Concerns about teen gatherings in Chicago have grown amid conversations about violence and public safety. Chicago Public Schools has to close a $732 million budget gap for the upcoming academic year. Chicago’s historic Music Box Theatre is debuting its third screen this weekend. Plus, the epic family drama “Leopoldstadt” was the last script penned by legendary playwright Tom Stoppard before his death in 2025. The Broadway version of the show boasted a cast of 38 actors. Writers Theatre in Glenco...
Jun 26, 2026•7 min
Some Chicago advocates say they are disappointed with today’s Supreme Court decision allowing the Trump administration to end temporary legal protections for hundreds of thousands of Haitians and Syrians in the U.S. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is creating an office of gun violence reduction after some hesitancy during his first term. Some Lakeview residents could soon have to pay the city to use parking spots behind their homes. Plus, the hit Chicago-set TV show “The Bear” returns tonight for ...
Jun 25, 2026•8 min
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed a bill to protect patient information from states that criminalize abortion. Chicago has been nationally recognized as a local government that shows a strong commitment to immigrant inclusion. It’s summer in Chicago, so people can see performances inside theaters and outdoors. Plus, Kathy Osterman Beach, or Hollywood Beach, is known as Chicago’s gay beach. But it wasn’t always that way. What are the origins of this LGBTQ+ haven?
Jun 24, 2026•10 min
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker says his office has been advising the Chicago Bears on crafting a new proposal that would keep the team on their home turf. Lawmakers in Springfield did not pass Governor Pritzker’s widely-touted plan to build more affordable housing. U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros plans to review nearly 20 years of grand jury proceedings involving a veteran prosecutor at the center of the “Broadview Six” case. A lot of teens in Chicago take public transit to school. Now, some are opt...
Jun 23, 2026•8 min
Illinois has broken the record for most tornadoes in a year, and it’s only June. Public health officials are revealing why Chicagoans can expect to live longer than ever. More than 180 drawings created by famed artist Willem de Kooning are now on display at the Art Institute of Chicago. Plus, last week, chefs and celebrities from across the country came to Chicago for the annual James Beard Awards. We asked some of the visiting chefs where they ate while in town.
Jun 22, 2026•5 min
The Obama Presidential Center was dedicated today in a star-studded ceremony featuring everyone from former presidents to Grammy-winning artists. Chicago actor Harry Lennix is in town this weekend lending his booming voice to an orchestral performance. Illinois’ largest labor union, AFL-CIO, is putting off endorsing candidates running for office this fall. Nurses at Chicago’s Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital this week voted to unionize. Plus, a tropical plant from Southeast Asia has taken root in...
Jun 18, 2026•8 min
A Hazardous Weather Outlook is in effect for parts of north central and northeast Illinois as well as northwest Indiana. The city of Chicago is cracking down on airbag thefts. The City Council passed a measure Wednesday making it unlawful to purchase airbags from anywhere other than a repair shop, recycling facility or original manufacturer. Governor JB Pritzker signed a bill this week so Medicaid recipients can still access healthcare. Plus, being a journalist requires conversational skills. Ch...
Jun 17, 2026•10 min
Another veteran politician is entering what’s expected to be a crowded 2027 race for Chicago mayor. Illinois Democratic lawmakers have passed a measure to protect trans youth in foster care. The James Beard Awards brought some of the country’s biggest food names to town, and at last night’s ceremony, immigration was a throughline. Plus, the Supreme Court is set to decide whether birthright citizenship will continue. That’s been the law for more than 150 years. It’s unclear how the court will rul...
Jun 16, 2026•8 min
Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama are back in Chicago for the Obama Presidential Center's official grand opening later this week. The head of the team that steers arts and culture programming in Chicago says she wants to create more career paths for young creatives. Roosevelt University graduate student Joabe Barbosa has now run every street in Chicago. Plus, the head of Chicago Public Schools was thrust onto the national stage last week. The U.S. House Education...
Jun 15, 2026•7 min
Storms that swept through the Chicago region on Wednesday caused damage across the city. The annual Thai Festival Chicago returns to the Uptown neighborhood this weekend with new vendors and performances. The Chicago Wolves will play in game 1 of the Calder Cup Final Friday night. Plus, securing safe and affordable housing has long been a challenge for some of Chicago’s Black residents. Since the 1980s, Lawndale Christian Community Church has made strides to help local residents become homeowner...
Jun 12, 2026•10 min
The Chicago area could see destructive winds up to 80 miles per hour, damaging hail and flash flooding. Chicagoans have registered at least 5600 complaints with the city's 311 hotline following Wednesday night’s storm. The World Cup kicked off this afternoon in Mexico City, and three players with the Chicago Fire are on the pitch for the tournament. Plus, the annual James Beard Awards return to Chicago on Monday. “The Oscars of the food world” turn Chicago into the culinary capital each year....
Jun 11, 2026•7 min
Republican lawmakers grilled the leader of Chicago Public Schools on Wednesday about transgender students, race, abortion and religion. A local immigration coalition is raising awareness about World Cup soccer team delegations struggling to enter the U.S. Fans heading to Wednesday night’s White Sox game will be able to pick up a limited edition hat. Plus, four months ago, the organization behind the Obama Presidential Center held a workshop to teach South Side homeowners how to rent out their pl...
Jun 10, 2026•8 min
A coalition of Chicago alderpersons say they plan to reject the proposed sale of the city's parking meters to a New York investment firm. Queer elders in Chicago say it’s important to bridge the gap between the generations as the Trump administration rolls back protections for LGBTQ+ Americans. The Chicago Wolves have clinched a spot in the Calder Cup Final. Plus, when you go to an art museum, the seating isn’t typically top of mind, especially when you’re surrounded by masterpieces. But in the ...
Jun 09, 2026•7 min
More than 100 former federal prosecutors say there has been a failure of leadership in the office of Chicago U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros. Bears fans across Illinois are holding on to hope the team will reverse its decision and stay in state. Chicago Bulls analyst Stacey King died Sunday at age 59. Plus, it looks like the Bears may have finally landed on a location for a new stadium, and it’s Hammond, Indiana. The team’s board of directors voted to officially move forward with plans to build the...
Jun 08, 2026•7 min
The Chicago Bears’ board is moving forward with a new home in Hammond, but political leaders on both sides of the Illinois-Indiana state line have vastly different takes on the development. Federal officials say a person in a vehicle died from an explosion on the Eisenhower Expressway yesterday. Chicago’s annual Blues Festival is officially underway at the Ramova Theatre. Plus, we head to Simeon Career Academy, where the school known for sports put on its first play in decades.
Jun 05, 2026•9 min
Community leaders in Chicago are demanding a dedicated office to investigate cases of missing and murdered Black girls and women. The Obama Presidential Center Museum opens to the public on Juneteenth. The Shedd Aquarium has agreed to take some animals from a shuttered marine park at Niagara Falls. Plus, the Chicago Blues Festival kicks off Thursday night and celebrates 55 years of Chicago’s own Alligator Records. Some of the label’s biggest stars will join forces in a headlining set on Friday n...
Jun 04, 2026•7 min
Democratic Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia is the latest prominent Illinois political leader to call for Chicago’s top federal prosecutor to resign. Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza says she is officially running for Chicago mayor in 2027. Illinois lawmakers are propping up next year’s state budget by taxing things that haven’t been taxed before, including social media companies and prediction markets like Kalshi. Plus, if you happen to be on a Red Line platform this summer, you may hear some...
Jun 03, 2026•7 min
A bill to protect patient information from states that criminalize abortion is awaiting Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s approval. Drivers working for rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are closer to being able to unionize. Ground officially breaks Wednesday for a $7 billion development around the United Center on Chicago's Near West Side. Many people are now distancing themselves from civil rights icon Cesar Chavez. Chavez died in 1993. The shift follows a New York Times investigation back in Mar...
Jun 02, 2026•8 min
Illinois lawmakers passed a state budget early Monday morning, and the House and Senate could not agree on a tax-incentive package to entice the Chicago Bears to build a new domed stadium in Arlington Heights. Mayor Brandon Johnson says Chicago continues to offer “the strongest opportunity to retain the Bears.” The Chicago White Sox try to make it six wins in a row when they open a three-game series Monday night against the Minnesota Twins Theater students from Northwestern University are bringi...
Jun 01, 2026•10 min
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson plans to introduce a sweeping housing ordinance next month to protect renters from eviction and displacement. Chicago is known as one of the world’s great jazz cities, and next week’s concert lineup helps cement that reputation. The Chicago Sky are still looking for their first home win of the season, and the team fell 111-104 against the Toronto Tempo on Wednesday. Plus, it has been a whirlwind 24 hours for Mayor Johnson in the Italian capital of Rome and in neighb...
May 29, 2026•10 min
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has invited Pope Leo XIV to celebrate Mass in Chicago next year. A local food bank is launching a new campaign to raise awareness about rising food insecurity in the Chicago area. Local elected officials celebrated Asian American leaders in public service on Thursday. Plus, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson met with the Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV on Thursday in Rome. We get into the details about the mayor’s historic Vatican visit.
May 28, 2026•9 min
A Mather High School senior was reunited with his family and friends Tuesday night after spending two months in immigration detention. A new event brought more than 4,000 people with disabilities to Chicago’s Maggie Daley Park for a day of play. A new study out of Northwestern Medicine suggests a link between a decrease of estrogen production in brain tissue to memory decline. The Second City has been a Chicago comedy staple for more than six decades. The company has an illustrious history, fuel...
May 27, 2026•10 min
Chicago’s top federal prosecutor allegedly had contact with grand jurors in the tainted “Broadview Six” case. More than 146 million square feet of warehouse space has been built in the Chicago metro area since 2000, but the warehouse boom has come with a cost. For people caring for loved ones with dementia, even simple outings or activities can start to feel complicated, which can lead to participating in activities less and retreating more into isolating behaviors. Plus, Chicago Mayor Brandon J...
May 26, 2026•8 min
Both major Chicago airports are expecting an uptick in passengers this Memorial Day weekend compared to last year’s number. Lyric Opera of Chicago has received a 20-million-dollar gift from the Illinois-based Nagaunee Foundation. Chicago City Council approved a rule change that will allow gardens to grow a little taller. You can now see fossils of your favorite Pokemon alongside real fossils of ancient life forms at the Field Museum. Plus, the Latin music and culture celebration Sueños Music Fes...
May 22, 2026•7 min
This weekend, three major music events will descend on Chicago. Charges against the four remaining members of the "Broadview Six" will be permanently dropped. The Republican candidate for Illinois Governor has apologized to the Chicago City Council. Plus, Illinois passed a law last year that requires public colleges and universities to establish protocols for what to do if immigration agents come on campus. But a WBEZ and Sun-Times report finds many Illinois schools still don’t have protocols in...
May 21, 2026•7 min
Former federal prosecutor David Glockner has been confirmed as Chicago's new inspector general. Residents of Chicago’s Gage Park neighborhood are petitioning for a new, larger library. Plus, the Curious City team gets to the bottom of why the Balbo Monument is still standing, despite its controversial history.
May 20, 2026•9 min
Chicago City Council members tomorrow will be asked to vote on more than $16 million in police misconduct settlements. The Chicago Department of Public Health is expanding non-police crisis response services for residents across the city. The Chicago Sky have a great start to the season, but now have to rebound from a devastating injury after forward Rickea Jackson tore her ACL in the Sky’s win over the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday. Plus, the Declaration of Independence turns 250 this summer. Commem...
May 19, 2026•8 min
More than 300 runners participated in Saturday’s inaugural 103rd Street Corridor Peace Walk and Run. Chicagoans can experience the magic of storytelling at the debut show of Cooler by the Lake tomorrow night. Chicago Stars forward Mallory Swanson is back on the active roster after her maternity leave following the birth of her first child in November. Plus, more students in Chicago and across Illinois are getting official recognition for being able to speak, read and write in English and another...
May 18, 2026•8 min
Sam Sianis, the legendary owner of the Billy Goat Tavern, died of natural causes at 91 years old. The 2026 Crosstown Classic kicks off this evening, and the White Sox will host the Cubs at Rate Field for the three-game series. The annual Chi Food Truck Fest is back at Daley Plaza for people lunching in the Loop. Singer-songwriter Alynda Segarra has carved out a space as a leading voice in modern folk music. The singer-songwriter recently found a home right here in Chicago, playing with a group o...
May 15, 2026•9 min
The Iran War is approaching the three month mark, and peace talks between the sides have stalled. Some University of Chicago undergraduates are getting a tuition break. The University announced it would cover the cost of tuition for students whose families make less than $250,000 a year starting in fall 2027. A bill backed by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is aimed at helping Illinois residents with auto insurance rates. Plus, Aadam Jacobs obsessively documented Chicago’s indie rock scene ...
May 14, 2026•11 min
