Chicago Gust is an independently owned news publication delivering original, in-depth journalism for Chicago and the greater Chicagoland area. We do not accept sponsored content or paid posts. Local politics, business, dining, culture, and community news from reporters who live in Chicago. https://chicagogust.com en-us Thu, 09 Apr 2026 17:48:22 GMT Copyright 2026 Chicago Gust tips@chicagogust.com (Chicago Gust) tips@chicagogust.com (Chicago Gust) 60 https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/04/domu-launches-mobile-app-for-chicago-apartment-hunters/ https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/04/domu-launches-mobile-app-for-chicago-apartment-hunters/ Thu, 09 Apr 2026 17:35:22 GMT Chicago rental platform Domu launches a mobile app with direct landlord messaging, taking on Zillow and Apartments.com with a lean three-person team. Chicago Gust Staff Politics https://chicagogust.com/category/local/2026/04/18-unit-condo-building-proposed-for-edison-park-parking-lot/ https://chicagogust.com/category/local/2026/04/18-unit-condo-building-proposed-for-edison-park-parking-lot/ Thu, 09 Apr 2026 17:34:28 GMT A four-story, 18-unit condo building has been proposed for a parking lot in downtown Edison Park, requiring a zoning change and City Council approval. Chicago Gust Staff Local https://chicagogust.com/category/local/2026/04/25-things-to-do-in-chicago-this-weekend-2026/ https://chicagogust.com/category/local/2026/04/25-things-to-do-in-chicago-this-weekend-2026/ Thu, 09 Apr 2026 17:33:58 GMT From Expo Chicago 2026 at Navy Pier to cherry blossoms in Jackson Park, here are 25 things to do in Chicago this weekend. Chicago Gust Staff Local https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/04/illinois-refugees-face-snap-benefits-cutoff-in-2026/ https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/04/illinois-refugees-face-snap-benefits-cutoff-in-2026/ Thu, 09 Apr 2026 17:33:29 GMT Refugees and asylum-seekers in Illinois are set to lose federal food assistance as Trump administration cuts target SNAP eligibility for vulnerable immigrants. Chicago Gust Staff Politics https://chicagogust.com/category/business/2026/04/chicago-leaders-plan-to-revive-state-streets-future/ https://chicagogust.com/category/business/2026/04/chicago-leaders-plan-to-revive-state-streets-future/ Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:16:49 GMT Civic and business leaders gathered at a sold-out Chicago Loop Alliance summit to discuss strategies for revitalizing State Street and boosting the city's economy. Michael Kowalski Business https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/04/cesar-chavez-murals-removed-across-chicago-in-2026/ https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/04/cesar-chavez-murals-removed-across-chicago-in-2026/ Wed, 08 Apr 2026 23:18:07 GMT Chicago removes César Chávez murals after assault allegations, replacing some with images of Dolores Huerta as Illinois honors her legacy. Michael Kowalski Politics https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/04/chicagos-sidewalk-delivery-robots-what-you-need-to-know/ https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/04/chicagos-sidewalk-delivery-robots-what-you-need-to-know/ Wed, 08 Apr 2026 23:04:36 GMT Chicago residents are pushing back against Coco Robotics' sidewalk delivery robots, raising safety concerns and calling for city regulations. Michael Kowalski Politics https://chicagogust.com/category/business/2026/04/hidden-cost-bad-design-workflow-chicago/ https://chicagogust.com/category/business/2026/04/hidden-cost-bad-design-workflow-chicago/ Mon, 06 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT A study of 1,200 designers found the average creative professional spends 22 hours per week on operational tasks. For Chicago agencies, that overhead translates to millions in wasted payroll and a growing retention crisis. Christine Fahey Business https://chicagogust.com/category/crime/2026/04/depaul-student-charged-with-spitting-on-ice-agent-at-ohare/ https://chicagogust.com/category/crime/2026/04/depaul-student-charged-with-spitting-on-ice-agent-at-ohare/ Thu, 02 Apr 2026 11:01:43 GMT Brett Heier, 20, faces felony battery after allegedly spitting on an ICE agent at O'Hare. His attorney calls the charges overblown, citing accidental contact. Michael Kowalski Crime https://chicagogust.com/category/crime/2026/04/chicago-firefighter-michael-altman-killed-in-arson-fire/ https://chicagogust.com/category/crime/2026/04/chicago-firefighter-michael-altman-killed-in-arson-fire/ Thu, 02 Apr 2026 11:00:39 GMT Chicago mourns firefighter Michael Altman, killed battling a blaze allegedly set by a suicidal suspect. His funeral drew officials, colleagues, and family. Michael Kowalski Crime https://chicagogust.com/category/business/2026/04/march-madness-packs-chicago-sports-bars-with-fans/ https://chicagogust.com/category/business/2026/04/march-madness-packs-chicago-sports-bars-with-fans/ Wed, 01 Apr 2026 11:01:36 GMT March Madness brought massive crowds and surging revenue to Chicago sports bars, fueled by Big Ten alumni and savvy media partnerships. Michael Kowalski Business https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/04/macquline-king-confirmed-as-chicago-public-schools-ceo/ https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/04/macquline-king-confirmed-as-chicago-public-schools-ceo/ Wed, 01 Apr 2026 11:00:37 GMT Macquline King received a standing ovation after her near-unanimous confirmation as CEO of Chicago Public Schools, promising to build a bridge of excellence. Michael Kowalski Politics https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/03/cps-board-approves-macquline-king-as-permanent-ceo/ https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/03/cps-board-approves-macquline-king-as-permanent-ceo/ Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:02:02 GMT The Chicago Board of Education approved a three-year contract for Macquline King as CPS CEO at $380,000, passing with just one dissenting vote. Michael Kowalski Politics https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/03/chicago-tipped-minimum-wage-battle-reaches-tipping-point/ https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/03/chicago-tipped-minimum-wage-battle-reaches-tipping-point/ Tue, 31 Mar 2026 11:00:40 GMT Chicago's fight over the tipped minimum wage divides labor activists and workers, as servers fear higher base pay could reduce their total take-home earnings. Michael Kowalski Politics https://chicagogust.com/category/arts-culture/2026/03/chicago-palestine-film-festival-turns-25-with-50-films/ https://chicagogust.com/category/arts-culture/2026/03/chicago-palestine-film-festival-turns-25-with-50-films/ Mon, 30 Mar 2026 11:02:31 GMT The Chicago Palestine Film Festival celebrates 25 years with its biggest lineup yet, opening with Colette Ghunim's debut documentary 'Traces of Home.' Ray Delgado Arts Culture https://chicagogust.com/category/crime/2026/03/two-men-charged-in-assassination-of-chicago-business-leader/ https://chicagogust.com/category/crime/2026/03/two-men-charged-in-assassination-of-chicago-business-leader/ Mon, 30 Mar 2026 11:01:37 GMT Jerry Lewis, 67, was shot and killed outside his offices near the United Center. Two suspects waited 90 minutes before opening fire in front of officers. Michael Kowalski Crime https://chicagogust.com/category/crime/2026/03/chicago-week-in-photos-grief-ice-at-ohare-more/ https://chicagogust.com/category/crime/2026/03/chicago-week-in-photos-grief-ice-at-ohare-more/ Mon, 30 Mar 2026 11:00:40 GMT Chicago's final days of March captured through photos: mourning Sheridan Gorman, ICE agents at O'Hare, and neighborhood life across the city. Christine Fahey Crime https://chicagogust.com/category/arts-culture/2026/03/white-sox-2026-season-can-they-finally-move-forward/ https://chicagogust.com/category/arts-culture/2026/03/white-sox-2026-season-can-they-finally-move-forward/ Sun, 29 Mar 2026 11:02:23 GMT The White Sox opened 2026 with a 14-2 loss to Milwaukee, extending a troubling stretch of 324 losses over three consecutive 100-loss seasons. Michael Kowalski Arts Culture https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/03/mayor-johnson-vetoes-chicago-tipped-worker-wage-freeze/ https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/03/mayor-johnson-vetoes-chicago-tipped-worker-wage-freeze/ Sun, 29 Mar 2026 11:01:24 GMT Mayor Brandon Johnson vetoed an ordinance freezing tipped workers at 76% of minimum wage, leaving the City Council four votes short of an override. Michael Kowalski Politics https://chicagogust.com/category/arts-culture/2026/03/adler-planetarium-brings-artemis-ii-moon-mission-to-chicago/ https://chicagogust.com/category/arts-culture/2026/03/adler-planetarium-brings-artemis-ii-moon-mission-to-chicago/ Sun, 29 Mar 2026 11:00:36 GMT As NASA's Artemis II targets an April launch, Chicago's Adler Planetarium offers immersive ways to experience humanity's return to lunar orbit. Michael Kowalski Arts Culture https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/03/cook-county-sa-rejects-ice-abuse-special-prosecutor-petition/ https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/03/cook-county-sa-rejects-ice-abuse-special-prosecutor-petition/ Sat, 28 Mar 2026 11:02:19 GMT State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke calls petition for special prosecutor to investigate ICE abuses 'baseless' and 'illogical' in Cook County court. Danielle Okonkwo Politics https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/03/cha-commissioner-debra-parker-drops-lawsuit-may-resign/ https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/03/cha-commissioner-debra-parker-drops-lawsuit-may-resign/ Sat, 28 Mar 2026 11:01:31 GMT Debra Parker dismissed her lawsuit over a revoked housing voucher and says she is now considering resigning from the Chicago Housing Authority board. Michael Kowalski Politics https://chicagogust.com/category/crime/2026/03/jose-medina-detained-in-sheridan-gorman-murder-case/ https://chicagogust.com/category/crime/2026/03/jose-medina-detained-in-sheridan-gorman-murder-case/ Sat, 28 Mar 2026 11:00:36 GMT Venezuelan immigrant Jose Medina made his first court appearance Friday in the Rogers Park shooting death of Loyola freshman Sheridan Gorman. Michael Kowalski Crime https://chicagogust.com/category/business/2026/03/chicago-delivery-robots-smash-2-cta-bus-shelters/ https://chicagogust.com/category/business/2026/03/chicago-delivery-robots-smash-2-cta-bus-shelters/ Fri, 27 Mar 2026 17:00:35 GMT Two food delivery robots from competing companies crashed into Chicago CTA bus shelters days apart, raising concerns about the city's autonomous robot pilot program. Michael Kowalski Business https://chicagogust.com/category/arts-culture/2026/03/21-things-to-do-in-chicago-this-weekend/ https://chicagogust.com/category/arts-culture/2026/03/21-things-to-do-in-chicago-this-weekend/ Fri, 27 Mar 2026 11:01:39 GMT From C2E2 at McCormick Place to Andersonville Restaurant Week, here are 21 things to do in Chicago this weekend across the city's neighborhoods. Tom Brennan Arts Culture https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/03/west-suburban-medical-center-closes-temporarily-in-oak-park/ https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/03/west-suburban-medical-center-closes-temporarily-in-oak-park/ Fri, 27 Mar 2026 11:00:45 GMT West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park announced a temporary closure and furloughs, leaving patients and staff scrambling with no clear reopening timeline. Michael Kowalski Politics https://chicagogust.com/category/real-estate/2026/03/chicago-moves-to-landmark-bryn-mawr-historic-district/ https://chicagogust.com/category/real-estate/2026/03/chicago-moves-to-landmark-bryn-mawr-historic-district/ Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:02:23 GMT Chicago's Commission on Landmarks is considering preliminary landmark status for Edgewater's Bryn Mawr corridor, home to the Edgewater Beach Apartments and more. Ray Delgado Real Estate https://chicagogust.com/category/arts-culture/2026/03/24-easter-events-in-chicago-egg-hunts-brunches-bunny-photos/ https://chicagogust.com/category/arts-culture/2026/03/24-easter-events-in-chicago-egg-hunts-brunches-bunny-photos/ Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:01:32 GMT From sensory-friendly egg hunts on the Far South Side to dog Easter events and bunny brunches, Chicago has 24 Easter festivities across two weekends. Megan Choi Arts Culture https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/03/loyola-student-murder-sparks-gop-attack-on-chicago/ https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/03/loyola-student-murder-sparks-gop-attack-on-chicago/ Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:00:36 GMT A Loyola University Chicago student's murder has reignited GOP criticism of Chicago's sanctuary city policies amid ongoing immigration enforcement debates. Michael Kowalski Politics https://chicagogust.com/category/business/2026/03/ai-agency-pricing-myth-productive-io-survey/ https://chicagogust.com/category/business/2026/03/ai-agency-pricing-myth-productive-io-survey/ Wed, 25 Mar 2026 14:00:00 GMT New survey data from Productive reveals that only 27% of agencies have been asked to lower prices due to AI, challenging widespread fears of commoditization in the professional services industry. Christine Fahey Business https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/03/sheridan-gorman-killing-what-to-know-about-the-case/ https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/03/sheridan-gorman-killing-what-to-know-about-the-case/ Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:02:38 GMT Loyola University freshman Sheridan Gorman was fatally shot near campus in Chicago. Here's what we know about her death and the ongoing murder case. Michael Kowalski Politics https://chicagogust.com/category/local/2026/03/judge-orders-release-of-3b-in-frozen-cta-funding/ https://chicagogust.com/category/local/2026/03/judge-orders-release-of-3b-in-frozen-cta-funding/ Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:01:48 GMT A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to release $3.1 billion for the CTA's Red Line Extension and Red and Purple Modernization projects. Danielle Okonkwo Local https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/03/ice-agents-at-ohare-pritzker-and-johnson-push-back/ https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/03/ice-agents-at-ohare-pritzker-and-johnson-push-back/ Wed, 25 Mar 2026 11:01:01 GMT Gov. Pritzker and Mayor Johnson condemn ICE deployment at O'Hare, escalating tensions between Chicago officials and the Trump administration over immigration enforcement. Michael Kowalski Politics https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/03/trump-reacts-to-loyola-student-sheridan-gormans-killing/ https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/03/trump-reacts-to-loyola-student-sheridan-gormans-killing/ Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:02:34 GMT Trump invoked Sheridan Gorman's killing to push mass deportations as suspect Jose Medina missed his court date due to hospitalization with tuberculosis. Michael Kowalski Politics https://chicagogust.com/category/local/2026/03/ice-shooting-of-silverio-villegas-gonzalez-goes/ https://chicagogust.com/category/local/2026/03/ice-shooting-of-silverio-villegas-gonzalez-goes/ Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:01:48 GMT Six months after ICE fatally shot Silverio Villegas González near Chicago, FOIA requests reveal no investigation has been launched by local or federal officials. Danielle Okonkwo Local https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/03/chicago-lebanese-americans-mourn-losses-from-war-in-lebanon/ https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/03/chicago-lebanese-americans-mourn-losses-from-war-in-lebanon/ Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:00:43 GMT Chicago's Lebanese American community grieves as families process losses from conflict in Lebanon, navigating mourning, political betrayal, and displacement. Michael Kowalski Politics https://chicagogust.com/category/local/2026/03/illinois-4th-district-race-after-chuy-garcia-whats-next/ https://chicagogust.com/category/local/2026/03/illinois-4th-district-race-after-chuy-garcia-whats-next/ Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:02:08 GMT Chuy García's sudden retirement sparked a scramble in Illinois' 4th District, with four independents challenging Democratic heir apparent Patty García. Danielle Okonkwo Local https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/03/cook-county-board-of-review-primary-steele-vs-nicholson/ https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/03/cook-county-board-of-review-primary-steele-vs-nicholson/ Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:01:19 GMT Samantha Steele faces Democratic primary challenger Liz Nicholson in Cook County's Board of Review race, while George Cardenas battles Juanita Irizarry. Michael Kowalski Politics https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/03/chicago-lebanese-americans-mourn-as-1-million-displaced/ https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/03/chicago-lebanese-americans-mourn-as-1-million-displaced/ Mon, 23 Mar 2026 11:00:32 GMT Chicago-area Lebanese Americans grieve lost loved ones and seek ways to help as Israeli strikes displace over one million people in Lebanon. Michael Kowalski Politics https://chicagogust.com/category/arts-culture/2026/03/review-two-sisters-and-a-piano-at-writers-theatre/ https://chicagogust.com/category/arts-culture/2026/03/review-two-sisters-and-a-piano-at-writers-theatre/ Sun, 22 Mar 2026 11:02:14 GMT Writers Theatre's staging of Nilo Cruz's 'Two Sisters and a Piano' delivers genuine peaks but struggles to sustain them in an uneven yet admirable production. Michael Kowalski Arts Culture https://chicagogust.com/category/local/2026/03/jesse-jackson-laid-to-rest-womens-march-more-chicago-photos/ https://chicagogust.com/category/local/2026/03/jesse-jackson-laid-to-rest-womens-march-more-chicago-photos/ Sun, 22 Mar 2026 11:01:26 GMT Chicago mourned Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., with three former presidents attending, while hundreds marched for Women's Day in a powerful two-week recap. Michael Kowalski Local https://chicagogust.com/category/local/2026/03/man-charged-with-murder-in-chicago-firefighters-death/ https://chicagogust.com/category/local/2026/03/man-charged-with-murder-in-chicago-firefighters-death/ Sun, 22 Mar 2026 11:00:34 GMT Sheaves Slate faces murder and arson charges after allegedly setting a Rogers Park fire that killed Chicago firefighter Michael Altman, 32, during a tenant dispute. Megan Choi Local https://chicagogust.com/category/local/2026/03/man-charged-with-battery-at-chicago-mexican-dance-studio/ https://chicagogust.com/category/local/2026/03/man-charged-with-battery-at-chicago-mexican-dance-studio/ Sat, 21 Mar 2026 11:02:03 GMT Robert Villanueva faces five misdemeanor battery counts after pouring liquid on children and adults leaving a Ballet Folklorico studio in Avondale. Ray Delgado Local https://chicagogust.com/category/local/2026/03/chicago-week-in-photos-green-river-election-day-more/ https://chicagogust.com/category/local/2026/03/chicago-week-in-photos-green-river-election-day-more/ Sat, 21 Mar 2026 11:01:18 GMT From St. Patrick's Day river dyeing and Election Day at Manny's to a West Ridge encampment sweep, Chicago packed a dramatic week into just a few days. Andre Williams Local https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/03/chicago-mayors-budget-director-got-illegal-property-tax/ https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/03/chicago-mayors-budget-director-got-illegal-property-tax/ Sat, 21 Mar 2026 11:00:32 GMT Mayor Brandon Johnson's budget director Annette Guzman collected illegal property tax breaks for five years on a South Loop condo she no longer lived in. Michael Kowalski Politics https://chicagogust.com/category/local/2026/03/whiskey-trust-avondales-kentucky-blends-meet-chicago-history/ https://chicagogust.com/category/local/2026/03/whiskey-trust-avondales-kentucky-blends-meet-chicago-history/ Fri, 20 Mar 2026 15:57:09 GMT Jeff VanDam's Whiskey Trust blends Kentucky bourbon barrels in Avondale, merging Chicago's forgotten whiskey history with modern craft spirits. Michael Kowalski Local https://chicagogust.com/category/local/2026/03/south-side-irish-pubs-photo-exhibit-at-beverly-arts-center/ https://chicagogust.com/category/local/2026/03/south-side-irish-pubs-photo-exhibit-at-beverly-arts-center/ Fri, 20 Mar 2026 15:56:21 GMT Photographer Kelly White's 'Cheers to the South Side' exhibit celebrates Beverly's iconic Irish pubs through architectural photography at the Beverly Arts Center. Megan Choi Local https://chicagogust.com/category/local/2026/03/aldi-south-loop-lily-pads-acai-bar-in-bronzeville-more/ https://chicagogust.com/category/local/2026/03/aldi-south-loop-lily-pads-acai-bar-in-bronzeville-more/ Fri, 20 Mar 2026 15:55:36 GMT Bronzeville welcomes Lily Pad's Acai Bar on Cottage Grove, while Aldi preps a new South Loop location. Here's the latest Chicago food news. Tom Brennan Local https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/03/2026-chicago-humanities-festival-lineup-dates/ https://chicagogust.com/category/politics/2026/03/2026-chicago-humanities-festival-lineup-dates/ Wed, 18 Mar 2026 11:02:27 GMT Padma Lakshmi, Veronica Roth, Michael Pollan and more headline the 2026 Chicago Humanities Festival running March 24 through June 28. Michael Kowalski Politics https://chicagogust.com/category/local/2026/03/googles-thompson-center-chicago-name-kept-opens-2027/ https://chicagogust.com/category/local/2026/03/googles-thompson-center-chicago-name-kept-opens-2027/ Wed, 18 Mar 2026 11:01:35 GMT Google confirmed the renovated Thompson Center will keep its historic name and open as its Chicago headquarters in 2027, with a publicly accessible atrium. Ray Delgado Local