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State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke Outlines Case to Uphold Cook County Assault Weapons Ban Ahead of SCOTUS Arguments

Crime & Law

State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke Outlines Case to Uphold Cook County Assault Weapons Ban Ahead of SCOTUS Arguments

State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke is defending Cook County’s ban on assault… Read More

Johnson Touts $17.6B Proposed Budget for 2027: ‘Let Us Plant the Seeds of a Fair Chicago’

Politics

Johnson Touts $17.6B Proposed Budget for 2027: ‘Let Us Plant the Seeds of a Fair Chicago’

Mayor Brandon Johnson unveiled his proposed $17.6 billion 2027 spending plan… Read More

Bagpipers in Irish parade

coming up

Chicago Stories: Home of the Irish

They fled their homeland to escape poverty, famine, and certain death only to land in a city that didn’t want them. But Chicago’s Irish community fought back, creating vibrant neighborhoods and parishes and building a powerful political coalition like none other. This episode celebrates their faith, courage, and perseverance in the face of widespread prejudice and almost unimaginable challenges. Once outsiders, they came to define the soul of the city.

Friday at 8:00 pm | Explore Website

culture

How Chicago Shaped Jazz Over More Than a Century

The former Chicago Tribune critic Howard Reich has published a book that traces the history of jazz in Chicago through 25 "visionaries" from Louis Armstrong to Herbie Hancock and beyond. 

architecture

Skyscrapers Built in an Optimistic Six-Year Period

Chicago's Art Deco Skyscrapers profiles the Civic Opera House, Board of Trade, and more, which flourished right before a long fallow period of construction that started with the Great Depression.

trailer

Chicago Stories: Fall 2026

New season includes: Chicago’s World’s Fair of 1893, Toy Town, Skyscrapers, and Home of the Irish.

For parents

Handprint Spider

Not all spiders are the same! For example, the Goliath tarantula has eight eyes and does not spin a web.

A CTA train on an elevated track in downtown Chicago, with skyscrapers in the background

Business

CTA to Suspend Loop Elevated Train Service This Weekend for Track Maintenance

Track work is set to begin at 4 a.m. Saturday. Regular service is scheduled to resume at 4 a.m. Monday following completion of the work and required testing. Shuttle buses will operate around the affected area.

A black and white photo of men sitting at rows in tables

Q&A

Crime and Punishment in America Examines a Complicated Subject's History in Depth

"I think we have the sense it's always been like this, and this is just a given of how people do things," says the director, Lynn Novick, of the documentary executive produced by Ken Burns. 

A skyscraper seen from ground level against a blue sky

Chicago Stories

10 Unsung Heroes of the Chicago Skyline

Chicago’s skyline is full of famous architectural superstars, but plenty of other towers deserve the spotlight.

Pope Leo holds his hands up in prayer while a hand off screen holds up a microphone to him

Politics

Pope Leo’s Doctors Say Tests Show He Needs No Further Treatment for Lung Cancer

The pontiff will need no further treatment for lung cancer after follow-up tests confirmed the disease was localized, the Vatican said in a statement Wednesday.

Kids viewing tablet.

For parents

Halloween Games

The weeks leading up to Halloween can be super exciting for kids — and grown-ups! If your family is already in the Halloween spirit, it can be hard to wait until October 31. So, between prepping costumes, carving pumpkins, and crafting decorations, try playing some new games!
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