Happy Labor Day Chicago! Although for many this is a day of picnics and playing, Labor Day has a bit more history behind it, and a significant role in its creation was played by people right here in Chicago. In the midst of the Industrial Revolution, with workers putting in 12 hour days and seven day weeks and child labor rampant, a small slice of our city lived in relative labor peace for a good... more ›

In news that will surely give fodder to the Macy's h8rs in the house, the city closed down the lower level food court at the flagship Macy's yesterday after they found "a fruit fly infestation, water backing up from a clogged drain, a leaking sink, and grease and food debris on the walls and floor around the inside trash can." The Health Department was there in the first place because a customer called them after... more ›

August 15th has a special meaning to Croatian nationals, Croatian Americans, and Croatian Catholics. It is on the 15th that they celebrate the Velika Gospa; translated, it means the holiday of the Great Lady Mary. The celebration has its roots in the Venetian era. On August 7th, 1715, the Turkish army, under the leadership of Mehmed Pasa, sent an envoy under heavily armed escort to the Croatian fortress town of Sinj, with an offer to... more ›

Chicagoist is stoked to be helping CTA junkie Tony Coppoletta with his latest project - Soul of Chicago Express: a private 'L' train history tour. On August 27, join us for this 3 1/2 hour adventure, and you'll learn more about the CTA rail system, the neighborhoods we traverse, and architectural history and trivia regarding the handful of stations we'll visit across the city. The tour will be hosted by Tony, himself, and there... more ›

On August 28, 2001 somebody shot Chicago Detective Joseph M. Airhart in the head—leaving him paralyzed and only semiconscious to this day. In the trial's opening statements on Wednesday, prosecutor Robert Milan, first assistant to the Cook County State's Attorney, said it was Daniel Salley. The prosecution says that Salley, angry over an IRS investigation he says ruined his tax-preparation business, robbed a South Side bank twice in August 2001. Four days after the second... more ›