The Carl Sandburg poem “Chicago” has been a beloved local anthem for more than a century. But the poem is making the rounds again. That’s because a federal judge read it aloud … in its entirety … in a court ruling amid the Trump administration’s deportation campaign in the city. As a new year begins, WBEZ’s arts desk asked some well-known Chicagoans to recite it. You may hear a famous author, a mayor…even a tight end for the Chicago Bears. HOST: LANE

New Year's resolutions are in full swing, and many people have committed to Dry January or year-round sobriety. A Gallup survey from 20-24 shows alcohol consumption is at its lowest point in almost 90 years in the U.S.That’s leading to a boom in the non-alcoholic drink industry. HOST: LANE

Pape, an international security affairs and political violence expert, shared four key takeaways in conversation with WBEZ's Sasha-Ann Simons on 'In the Loop' Monday.

When Russia’s invasion of Ukraine forced millions from their homes, many people were given temporary refuge in the U.S.

But as the war in Ukraine drags on, some people are now caught up in the Trump administration’s deportation blitz.

That includes one Illinois resident who is awaiting his final removal hearing.

WBEZ’s Anna Savchenko tells the story of how he and his family fled Ukraine, only to face danger on American soil.

When Russia’s invasion of Ukraine forced millions from their homes, many people were given temporary refuge in the U.S.But as the war in Ukraine drags on, some people are now caught up in the Trump administration’s deportation blitz.That includes one Illinois resident who faces his final removal hearing today. HOST: LABUZ

This holiday season, the Evanston Symphony Orchestra hosted a new kind of concert.

The so-called “barrier-free” performance was designed for people with disabilities and their loved ones.

HOST: LANE

In Chicago, where you live can dictate when you die. The biggest life expectancy gap between neighborhoods is 20 years, from West Garfield Park to the Loop.One of the solutions to closing this gap is playing out in Garfield Park.A son’s mission to turn around his mom’s health has become a community wide effort to help everyone live longer.WBEZ’s Kristen Schorsch takes us on a walk with the Peace Runners 7-7-3.HOST: LANE

Some cities are known for country music. Others for rap or rock. But Chicago has always been an eclectic music town. Artists here borrow from the city’s traditions of blues, jazz and soul. This year’s best local albums also blend genres and some transcend them. Here are some staff picks from WBEZ’s list of Best Chicago Albums of 2025.HOST: LANE

The holiday season is in full swing, which means there’s no time like the present to relax with a warm beverage and a good book. For a few recommendations, WBEZ’s arts and culture desk asked staff for their favorite books of 20-25. HOST: LANE