Chicago Stories

Her restaurant The Boarding House was just named a 2018 James Beard Award semifinalist for "Outstanding Wine Program," and she was the youngest women and only South Asian in the world to become a Master Sommelier. Mayor Emanuel chats with Alpana Singh about the City's wine, dining and cultural scene, the "sisterhood" of female chefs and restauranteurs and her family history from Fiji to Chicago.

Even before “Friends” David Schwimmer became a household name, he was a passionate actor, director and activist rooted in Chicago’s cultural community as a founding member of the Lookingglass Theatre Company with a work ethic that is second to none. Hear his conversation with fellow Northwestern alum Mayor Emanuel about his new play Plantation!, his powerful series of PSAs on sexual harassment called #ThatsHarassment, his role as a father and why Chicago continues to be his artistic home.

From driving a cab to driving the national debate on immigration, Congressman Luis Gutiérrez tells Mayor Emanuel how it happened in a wide-ranging conversation through Chicago's neighborhoods, Puerto Rico's countryside, the halls of Congress and the Oval Office.

Chicago is on the road to the Oscars! Local film company Kartemquin Films, which has been making powerful independent films for over 50 years, has just been nominated for not one but two Academy Awards this year for Abacus: Small Enough to Jail (nominated for Best Documentary), and Edith+Eddie (nominated for Best Short Documentary). Hear from Betsy Steinberg, Executive Director and Tim Horsburgh, Director of Communications and Distribution, about Kartemquin Films, one of Chicago’s best-kept secrets. 

Graham Elliot knows the secret to the perfect grilled cheese. The celebrity chef stopped by City Hall to talk to Mayor Emanuel about everything from Chicago's food scene, to his new projects, his advice for young chefs, and, of course, that grilled cheese secret. (Hint: It has to do with the crusts.)

99-year-old Timuel Black is one of Chicago’s most influential activists and civil rights leaders. His experience serving in World War II in Normandy and witnessing the horrors of Buchenwald concentration camp led him to devote his life to the fight for human rights. Professor Black became a close friend to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and was influential in helping Harold Washington become the first African-American mayor of Chicago, as well as President Barack Obama’s rise. Hear his incredible story.

The tables are turned as Mayor Emanuel interviews David Axelrod, host of "The Axe Files," about his 40-year career in politics, his daughter's battle with epilepsy and his unique view of Chicago as a former Tribune reporter in the 1970s. You won't want to miss this conversation between two Obama-era veterans.

University of Chicago distinguished law professor Eric Posner co-wrote a powerful Op-Ed in the New York Times about the Logan Act and Robert Mueller's investigation. Hear him discuss its legal dimensions and possible outcomes with Mayor Emanuel.

Cardinal Blase Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago, speaks with the Mayor about his recent visit to Puerto Rico for relief and recovery efforts and shares his thoughts on immigration and DACA, the role of religion and faith in addressing violence in the city, and his path to becoming a leader in the Catholic Church. 

Meet Anthony Moseley, Artistic Director of Collaboraction, a contemporary theater company part of “Night Out in the Parks” that explores race, culture and social justice issues across the city. He’s “surprisingly fresh” in his approach to tackling tough topics on the stage with a vivacity that is purely Chicago.

Mayor Emanuel sat down with XS Tennis founder and 2017 U.S. Open champion coach Kamau Murray to talk about Chicago's grit, mentoring young people though tennis, and growing the game.

In honor of the 30th Anniversary of Mayor Harold Washington's death, his top aide Jacky Grimshaw sat down with Mayor Emanuel to look back on the life and legacy of Chicago's trailblazing leader.

Chicago Architecture Biennial artistic directors Mark Lee and Sharon Johnston discuss architecture's role in creating sustainable beauty and inclusivity amid ever-changing cities and spaces.

Pilsen native Stuart Dybek, one of America’s great poets and writers, reminisces with Mayor Emanuel about Chicago’s working-class roots and neighborhoods that he calls “eyes into the City’s soul.”

Jahmal Cole, Chatham resident and founder of My Block, My Hood, My City, talks with Mayor Emanuel about his journey and how he came to believe that "exposure is key" to helping Chicago’s youth discover new opportunities and embrace their city.

MacArthur “Genius” and Palestinian-American activist Rami Nashashibi dives deep into an honest conversation with Mayor Emanuel about breaking barriers and building bridges from the land of Jerusalem to Chicago’s Southwest Side.

Chicago and Apple don't just share a long history, they also share the same values. Tune in as Apple CEO Tim Cook talks to Mayor Emanuel about the equalizing power of education, the need for diversity, the definition of America, and much more. This week's episode also took place at the grand opening of Apple's new flagship store on Chicago's Riverwalk.

Richard Thaler's path to the Nobel Prize began with a bowl of cashews. It was the light-bulb moment that set him on a career of predicting irrational behavior. Think of it as being right about being wrong. Tune in as he and Mayor Emanuel discuss irrationality, predictable errors, and the party that started it all.

What do Operation, Radio Flyer, Cards Against Humanity, Beanie Babies and Pinball have in common? They were all invented in Chicago. Mayor Emanuel chats with Mary Couzin, founder of the Chicago Toy and Game Group, about why Chicago is the toy and game capital of the world.

Meet Leah Guenther, a Chicago Public Schools teacher in Englewood who uses her love of Shakespeare to help struggling students vastly improve their reading levels in a very short amount of time.