Radio & TV
Steve Dahl and Disco Demolition Night (1979)
On July 12, 1979, a radio promotion at Comiskey Park turned into one of the wildest nights in baseball history. What happened, why the White Sox forfeited, and how people look back…
All stories
Every Year in Chicagoland
The Chicago Marathon: Records Set on These Streets
Chicago's flat, fast course has produced world records for men and women, from Steve Jones in 1984 to Kelvin Kiptum in 2023. A short history before the October 11 race.
Fox Valley
The Elgin National Watch Company: The Factory That Built a Town
For nearly a century, Elgin made watches for the whole country, half of all American pocket watches by one account. The rise of the Elgin National Watch Company, its observatory, WWII work,…
Every Year in Chicagoland
Christkindlmarket Chicago: How It Started and What to Know
Chicago's German-style Christmas market started at Pioneer Court in 1996 and moved to Daley Plaza a year later. Its history, the famous mugs, and tips for visiting.
Every Year in Chicagoland
Dyeing the Chicago River Green: How They Do It and Why
Every St. Patrick's Day, Chicago turns its river bright green. How a pollution test in 1961 became a city tradition, who does it, what's in the dye, and the debate over it.
Gone but Not Forgotten
Marshall Field's: How "Meet Me Under the Clock" Became Macy's
For generations, Marshall Field's on State Street was Chicago's store: the Great Clock, the Walnut Room, Frango mints, the holiday windows. Then in 2006 it became Macy's. The history and the protests.
Gone but Not Forgotten
Riverview Park: The Amusement Park Chicago Still Misses
From 1904 to 1967, Riverview Park at Western and Belmont was Chicago's big amusement park, home of the Bobs and the Pair-O-Chutes. Its history, its rides, its ugly side, and why it…
Chicago Landmarks
Why the Sears Tower Became the Willis Tower (and Why Chicago Never Let Go)
Chicago's tallest building was renamed Willis Tower in 2009 under a naming deal with a London insurance broker. The history, the deal, and why most Chicagoans still call it the Sears Tower.
Gone but Not Forgotten
Dixie Square Mall: From Shopping Center to Blues Brothers Wreck
Harvey's Dixie Square Mall opened in 1966, closed in 1978, starred in The Blues Brothers' famous chase, then sat abandoned for 33 years. The full story of Chicagoland's most famous dead mall.
Gone but Not Forgotten
Kiddieland in Melrose Park: 80 Years of Rides, Then Gone
Kiddieland opened with six ponies in 1929 and closed on September 27, 2009, after a family fight over the land. Its history, why it closed, and where the rides went.
Sports
Michael Jordan Game-Worn Jersey Sells for a Record $12.26 Million
A Michael Jordan jersey from Game 3 of the 1998 NBA Finals has sold for a record $12.26 million, beating his own previous record, per Hypebeast and Heavy.
Feats & Heroes
Chicago Marathon Record Watch: Kiplimo in the Field, Clayton Young Hurting
With the Chicago Marathon on October 11, a world-record chatter is building around Jacob Kiplimo, while American Clayton Young is dealing with a hamstring tear.