Aldermen approved a measure today to help the 49X bus be more efficient. Every little bit helps, Alderfolk! more ›

Here are some things going around town to make you consider giving the weather a big ol' raspberry. more ›

The jibarito is a cross-cultural gem with a very American story. It was invented in Chicago (circa 1993) at Humboldt Park’s Borinquen Restaurant, a tricked-out plantain sandwich inspired by Puerto Rican culture and named after its peasant class, then embraced across strata at local Cuban, Mexican, and South American joints. more ›

Quirky Places to Take Kids? more ›

Honestly, we are having trouble thinking of anything other than the Bears. We don’t specifically attribute it to a one track mind; it is hard to ignore buildings, t-shirts, and cab drivers telling us Go Bears. We have something a little tame for you this weekend, other than that grab a Konig Ludwig Weiss or opt for the non-alchoholic Clausthaler and enjoy! more ›

Platteville, WI is planning a Chicago Bears training-camp museum. Thanks to a $200,000 grant from the NFL Grassroots field program, the grass football field at Lane Tech will be replaced with a synthetic playing service. People are loving this idea: For $150 you can get a customized South Side Irish St. Patrick's day parade street banner. They're green and have shamrocks and white lettering and you can put family names and memorial tributes on... more ›

Okay, this weekend is pretty full so we are just going to jump right into it. As always, feel free to add more events in the comments section. more ›

In case you hadn’t noticed, Valentine’s Day is a week away. Yeah, we're sick of it already too. Human companionship can be so exhausting. Pets are so much easier to love. Chicago shelters and rescue groups are holding several events this week – whether you’re in a relationship or still looking – to celebrate that special day. more ›

Chicagoist is one of those people who actually pours over census data in its spare time. As a result, we've come to view Chicago area population estimates with skepicism, such as those 2004 numbers announced yesterday. The big story is that once again, Cook County lost about 20,000 people, while the Collar Counties gained about 65,000 people. more ›

One the best sources for all-things-food is Michael and Jane Stern's Roadfood.com. In fact, word around the Chicagoist office is that one of us has planned entire vacations around the suggestions found in the Sterns' book and Web site. more ›

What started out as a day of charity and fun ended up in tragedy when a DuPage Country Sherriff's deputy, Frank Griseto, was killed. Police say a car driven by Arcirio Rodriguez struck Griseto's motorcycle during the Toys for Tots charity parade. more ›