Stink or Swim
Despite recent efforts to clean up Chicago's rivers, heavy rains still cause sewage to be dumped into waterways, so you should probably check if it's happening before going for a swim.
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
August 2015
Who's been sleeping in my bed?
A West Town man found strangers in his condo after his tenant/roommate listed the owner's room on Airbnb without the owner's permission or knowledge.
Buried Rivals
A sneaky fan says they hid a White Sox World Series hat inside the cement in Wrigley Field's new renovations.
Met @whitesox fan today that worked on the @Cubs recent renovations he buried a hat in the cement there @barstoolWSD pic.twitter.com/d5iHigceRW
— Allison Horne (@Rocknmystockins) August 29, 2015Anything's Possible, Except Compromise
Illinois lottery winners won't get paid until the state legislature passes a new budget, but as Democrats continue to battle with Gov. Rauner, it might take awhile.
Behind the Score
Baseball may be the most stats-obsessed of all sports, and it's all up to the official scorer to keep tabs on the game and separate earned actions from errors.
Land of Sweet-water
Calling Oak Street Beach the "best urban beach in the world," Rich Cohen waxes poetic about life on the shores of Lake Michigan in the New York Times.
Now Trending
Fake Shore Drive took a look at the popularity of Chicago emcees by analyzing fans' searches on Google.
Among their findings: Lil Durk fans are hungry for pictures of his personal life.
Definitely gone be raised well #antistreets pic.twitter.com/mO6ejBWUJQ
— LIL DURK (@lildurk_) August 17, 2015Lost Lanes
Fire destroyed Lincoln Square Lanes, which the owners claimed was the oldest bowling alley in the city.
Update: Blaze destroys 98-year-old bowling alley in the Lincoln Square neighborhood http://t.co/hG6CETUZkY pic.twitter.com/hhhm6zeVsV
— Chicago Tribune (@chicagotribune) August 31, 2015A Good No-No
The Cubs' Jake Arrieta's pitched a no-hitter against the Dodgers on Sunday.
How do the @Cubs celebrate a no-hitter? With a pajama party, of course. http://t.co/cDGPtUFD1E pic.twitter.com/2kNLtXngBf
— MLB (@MLB) August 31, 2015Get Your Disgusting Smells Elsewhere
The Chicago Botanic Garden announced earlier tonight that Spike, the Corpse Flower whose rare, gross-smelling bloom has been hotly anticipated over the last week, is too weak to open.
Spin the Tarts
It was a supergroup we never got to hear: The Tarts brought together members of Naked Raygun, Mister Furley, Muchacha, Dummy and My Big Beautiful to wow crowds in the late '90s, and recorded an album in 2000 that never came out. Chicagoist's music editor, Tankboy, convinced them to release their lost album today, 15 years later.
Welcome Home
New to the city? Get settled in by finding a new local hangout, exploring the neighborhoods, and networking with locals.
Bright Lights, Big City
The Daily Dot takes a deep dive into the kickstarter-backed Wabash Lights project, which aims to bring public art to the underside of the El downtown.
Local Art Lost
The only local museum dedicated to contemporary artists from Illinois may be the latest victim of state budget cuts, as funding for the Illinois State Museum Chicago Gallery is on the chopping block.
Just Terrifying Enough
The Onion tells the story of a family living in Humboldt Park that's considering leaving the neighborhood because it's too safe for them to afford to live there.
Uptown Girls
New BFFs Jennifer Lawrence and Amy Schumer made a surprise appearance during Billy Joel's show at Wrigley Field.
Uptown girls pic.twitter.com/zBY0q1wVB1
— Amy Schumer (@amyschumer) August 28, 2015Edible Amphibians
YouTube pancake guy Nathan Shields made flapjack versions of amphibians from the Shedd Aquarium.
Reasons for Leaving
Leaving Everywhere uses real census data to generate fake reasons for leaving Chicago.
Crime Seen
While people are horrified by video of the killings in Virginia, many kids in Chicago see gun violence in person on a regular basis, writes the Tribune's Peter Nickeas.
More Tolerant Schools
Schools across Illinois can no longer adopt zero-tolerance discipline policies thanks to new legislation meant to decrease the number of students who are suspended or expelled.
The Odyssey of Chief Keef
While Chief Keef's feud with the City of Chicago is ongoing, the rapper gave naming rights of his son to his record label, which later retracted the rights from Sno Filmon Dot Com Cozart's mother due to questions about the baby's paternity.
Rose Rape Allegations
Derrick Rose is being sued by an unidentified woman who claims the Bulls star and his friends drugged and raped her; the suit details the woman's relationship with Rose between 2011-2013 [PDF] and alleges he repeatedly tried to pressure her into engaging in group sex. A spokesman for Rose called the allegations false and without factual basis.
No Business Like Meow Business
Leave your boring desk job behind and hit the open road with a traveling cat circus.
When a Door Isn't a Door
Hand-painted Japanese sliding-doors dating back to the 1893 Columbian Exposition were found in storage owned by the Park District.
Bloody Business
The next time you need to make a fake bloody mess, the stage blood by locals Gravity & Momentum may be the best in the world.
What do you think, folks? Does Gravity & Momentum make best fake blood ever? https://t.co/Gn8mLqDJRa via @crainschicago
— Gravity & Momentum (@StageBlood) August 27, 2015Not Just Black and White
Data on gun-related homicides collected by the Cook County Medical Examiner classifies Latinos as "white" and often classifies other ethnicities as "Other."
A Cottage in the City
Houses known as fire cottages sprouted up from the ashes of the Great Chicago Fire, built with little more than four walls and a roof. Few survive today, and most are probably hidden behind fire-proof brick exteriors.
Tiny, historic cottage that looks straight out of "Up" saved from the wrecking ball http://t.co/djE1sRE6f0 pic.twitter.com/rqYDegtztE
— DNAinfo.com Chicago (@DNAinfoCHI) August 13, 2015Dunked by Donald
Donald Trump said he would no longer eat Oreos because of plans to close a Chicago-area factory and move its business to Mexico.
Fire in Piper's Alley
A fire in Old Town reportedly destroyed Second City's administrative offices but spared the theaters in the multi-level complex.
Two Sides of the Same City
People who live on the North Side tend to pretend the South Side doesn't exist, even though it's full of rich history and great places to visit, writes Evan F. Moore.
Candid Cop Camera
CPD is investigating an officer who said "Mike Brown deserved it" during a heated exchange caught on camera.
South Side Seen
The documentary Takin Place takes a candid look at life in South Chicago.
Takin' Place - Trailer from Cyrus Dowlatshahi on Vimeo.
Born-Again Romantic
Notorious "dick lit" star Tucker Max is leaving his douchebaggery behind for a new turn as a relationship guru for guys.
Seeing Red Over the Yellow Line
The CTA's response to the collapse of an embankment by the Yellow Line near Skokie has been surprisingly lax according to the Sun-Times, considering it could've caused a major accident.
Politicians Gone Rogue
Over on Illinois Issues, GB contributor Thomas Gradel writes about latest round of Illinois politicians in legal trouble.
Turn it up!
A small study of Chicago low-income high school students resulted in the claim that music classes can improve language skills.
Eats on Armitage
A strip of Armitage Avenue in Logan Square hosts a slate of restaurants that rivals the West Loop, including Table, Donkey & Stick, Parson's Chicken & Fish, Osteria Langhe, and more.
ORD Sweet Home
For the traveler in your life, Naxart Studio has two versions of a poster featuring an O'Hare luggage tag.
A New Plan
The architects behind the Lucas Museum are working on new designs that are less conceptual and more informed by community input, according to Mayor Emanuel.
The Final Countdown
Pitchfork staffers have compiled a list of the 200 best songs of the 1980s. Plenty of fuel for arguing around the water cooler.
Caitlyn in Chicago
Caitlyn Jenner will make her Chicago speaking debut at a Chicago House event highlighting transgender issues.
Cabrini & Community
The new documentary 70 Acres in Chicago chronicles the journey of former Cabrini Green residents after the public housing community was demolished.
Tech Unicorns
Local startups AvantCredit and Raise Marketplace may be on a path towards valuations of $1 billion or more, according to the New York Times.
Seniors in the Streets
Senior activists stopped traffic on Michigan Ave. to protest planned state cuts to home care services.
An Animated Character
Chicago Magazine profiles eccentric Bears tight end Martellus Bennett and his aspirations to be an author, cartoonist, and dinosaur amusement park founder.
Shedding Light on Dark Winds
Civic hackers built petcokealerts.org to warn people living near petcoke piles about windy conditions that could spread the oily substance.
Starting Up
While Chicago continues to grow in popularity as a startup hub, a focus on fast-scaling tech businesses may also contribute to a relative lack of diversity in the sector, writes Katherine Raz.
Number One
The city's most popular places for public urination, or at least where people get the most tickets, tend to be by public transit and areas with lots of bars.
Bring on the Stink
Spike, the corpse flower at the Chicago Botanic Museum, may be blooming tonight or tomorrow. You can watch his unfolding live online; when it's confirmed, the Museum will be open until 2am for visitors to get a whiff of Spike's revolting smell.
Still Hungry for Change
Activists on a hunger strike in support of reopening Dyett High School as a neighborhood school are entering the 8th day of their protest.
Left with a Library
It looks like President Obama probably won't live in Chicago after his term is over.
Sweep Dreams
The Cubs went 4-0 in their series against the Braves for their fourth sweep of the season, tying the record set by the pennant-winning 1945 team.
Optimizing Officers
Data scientists at U of C are analyzing police behavior to find out when misconduct is likely to happen so that it can be prevented in the future.
Shutting it Down
Demonstrators calling for CPD to fire Detective Dante Servin for the killing of Rekia Boyd in 2012 shut down a meeting of the Chicago Police Board.
The Swinging City
An old-school promo video shows how Chicago was one of the most happening cities of the 1970s.
Non-Blondes
River North neighbors are organizing online against the opening of a Bottled Blonde in the area, calling it an "amped-up version of Hooters."
Taken for a Ride
It didn't take long for activists and police critics to hijack CPD's hashtag-based "tweetalong."
Calling all trolls! >>> #CPDBPD
— Anonymous (@YourAnonNews) August 21, 2015Growing Silicon Prairie
Some entrepreneurs think Midwestern tech skepticism actually leads to more sustainable businesses focused on long-term growth.
RIP Harry Volkman
Meteorologist Harry Volkman, the first weather man to announce a tornado warning on TV, passed away Thursday. He was 89.
Pressure Cooker
In the latest reflection on kitchen culture, Elizabeth chef Iliana Regan thinks intensity can be useful as a teaching tool but yelling at cooks is stupid.
United States of X: Emoji Edition
Swiftkey figured out the most and least commonly used emoji in every state. The ones Illinoisians use more than any other state tell an interesting story when strung together.
Gender Feud
Two local comedians retold their experience last Sunday of being in an audience of over 2,000 men who were recruited by comedian Steve Harvey for a daylong taping of his talk show, the theme being "What Men Really Think." Harvey referred to women as "meat" and "traps"; one of the warm-up comics made a comment onstage that the room was getting too "rapey," and the event turned into a group of women onstage getting catcalled and harassed by the audience.
Seeking Shelters
While nuclear fallout shelters still dot Chicago, few of them are in working order.
Lies and Misdemeanors
Adultery is technically still illegal in Illinois, although the law is not enforced.
Not So "Express"
Construction will shut down lanes on the Eisenhower, Kennedy and Dan Ryan expressways during the next few weekends.
Chicago's Heroin Crisis
An epidemic of heroin addiction is causing a surge in demand for already-strained treatment programs, while budget cuts mean state funding will likely decline.
Back on Trial
A reputed gang leader who previously won $25 million after serving 16 years for a wrongful conviction is facing charges in connection with a shooting on the Northwest Side.
They're Not Gonna Take It
The Field Guide to Chicago NIMBYs identifies people you're likely to see opposing new developments for their effects on views, traffic, parking and more.
The Chicagoan Rides Again, Again
A new incarnation of The Chicagoan is coming. The latest version, from suburban 22nd Century Media, will be more akin to Chicago magazine than to the long defunct New Yorker-esque magazine and more recently defunct literary magazine of the same name.
Big City Bees
Bees actually fare pretty well in Chicago -- and you can help them keep buzzing (and plants growing) by growing native flowers on your roofs, windowsills or yards.
Just don't do what Oprah did...
Spy Games
Records released by the Chicago Police Department revealed they spied on activists opposed to the City's olympics bid.
Restarting the Presses
Time Out Chicago will be returning to print for a special free edition in the fall.
"Listen to me, you're on a streak!"
Grantland interviews Evanston native Mark Moses, who played QB for the Wildkits long before he played Duck Phillips on "Mad Men."
Mic Check
CPD purchased equipment capable of intercepting cellphone traffic back in 2005, further confirming suspicions that they've been eavesdropping on calls.
Cap Anachronism
A White Sox hat sported by Eazy-E in Straight Outta Compton uses the "Sox" logo that didn't exist in 1986.
Pumped-Up Texts
Illinoisans use the gas pump emoji more than people in other states, according to the app SwiftKey.
Swinging Steel
Chicagoans are rediscovering medieval martial arts by learning how to wield a longsword and other old-school weaponry.
Peak Tweet
"The Greatest Tweet on the Internet" courtesy of the Tribune: "George Zimmerman selling Confederate flag paintings at 'Muslim free' gun store in Florida."
George Zimmerman selling Confederate flag paintings at 'Muslim free' gun store in Florida. http://t.co/2K3cnilRmd pic.twitter.com/ShQmiVsND2
— Chicago Tribune (@chicagotribune) August 18, 201550% More News
WGN-TV is adding a 10pm news broadcast directly after its 9pm broadcast. The new show will launch in Oct. 5.
Caption King
Local lawyer Larry Wood won the New Yorker caption contest a record-setting six times; he shared some tips of his technique with Chicago Magazine.
Hungry for Change
Parents are staging a hunger strike to protest the closing of Bronzeville's Dyett High School. Follow their progress here.
Bronze Trotter
Chef Didier Durand is raising money to erect a bust of Charlie Trotter on Michigan Avenue.
Going Express
Express buses will return to Ashland and Western during rush hour, the City announced, with officials insisting plans for bus rapid transit on Ashland are still in the works.
Parachute is Soaring High
Parachute landed at No. 5 on Bon Appétit's 10 Best New Restaurants list. Chef-owners Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark are overjoyed.
Less Lovely and Less Temperate
Cook County (and the entire Midwest) ranked in the bottom third of the best places to live based on their "natural amenities."
It Lives in the Neo-Futurarium!
The Neo-Futurists' long-lived "film fest" of staged readings of bad movie scripts is back after a long hiatus! This upcoming weekend the theater will be doing a two-night only reading of the Tom Cruise classic Cocktail as a fundraiser to drum up support for a full revival of the fest. Full details at the Facebook event page.
Everyday Heroes
A new mural in Hyde Park features huge photorealistic images of the neighborhood's residents.
Keeping the Tide High
The McQueary column wishing for a Katrina in Chicago (previously) might have begun fading out of the news cycle Monday if not for the Reader's Michael Miner having written an apologia -- misunderstanding a source in the process. Meanwhile, the Chicago chapter of the the National Association of Black Journalists sent a letter to the Tribune demanding a formal apology from McQueary and her suspension from the editorial board.
As Illinoisian as Pumpkin Pie
Springfield can't agree on a lot, but pumpkin pie is now the official state pie of Illinois.
Out of Chances
The special education school featured in the Vice series "Last Chance High" now has no students.
Secret Cow Passage
Behind the service door of a downtown hotel lies a pathway once used for taking cows to pasture.
How the Cookies Crumble
Maurice Lenell Cookies pinwheel cookies will disappear from store shelves after the brand was eliminated by its Ohio-based parent company.
Out of Bounds
The National Labor Board will not consider an appeal from college football players to unionize, ruling the NCAA lies outside of its jurisdiction.
RIP Charles Maier -- in 1977
The discovery that Vivian Maier's brother is dead may help clear up copyright ownership questions regarding the photographer's work. Then again, there still may be other heirs out there.
Chicago's Tartans
Did you know there's a registry of Scottish tartans? There are five with Chicago connections, for Aon, the Illinois St. Andrews Society, Marshall Field's and The University of Chicago. Oh, and architect Jeff Klymson.
Digital Beef
When gang members use social media to taunt their rivals, tweets can turn into bullets.
Air Show Tragedy
Army parachutist Corey Hood died Sunday after he was injured in a skydiving accident during the Chicago Air & Water Show.
Son of the Niño
Predictions for the strongest El Niño on record say it could also cause a mild winter weather in Chicago.
Comedy and Tragedy
While funny people flock to Chicago, many struggle to balance their passions, personalities, and responsibilities as they battle for the few paying gigs in the city.
Eats on Display
The Foodseum's first-ever full exhibit will delve into "The Hot Dog and Encased Meats of the World."
Eight-Legged Aliens
Octopuses are basically aliens, according to U of C scientists who sequenced their genome, because they're drastically different than any other species on Earth.
From Chicago to the World
The photography of GB's own David Schalliol documenting cities' growth and decay will be among the participants of the Chicago Architecture Biennial.
More Bricks for the Wall
Bricks from Wrigley Field and old Comiskey Park will be installed on the exterior of Tribune Tower, but a brick of parking meter cash and other "historically significant" items should be stuck in there as well, writes the Beachwood Reporter.
Charting the Fallout
If you feel like you're getting too much sleep at night, check out NUKEMAP to map out the impact of a nuclear bomb going off in Chicago or anywhere else.
Fliers in the Sky
Remember: we're not being invaded by people from the suburbs; it's just the Chicago Air & Water Show.
A Real Disaster
Implying Hurricane Katrina had an upside because it led to New Orleans' "rebirth," a column by the Tribune's Kristen McQueary stirred up a huge storm of criticism online.
The Two Chicagos
In searching for Chicago's poor white neighborhoods, Curious City takes a look at why poverty is more concentrated in African American and Latino communities.
Defending the Mob
A cowboy hat-wearing lawyer who once defended mob bosses and hitmen is now working pro bono to get a man released from a life sentence.
Man vs. Ventra
GB's Jason Prechtel shares the story of his investigation into how Chicago ended up with Ventra, and how he ended up suing the CTA for answers. You can read his coverage of Ventra in Mechanics.
Yearning to Brew Free
Like Minds brewing is relocating to Chicago from Wisconsin after laws there prevented them from both making beer and selling it at a non-brewpub restaurant.
Try a Different Desk
Deskpass is a new service from Desktime that lets you try multiple coworking spaces for a low monthly rate. Leo Burnett's design department is trying it out.
Adopt a Pet This Weekend
This Saturday, Aug. 15, animal shelters across the country will be doing an adoption drive. More than 30 shelters are participating in Chicagoland. If you've been thinking about a new pet, may this give you the push you've needed.
Quality Concessions
Local eats will soon be on the menu at the United Center, including food from "hot spots" like Big Star, Publican Quality Meats, and Lillie's Q.
Big Dog
Manny the Frenchie went from being the runt of the litter to one of Chicago's biggest social media stars.
Downton Downtown
Costumes from Downton Abbey will be on display in the Driehaus Museum's Gilded Age mansion next year.
Congrats to #DowntonAbbey for their 8 #Emmy nominations & cannot wait to see these award-winning costumes in person! pic.twitter.com/POlDZkFc0s
— Driehaus Museum (@DriehausMuseum) July 16, 2015Crossing the Line
Hawks fans may be loyal to a fault, but everyone loses when they attack Patrick Kane's alleged victim, writes Evan F. Moore.
@phugg609 @TimBaffoe You mean these idiots? And this is only the first few entries: pic.twitter.com/gsDTvVo9s1
— Chris Rongey (@ChrisRongey) August 8, 2015Defiant Duo Returns
The Defiant Thomas Brothers sketch comedy duo are reuniting for eight weeks of shows at the Second City. [via]
Map It Yourself
Many of Chicago's neighborhoods don't have "official" boundaries designated by the city; do you know where your 'hood is?
Cloud Gate 2?
The Chinese oil refining city of Karamay has built a a sculpture that looks remarkably like the Bean, calling it "Big Oil Bubble" and surrounding it with smaller chrome blobs and LED lights. "Big Oil Bubble" does have three lobes instead of two, but it's hard not to see the resemblance.
Sculpture in shape of oil bubble is built at site of 1st oil well in Karamay, #Xinjiang http://t.co/AqbugmJr7o pic.twitter.com/jl0cATljTA
— People's Daily,China (@PDChina) August 11, 20153D Slideshow at Comfort Station Gallery
As part of the Vernacular Photo Festival, Comfort Station Gallery in Logan Square presents a 3D slideshow featuring vintage works from the collection of Nicholas Osborn. A wonderful immersive experience. Totally free. Wednesday 8:30pm.
Out of Session
CPS announced plans to lay off 1,500 teachers and staff due to changes in student enrollment.
Too Much Like Mike
Michael Jordan is suing Dominick's (or rather Safeway, the owner of the shuttered grocery chain) for using his likeness in a 2009 ad congratulating him for getting into the Hall of Fame.
A One Team Man
Derrick Rose is passing on playing for Team USA in order to focus on the Bulls' upcoming season (and avoid injury).
Local Lit
Get your dose of local poetry, fiction, and essays with the South Side Weekly's 2015 Lit Issue.
Peak Festival
Chicago hosts so many music and street festivals that new events are forced to branch out into the suburbs.
Bike the Dunes
South Shore trains will allow bikes on board starting next April, making it easy for cyclists to spin through the Indiana Dunes and South Bend.
Bar Crawler
Google uses location search data to chart the busiest times at popular Chicago restaurants, although the conclusions aren't surprising: the best times to go are close to opening and closing times.
Devilish Plans
Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese will reunite to make a Devil in the White City movie, with DiCaprio signed on to play serial killer H.H. Holmes.
Brown Notes
Consequence of Sound made a (kinda funny) video of fake interviews of people who witnessed (and experienced) the August 2004 day that a driver of a bus for the Dave Matthews Band emptied its septic tank onto a boat of tourists while crossing the Kinzie Street bridge.
Eat Like a Local
The next time you get some Thai food, David Hammond offers some ways to be less like a culinary tourist.
The Way We LOL
Facebook users in Chicago tend to use emojis to express laughter more than people in other cities, according to a study by the site. [via]
Secret Sauce
Found in everything from Chinese to Polish food, Maggi is the flavor-boosting sauce you've probably never heard of, writes Kevin Pang.
Behind the Byline
Rivet reporter George Drake, Jr. breaks down his process for researching and constructing a story.
Meat and Metal
Kuma's Corner was ahead of the gourmet burger trend when it opened 10 years ago, and still reigns as one of the city's top spots.
Chicago at Night
Photographer Jeff Johnson shares somewhat eerie film footage of downtown Chicago in 1940, shot by his grandfather.
Not Credible
The bomb threat that led to the evacuation of Wrigley Field on Sunday was ultimately deemed "not credible" by authorities.
Suing for Answers
A journalist is suing the Chicago Police Department to get them to release dashboard camera video of an officer fatally shooting 17-year-old Laquan McDonald last fall.
Stinky Beauty
After 12 years of waiting, a corpse flower will bloom for one day only at the Chicago Botanic Garden, reaching heights of six to eight feet and giving off its signature rotting smell.
Bomb Scare Closes Wrigley
Following the Cubs/Giants game earlier today, Wrigley Field was briefly evacuated after police received a bomb threat that was "more credible" than the ones they normally receive (gulp).
Midway Makeover
Mayor Emanuel announced plans to improve the parking, security, and concessions at Midway Airport.
Taking Stock of Stop-and-frisk
Chicago police agreed to keep track of every time they stop people on the street or pat them down, even if the interaction doesn't result in an arrest, as part of an agreement with the ACLU.
No You're Not Crazy
Those statues really are speaking to you, with celebrities including Steve Carell and John C. Reilly lending their voices to Abraham Lincoln, the Picasso downtown, and more for Statue Stories.
RIP EDM
The small presence of EDM at Lollapalooza is the latest evidence of its declining pop relevance, writes Britt Julious.
Dangling Kicks
There are many reasons why shoes end up on power lines around the city, and over 6,000 pairs were removed over the past seven years, reports Curious City.
Double Stuff It
A local activist is trying to lead an Oreo boycott in response to Mondelez International laying off 1,200 employees from its plant on the Southwest Side.
Record Broken
Liliya Shobukhova will be stripped of her three Chicago Marathon titles after she was banned for doping.
Dying the River Duck
Over 50,000 rubber ducks were dumped into the Chicago River for the 10th annual Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby.
The Green Beat
The Sun-Times' new site Extract is dedicated to marijuana news from across the country.
A Big Roll
Sushi burritos have come to Chicago from the coasts, and are now on the menu at Sumo Restaurant.
The Way We Eat
Documentary project The Midwestern Diner takes a look at food and drink in Chicago from all sides of the table, including the voices of chefs, farmers, and diners.
On Our Own
Gov. Rauner said there will be no "special deals" for Chicago as Springfield works to broker deals on pension reform and other major issues.
Kane Under Investigation
The Buffalo News in New York is reporting that Blackhawks star Patrick Kane is under investigation by police there, although no other details are available.
Changing Times
Chicago may become the largest municipality in the country to cover gender reassignment surgery for transgender city workers.
One for Every Block
The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce created a Facebook page for what seems like every street in the neighborhood, from Albion to Walcott.
Ego Trip Down Memory Lane
Chicago politicians love putting their names on new developments and road signs, and those labels remain long after they're out of office.
6 Million Steps
Chicagoans Rebecca and Tim are walking across America to raise money for a friend's rehabilitation after a spinal cord injury. They left San Francisco in April, and recently reached the half-way point; help them get the rest of the way. (Thanks, Phil!)
So Intense You'll Only Need the Edge
The Onion's new series Edge takes on Vice's expletive-laden, gonzo approach to covering world news.
Portraits of a Neighborhood
Photographer Andrew Miller captures the faces and places of his neighborhood of Wicker Park.
Acid & Based God Raps
Chance the Rapper and Lil B put together a new mixtape made up completely of freestyle raps.
All Abuzz
Dragonfly populations in Chicago are booming as they feast on the large amounts of mosquitos in the area.
The Art of Comics
Cartoonist Chris Ware talks in-depth about comics and his work in the Paris Review.
Blues of the Blues
Buddy Guy is worried the blues will fade away as younger generations rarely hear it on the radio or anywhere else.
Pooptrepreneurs
Chicago's plastic bag ban could be a boon for local dog poop bag makers whose products are often made of more green, biodegradable plastics.
High-Flying Restaurants
Dove's Luncheonette and Parachute represent Chicago in Bon Appétit's Top 50 restaurants list.
Digging for Change
The cash-strapped City is collecting on decades-old parking tickets to try and generate new revenue.
According to an investigation by CBS Chicago, as people update their address on file with the City, they are receiving a brand-new notice in the mail for old citations. And since there's no statute of limitations, any unpaid tickets are fair game.
RIP Yoshi Katsumura
Yoshi Katsumura, chef and owner of Yoshi's Cafe in Boystown, passed away after a long battle with cancer.
Head in the Clouds
Photographer Peter Tsai captures surreal images of Chicago's skyscrapers from above the clouds.
Now vs. Then
Michael Jordan and the Bulls' Jimmy Butler went head-to-head in a shooting contest during a basketball camp for kids; Jordan won.
Cook Conundrum
Local restaurants can't find enough cooks for their kitchens and it's unclear why, although the number of restaurants, other career options, and cost of living are probably factors.
When "Best" is the Worst
"Best of" lists are click magnets but reviewers rarely have enough resources to try every option, leading to oversights noted by angry commenters, writes Michael Gebert.
Black-Owned in Bronzeville
Bronzeville was once a hub of black-owned businesses, but difficulty accessing investment and global economic trends put many of them out of business.
Bucktown Apple Pie Contest on Hiatus
Even though the Bucktown Apple Pie Contest will not be held this year due to planned (then nixed, courtesy of Gov. Rauner) repairs to Holstein Park's field house, the organizers will hold a Pie Party on Sept. 20 at Senior Citizens Memorial Park (adjacent to Holstein).
Swirling Arm Ink
Lollapalooza's fashionable folk turned their arms into accessories by dipping them in tie-dye paint.
Tie-dye arm art makes a splash at #Lollapalooza: "Accessorizing is honestly important here" http://t.co/z7CeMO7Bnp pic.twitter.com/So4PBhZpHh
— Chicago Tribune (@chicagotribune) August 1, 2015Starting at the Bottom
If you geek out about new buildings, the latest developments at 150 North Riverside are even more impressive than the finished product will be, writes Lynn Becker.
Inverted pyramid: The triangular superstructure of 150 North Riverside's base takes shape along the Chicago River. pic.twitter.com/Dhf6zUKWnw
— Blair Kamin (@BlairKamin) July 27, 2015Storming the Stage
Police arrested rapper Travis Scott after he encouraged a mad rush over the barricades at Lollapalooza by telling the crowd to join him on stage.
Taken to the Pipe Cleaners
"Rogue plumbers" operating without licenses drastically over-bill their customers because they have no frame of reference for how much it should cost.
New First Bells
CPS released new starting times for 82 of its schools, which were staggered in order to save money on transportation costs.
Win 2 Tickets to Cirque du Soleil's KURIOS
Cirque du Soleil's KURIOS - Cabinet of Curiosities will be in Chicago under the Big Top at United Center from Aug. 6 to Sept. 20, and you could win two free tickets to attend. Visit and "like" the Gaper's Block Facebook page for details.
Oreos Move South
Last week Mondelez International, owners of the Nabisco brand, announced that it would increase investments in its Mexico plant, a move which will be cutting several hundred jobs at the Nabisco Southwest Side bakery that has been making Oreos, Wheat Thins, and other Nabisco products since the 1950s.
