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.

Alex Haley, author of "Roots," autographs his book for fans at a book store in Los Angeles on Feb. 1, 1977. An estimated crowd of 3,000 were lined up outside. (George Brich/AP)

Column: 50 years ago, ‘Roots’ burst on the scene and into American lives

August 18, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

There was a time when a book could shake the world and on Aug. 17, 1976, a book titled “Roots: The Saga of an American Family” by Alex Haley arrived...

Early Poetry Slam ephemera from Marc Kelly Smith's collection, circa 1986, is now at the Newberry Library, Aug. 10, 2026. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Marc Kelly Smith’s personal Poetry Slam collection goes to Newberry Library

August 12, 2026 at 10:14 a.m.

The Chicago founder of poetry slams is donating his personal mementos to the Newberry Library. The Poetry Slam's history is still being written, with the next event this Sunday at...

Rodney Dangerfield celebrates his 80th birthday on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" at the NBC Studios in Los Angeles on Nov. 21, 2001. (Kevin Winter/Getty)

Column: Give him some respect — revisiting the jokes of Rodney Dangerfield

August 11, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

"I said I want a second opinion. He said OK, you're ugly.” No one told jokes quite like Rodney Dangerfield, and for a generation of comics, he remains an inspiration.

Advice columnist Ann Landers, left, and her twin sister, Abigail Van Buren, who wrote an advice column as Dear Abby, are shown in 1987, in Chicago. (John Bartley/Chicago Tribune)

Column: After ‘Dear Abby’s’ retirement, where are all the people getting their advice?

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

A look at the history of the "Ann Landers" and “Dear Abby," two popular advice columns run by twin sisters.

Jazz singer Geraldine de Haas performs at the 4th annual tribute to Duke Ellington at the Grant Park Band Shell on Aug. 29, 1977. (Arthur Walker/Chicago Tribune)

The ‘first lady of Chicago jazz,’ Geraldine de Haas dies at 91

August 6, 2026 at 12:45 p.m.

Along with being a talented singer in her own right, she was a tireless advocate for jazz in Chicago. A tribute concert for Duke Ellington she helped put on in...

Chris Vallillo's live performance of “Forgottonia,” including photographs by Tim Schroll, will be performed as part of the LookOut Series in Steppenwolf's 1700 Theater. (Tim Schroll)

Column: What is ‘Forgottonia’ and how did it get to Steppenwolf?

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

Musician and storyteller Chris Vallillo presents the history of what happened when 16 counties in Western Illinois decided to secede from the Union in 1972.

American country singer Johnny Cash and his wife, June Carter Cash, leave the front gate of Kansas State Prison, circa 1968. (Hulton Archive/Getty)

Column: Reconnecting with authors Colin Asher and Irvine Welsh, both with new books

July 29, 2026 at 10:53 a.m.

Colin Asher’s “The Midnight Special: The Secret Prison History of American Music” and Irvine Welsh’s “Men in Love” were recent subjects in the New York Times Book Review.

Barbara Burgess, a writer who works out of the Fine Arts Building on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, gets a sneak preview of a new Groundswell Coffee Roasters coffee shop on the ground floor of the building on July 9, 2026. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Groundswell Coffee is the Fine Arts Building’s new, caffeine-laced tenant

July 14, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

As Groundswell Coffee Roasters opens in the storied Fine Arts Building on Michigan Avenue, we remember the former Artists Cafe.

A digital painting from artist Dustin Mertz with other pieces on a wall at Art City gallery ahead of its July 10th exhibit, “CASH ONLY: An Ode to Dive Bars,” July 7, 2026. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Column: ‘Cash Only’ exhibit mixes booze and art and makes community

July 8, 2026 at 1:39 p.m.

“Cash Only: An Ode to Dive Bars” is a provocative exhibition at a gallery called Art City.

Boats travel down the Chicago River with a skyline view, June 7, 2026. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Column: Celebrating history on the Fourth? Look and listen to the river.

July 1, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

A recently rebroadcast episode of "This American Life" takes a look at Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive.

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