The city is the first in the country to pass, and begin to implement, a reparations program. Changing laws to undo discrimination is one thing. But will white citizens really be willing to pay for it?

Frontline workers, including teachers, are just supposed to carry on in spite of the government’s failure to manage the pandemic.

Biographers get distracted by the photographer’s unusual life story—to the point of diminishing her work itself.

For those who live there, Chicago’s Ewing Annex Hotel is a refuge, an artifact, and a last chance. The man who’s been holding it together for more than 20 years is about to retire.

Reassessing the legacies of past black organizing

Wider sidewalks and no-car zones are the new hot commodity. They could even help businesses reopen.

Why Democratic leaders still misunderstand the politics of social class

They teach classes. They grade papers. They get paid. And yet, private universities insist they're not workers.

Nelson Algren infused his best writing with passionate political conviction.

The former Chicago mayor and newly minted pundit is right about why the middle class is so mad, but he's oblivious to his own elitism.

Why Democrats should take mayors seriously as presidential candidates

How one American city chose to tackle crime, combat racism, and reckon with the legacy of police brutality

How America became over-policed

Opposition to the president in Orange County has boosted hopes of a wave election this fall. But Democrats need more than anti-Trump anger to win.

Why teachers are adopting a more militant politics

Why are Democrats backing a billionaire venture capitalist in one of 2018's most critical races?

Kevin Coval's new collection creates community through history.

The outrage over the incident has largely left out discussion of the man's race. And that's a problem.

Political machines were corrupt to the core—but they were also incredibly effective. Democrats should bring them back.