Chicago’s daily news podcast, fresh every weekday at 6 a.m. Host Jacoby Cochran brings you timely conversations with news and culture makers;... more
Calls to oust CTA President Dorval Carter continue after a bus driver died behind the wheel after sitting unconscious for... more
We often hear about the Tribune Tower, the Chicago Cultural Center and of course the once-called Sears Tower, but do... more
With one week left in Earth Month, you might be thinking about ways to make more environmentally conscious choices. One... more
City Council approved $70 million Friday to care for new arrivals. That’s in addition to the $150 million allocated in... more
Chicago’s most threatening natural disaster is severe flooding, the Illinois Answers Project reports. Many residents are still recovering from last... more
The Back of the Yards neighborhood is still recovering from a mass shooting that took place over the weekend. WTTW’s... more
Is the Jane Addams museum haunted? How did Chance the Snapper end up in the Humboldt Park Lagoon? And why... more
We’ve gifted it to someone, maybe gone to a tasting, or seen a vineyard before, but how much do we... more
Pro-Palestinian protesters blocked traffic on I-190 to O’Hare airport Monday morning. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive producer Simone Alicea talk... more
Illinois lawmakers are considering a bill to create a statewide guaranteed income program that would provide $1,000 monthly payments to... more
Earlier this week, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability released body cam footage, numerous bystander videos, and 911 calls related... more
New CTA schedules dropped over the weekend, but riders probably won’t see much difference. That’s despite promises in February from... more
Food halls with multiple vendors have proliferated around Chicago the past several years. But to be honest, no one on... more
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is hoping to keep the expansion of O’Hare Airport on track. Host Jacoby Cochran and executive... more
Last month, the city of Chicago filed a lawsuit against gun manufacturer Glock, arguing that the company has done nothing... more
Chicago’s first school board elections take place this November. But now that we have a district map, election plan, and... more
We see them everywhere, and Chicagoans may think of them as “rats with wings,” but do pigeons get a bad... more
Fine dining can be intimidating and expensive, but Chicago is home to many award-winning restaurants that stand out. Last year,... more
It's April, which means it’s street sweeping season. Producer Michelle Navarro joins host Jacoby Cochran to talk about what you... more
From the art that’s moving us to the events we’re watching to the bites we’re dreaming about, host Jacoby Cochran,... more
It has been over a week since the polls closed in the Illinois primary, but there’s still no official winner... more
Spring is here which means biking in the city is looking a lot more enjoyable. Whether you are a seasoned... more
We’re about halfway through Ramadan — the Muslim holy month marked by charity, spiritual reflection, and daily fasting. With some... more
It’s been a week, but the election is not over yet. As of this recording, just over 2000 votes separate... more
A new study shows that more than two-thirds of kids under 6 in Chicago might be exposed to lead-contaminated water.... more
With thousands of ballots still being counted, the fate of the highly contested Bring Chicago Home tax referendum remains unclear.... more
March Madness means basketball is on the brain, which makes it a good time to revisit how the sport has... more
Voters headed to the polls yesterday to cast their ballots for Democratic and Republican nominees for local, state, and federal... more
It’s primary election day! Between tonight and early tomorrow we will hopefully know the results of some key congressional races,... more
From rats in the alley to problem landlords, the first thing you’ll often hear is, “Call 311.” But while complaining... more
There have been 10 confirmed measles cases reported at the Pilsen migrant shelter on Halsted Ave. City and state officials... more
On Saturday, the city will dye the Chicago River green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. The tradition has been... more
Some classic Chicago foods, from deep-dish to jibaritos to Italian beef to paczki, can be found all over the city... more
Last week, the Illinois House passed a Senate bill finalizing a plan for Chicago to elect 10 members of a... more
Across the city’s neighborhoods and apartment sizes, the median price to rent in Chicago is around $2,000, according to Zillow... more
Votes for the Bring Chicago Home referendum will be counted. Earlier this week, an appellate court judge reversed a lower... more
Chicago celebrated its 187th birthday this week! And City Cast Chicago’s third birthday is coming up too. That got us... more
Gov. JB Pritzker recently announced $3 million for preservation efforts in seven Chicago neighborhoods, including Paseo Boricua in Humboldt Park.... more
Last week, CTA President Dorval Carter went to the City Council’s Transportation and Public Way committee and announced plans to... more
Mayor Brandon Johnson recently announced a plan to borrow $1.25 billion for housing and development investments and pay the debt... more
Last week, the Chicago Board of Education voted to end Chicago Public Schools’ $10.3 million school resource officer program. High... more
While you’re enjoying your extra day of February, we are looking forward to all of the things on our March... more
Next Monday, Chicago celebrates its 187th birthday, and we’re celebrating with onions instead of cake. That’s because the city’s name... more
On Friday, a Cook County judge invalidated the Bring Chicago Home referendum, which asks Chicagoans if the city should create... more
Do you recognize all of the offices that will be on your primary ballot in March? Obviously the president and... more
Governor JB Pritzker delivered his $53 billion budget proposal this week. Host Jacoby Cochran, freelance journalist Britt Julious, and Axios... more
The Cook County State’s Attorney is the county’s top prosecutor, and the office has become one of the most scrutinized... more
We talk a lot about Chicago’s world-renowned restaurant scene, but now it’s time to go underground. Adrian Kane and John... more
One tangible thing the city could do for Black Chicagoans during Black History Month? Make progress on reparations. Mayor Brandon... more
This week Mayor Brandon Johnson announced that Chicago will not renew a long-term contract with SoundThinking, the company behind Shot... more
Chicago musician and icon Common has been making the rounds talking about his new book “And Then We Rise: A... more
As the city celebrates Lunar New Year with parades in Uptown and Chinatown this weekend, you’re likely to see a... more
The city’s contract with gunshot detection tech SoundThinking (aka ShotSpotter) is up at the end of the week. Will Mayor... more
The Chicago Sun-Times recently launched their new Money Desk to help Chicagoans stay on the lookout for junk fees, sketchy... more
For over a week, Lurie Children’s Hospital has been without critical phone, email, and other communications networks as they deal... more
Let’s be honest: Super Bowl Sunday is only partly about football. A lot of us are watching it just for... more
Mardi Gras is on Tuesday, but many Chicagoans know the holiday as Paczki Day. That’s because Chicago once had the... more
The Ventra app ran into some issues due to updates and changes to Metra’s fare structure, including reducing the number... more
Thursday is the deadline to apply to run for your local school council. The councils help drive big decisions across... more
After weeks of back and forth in City Council and months of street protests, Chicago became the largest city in... more
Black History Month, Valentine’s Day, Mardis Gras, Lunar New Year — It may be the shortest month of the year,... more
For the last four years, the Englewood neighborhood has been without a full-service sit-down restaurant. Why? Partly because of the... more
Migrants staying at city shelters will not be evicted this week as planned, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced Monday. Shelter stays... more
“Guaranteed” is a podcast about what happens when regular people receive direct cash assistance, known as guaranteed income. It’s a show... more
Between inflation, rising rents, and a tepid job market, Chicagoans are feeling the economic pinch right now. But what if... more
An emergency hearing was called last week after a Woodlawn apartment unit housing Venezuelan migrants was found to be unlivable.... more
From the boat tours to next week’s film festival, why is Chicago always talking about architecture? “The history of Chicago... more
There is a taco in Chicago for everyone. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive producer Simone Alicea, and producer Michelle Navarro went... more
Thousands of migrants and asylum-seekers who have been staying at city shelters are facing potential evictions next week because of... more
Less than 10% of Chicago’s waste is recycled, according to the city's Streets and Sanitation Department. That’s despite a goal... more
Earlier this week as temperatures plummeted, the city activated its emergency operation plan, opening more warming centers and overnight shelters.... more
Feel like everyone you know has been sick lately? It’s not just you: Flu and COVID rates have been up... more
It’s a great week for food in Chicago with Restaurant Week 2024 starting Friday. Hundreds of restaurants across the city... more
Chicago Magazine put out a list of 13 predictions for this year. They include the Cubs playoff fate, Madigan’s corruption... more
Back in October, the city projected it would spend more than $360 million in 2023 to care for the thousands... more
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated across the country, but his legacy is particularly special to Chicago. In January... more
Whether for health or environmental reasons, many Chicagoans may be looking to eat less meat and more plant-based foods in... more
Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s corruption trial has been delayed about six months because of a U.S. Supreme Court... more
More than 14,000 migrants are staying at shelters across the city. A recent investigation by Borderless Magazine found that migrants... more
Between a resolution suggesting Chicago could move away from school choice and reports indicating police officers could be removed from... more
It’s National Trivia Day, so what better way to celebrate than with a little Chicago history quiz. What underwear were... more
There are already so many foods to eat in Chicago, but with the new year comes new spots to try.... more
The new year is here, and we have a guide for enjoying Chicago in January to start it off right.... more
It’s been a long week and long year of tough news stories. But now it’s the Friday before New Year’s,... more
This year marked a decade since the nation’s largest mass school closure. In 2013, 50 Chicago schools were closed for... more
Far South Siders have been pushing for decades to extend the city’s busiest train line. Promises have failed to materialize,... more
All eyes have been on Mayor Brandon Johnson since he was elected in April, becoming the first Black man to... more
Former 14th Ward Ald. Ed Burke was found guilty Thursday of racketeering, bribery, and attempted extortion. Host Jacoby Cochran, executive... more
With the holidays right around the corner and family and friends coming in to visit, we want to ensure that... more
Whether it was a new hot spot, an iconic tasting menu, or a neighborhood gem, host Jacoby Cochran ate a... more
There is a lot of pressure this time of year to find the perfect gift for all of your loved... more
From housing new arrivals to electing a new mayor to some extreme weather events, it was a big year in... more
Earlier this week, Chicago public school leaders announced intentions to deprioritize the city’s system of school choice and refocus on... more
From global tours to local albums to buzz-worthy TV and fashion, 2023 has been a great year for pop culture... more
From big brands like Nabisco, Kraft, and Kellogg to local ones like Garrett Popcorn and Jays Chips, Chicago is home... more
The Bears’ search for a new home is making headlines once again just before the end of the year as... more
Every year on the evening of Dec. 11, hundreds of thousands of Catholics and other pilgrims walk to Des Plaines... more
This week, Gov. JB Pritzker paused and then officially shut down construction of a tent camp for new arrivals in... more
The Mayor’s Youth Commission is a group of Chicagoans ages 14 to 19 who work to advise the mayor and... more
Mindy Segal is one of Chicago’s most recognizable chefs, the owner of Mindy’s Bakery in Wicker Park, and the namesake... more
Gov. JB Pritzker temporarily paused construction Monday on a migrant base camp in Brighton Park following an environmental assessment that... more
It’s official, we are in the home stretch of 2023. But before we make our New Year's resolutions, we’ve got... more
Construction on a temporary winterized tent camp for new arrivals began this week in Brighton Park after nearly two months... more
Geoffrey Baer has been showing off Chicago’s architecture and natural beauty for decades, first as a docent for the Chicago... more
Whether it’s a friend’s party, a family gathering, or a work potluck, there’s no way you’re cooking for all of... more
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
Nobody likes to think about what happens to their bodies after they die, but it’s an important decision. A bill expected to... more