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.

Steve Mosqueda, left, Sean Benjamin and Carolyn Benjamin of The Drinking & Writing Theater company gather at the bar, Feb. 16, 2026, at Simon’s Tavern in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Drinking & Writing’s new musical began with a dream about a leopard print coat

February 18, 2026 at 9:18 a.m.

Sean Benjamin and Steve Mosqueda are the founders of the Drinking & Writing Theater and have long been part of the creative life of this city. They have a new...

Chicago Reader covers are displayed in honor boxes at the publication's office on Aug. 25, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Column: The Chicago Reader bursts back in a ’50 Years’ book and a lively new issue

February 17, 2026 at 5:15 a.m.

“Free Chicago: 50 Years of the Reader” is a big, beautiful book that coincides, serendipitously, with the “rebirth” of the Chicago Reader itself.

Musician and author Nancy Hays, left, and actor Jazzma Pryor rehearse scenes from "Riding for America" at Wayfarer Theaters on Feb. 3, 2026, in Highland Park. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Telling the amazing story of Black jockey Isaac Burns Murphy

February 12, 2026 at 9:04 a.m.

Author and performer Nancy Hays first encountered his remarkable story in a small museum at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

Boz O'Brien, left, and Brendan O'Brien talk about the past and future of Reilly's Daughter Pub on Nov. 2, 2015, in Oak Lawn. (Jim Boyce/for the Daily Southtown)

James ‘Boz’ O’Brien, owner of the Reilly’s Daughter tavern in Oak Lawn, dies at 75

February 10, 2026 at 5:34 p.m.

His was a family-friendly place and you could walk in on any night and run into pals and politicians, neighbors and labor leaders, or, for a time, members of the...

Jeff Smith at a party on Nov. 28, 1990. Smith was public television's popular "Frugal Gourmet." (Laura Elliott/The Seattle Times)

Column: ‘I Bid You Peace’ documentary explores the accusations that ended the Frugal Gourmet

February 4, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Jeff Smith was better known as the Frugal Gourmet, and he pioneered the food-on-television trend with his show on WTTW. But accusations of sexual assault later ended his career.

CBS News anchor Tony Dokoupil interviews people near the site where Renee Nicole Good was shot and killed by ICE, Jan. 8, 2026 in Minneapolis. (Stephen Maturen/Getty)

Column: Who’s that new anchorman? He’s no Walter Cronkite.

February 3, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

The new CBS News anchor Tony Dokoupil recently compared himself to Walter Cronkite. That's not a smart move, if you ask me.

Filmmaker Paul Carr, left, and Green Mill owner Dave Jemilo at the legendary Uptown club on Jan. 20, 2026. Carr has a new film, “The Green Mill: A Real Chicago Joint." (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Inside the Green Mill, the Malört and stories flow in a new movie

January 28, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

“The Green Mill: A Real Chicago Joint" will premiere at the Davis Theater in Lincoln Square, both telling some history and focusing on the present of this Uptown treasure.

Actor-comedian Mel Brooks expresses his fear of heights during filming of his movie "High Anxiety," in San Francisco, May 5, 1977. (AP)

Column: Nearing age 100, it’s springtime for Mel Brooks in new Judd Apatow documentary

January 27, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Mel Brooks is the centerpiece of a thoughtfully thrilling documentary now airing on HBO Max, “Mel Brooks: The 99 Year Old Man!”

Photographer Vincent D. Johnson, shown in the original Mount Carmel High School gym on Jan. 14, 2026, has published a book on high school gyms across the state of Illinois. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

Column: A photographer travels the Illinois high school basketball circuit

January 21, 2026 at 5:45 a.m.

Vincent Johnson's book "Illustrious" captures high school gymnasiums across the state — your memories may be pictured here, too.

The start of Walter Eckersall's 106-yard kickoff return run during the Chicago vs. Wisconsin game on Nov. 26, 1904. (University of Chicago)

Column: Was tiny Walter Eckersall the city’s greatest football player?

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

“Eckie: Walter Eckersall and the Rise of Chicago Sports” is a new book about a long-forgotten player who predates the Bears.

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