Chicago magazine’s August issue hits newsstands Thursday, July 14th . To schedule an interview with one of our writers or editors, please contact Natalie Marquez at nmarquez@chicagomag.com.

Best of Chicago (cover story): Chicago magazine’s editors scoured the city and suburbs to compile this year’s chart topping collection of "Best of Chicago" winners. The diverse list names 80 great finds throughout the city and surrounding area. Categories include the arts, Twitter phenom, dive makeover, new stores, food, and much, much more. The "Best of Chicago" highlights just who and what make Chicago the best.

Shadows of a Doubt: A careful examination of the events surrounding the death of Chicago school board president Michael Scott, which was ruled a suicide. The feature brings to life new details about his final hours and raises fresh questions about the police’s handling of the investigation—which only deepens the mystery of what really happened.

From This Day Forward: Civil unions for same-sex couples were legalized in Illinois on June 1—a day that launched celebration, action, and overwhelming emotion for Chicagoans joined by a historic law. The story looks into the lives of six couples, who are all newly united under law though they had made commitments to one another long ago.

Students from the Street: A short-lived 1960s-era program that transported street-smart Chicago Vice Lords gang members to the hallowed halls of Dartmouth on full-ride scholarships has been largely forgotten—except for those who volunteered for the ride.