Contributing reporter
Did Al Capone Ever Dress Up As Santa? Unwrapping The Chicago-Style Rumor
A gentler holiday tale of Capone has emerged, with the gangster taking on the role of jolly old St. Nick instead of Prohibition kingpin. But is it true?
The Ultimate History Of Chicago’s Char Dog: The Underdog Sausage That’s Found A Home In Local Hearts
“My advice is: If you’re going to burn the hell out of something, make it a cheap dog and enjoy yourself.”
11 Haunted Chicago Places You Can Safely Visit This Halloween Season
We've mapped 11 of the spookiest spots in Chicago to get you ready for Halloween.
11 Haunted Spots In Chicago (And Where To Eat And Drink After Visiting Them)
We've mapped 11 of the spookiest spots in Chicago — and found out where you can grab a drink to calm your nerves after visiting.
Democratic Socialists ‘Ready To Work’ After Big Wins In Chicago On Election Night
“Who ever thought you’d be able to say, ‘I’m a Democratic Socialist,’ and people would say, ‘That’s a good thing,” one defeated alderman said.
Rossana Rodriguez Takes Narrow Lead Over Ald. Deb Mell In Too-Close-To-Call 33rd Ward Race
"In a year of anti-incumbency, with the last name 'Mell,' and all this with Ald. Burke and Ald. Solis going on, I think we're doing pretty good," Ald. Deb Mell said.
Washington Park National Bank Building Likely To Be Demolished, Replaced With New Building
A proposal to replace the 95-year-old building with a bank, a YWCA and co-working space moved forward Friday.
Neighbors, Preservationists Fight To Save Home Built By John Nuveen In Old Irving Park
"I fear if we continue this process and don't protect Old Irving Park, we're going to have to re-name it 'New Irving Park,'" Ald. John Arena said.
Save These 130-Year-Old, Queen Anne-Style Worker Cottages Near Taylor Street, Landmarks Group Urges
The Claremont Cottages evoke the sense of a "small village of somewhere other than Chicago; like you're in another country," one preservation leader said.
Chicago Fire-Era Mansions In River North Saved Again From Demolition — For Now
Preservationists hope to include the buildings in a proposed Near North Side historic district.
Division Street Puerto Rican Flags, Little Village Arch And Boystown Rainbow Pylons Should Be Landmarked, Preservationists Say
The famous neighborhood symbols have been noted for their cultural and historic significance.
Boystown’s Rainbow ‘Legacy Walk’ One Step Closer To Landmark Status
The Art Deco-style rainbow pylons along North Halsted Street that pay homage to LGBT history are one step closer to gaining status as Chicago landmarks.
After Sex Article Mistakenly Posted On Portillo’s Facebook Page, Hot Dog Fans Bust Out The Wiener Puns
Unsurprisingly, commenters who saw the post took the restaurant to task with jokes about beef and buns.
Closing Heartland Cafe Might Become Residential Building, Owner Says
The cafe will be closed for a few months, its owner said, but he hopes to reopen — in a Rogers Park location — eventually.
Heartland Cafe Closing In Rogers Park: ‘What A Long, Strange Trip It’s Been’
After 42 years, the iconic restaurant and community gathering place will shut down as it seeks a new home.
Chicago’s Thanksgiving Parade Started 84 Years Ago As The Christmas Caravan
For most of its reign, the city's annual holiday parade has centered around Christmas, not Thanksgiving.
Here’s A Look Inside The Pink Edgewater Beach Apartments
Take a look inside the Edgewater Beach Apartments, which sit on the lakefront at 5555 N. Sheridan Road.
Eat It, New York: Inside The U.S. Pizza Museum, Which Chicago Obviously Deserves
Located in the South Loop, the museum houses scores of artifacts ... and some real pizza.
How Do You Pronounce ‘Gyros’? We Asked A Bunch Of Chicagoans
Is it guy-ro? Yur-ro? Jeer-ro? He-ro? Depends on who you ask.
CVS Fires Managers Who Called Police On Black Woman Over Coupon
The manager called the police twice on a woman after she attempted to use a coupon for a health issue.