Privatizing city assets has been a hot topic over the last year and a half here in the city, especially given the debacle that was the parking meter hand-off. But what about an agency like the CTA? How would that do under privatized control? The thing is, it's happened before. In this week's Chicago Reader, Robert Loerzel explores, in depth, the city's previous stint of privatized public transit. It's an engrossing, extensive read so get comfortable. more ›

The Reader's Jake Austen went looking for the first Jackson 5 single, recorded right here in Chicago over 30 years ago. What he found, instead, was the earliest known recording of the band. It's a fascinating story and you can read it all here. more ›