For Chicago’s municipal workers, the Christmas of 1904 was shaping up to be a sorry one indeed. The city was so broke it couldn’t pay municipal employees. But three days before Christmas, Santa Claus himself emerged from City Hall to save the workers’ Christmas. Well – kind of.

Illinois' population declined in 2016 for the third straight year, losing more people than any other state in the union. The drop of more than 37,000 people leaves Illinois with a population just north of 12.8 million.

The actress, famous for her role as Princess Leia, died Tuesday morning at the age of 60.

Bold paintings from the 1920s, plus photographs and industrial design: A new show looks at an international artist who made a big impression in Chicago.

Cardinal Blase Cupich talks with us about his elevation to that position, the challenges facing Chicago, and how the church can better serve the community.

Singer-songwriter Robbie Fulks joins us in discussion and performance of two songs that could win Grammy Awards in February.

He was a literary giant who chronicled the seedy side of the city. We talk with the author of a new biography about Chicago writer Nelson Algren.

Backstage at the Joffrey Ballet before the recent launch of the all-new “Nutcracker” set in Chicago.

From the foster system to one of the hottest restaurants in town: How one young man is “mixing it up.”

Not that long ago, air pollution from burning coal made the Windy City more like the Smoggy City. Geoffrey Baer tells us how Chicago cleaned up its act.

Tattoos are making a big impression at the Field Museum. We visit the exhibition about the history and culture of the tattoo.

The Chicago Sun-Times columnist muses on weathering the holidays without alcohol and his anthology on addiction, “Out of the Wreck I Rise: A Literary Companion to Recovery.”

Thanks to a major donation from Chicago billionaire Ken Griffin, the 18-mile Lakefront Trail is getting a makeover that will ease congestion.

While U.S. unemployment is at its lowest point in years, a new report shines a light on a racial disparity that’s especially prominent in Illinois. 

Treat family and friends to a Chicago-style Christmas. Here are 10 things to do in and around the city.

The creator of “Hamilton” talks about Chicago, “Sesame Street” and his theatrical blockbuster.