Get in touch with what's going on in the Chicago literary scene this week. more ›

It's Memorial Day weekend which marks the unofficial start of summer - and the weather is cooperating. Our pals at Gapers Block were kind enough to point out that both The Reader and NewCity have their summertime issues up for your perusal of what to do this summer. And don't forget Metromix Chicago's fest guide to plan each weekend neighborhood exploration this year. You know, besides just Lollapalooza. Check back later when Carrie has a few more great grilling suggestions for your weekend and let us know if there are other great local summer guides we missed. more ›

• Jeffrey, Lori, and Michael Kramer, the victims of last week's triple murder in Darien, were laid to rest today.
• Calvin Boender's trial was delayed, but only briefly, as an Appeals Court turned down Boender's request to strike testimony by his former attorney.
• Chicago apparently has some terrible drivers.

• The tragic story of a 9-year-old boy who died while visiting a South Side construction site with his father today.
• Chicago Public Schools are pushing for a $43 million property tax increase; that breaks down to about $18 more a year for property owners.
• That fuel surcharge on city cabs goes back into effect on Thursday.

The Reader's Mick Dumke has an interesting solution for how to help the City close that budget gap: legalize marijuana and tax it. Mayor Daley has supported decriminalizing marijuana in the past (before he was against it). And Lord knows he loves to tax stuff. This could possibly work. But it's only a matter of time before he privatizes more ›

There's plenty going on in Chicago's bid to claim the 2016 Summer Olympics. Here's a few of the stories that caught our eye. more ›

• Sam Adams head honcho Jim Koch will be at Binny's South Loop this evening from 5-7 p.m. Koch will be pairing several Sam Adams selections with various summer grill dishes, as well as give a historical overview of how he founded Boston Beer Company using his great-grandfather's recipes. RSVP to (312) 768-4400.
• Folks around here love a good riesling. Lucky for us that it's Riesling Week and Julia Thiel has comiled a list of restaurants celebrating it in town over at the Food Chain.
• Also from the Reader's website, Chicago Drinks is a new site where readers can view weekly drink specials throughout town, get an inside look at bars throughout town and view videos previously posted to the Food Chain. It's definitely a work in progress, but shows promise. Until then, keep reading Anthony's "Properly Sauced" posts here.

Since retiring from the Reader earlier this year, Jonathan Rosenbaum has been as busy as ever. He's finishing up his film lecture series at the Siskel, which includes the upcoming screenings of Play Time, his all-time favorite movie. (For a great list, check out his Alternate Top 100 Films/Movies). And his website is now up and running. It's bulging with content dating back to 1987 and also features a Publications and Events section. more ›