1. Fed Up Residents on South, West Sides Fight City Hall over Influx of Polluting Industries
The city’s history of saddling South and West Side neighborhoods with toxic industries has prompted residents to form an “unprecedented coalition” to fight for environmental justice. Better Government Association in partnership with the Sun-Times sizes up the fight.
2. The Bull of Rush Street
In a new feature showcasing Chicago storytellers, artist Tony Fitzpatrick recounts an epic 1970s night on the town with fellow artist Shelley Howard. Chicago has the story.
3. Inmates Are Getting Registered to Vote in One of the Country’s Biggest Jails
Most of the men and women detained in Cook County Jail are eligible but unregistered voters. Advocates – even Sheriff Tom Dart (D) — are supporting the effort ahead of the midterms. HuffPost takes a look.
4. He’s a Superstar Pastor. She Worked for Him and Says He Groped Her Repeatedly.
Rev. Bill Hybels, of suburban Chicago’s Willow Creek Community Church, is among America’s most influential Evangelicals leading one of its most populous houses of worship. And he's facing a reckoning in the #MeToo era. The New York Times digs in.
5. The 2018 Bears Are Following the 2017 Rams’ Blueprint
After a listless offense last season, the Bears are tracing another team’s path in hopes of returning to the ranks of an NFL powerhouse team. The Ringer lays out the plan.
6. Chicago Rapper Taylor Bennett Wants Everywhere to Be a Place Black People Can Be Themselves
Bennett reflects on the relationship between Chicago’s black youth and the spaces in the city that are supposed to be for everyone. The Reader has the reminiscence.
7. Skyscraper Central: Why Are So Many of Chicago’s Tallest Buildings Located Downtown?
There are a few good (and some surprising) reasons why the Loop continues to be a high-rise haven. WBEZ’s Curious City explores.
8. Records Reveal “Lax” Supervision, Sexual Activity at Chicago-Area Shelters Housing Immigrant Children
One of the largest organizations licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services in Illinois to care for immigrant kids is facing harsh questions over its troubling record. ProPublica Illinois investigates.
9. A Chicago TV Host Knows Restaurants. She Has Some Ideas for You.
One of Chicago’s most recognizable restaurant pros dishes on where to find the best eats in the city (and a few others). Former Check, Please! host Catherine De Orio sits down with The New York Times.
10. Photos from the First-Ever Wakandacon
Chicago played host to the Black Panther–inspired convention in a celebration of creativity, diversity, and change. Chicago went to photograph the scene.