Chicago’s NASCAR deal: Fast, furious and full of unanswered questions
Critics want to know who will pay for security and physical damage to downtown. But the bigger question is: Is anyone clamoring for this? By Mark Guarino Dec. 15, 2022, 6 a.m. CT Race cars zooming through downtown Chicago next July will undoubtedly make Grant Park look [...]
The Bears want to build a megaplex. Sure thing or ‘false’ promise?
NFL teams are increasingly looking outside of city centers to build stadium-anchored entertainment zones. Recent history shows they are both a boon to sports tourism and a risk for taxpayers. By Mark Guarino Oct. 11, 6 a.m. CT Next year the Chicago Bears are expected to make [...]
After years playing backup to major indie acts, Nora O’Connor steps out solo
The Evanston musician has toured with the likes of the New Pornographers, the Decemberists and Neko Case. Now she’s releasing her first album of solo material in 20 years. By Mark Guarino Oct. 7, 6 a.m. CT Nora O’Connor made a career out of performing in other [...]
How Chicago put Louis Armstrong on a path to jazz greatness 100 years ago
The 21-year-old trumpeter from New Orleans stepped off a train at Illinois Central Station in 1922. Three fall jazz events explore his lingering influence on the city. By Mark Guarino Oct. 14, 6 a.m. CT Updated Oct. 18, 6:15 p.m. CT In 1967, Louis Armstrong recorded “What [...]