would bring back happy hours in Illinois is waiting for the governor's signature.
Betting on a Tech Boom
Property investors are betting heavily on Chicago's future as "Silicon Prairie."
To Boldly Go
William Shatner will ride across the country from Chicago to L.A. on a three-wheeled motorcycle.
The "Bloomingdale Trail"
With the Bloomingdale Trail and the entire 606 park system opening this weekend, DNAinfo wanted to know what people will call it. The poll may be a thoroughly unscientific, but it's telling that, at time of writing, twice as many people plan to call the whole park system the grassroots christened "Bloomingdale Trail," instead of the city branding consultant's "The 606."
Step in the Name of Rug
One man is trying to raise funds to keep a polar bear skin rug used on tour by R. Kelly from fading into obscurity.
Poutine in a Mug
Writer Dennis Lee is making the most of his unemployment by inventing a poutine microwave cake.
Changemakers
This year's Techweek100 (which actually includes 164 people) highlights innovators from Chicago-area companies, and includes more gender diversity than past years.
Good Work, Internet
Scholarship money stolen from St. Hyacinth Basilica School has been repaid - and more added - by funds donated to the elementary school online.
Plenty of Room on the Bandwagon
There's no shame in becoming a Blackhawks fan as the team heads to the Stanley Cup finals, writes Satchel Price.
Corruption Capitol
The federal judicial district based in Chicago saw 1,642 public corruption convictions from 1976-2013, more than any other district.
It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's the Feds
The FBI is using its own planes to gather video and cellphone surveillance in Chicago and beyond, reports the AP.
RIP Lennie Merullo
Lennie Merullo, the last surviving Cubs player to play in a World Series, died Saturday.
Dank Eats
Pounds of sausage and other goodies leftover from Maifest are on sale for cheap at DANK Haus.
Beach Bummer
Only puddles remain at Humboldt Park's popular swimming area, and residents are calling on the city to keep the beach open.
Fast Lane in the Sky
Commuting by helicopter will be an option for those who can afford to fly into a new heliport on the Near West Side.
All About That Brunch
Crain's looks at restaurants' adoption of fancier breakfast fare over the past decade.
#WearingOrange to Stop the Shooting
The parents of Hadiya Pendleton are calling on the community to wear orange Tuesday for National Gun Violence Awareness Day.
The Unfriendly Skies
A muslim Northwestern University chaplain says a flight attendant refused to give her an unopened can of soda because it could be used as a weapon.
Life in the Gap
A rising wage can be a mixed blessing for low-income workers who lose eligibility for assistance programs.
Spiking While the Iron is Hot
Appearing on Shark Tank netted Chicago-based Spikeball a $500,000 investment, as the game continues to spread from its origins on Chicago-area beaches.
A 'Hood by Any Other Name
Developers want to rename an area on the Near North Side to "NoCa" (North of Chicago Avenue).
Byrd-Bennett Bounces
Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett resigned amid the ongoing federal investigation into a no-bid contract for a training firm she had ties to. She went on paid leave in mid-April. Read more about CPS's long history of corruption scandals.
