In the Loop

Samuel Steward was an English professor at DePaul and Loyola University in the 1940’s while also running a tattoo parlor on the city’s south side. He was also a sexual adventurer who shared the considerable scope of his experiences with Alfred Kinsey. Steward was also a prolific writer who’d use the pen name Philip Sparrow.  DePaul English Professor Jeremy Mulderig has collected thirty of Steward’s essays in the new book, Philip Sparrow Tells All. Mulderig joins us to share some details of Steward’s life and writings.

Nothing says summer like the 4th of July holiday and nothing says the 4th of July holiday like the American Music Festival at Fitzgerald’s in Berwyn. Venue owner Bill Fitzgerald stops by with a preview and some memories of festivals past.

Family drama, last minute any-and-every-thing, elephants and small fires are just glimpses into the lives of wedding planners.

On the anniversary of the decision to legalize same sex marriage in all 50 states, and two weeks after a deadly shooting at an Orlando gay club, we take the temperature of how this year's Pride Parade felt for the LGBTQ community and other attendees of the annual event.

We’re rolling out a project this summer called The Movie That Made Me. We’re interviewing interesting people about the one movie that had the biggest impact on their lives. Many of the movies will likely be something they saw in childhood that continues to resonate to this day, or a movie they keep coming back to.  First up: Chicago Tribune Film Critic Michael Phillips

The Supreme Court’s decision on President Obama’s immigration plan ended in a split decision. That means the lower court’s ruling to block the plan stands--at least until the court gets a 9th justice. It also means millions of undocumented immigrants who are the parents of citizens or permanent residents could be deported and will still be deprived of a lawful way to work. We get legal and personal perspectives on the ruling and find out what happens next for families caught in the middle.

The harsh winters in Chicago can give local gardeners nightmares, but we often forget how difficult it can also be to keep your plants healthy during the summer.  Hot temperatures and unpredictable rains can wreak havoc on your garden, and this goes without mentioning all the bugs that are sure to pay a visit. We talk with Eliza Fournier from the Chicago Botanic Garden about the best way to keep your garden looking great this summer

Balancing work, kids and their activities, along with conflicting schedules and cooking every night was driving a local mom over the edge. After some heartfelt advice from a good friend, Zen of Slow Cooking co-creator Meg Barnhart bought a slow cooker and took some of the stress out of her life. She and the other co-creator Jane McKay share their stories, best practices and some recipes for a relaxing summer full of great meals.

In the latest installment in our series What’s That Building? Dennis Rodkin of Crain’s Chicago Business gives us the backstory on the iconic Chicago Theatre, with its elaborate marquee and 76-foot-tall vertical “Chicago” sign.

Aldermen have voted 43-7 to pass a slate of changes to the way Airbnb, VRBO and other short-term rental companies are regulated in the City of Chicago.  Morning Shift talks to WBEZ’s Lauren Chooljian about what went down at Wednesday’s zany City Council meeting and what the new rules mean for Airbnb hosts, guests and more.