In her new book, Lauren Viera compiles a list of places to eat, buy food, drink, shop and sleep with a short description of why each location is a “hidden secret.”
Stories by Nicole Cardos
Azadi Brewing Introduces Indian Flavors, Culture to Chicago’s Craft Beer Scene
Longtime friends Bhavik Modi and Ray “Gator” Schrand have created what might be the only Indian brewery on tap in the American craft beer market: Azadi Brewing Company. The co-founders said everything about each Azadi beer is a lesson in Indian history and culture.
I Ran the Chicago Marathon Last Year. Here’s What I Wish I Knew
It’s race week for more than 47,000 participants in the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. We’ve compiled tips from one runner who shares what to expect at this year’s race.
Photographer’s ‘Scream Sessions’ Aim to Challenge Stereotypes
Since January 2018, Whitney Bradshaw has photographed more than 375 women who participated in her “Scream Sessions.” All portraits are now on display together for the first time in a new exhibit at the McCormick Gallery called “Outcry.”
Arlington Park Takes Its ‘Final Turn’ Amid a Pandemic as Sale Looms
It’s home to trainers, jockeys and others in the horse racing industry. And during summer weekends, it’s a place for fans to bet on their favorite racehorse. Arlington International Racecourse is officially open for what could be its last season.
Local Couple Recreates Picture Day for Chicago Families
Whether you loved it or hated it, a school picture day was something everyone had growing up. But that isn’t the case for some Chicago-area students during the pandemic. How one local couple is recreating the tradition.
New Documentary ‘Finding Yingying’ Shares Intimate Details About Murdered Scholar
Chinese scholar Yingying Zhang went missing in June 2017 at the University of Illinois. Her story is detailed in a new documentary that goes beyond true crime. We speak with the film’s director and a producer to learn more.
Need a Book During Quarantine? Local Bibliophiles Share Recommendations
With Illinois’ stay-at-home order in place through the end of May, some of us are looking to pick up new hobbies — or new books. We asked a trio of book lovers to share their picks.
Highland Park Resident Describes Experience Living With COVID-19
Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 have described a range of symptoms, and they’ve lived with a fear of spreading the illness to their family and friends. A Chicago-area resident shares her story.
Host of New Series ‘Flavor of Poland’ Talks Polish Cuisine, Paczki
If there’s one thing Aleksandra August hopes viewers take away from her new show “Flavor of Poland,” it’s that they learn something more about the country than its offerings of pierogi and kielbasa.
UChicago Stamp Collection Sheds Light on Everyday Life in North Korea
A new collection of 2,000 stamps at the University of Chicago offers a unique look at North Korea. We stopped by the Regenstein Library to see it – and meet the librarian who acquired it.
Need a Drill? A Sewing Machine? New Chicago Tool Library Ready to Lend
There’s a new library in Chicago and it’s stocked with pretty much everything except books. We visit the Chicago Tool Library in Bridgeport.
12 Book Suggestions for Cozy Winter Nights
If you find yourself snowed in this winter (or you just feel like hibernating by the fire), how about reaching for a good book? Three book lovers join us with their top picks.
NYT Reporters Reveal New Details in ‘The Education of Brett Kavanaugh’
A new book from reporters Robin Pogrebin and Kate Kelly offers a detailed look at Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh a year after his tumultuous Senate testimony.
Report: 46 Illinois Hospitals Earn Grade ‘A’ in Patient Safety, 4 Earn ‘D’
As many as 440,000 people die every year from preventable mistakes in hospitals, according to national nonprofit The Leapfrog Group. How Illinois hospitals are performing.
Oak Park Record Store Val’s Halla Closing its Doors Nov. 30
A legendary record store is closing at the end of the month. We revisit our portrait of this one-of-a-kind shop opened by Val Camilletti in 1972.
Evanston Native Shares How She Helped Break Harvey Weinstein Story
In a new book, New York Times reporters Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor detail how they uncovered allegations of sexual abuse by Harvey Weinstein. Twohey, an Evanston native, joins us in discussion.
UChicago Podcast Strives to Bridge the Civil-Military Divide
How much do service members and civilians interact? Some say not enough. But a new podcast out of the University of Chicago aims to change that.
Social Worker Shares Intimate Stories from Chicago’s Mental Health System
What is the connection between mental health, trauma and Chicago’s high homicide rate? A new book by Jonathan Foiles aims to answer that question.
New Community Garden Aims to Shed Light on Urban Indians
The First Nations Garden in Albany Park was created by the American Indian Center and the Chi-Nations Youth Council in partnership with the city of Chicago. “It’s become a beacon for native people,” said 17-year-old Adrien Pochel.
Psychiatrist Dr. Carl Bell Dead at 71
Dr. Carl Bell, who grew up on Chicago’s South Side, was a national leader in treating childhood trauma resulting from violence.
Meet Three of Chicago’s Social Media Influencers
It’s a brave new world out there, and one fast-growing career is that of “social media influencer.” We talk with three Chicago-based influencers to find out just what they do.
Summer Reading List 2019: New and Old Books to Explore
Summer in Chicago: There never seems to be enough of it, especially with so many things to do – and read. Need a good recommendation? Here are 15 wide-ranging options from three Chicago authors.
Search: Chicago Property Tax Increases and Decreases by Ward
Property taxes are on the rise in many parts of the city, and homeowners will soon get specifics on those hikes in the mail. See ward-by-ward changes for single-family homes across Chicago.
Pension Payment: Analysts on Outlook for State-Controlled Pension System
If Chicago wants to ease its pension problems, it’ll need $1 billion in new taxes over the next three years. But Mayor Lori Lightfoot reportedly has another plan up her sleeve.
What Could Reparations for Black Americans Look Like?
Although the idea behind reparations is “as old as slavery,” it’s gaining more traction than ever before, said Alvin Tillery, a political science professor at Northwestern University.
