December's most-viewed articles on the Patch Chicago Network.
With the November statistics coming out this week, we're taking a look back at the top 10 worst Illinois towns for unemployment based on October 2013 figures.
Check out these culinary-inspired adventures.
The expert wine buyers of Vin Chicago offer their recommendations for the best champagnes at a variety of price points and for a variety of palettes to ensure a great start to the new year.
We promise: there's not an ugly holiday sweater in sight.
Visit these hot spots across America next year.
The map below shows the median income in blocks across your neighborhood as reported by the US Census Bureau.
Here are some interesting and important things to know for the coming week.
As Pope Francis gains admirers, he simultaneously alienates some American Catholics and Catholic allies.
Illinois has some of the top universities and colleges in the country. Leaders at these fine institutions must make pretty good money. We wondered how much. You'll find the answers here.
The map below is a snapshot of what section of town has the most carpoolers.
Here's five of our favorite ‘feel good’ stories of 2013.
Best of the Blogs: Some of this week's Top Reads.
Also in this week's 'Good Reads,' Cabbie's get 'sexy' for a calendar and is it fair to be fired for medical marijuana use?
The map below shows percentage of owner-occupied homes valued between $150,000 and $199,999 in your neighborhood, as reported by the US Census Bureau.
An explanation of why I’ve decided to let my daughters ring in the new year.
Which Illinois politician will be arrested next? What will happen with our taxes? Which big corporation will threaten to leave us next? Predictions, anyone?
New state laws on pet stores, Facebook, child visitation, wine and unpaid tolls take effect Jan. 1, 2014.
Here are some interesting tidbits about the upcoming holiday.
These promises are easy to keep—and a boon for your bank account.
Think you need a ton of money to have a ton of fun? Think again and take a look at some of our area day trips.
The famed chef/owner of Moto and iNG is opening a coffee and pastry shop in the Old Irving Park neighborhood. He'll use a 'miracle berry' to replace sugar in his creations.
An adaptation of David Sedaris' hilarious account of working as a Macy's elf runs through Sunday. You can also head to the Lincoln Park Zoo to learn about how animals deal with frigid weather.
A Chicago blogger has put together a useful and fascinating interactive map for tracking average teacher pay by state since 1970. You can even adjust the figures for inflation. Highly recommended.
Also, two sisters are raising money to do relief work in Haiti, a woman heads to Columbia to teach English and a dog owner needs help covering her pups surgery bill.
Marc Moder, aka DJ Moose, regularly plays at several bars around Boystown. This New Year’s Eve, he’s using those skills to raise money for Lambda Legal.
Are you a new mom with an old Lemonheads t-shirt? The map below shows where you can find other new moms of your generation.
These sides will take center stage at the holiday table.
Simple tips for making sure all your hard work in the kitchen doesn't go to waste.
Here are some fun and weird facts about Christmas foods that might have you rethinking your own holiday menu and traditions.
From an entire gingerbread village to a life-sized gingerbread house, these sweet and festive creations are the perfect addition to the holiday season.
A pie bird will prevent your pies from getting soggy.
Keep the kids amused and make some memories together while waiting for the relatives to arrive.
Baffo opened last week — and is the final addition to the now-complete Eataly.
Spice up your holiday dessert spread with these creative dishes.
We reveal how much to tip your babysitter, mail carrier, hairdresser, and more.