Lame duck Cook County Board President Todd Stroger has been on a spending spree - on the taxpayer’s dime nonetheless. After a failed re-election campaign bid in the Democratic primary, he decided to put his campaign spokeswoman on county payroll as his deputy chief of staff. Carla Oglesby left her public relations firm, CGC Communications in February for the $116,000 year county job. more ›

A new show at the Morton Arboretum, Rising from Ashes: Furniture from Lost Trees, features chairs, chests, tables and shelves made from reclaimed and reused wood from trees damaged by Emerald ash borers. The exhibit includes 30 pieces from members of the Chicago Furniture Designers Association and runs through September 7. All images courtesy of the Arboretum. more ›

Wow, the info-nerd in me is going apeshit over this card catalog for sale on Craigslist. According to its listing, the vintage piece "measures 60" tall, 18" deep, and 39" wide. It also has 3 pull out shelves." And is really heavy and costs $250. Too awesome. more ›