Culture

Jeremy Allen White in a still image from The Bear

Here’s Everything You Need to Know About ‘The Bear’ Ahead of the Season 4 Premiere

Meredith Francis
June 10, 2025

Here’s a quick guide to the popular, Chicago-set show The Bear, ahead of the season 4 premiere on June 25.

Women and men standing around a Bally pinball machine, Chicago, Illinois, 1973. Credit: HB-37121-A, Chicago History Museum, Hedrich-Blessing Collection

“These Things Are Works of Art”: Chicago’s History as the Manufacturing Center for Pinball Machines

Meredith Francis
January 26, 2024

Chicago has a long history as the center of pinball manufacturing. Zachary Sharpe, who works at Stern Pinball and comes from a decorated, competitive pinball family, talks about the game's history in the city and why it's still loved today.

TikTok Influencer Feroza Aziz taking selfie with her friends in an arcade. Image: Shane Sigler

New Documentary Explores the Complicated and Controversial Power of TikTok

Meredith Francis
October 19, 2022

TikTok, Boom, which premieres on WTTW and PBS as part of Independent Lens on October 24, explores some of the controversy surrounding the popular social media app, including privacy issues, mental health ramifications, and lack of transparency around content moderation.