According to the Inauguration schedule for Barack Obama, the formal program on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 will begin at 11:30 a.m. Let the parties begin! UPDATE:That time is 11:30 a.m. ... Read More

The Chicago Blackhawks have announced that they'll throw a two-day Winter Classic Fest leading up to the Winter Classic game at Wrigley Field. Think of it - you can start ... Read More

If there's a more dreary holiday chore than taking down the Christmas tree, I haven't come across it. Fortunately, you can haul ye old Tannenbaum off to the wood chipper ... Read More

I was surprised by how excited I felt for the Winter Classic when I wandered by Wrigley Field this afternoon. I suppose it has a little something to do with ... Read More

January slows down for annual festivals and events compared to December, but the month kicks off with two blockbuster, unique events: the Winter Classic, and the Inauguration. January also ... Read More

Do not worry. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has Santa glowing on their radar screens and will track his journey over Illinois on your behalf. You can follow ... Read More

Chicago Christmas Photo Gallery --Peace and goodwill to all - of every faith - who cross this post. Season's Greetings. -- Jennifer

This holiday season, perhaps you'll want to stop in at one of the Obamas' favorite Chicago restaurants, Or, come January, enjoy them because Barack and Michelle won't be able to ... Read More

I'm still waiting for my kids to wake up so I can tell them the good news. It's a snow day! How about for you? As a reminder, the Chicago Emergency ... Read More

The Chicago Music Awards will be doled out in January. Vote for your favorite Chicago musicians in this year's contest. Jennifer Hudson, Joan Hammel, Kanye West, R. Kelly, and Wilco ... Read More

I've updated our Winter Classic coverage to include the latest on parking bans, CTA increased service, and road closures. If you live (and park) near Wrigley Field or you're planning ... Read More

The annual Toys for Tots Parade caught some bad luck this year with a lousy weather morning to ride. Plus, they've got an extra high demand for toys due to ... Read More

Hanukkah, the festival of lights, arrives at sundown on this coming Sunday, December 21. Find great ways of celebrating in Chicago, including a special extended Something Else! at the Spertus ... Read More

Kwanzaa gets an early start this year with a kick-off party, called Harambee!, at the House of Hope Arena this Wednesday, December 17. Learn more about this early event and ... Read More

We've added to our list of great Chicago gift ideas by boosting it with the Top 10 Gifts for Blackhawks Fans. Number 1? The Winter Classic jersey from the approaching ... Read More

The Presidential Inaugural Committee released the first set of preliminary details about the Inaugural schedule of events, parade, and theme. President-Elect Obama has chosen "Renewing America's Promise" for the guiding ... Read More

If you like to sit on your couch with a few friends, a bottle of champagne, and maybe an upgraded bag of chips, then deciding where to hang on New ... Read More

Will Illinois suffer two consecutive governors in prison? This photo was taken of the two when George Ryan (c) was still governor and Rod Blagojevich was a member of the ... Read More

If I understand correctly, the charges against Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich are a criminal complaint and not an indictment. But, a lot of people are searching using the term ... Read More

After watching U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald's press conference this morning, I must say I'm angered by the brazen greed the charges against Blagojevich suggest. Should they prove true, his behavior ... Read More

Hmmm. Let me pull out my Illinois-politics-as-spectator-sport-score card: Current IL Governor Rod Blagojevich awakened this morning and arrested by FBI agents. He is charged with being a cheating bad guy and ... Read More

You may or may not be planning on celebrating the statewide Jane Addams Day on Wednesday, but are you interested in seeing some ghosts? The Hull-House Museum, one of the ... Read More

Marian Wright Edelman (at right), the renowned founder of the Children's Defense Fund and civil rights activist, will speak at the Hull-House Museum on Wednesday, December 10 at 4 p.m. ... Read More

Just a few months before Michelle Obama learned she'd become First Lady of the United States, Maria Pinto was busy opening a boutique in the West Loop area. She was ... Read More

Want to deck the halls with cheesecake? I thought you did. Hurry over to the Eli’s Holiday Dock Sale on December 13th between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. You'll be able ... Read More

Whenever the Illinois Lottery gets a huge jackpot, I always think of that scene in the movie Willy Wonka (the original) where Charlie pulls back his chocolate bar wrapper to ... Read More

Chicago's Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 7:30 a.m. and will circle through the south side, including Hyde Park and Jackson Park. Registration is $50 ... Read More

When I used to work at the University of Chicago, every fall someone would stick a little yellow traffic sign in the lawn that read, "Caution: Nobel Laureates Crossing." It ... Read More

What's not to like about a parade where 10,000 motorcyclists drive up Western Avenue carrying toys for needy kids? Learn all you need to know to ride in the parade ... Read More

A memorial service to mourn all the victims of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai will take place tomorrow evening, Wednesday, December 3, 2008, at the Skokie Holiday Inn North Shore. ... Read More

You need events because you want to get out of the house and rock and roll and snow angel around the city. It's why you live here. Plus, you probably ... Read More

Before the jolly fat man makes his list and checks it twice, a child you know might want to sit on his lap and whisper their dream toys into his ... Read More