With near record high water levels, Lake Michigan swallowed up beaches, piers and sidewalks across Chicago and the region this summer. An Army Corps forecast shows those levels may persist into next year.
Stories by Quinn Myers
CTU President: Lightfoot Spreading ‘Falsehoods’ About Negotiations
As Day One of the teacher strike ended, Chicago Teachers Union leadership strongly criticized claims made by Mayor Lori Lightfoot that the union lacked urgency to end the work stoppage.
‘Southern Exposure’ Expands Chicago’s Architectural Canon
In his new book, architecture critic and photographer Lee Bey highlights visually striking and culturally significant sites on Chicago’s South Side that have gone mostly overlooked, he says.
Ask Geoffrey: Sites to See at Open House Chicago
More than 350 buildings open their doors to the public this weekend. Geoffrey Baer takes us behind the scenes of several unique buildings featured as part of Open House Chicago.
Chicago Marathon Director Carey Pinkowski Reflects on Evolution of Race
On Sunday, the Chicago Marathon will host around 45,000 participants and an estimated 1.7 million spectators across the city. For 30 years, Carey Pinkowski has been at the helm of the massive event.
Teachers Union Leaders Defend Equity Demands in Contract Negotiations
The Chicago Teachers Union has insisted that its next contract with the city include not just raises for teachers, but a host of other commitments. But with a possible strike looming, will those demands hold up?
Ask Geoffrey: How Did North Lawndale Get Its Name?
As real estate development booms in pockets of the city, it feels like a new neighborhood is introduced every few months. This may seem like a relatively recent phenomenon, but in Chicago, the practice goes back decades. Geoffrey Baer explains.
Chicago Fashion Week Hopes to Put City’s Design Scene on the Map
When you think of the hotbeds of high fashion, New York, Milan and Paris probably all come to mind. That’s something Chicago Fashion Week is hoping to change.
Two Longtime Chicagoans Among 2019 ‘Genius Grant’ Recipients
An urban designer from Chicago and one of the city’s longtime illustrators are among the 2019 MacArthur fellows and recipients of the prestigious “genius grant.”
Naomi Klein on the ‘Burning Case’ for a Green New Deal
Over the past year, a term new to many Americans has entered the political lexicon: the Green New Deal. One early advocate was author Naomi Klein, who joins us to discuss her new book, “On Fire: The (Burning) Case for a Green New Deal.”
Ask Geoffrey: The History of the Art Institute Lions
From the Picasso to the Bean to countless city murals, public art is a vibrant part of Chicago culture. But for over a century, Chicagoans have taken special pride in a pair of sculptures watching over Michigan Avenue. Geoffrey Baer explains.
Deported Army Veteran from Chicago Returns to United States
Miguel Perez came to the U.S. from Mexico as a child, and served in Afghanistan in the early 2000s. After being deported last year, he was pardoned by Gov. J.B. Pritzker and is now back in Chicago. He joins us in discussion.
‘Everything Must Go’ Investigates Gentrification through Poetry, Illustrations
Chicago poet Kevin Coval and illustrator Langston Allston discuss their new book about Wicker Park in the 1990s – and the forces of gentrification that have changed it.
Ask Geoffrey: The Pan American Games in Chicago
About a decade ago, Chicago tried, and failed, to bring the 2016 Summer Olympics to the city. But it wasn’t the first time Chicago tried to host a major international sporting event. Geoffrey Baer explains.
2019 Chicago Architecture Biennial Returns With a Critical Eye
Exhibits and installations from around the world hope to reframe – and sometimes challenge – the very idea of architecture at this year’s event. We get a preview.
New Book Pegs Trump’s Rise to Evolution of Modern Television
A conversation with “Audience of One” author James Poniewozik, the chief television critic for the New York Times.
How Should Illinois Schools Teach Sex Education?
It’s the beginning of another school year, but an age-old debate rages on. We talk about having “the talk” in Illinois schools.
Ask Geoffrey: What’s the ‘Polish Cathedral’ Architectural Style?
When driving along the Kennedy Expressway, you may have noticed massive churches that seem to almost line up with the curves and bends of the highway. Geoffrey Baer explains.
Why Fewer Kids Are Playing High School Football in Illinois
New numbers show that high school football participation in Illinois is at its lowest point in decades. We discuss the decline with a youth football coach and the son of former Chicago Bears player.
‘The Chicago Neighborhood Guidebook’ Offers a Democratic View of the City
When you hear the word “guidebook,” you may think of restaurant reviews and tourist attractions. But a new take on the concept introduces readers to the city through the personal stories and experiences of its residents.
What Congestion Pricing Could Look Like in Chicago
In her “State of the City” speech last week, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she wants to reduce traffic congestion in the city – and make money in the process. Could congestion pricing come to Chicago?
Ask Geoffrey: An Airline Taxi Service in Chicago
What if instead of hailing a cab or a private car to get to O’Hare or Midway from downtown Chicago, you could hail an airplane? Geoffrey Baer is here with the story of a company that once offered that very service.
Ask Geoffrey: Who Were Joe Hill and Elizabeth Gurley Flynn?
Since Chicago’s early days, anarchists, labor agitators and political radicals of all stripes have passed through the city. In the early 20th century, that included a legendary songwriter – and the subject of one of his most famous songs.
Rep. Jesus ‘Chuy’ Garcia Talks Immigration Policy, Impeachment
U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia has had a foot in both local and national politics for decades. Now representing Illinois’ 4th Congressional District, Garcia has become an outspoken critic of the Trump administration’s immigration policies. He joins us in discussion.
New Study Finds Chicago Scooter Rides Peak During Rush Hour
A new “snaphshot” study conducted by DePaul University researchers finds electric scooters in Chicago are proving popular, especially during morning and evening commutes.
