Areas of Chicago that have been chronically poor for the past 40 years have declined rapidly in population, but the number of people living in poor neighborhoods has simultaneously increased. Read more
The small south-suburban community grew on the site of a failed Columbian Exposition land grab, built by southern migrants to resemble a familiar landscape. Read more
In a less enlightened time, Chicago–based Sears offered molten lead, exotic "oriental" fashions, and metal-tipped junior archery toys for Middle America. Read more
The verdict on Darren Wilson was given to the public at 8 p.m, for reasons good or ill. Unfortunately, 8 p.m. is also when riots tend to ramp up to their worst. Read more
Well-educated Americans are generally about as capable as their developed-country peers. But the gap between the most- and least-skilled Americans is one of the highest in the first world. Read more
