Chicago Stories

Comedy legend and lifelong Chicagoan Charna Halpern shares her stories about spotting stars, saving the world from black holes, and unlocking the secrets of the universe with the scientists at CERN. Pretty much what you'd expect from the Mother of Modern Comedy.

Air Force veteran Claude Lamb shares his story about overcoming "physical and mental" homelessness, rebuilding his life, and going to community college in his 70's.

"Let me add life to my years and years to my life." Alphonso Johnson talks being a husband, father, and building a new life after prison with help from the CTA Second Chance Program.

Mayor Emanuel interviews the inspiring Michael Patrick Thornton about how he founded Chicago's Gift Theatre, a quintessential storefront theater, and about his acting and directing career as a person with disabilities, including on ABC's "Private Practice" and major plays, films and television productions.

Mayor Emanuel visits 1871 to meet Shaniqua Davis, who used to apply to jobs using the name "Shawn" to get more response from employers. Then she founded Noirefy, a startup focused on diversity in hiring across all industries. Hear her Chicago story.

As the iconic Chicago Picasso sculpture in Daley Plaza celebrates its 50th anniversary, hear what its original unveiling was like back in 1967 according to Tim Samuelson, the City's official historian who was there, and Eric Keune, SOM Design Director.

Mayor Emanuel meets with Ken, Patti and Dan Raskin, whose family has run Manny's, a Jewish deli and beloved cultural institution on Chicago's Near South Side, for 75 years. (Bonus: Find out what the Mayor's favorite sandwich is.)

Mayor Rahm Emanuel personally meets with Arturo and Daniela, two students who graduated this year debt-free from City Colleges of Chicago thanks to the STAR Scholarship, to discuss their hopes and ambitions.

Tiny Tapp owner Mark William Johnson discusses Chicago's craft cocktail scene and the revitalization of the Riverwalk with Mayor Emanuel at City Hall on this week's episode.

It's Korean fine dining vs. Southern BBQ. With the Taste of Chicago in full swing, Mayor Emanuel invites Charlie Robinson, founder of Robinson's Ribs, and Chef Beverly Kim of Michelin-starred Parachute restaurant to City Hall.