An unrelated mystery has been solved as police investigate the Tinley Park murders. A con woman, evading police for years, was apprehended this weekend because police tracked down the owners of the cars parked near the Lane Bryant, where the fugitive Esther Reed had left her car, which was registered under an assumed identity. more ›

It's been a week since Venkatesh's most recent book, Gang Leader for a Day: A Rogue Sociologist Takes to the Streets was published, and the critical response is unanimous: OMG! What a total badass! more ›

This week, Phillyist saw the waters of a landmark fountain run red for a Showtime marketing stunt, the Phils pull ahead, and some serious nostalgia. They also got a chance to review an awesome tribute album, reminded folks to see the King and appreciated their beautiful skyline. Chicagoist knows what it's like to like the Cubs. But naming your kid Wrigley Fields? At least they can breathe a little easier now that Grossman's out... more ›

Some of you may be thinking we should just let Festivus go. Seinfeld hasn't been on for many years and afterall, it's just a television show. First of all, we're a little offended by the "just a show" sentiment. Seinfeld brought our friends and families together in comedy and both reflected on pop culture and produced many popular catchphrases. But enough about Seinfeld. This is a time to celebrate Festivus and regardless of the... more ›

We first heard of Sudhir Venkatesh when we read “Freakonomics.” Venkatesh, Professor of Sociology at Columbia University, spent six years embedded with the Black Disciples gang in the Robert Taylor Homes. What he discovered, and what Leavitt and Dubner found so fascinating, was that working for gang members wasn’t so different than working for McDonald's. The rich make the big money, the underlings make almost nothing, and the bookkeeping is just as complicated. Venkatesh is... more ›

Somehow, the world of -ists managed to make it through the week despite news that Jen & Vince broke up. - Chicagoist had fall on their mind as they made squash and fudge, read "House of Leaves," and tried to figure out what's next for the Cubs. Not fall-related, but still of utmost concern, the whole skinny black pants thing. - Torontoist fought off an evil scourge of raccoons and went to go see... more ›

Kyra Kyles takes a break from writing about the trials and tribulations of CTA riders and turns her attention to geek culture and comics. Specifically, manga. more ›

Yesterday, Columbia University announced recipients of the 89th annual Pulitzer Prize. The Tribune's Julia Keller won in feature writing for a three-part series on a devastating tornado and its aftermath in Utica. The series ran in December 2004. more ›

Lately, Ebert's been telling people to see films like Spirited Away, All or Nothing, 13 Conversations About One Thing, Innocence, You Can Count on Me, The Son, and Owning Mahoney as well as well-made studio films (Minority Report, Master & Commander, and A Beautiful Mind). It's not about agreeing with him, or being angry with him after we see a movie he said was good but that we hated - it's about reading and understanding the things he likes and looks for in a film that can help us be better viewers. more ›