Rick Kogan

Born and raised and still living in Chicago, Rick Kogan has worked for the Chicago Daily News, Chicago Sun-Times and the Tribune, where he currently is a columnist. Inducted into the Chicago Journalism Hall of Fame in 2003, he hosts “After Hours with Rick Kogan” on WGN radio and is the author of a dozen books, including “A Chicago Tavern.

Writers Karen Su, from left, Catherine-Esther Cowie, Amy Bizzarri and Sara Benincasa pose at the American Writers Museum on May 21, 2026, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Column: AI, what? American Writers Festival will celebrate words written by humans.

May 27, 2026 at 10:08 a.m.

The free festival is put on by the American Writers Museum and the Chicago Public Library, and will renew your faith in the written word.

Tim O'Malley teaches at Second City Training Center in Chicago, Aug. 13, 2012. (Scott Strazzante/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Remembering Tim O’Malley, a big comedic talent with an even bigger heart

May 26, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

He shared the Second City Mainstage with Bonnie Hunt, Tim Meadows, Bob Odenkirk and Chris Farley, later becoming a teacher and leading a program for fellow addicts.

Food writer Maggie Hennessy is the author of a new book, “The Burger Bible,” May 12, 2026. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune/)

Column: These books spread the gospel about the simple hamburger

May 20, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Chicago writer Maggie Hennessy's first book is “Hamburger Bible.” George Motz wrote the cross-country odyssey "Hamburger America."

Julian Frazin at the Taste for the Arts Gala at Millennium Park on May 13, 2014. (Beth Rooney/ for the Chicago Tribune)

Column: Remembering Julian Frazin, a lawyer, judge and creative dynamo

May 19, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Along with a career as a judge and attorney, he wrote "Miracle — the Musical" about the Cubs, as well as songs and children's books, and contributed to the annual...

Sam Sianis of the Billy Goat, Chicago’s most famous saloonkeeper, dies at 91

May 16, 2026 at 2:53 p.m.

Sam Sianis, a Greek immigrant who became one of the most successful saloonkeepers and a popular figure in the sports and media worlds, died in Chicago early Friday morning. He...

Dan Goodwin makes his way up the Sears Tower on May 25, 1981, as would-be rescuers lowered on scaffolding. But the 25-year-old daredevil just rushed by them and waved on his way to the top of the giant building, the worlds tallest. (Walter Kale/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Remembering when Dan Goodwin, aka Spider-Dan, touched Chicago’s sky

May 13, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

In 1981, the climber Dan Goodwin made himself part of Chicago's history by climbing both the Sears Tower and the Hancock Building. He has a new memoir.

Patti Smith performs at the Chicago Theatre on Nov. 17, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago-born Patti Smith is the winner of this year’s Harold Washington Literary Award

May 12, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Singer and author Patti Smith will return to Chicago in September to accept the award before the 41st annual Printers Row Lit Fest.

Garry Trudeau, the creator of the comic strip "Doonesbury" attends an event at Amazon Studios, on Nov. 7, 2013 in North Hollywood, California (Frank Micelotta/Invision/AP)

Column: Ready to travel into the secret life of Garry Trudeau and ‘Doonesbury’?

May 12, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

A biography delves into the private life of the "Doonesbury" cartoonist. We spent a day together in New York decades ago.

Members of the Mahjong Society play mahjong at Barcocina West Town, May 3, 2026, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Mad for mahjong — the game from China is having its moment in Chicago

May 11, 2026 at 3:12 p.m.

Its new popularity is both about the game and the sense of community it brings. Mahjong can be found everywhere from senior centers to trendy nightspots.

Cubs catcher Gabby Hartnett visits with Al Capone and son Alphonso "Jiggs" Capone Jr. at a Cubs-Sox charity game at Comiskey Park on Sept. 9, 1931. The Cubs' is talking to Capone. State Rep. Roland Libonati is seated next to Capone's son. (Chicago Herald and Examiner)

Column: New book takes us back to the night Geraldo Rivera opened Al Capone’s vault on live TV

May 5, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Al Capone has been back in the news recently because April 21 was the 40th anniversary of a live TV special hosted by Geraldo Rivera.

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