1. Chicago’s Best New Restaurants

Fifteen newcomers blew us away. Chicago makes the picks.

2. The Rumble & the Reversal

For years, devoted activists called for a trauma center at the University of Chicago. Here’s how they finally won. Crain’s devotes a two-part series to the process.

3. Illinois Has No Budget, So Where Do State Tax Dollars Go, Anyway?

Well, they go out. At a faster rate than they come in. WBEZ follows the money.

4. Working Overnights

Chicago violence takes its toll on the people who cover it. Trib reporter Peter Nickeas opens up at Medium.

5. A Machinery of Denial

A Chicago cop shot three men in six months before being put on indefinite desk duty—which he stayed on for years before resigning. Buzzfeed investigates.

6. Chicago State, a Lifeline for Poor Blacks, Is Under Threat Itself

Without a state budget, it will cease to pay employees at the end of April. The New York Times visits the South Side university.

7. Reviving a Hollowed-Out High School

As Chicago’s school-choice model empties its neighborhood schools, one CPS high school is trying to succeed as one. The Atlantic goes to Austin High School.

8. Feds Say There Were Five Hastert Victims, Offer Other Stunning Details

All five were on the wrestling team at Yorkville High School, where the future House speaker’s rise began. The Tribune breaks a bombshell.

9. A Death in Police Custody: What Really Happened at Chicago’s Homan Square?

A decade ago, Jaime Galvan died at the facility. His family is still seeking answers. The Guardian pieces together his story.

10. How Chance the Rapper Rode on Top of the El

“Well, we met with the CTA and just kind of asked.” Chicago talks to 25-year-old director Austin Vesely, who shot the artist’s new video.