The federal corruption trial of former Ald. Ed Burke is now in its fourth week. Multiple delays have slowed down... more

What happens when a person goes missing in Chicago? Trina Reynolds-Tyler with Invisible Institute and Sarah Conway with City Bureau... more

Many of us may have out-of-town visitors this week for the Thanksgiving holiday. And what better way to say “I’m... more

Service on the Yellow Line from Howard to Skokie/Dempster was still suspended Monday after a train crashed into a city... more

Most of Illinois’ 16 juvenile detention centers fail to meet minimum compliance standards, according to recent reports from the Illinois... more

After a three month search, Mayor Brandon Johnson has hired Dr. Olusimbo Ige to lead Chicago’s Public Health Department. This... more

If you’ve been on a CTA train or bus in the last 25 years you have heard the same voice announcing... more

The name Chicago is believed to originate from Indigenous words describing a type of wild onion now known as “ramps.”... more

City Council is slated to vote this week on the budget. One detail concerning Mayor Brandon Johnson’s supporters is the... more

Chicago is home to the country’s third-largest urban Native American population. But do you know why? Andrew Johnson says that’s... more

It was a very busy week in City Council. Between a rare censure vote, advancing the “Bring Chicago Home'' referendum,... more

While you’re picking up your next cozy read at your local library, don’t forget all the other things your library... more

From the Cubs vs. White Sox to deep-dish vs. tavern-style, Chicago is no stranger to rivalries. One rivalry host Jacoby... more

A new University of Illinois Chicago report has named Chicago the country’s most corrupt city for the fourth year in... more

The political corruption trial of former 14th Ward Ald. Ed Burke begins today. Burke spent more than 50 years in... more

Mayor Brandon Johnson traveled to Washington, D.C. this week with other big city mayors asking for more federal aid to... more

We are halfway through our fall season and before wintertime Chi hits, we are revisiting journalist and naturalist Zack Nauth’s... more

Chicago has no shortage of award-winning fine dining restaurants. Elaborate tasting menus, molecular gastronomy, and artistic small bites that are... more

Last month the American Red Cross announced a national blood shortage as supplies had dropped by 25% since August. But... more

A new investigation from WBEZ and the Sun-Times found almost 30 Chicago police officers — including nine still in the... more

The first half of the General Assembly's veto session wrapped up Thursday, and there are three days left beginning Nov.... more

Haunted hotels, disappearing hitch hikers, and headless horsemen: These are just a few of Chicago’s spookiest ghost stories. But what’s... more

Illinois is the country’s largest producer of pumpkins and home to the canned pumpkin brand that made pumpkin pie a... more

Budget season continues at City Hall with three days of hearings set to talk about public safety and police this... more

The General Assembly’s six-day veto session kicks off Tuesday in Springfield. This is the time when lawmakers will discuss laws... more

As the city decides on the locations of proposed “winterized base camps” for newly-arrived migrants, communities continue to protest plans... more

Halloween is less than two weeks away, and Chicago has plenty of opportunities to celebrate. From pumpkin carvings, to costume... more

Is deep-dish pizza really just for the tourists? That’s what some Chicagoans will tell you, while outsiders may mock the... more

A southwest suburban man has been charged with a hate crime in a stabbing that left a 6-year-old boy dead... more

If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a million times. Chicagoans are frustrated with public transit. Common concerns include... more

Earlier this week, Mayor Brandon Johnson gave his first-ever budget address at City Council. To help break down the details... more

With news of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s first-ever city budget proposal, the City Cast Chicago team thought it was time to... more

Chicago is home to dozens of culinary creations, and the jibarito is by far one of the best. Imagine a... more

The director of Illinois’ Department of Children and Family Services, Marc Smith, has announced he will resign at the end... more

Despite complaints from riders about unreliable service, CTA President Dorval Carter’s pay has only climbed during his eight years on... more

Despite a new report showing the city’s arts organizations are still hurting from the pandemic, there is still plenty of... more

A lot of Chicagoans will always know the Macy’s on State Street simply as Marshall Field’s. That’s because the department... more

Chicago schools that implemented restorative justice practices a decade ago have seen big reductions in suspensions and student arrests, a... more

Less than 10% of Chicago’s waste is recycled, according to a recent Tribune report. Meanwhile, other cities boast rates of... more

Chicago has paid $178 million to resolve wrongful conviction lawsuits since 2019, according to WTTW. Now the city faces yet... more

It’s the final day of our Fall Getaway Guide. This week we’ve pitched road trips in every direction and autumnal... more

We’re back with the second day of our Fall Getaway Guide. Yesterday we gave you all the tips and tricks... more

It’s officially fall, and the City Cast team is going road tripping! Host Jacoby Cochran, lead producer Simone Alicea, newsletter... more

Federal student loan payments start back up in October following a pandemic pause. This is a huge deal in Illinois... more

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration is defending the decision to sign a one-year, nearly $30 million contract with controversial private security... more

Today is Earth, Wind & Fire Day. Founded in Chicago by the late band leader Maurice White in 1969, the... more

Matthew Cherry’s short film “Hair Love” won an Oscar and became a New York Times bestselling children’s book. Now the... more

Last week, Fifth Ward Ald. Desmon Yancy introduced the South Shore Housing Preservation Ordinance to City Council. The measure would... more

Budget season has officially begun! Mayor Brandon Johnson released his first budget forecast last week, kicking off his first budget... more

Mayor Brandon Johnson has outlined a plan to relocate nearly 1,600 migrants and asylum-seekers from Chicago police stations to what... more

In a twist on the “alphabet dating” TikTok trend, host Jacoby Cochran and City Cast marketing coordinator Jermaine Thomas faced... more

Been seeing more monarch butterflies lately? Now is the time when Illinois’ state insect migrates south toward Mexico. Along the... more

Chicago Inspector General Deborah Witzburg reports police failed to accurately track 911 response times nearly half time. The lack of... more

Next week, Chicago Public Schools will kick off election season for local school councils. The councils help drive big decisions... more

Earlier this summer, longtime Blackhawks owner and CEO Rocky Wirtz died at the age of 70. His son Danny Wirtz... more

Whether you’re gearing up for cuffing season, celebrating a long-term relationship, or you’re just looking for something for you and... more

Tomorrow the Poetry Foundation is starting its Fall season with a celebration at the Harold Washington Library featuring Chicago’s first-ever... more

Regulators with the Illinois Gaming Board are expected to inspect Bally’s temporary casino at Medinah temple today and run practice... more

Last week, two White Sox fans were struck by gunfire during a home game at Guaranteed Rate Field. Both individuals... more

Labor Day weekend is the perfect time to plan a quick Midwestern Road Trip. Luckily for us, our friends over... more

All summer we’ve been hearing how Chicago is coming back with tourism up, crowds outside, and no shortage of daily... more

Last week, we saw the conclusion of yet another corruption trial with ties to former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.... more

Last week, White Sox fans experienced every emotion imaginable. As the team struggles through a disappointing season marred by injuries,... more

Chicago Public Schools are back in session. Chalkbeat Chicago's Samantha Smylie and Northwestern professor and author Arionne Nettles join host... more

Earlier this year, host Jacoby Cochran talked with journalist and author Natalie Moore about one of her favorite movies, the... more

The number of elders being scammed out of their life savings is increasing while Illinois’ system to protect seniors from... more

Tuesday is Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 100th day in office. While we have realistic expectations about what can be accomplished in... more

Chicago Public Schools students are back in class today, including probably thousands newly-arrived migrant children. We say probably because CPS... more

Chief Larry Snelling has been selected as the next police superintendent, and Dr. Allison Arwady is out as public health... more

There is just too much to do in Chicago every weekend. That’s why host Jacoby Cochran is talking with Hey... more

From construction to public transit gaps to the sheer size of the city, getting around Chicago is really hard. While... more

Friday afternoon, Mayor Brandon Johnson fired Dr. Allison Arwady after four years leading the Chicago Department of Public Health. Then Sunday, the... more

This summer, Chicago has increased spending on temporary shelters, resource centers, and services for the nearly 13,000 migrants and asylum... more

While federal agencies track flood risk across the country, FEMA maps may paint an incomplete picture of the risk in... more

The first day of school is coming up, but there is still plenty to do for kids in Chicago. Jenny... more

For the last 94 years, the Bud Billiken Parade has been Chicago’s ultimate back to school bat signal. It’s the... more

Chicago’s Department of Public Health warns that COVID cases and hospitalizations have been going up in recent weeks. Lead producer... more

Local TV and film actors held another rally downtown last week as they strike along with writers, shutting down production... more

Northwestern University has struggled to manage the fallout from the hazing scandal rocking its athletic department as lawsuits continue to... more

The vast majority of Chicago’s dog parks are on the North Side. But among all of the city’s equity issues,... more

The rent is due, new college students are setting out into the world, and now is a great time to... more

Mayor Brandon Johnson and his allies in City Council want to put the Bring Chicago Home ordinance on the March... more

Mayor Brandon Johnson wants to create an exploratory committee on reparations for descendants of Black formerly enslaved people who have... more

As more temporary housing facilities open for migrants and asylum-seekers, neighborhood resistance grows to the city’s rollout. During this week’s... more

Chicago’s weather has been unpredictable this month. Canadian wildfire smoke has blanketed the sky for days, torrential rain has already... more

Summertime Chi is filled with plenty of opportunities to dance the night away, including at the city’s SummerDance series next... more

Chicago’s always been a union town, but labor is having a moment right now. Host Jacoby Cochran and lead producer... more

This Wednesday, the Chicago Board of Education will hold their first official meeting since Mayor Brandon Johnson replaced all but... more

Earlier this week the Illinois Supreme Court ruled 5-2 to uphold the state’s elimination of cash bail, making Illinois the... more

Organizers of the Silver Room Sound System Block Party recently announced that this would be their final year. Although it... more

While music and street fests get most of the Summertime Chi hype, neighborhood block parties are probably the real unsung... more

For a century, Chicago has had an enduring, complicated, and nostalgic relationship with block clubs — small, volunteer-based community groups.... more

Mayor Brandon Johnson is now on the clock to make one of the most important hires of his term: Police... more

An investigation into Northwestern’s football program revealed a history of hazing, including alleged coerced sexual acts, and allegations of racism.... more

We all know you can get books at the library. But your library card can get you way more than... more

Summertime Chi would be incomplete without spending some time on Lake Michigan. But its easy to underestimate the dangers of... more

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s transition committee released its 223-page report outlining goals for the new administration. While many align with Johnson’s... more

Chicago is home plenty of new developments from high-rises to a presidential museum to a casino. But there are only... more

What impact will the US Supreme Court’s recent decisions on affirmative action and student debt relief have on the future... more

Chicago has its share of inside jokes, but none maybe more painful than goading newcomers into taking a shot of... more

Chicago roller skaters have long been called the smoothest roller skaters for their intricate footwork, elaborate routines, and signature swagger.... more

Tired of the same old burgers and dogs on Fourth of July? Looking for something unique — and truly Chicago... more

Earlier this week, Chicago had some of the worst air quality in the world due to wildfire smoke from Canada.... more

After weeks of road closures and a healthy amount of skepticism from city residents, NASCAR weekend is upon us. We... more

The City Council’s committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights is slated to meet this morning — the same committee that... more

Five weeks into Mayor Brandon Johnson’s first term, and supporters as well as critics are watching closely to see if... more

Chicago doesn’t end at 95th Street — but its busiest train line does. For 54 years, Far South Siders have... more

Chicago’s 52nd annual Pride Parade is Sunday starting in Uptown and ending in Lincoln Park. The Chicago Reader’s editor in... more

All this month, we’ve been bringing you our Summer Entertainment guide to help you tackle Summertime Chi with a plan.... more

For eight years, Chicago has been dubbed the “rattiest” city in the country by pest control company Orkin. The city... more

One of Chicago’s most slept-on contributions is poetry. From groundbreaking publications and institutions to acclaimed poets, Chicago is arguably the... more

NASCAR’s first-ever street race is two weeks away, and closures near the Grant Park course are picking up. DuSable Lake... more

We are continuing our Summer Entertainment Guide, where every week this month we give you recommendations for how to live... more

This week, neighbors gathered in Douglass Park to protest Riot Fest ahead of today’s Park District meeting considering permit approvals... more

Better weather means more Chicagoans outside and more bikes on city streets. Unfortunately, infrastructure to keep cyclists safe is inconsistent... more

One of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s first announcements when he took office was to create a task force to solve Chicago’s... more

Ten years ago, Chicago closed 50 schools in largely Black and brown neighborhoods. But what happened to those buildings after... more

Every week this month, we’re bringing you our summer entertainment guide where we give you recommendations to make the most... more

The city is currently looking for volunteers to help map heat disparities in Chicago —neighborhoods where the temps are higher... more

An administrative judge ruled late last week that the city should have granted a permit to a metal scrapping facility... more

As Chicago Public Schools let out for summer around this time a decade ago, 50 schools were closed for good.... more

Alders on Wednesday approved $51 million in funding to help asylum-seekers in Chicago, but the City Council vote was contentious.... more

No list of classic Chicago movies is complete without “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” But is Ferris’ itinerary even possible to... more

Pickleball is growing so fast in Chicago the city is set to build 50 new pickleball courts by 2025. But... more

It’s almost June 1, so you know what that means: It’s time to pay the rent. But from maintenance problems,... more

If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times: Construction in Chicago sucks. This year’s road and highway... more

Memorial Day is the perfect excuse to take a trip, whether it be for the whole weekend or just the... more

Though the legislative session was supposed to end last week, lawmakers are still in Springfield working on a state budget... more

While the scheduled end of the spring legislative session has come and gone, Illinois lawmakers have until July 1 to... more

Ahead of the summer travel season, the Biden administration announced it would propose new rules requiring compensation for air passengers... more

Mayor Brandon Johnson was sworn in earlier this week with a memorable inauguration ceremony. Now the 57th mayor of Chicago... more

The hit show “The Bear” dropped a new trailer this week ahead of its highly anticipated return for season 2... more

Zayd Dohrn was born underground and on the run from the FBI. His parents, Bernadine Dohrn and Bill Ayers, were... more

Humorist Samantha Irby has made a career out of oversharing, from her start as a blogger in Chicago’s lit scene... more

Brandon Johnson will be inaugurated as the 57th mayor of Chicago this morning, officially bringing a close to the Lori... more

Earlier this week Mayor Lightfoot issued a state of emergency as hundreds of asylum seekers are arriving to Chicago daily.... more

Beginning in 2019, two names dominated headlines and became a love story Chicago could get behind. Monty and Rose were... more

Both the White Sox and Cubs are having disappointing seasons so far. Which means no Chicago baseball fan is happy... more

Mayor Lori Lightfoot began her final week in office with a farewell address Monday. She touted her accomplishments on spurring... more

More than 8,000 asylum-seekers, many from Venezuela, have arrived in Chicago since last fall. Unfortunately, the lack of coordination at... more

The “ComEd Four” trial ended earlier this week when four former executives and lobbyists for the utility company were found... more

After negotiations with studios stalled, the Writers Guild of America officially went on strike this week. The writers strike may... more

All four defendants in the “ComEd Four” trial have been found guilty on corruption charges, including a nearly decade-long scheme... more

It’s National Small Business Week, and we are sharing love for some of our favorite neighborhood businesses. The city is... more

Last week, Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx announced she will not be seeking a third term next year. Foxx was... more

More than 7,000 mostly Venezuelan asylum seekers have arrived to Chicago from other states since last fall, many of them... more

Deep-dish pizza is polarizing for tourists, newbies, and longtime Chicagoans. It’s mockingly referred to as a casserole rather than pizza,... more

Last year, Lucy Westlake became the youngest American woman to summit Mount Everest. She previously broke the world record for... more

The list of Park District summer programs was released Monday, so the competitive process of registration begins May 1. If... more

Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson was in Springfield last week to pitch his mayoral agenda to Illinois lawmakers, including increased state funding... more

Both Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Alderman Ed Burke had their last meeting in City Council this week. Lightfoot was defeated... more

Nearly 100 years ago this week, the “National Barn Dance” premiered on WLS Radio in Chicago. The show introduced country... more

From shows to festivals to bars to shops, there are plenty of easy ways to empty out your wallet on... more

With taxes on the brain today, we have designated the entire week as “Personal Budget Week” in our daily newsletter... more

In 1997, a 13-year-old Black kid from the South Side named Lenard Clark was beaten into a coma by a... more

We’re coming to you on a Saturday with a special episode from The Moth, the arts organization that’s dedicated to... more

Chicago and Illinois leaders secured the bid for Chicago to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention, Walmart announced it’s closing... more

The new movie “Air” tells the story behind Michael Jordan’s debut shoe, the Air Jordan 1, nearly 40 years ago.... more

The Blackhawks’ final game of the season is tomorrow after the team failed to make the playoffs for the third... more

Even before mayor-elect Brandon Johnson is sworn in May 15, he’ll face questions about his plans for city departments and... more

It’s Golden Gloves week! The renowned amateur boxing tournament is celebrating 100 years, with championship matches starting Thursday. Host Jacoby... more

The next mayor of Chicago, Brandon Johnson, will be the first mayor from the West Side in 90 years when... more

House music was born in Chicago's Black and brown LGBTQ communities almost 50 years ago. Now preservationists and historians want... more

The municipal election has felt very long. Because it has been very long. When none of the nine candidates received... more

It’s election day! So by tonight, we may know who will be leading the country’s third-largest city as voters cast... more

Artificial intelligence is being talked about a lot right now, from fabricating pictures of the Pope, to creating original trippy... more

Both mayoral candidates have touted their education bona fides ahead of Tuesday’s runoff election. But what are their plans for... more

Baseball is back in Chicago. The Cubs open their season at Wrigley Field today against the Milwaukee Brewers, and the... more

Democrats have run Chicago for decades, and the lead-up to the mayoral runoff on April 4 has often been about... more

Following the heat-exposure deaths of three seniors last year in Rogers Park, the state Senate passed a bill requiring air... more

Voters will choose Chicago’s new mayor next Tuesday, April 4. On the ballot are former CPS head Paul Vallas and... more

As summer festival lineups emerge, some Douglass Park neighbors are still protesting Riot Fest’s expected appearance on the West Side... more

While the Chicago flag is seen everywhere from buildings to tattoos, Illinois’ state flag is less well-known. That’s probably because... more

Nobody likes to think about what happens to their bodies after they die, but it’s an important decision. A bill... more

Three years ago today, Gov. JB Pritzker’s stay-at-home order went into effect as COVID-19 swept the world. Host Jacoby Cochran,... more

Week two of “ComEd Four” trial gets underway today. That’s the trial of four former executives and lobbyists who are accused... more

We are joined by the Chicago Reader’s Social Justice Reporter Debbie-Marie Brown and from the Illinois Answer's Project & Better... more

Beyonce, Metallica, Drake, Taylor Swift, and others will play Chicago’s biggest arenas and stadiums at hefty prices this Summer. But... more

Do you think you could solve a murder just by looking at a miniature re-creation of the crime scene? Frances... more

It can feel like it’s all mayor’s race all the time as we head into the April 4 runoff election,... more

Ahead of the April 4th runoff, mayoral candidates Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson have made education a major part of... more

Mayoral Candidates Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas had their first televised debate this week ahead of the April 4th runoff.... more

Most people around the world are familiar with Chicago’s classic foods—Chicago-style hot dogs, deep dish or tavern style pizzas, and... more

For the last 20 years, Simeon Career Academy High School basketball has been one of the city’s most dominant sports... more

Geoffrey Baer has been showing off Chicago’s architecture and natural beauty for decades. First as a docent for the Chicago... more

Next week, City Council is set to consider ordinances that would crack down on drivers parked in bus and bike... more

Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown announced Wednesday he’s resigning effective March 16. Both mayoral runoff contenders Paul Vallas and Brandon... more

Starting Saturday, the Ukrainian National Museum will host workshops on how to write pysanky, also known as Ukrainian Easter eggs.... more

City Cast Chicago is in you feed a little later this morning, so we could bring you the most up-to-date... more

As you head to the polls today, we want to offer a little respite from all the political coverage. And... more

Tomorrow, voters will choose who will run the city as they cast ballots for mayor and City Council. But aside... more

We've got something special for you this weekend. We're sharing the Weekly News Recap from our friends over at WBEZ's... more

After months of campaigning, commercials, and forums, election day is Tuesday. But we’re wondering: Does the mayoral race have a... more

In a blow to Chicago comedy fans, HBO Max announced Tuesday that it would not pick up “South Side” for... more

Police district councils are new on the ballot in next week’s municipal election. Voters in each of the city’s 22... more

Chicago’s municipal election is one week from today. So how are voters feeling about the biggest issues facing the city?... more

As the Chicago Bears closed on a $197 million property deal in Arlington Heights, Gov. JB Pritzker promised nearly $1... more

When you ask about East Side, many Chicagoans will look at you quizzically and say, “What, like Lake Michigan?” But... more

As Feb. 28th approaches, political ads for the municipal elections are only getting more frequent and aggressive. Democratic media strategist... more

Happy Valentine’s Day! Whether you’ve got a date planned with the love of your life or you’re going solo, the... more