Chicago celebrated a historic milestone as the long-awaited Obama Presidential Center officially opened with a grand ceremony (by-invitation-only) on June 18 that brought together four past presidents, world-renowned musicians, rock star legends, entertainers, community leaders and thousands…

Pixar's "Toy Story 5" delivers another charming adventure with the beloved gang, even if this installment feels a bit different from its predecessors. While I thoroughly enjoyed it, my husband Chuck wasn't quite as enchanted, proving that your mileage may vary depending on how much whimsy yo…

When you're consistently ranked among the finest hotels in the country, expectations are high - and The Peninsula Chicago exceeded them all during its dazzling 25th anniversary celebration on June 17.

One of the most beloved players in Chicago sports history has officially called it a career. Former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews announced his retirement from the NHL on June 19, ending a remarkable 16-season career that included three Stanley Cup championships, two Olympic gold…

Dear Candid Candace: Every few months there seems to be another government report, whistleblower or video about UFOs. With all the recent headlines, should we finally believe that aliens are visiting Earth? Signed: Confused & Skeptical

In one of the largest technology acquisitions ever, Elon Musk's SpaceX has agreed to acquire Anysphere, the company behind the popular AI coding platform Cursor, in an all-stock deal valued at $60 billion. The transaction comes just days after SpaceX's blockbuster public market debut and sig…

The Chicago Hounds have accomplished something no other team has ever done in Major League Rugby history: finish the regular season undefeated.

Chicago is about to become the epicenter of the Pokémon universe. The Pokémon Company International has announced that the 2027 Pokémon North America International Championships (NAIC) will be held at McCormick Place, bringing one of the world’s premier competitive gaming events to the Windy…

All eyes in the culinary world were on Chicago as the prestigious James Beard Awards celebrated excellence in food, beverage and hospitality on June 15. Widely regarded as the “Oscars of the food world,” the annual event once again cemented the city's reputation as one of America's premier d…

Bargain hunters, homeowners, and anyone looking to give their living space a refresh will want to mark their calendars for one of Chicagoland’s most anticipated shopping events of the summer. Darvin Furniture & Mattress is bringing back its popular Tent Sale for four days only, June 19 t…

After months of conflict, diplomacy appears to be gaining the upper hand in the standoff involving Iran, the United States and one of the world's most critical shipping lanes, the Strait of Hormuz.

Chicago food lovers are in for an intimate and hands-on culinary experience as acclaimed chef Tony Priolo brings his signature Italian cooking style to the West Loop for a special Sip & Savor cooking class and wine pairing event.

The New York Knicks have finally done it, after more than half a century of frustration, rebuilding and near-misses, they are NBA champions once again. In a dramatic 94–90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, the Knicks closed out the series 4–1 and captured their …

After an extraordinary 40-year career in Chicago television news, veteran anchor and beloved friend, Sylvia Perez is stepping away from the anchor desk at Fox 32 Chicago (10 years at Fox), leaving behind a legacy that extends far beyond the stories she reported.

Just when you thought summer couldn't get any weirder, the Pentagon has released its third batch of declassified UFO files, and the reports read like something straight out of The X-Files.

Looking for your next Illinois road trip or weekend getaway? Award-winning author Melanie Holmes is bringing plenty of inspiration to the Oak Lawn Public Library on Wednesday, June 17, where she'll celebrate her popular guidebook, 100 Things to Do in Illinois Before You Die, during a free pu…

The 2026 World Cup arrives with a familiar storyline still dominating global football: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, two legends in the twilight of their careers, preparing for one final run on the sport’s biggest stage.

For generations of Chicagoans, summer hasn't officially arrived until they've taken a bite of a Rainbow Cone. Now, the iconic South Side institution is preparing to celebrate a milestone few businesses ever reach: its 100th anniversary.

Dear Candid Candace: I have a question regarding social media etiquette. Let’s suppose that a friend of mine had a complete severing of ties with members of his family, to the degree of lawyer involvement. In being loyal to this important friend, I would never comment or “like” anything post…

Long before farm-to-table became a buzzword and tasting menus dominated restaurant headlines, Midwesterners were gathering in cozy supper clubs for leisurely evenings filled with prime rib, fish fries and brandy Old Fashioneds. Now, that cherished Wisconsin tradition has found a new home in …

The 79th Annual Tony Awards had all the ingredients of a memorable Broadway celebration: show-stopping performances, emotional tributes, surprising wins and enough costume changes from host Pink to rival a Broadway quick-change artist. While a few puzzling production choices briefly interrup…

Summer is the perfect time to refresh your home, and Darvin Furniture & Mattress is making it easier than ever with its Summer Savings Sale, running now through June 15.

Chicago's iconic lakefront destination, Navy Pier and its partners are turning up the excitement this summer with a packed calendar of events, live entertainment, family activities and cultural celebrations.

HGTV star and Chicago designer Alison Victoria has put her celebrated West Logan Square "Dream Home" back on the market, this time listed at $2.899 million. The one-of-a-kind property at 2733 N. Pulaski Road gained national attention when its dramatic transformation was featured on HGTV's Wi…

For more than a century, the Maxwell Street Market has been one of Chicago's most beloved traditions, bringing together food, music, shopping and culture in a lively open-air setting on the Near West Side. The historic market returns for its 2026 season with six dates scheduled from May thro…

The Chicago History Museum celebrated some of the city's most influential cultural, civic and business leaders at its 32nd Annual Making History Awards on June 3 at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.

For generations of Chicago Bulls fans, Stacey King was more than a three-time NBA champion. He was the unmistakable voice who brought excitement, humor, and heart to every broadcast. Whether celebrating a clutch shot, delivering one of his signature catchphrases, or sharing stories from the …

I must admit I'm not as well-versed in the world of dance as I'd like to be, but I know excellence when I see it, and the June 4 opening night of The Joffrey Ballet's "Eugene Onegin" had it in spades.

The Italian American Human Relations Foundation (IAHRF) will present its Off the Wall Art Exhibit on June 14 at CineCity Studios, offering a vibrant, one-day celebration of Chicago’s rich cultural diversity through art.

One of Chicago’s longest running, independent fashion shows, The Driehaus Fashion Awards returned to the runway on May 21 at Hotel 55. Unlike any other fashion event in the country, this annual competition showcases the exceptional talent of students from Chicago’s fashion and design schools…

The unthinkable appears to have happened: the Chicago Bears have voted to move forward with a new stadium development in Hammond, Indiana, ending more than a century of playing in Illinois and setting the stage for one of the biggest sports business stories in Chicago history. 

This year, the world’s oldest working supermodel, Carmen Dell’Orefice, turned 95 years young. She has been the gold standard for me as far as a favorite model goes for as long as I can remember and is listed in “The Guinness Book of World Records.”

Members of the press were given an exclusive first look on June 3 at the highly anticipated Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park, offering a rare behind-the-scenes preview of one of Chicago’s most significant cultural landmarks before it opened to the public June 4. Rising 225 feet abov…

Dear Candid Candace—I wanted your thoughts, as we are now parents of young children starting to go to their friends’ birthday parties. They have been invited to pirate-themed parties, magic shows, treasure hunts, princess parties, face painting parties, and even spa parties and laser tag par…

One of Chicago's most anticipated summer social events is returning to The Peninsula Chicago on Monday, Aug. 10, as The Service Club of Chicago presents its annual "Day on the Terrace" fashion show and luncheon. This year's event, themed "Wrapped in Fashion," promises an elegant afternoon wh…

If opening night was any indication, NAIA is poised to become Chicago’s newest see-and-be-seen dining destination.

As Chicagoland residents prepare to make the most of the outdoor season, Darvin Furniture & Mattress is helping homeowners transform patios, decks, and backyards into luxurious extensions of their indoor living spaces.

Chicago’s favorite summer food tradition is returning to its roots. The 46th annual Taste of Chicago will take over Grant Park from July 8–12, bringing five days of iconic eats, free concerts, family fun and lakefront festivities back to the heart of summer. Admission is free. 

Chicago’s iconic Michigan Avenue will transform into an open-air gallery this weekend as Amdur Productions presents the Magnificent Mile™ Spring Art Fest at 875 North Michigan Avenue, the former John Hancock Center plaza. The free festival takes place Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31, fr…

More than 550 leaders from Chicago’s financial services and legal communities gathered at the stunning Wintrust Grand Banking Hall on Thursday, May 7, for Misericordia’s inaugural “Invest in the Heart” fundraiser, an evening that combined philanthropy, celebration and heartfelt purpose in su…

Dear Candid Candace: My husband and I agreed months ago that we would keep our summer weekends low-key because money is tight this year. Suddenly, he’s booking golf outings, concerts and expensive dinners with friends while telling me we “need to budget” whenever I suggest doing something to…

Chicagoans are invited to lace up their sneakers and rally for an important cause when the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois hosts its annual Walk for Kidneys on Sunday, June 7, at Diversey Harbor. The family-friendly event brings together patients, caregivers, medical professionals and…

Actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise is bringing his high-energy Gary Sinise Foundation-backed concert experience with his Lt. Dan Band back to the Chicago area this summer for a patriotic evening honoring local veterans and military families.