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Politics
Chicago Can’t Keep Trying to Poison Its Way Out of Rat Problem: Watchdog Report
Chicago has a rat problem and it isn't likely to improve if the city doesn't… Read More
Politics
Mayor Johnson Signs Executive Order Designed to Ban Purchases From Gun Dealers That Flout Laws
Gun policy group the Brady Campaign has urged elected officials to use their… Read More
Riding the Rails
Chicago Once Had Six Downtown Train Terminals. What Happened to Them?
In the golden age of rail travel, downtown Chicago was home to not one, not two, but six passenger train stations. These awe-inspiring buildings were more than just functional gateways. They transformed riding the rails from a practical, point-A-to-point-B necessity into an experience in its own right. “No other city even came close to the number of terminals Chicago had,” DePaul University professor Joseph Schwieterman told Geoffrey Baer. “We are the railroad hub – times two, you might say. Chicago, particularly in the area of passenger rail, had no rivals.”
food
Chicago Food Events to Check Out in August
Summer festival season isn’t over yet. August brings a packed calendar of food events celebrating everything from pierogi and sweet corn to Champagne, fried chicken, and Bloody Marys.
stream
The Eastland Tragedy July 24, 1915
844 people were killed, making the Eastland tragedy the largest disaster in Chicago’s history.
food
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Jim’s Original
Jim’s Original has enticed passers-by with the smell of grilled onions and Polish sausages for decades, even if the Maxwell Street market it served has moved.
For parents
9 Picture Books About Brothers and Sisters
There’s nothing else like having a playful, imaginative, and supportive sibling at your side!
Crime & Law
A Prison on Fire
Designed to help people with serious mental illness, Joliet Treatment Center repeatedly failed to prevent or respond to fires, despite two deaths.
Quiz
Take Our July Chicago News Quiz
Think you kept up with what was happening around Chicago in July? From a controversial parking meter deal to summer storms, wildfires, and an earthquake, see how well you remember this month’s news.
Recap & Stream
Downton Abbey Returns
Downton Abbey is once again available to stream by WTTW Passport members, and airing Sunday nights on WTTW.
Arts & Entertainment
Shakespeare in a Park and a Car-Themed Film Series: 4 Arts Picks for Your Weekend
From a Shakespeare production in Rogers Park to a well-curated car-themed film series, here’s what’s on offer.
For parents
11 Simple Self-Care Habits for Kids
Self-care isn’t selfish — it’s a basic need of being human! By teaching your child simple acts of self-care and including nurturing routines into your family life, you can show that taking care of ourselves, and each other, is important. Creating healthy habits of rest at a young age empowers kids to continue to be resilient in all life brings. What a gift to give your kids!
