Entertainment

The SS Badger, the last steam-powered passenger ferry on the Great Lakes, on Aug. 29, 2026. Its overnight run takes passengers between Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and Ludington, Michigan. (Christopher Borrelli / Chicago Tribune)

For a last summer escape, take the overnight ferry across Lake Michigan

The SS Badger soon concludes its seasonal overnight passages between Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and Ludington, Michigan. Out on the water at night, it can feel like a summer trip worth experiencing.

The Auditorium Theatre in the Loop, here in 2014, is one of the buildings open to the public as part of this year's Open House Chicago. (Jose M. Osorio/Chicago Tribune)

Museums for fall 2026: Science at the MSI, women all-stars at Art Institute and the annual architecture Open House

Whether you like architecture, history, science or maybe bugs, museums around the Chicago area have...

Joffrey Ballet dancers Victoria Jaiani and José Pablo Castro Cuevas in a promotional photo for "Liliom," taken at the carousel on Navy Pier. (Kyle Flubacker)

Dance for fall 2026: Joffrey’s dark new ‘Liliom,’ the annual Tap Summit and two guys named Bob

This fall, along with the Joffrey's local debut, a Giordano sizzler and some VIP out-of-towners...

Arts

Wes Sanders makes an adjustment on his O scale model railroad in the basement of his Palos Park home. The railroad was the hook for a recent fundraiser Sanders and his wife hosted for the McCord Gallery and Cultural Center. (Jim Dudlicek/Daily Southtown)

Art imitates life in massive Palos Park model train display

A model train display that fills a Palos Park basement was the subject of a recent McCord Gallery and Cultural Center fundraiser.

Books

Tech billionaire Peter Thiel speaks during a Bitcoin 2022 Conference at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Florida on April 7, 2022. Thiel's past statements about a future world order are central to the arguments in Gil Duran's new book, "The Nerd Reich: Silicon Valley Fascism and the War on Democracy." (Marco Bello/Getty Images)

Biblioracle: ‘The Nerd Reich’ looks at tech industry billionaires’ impact on democracy

Describing the thesis of journalist and podcaster Gil Duran's new book, "The Nerd Reich," makes it sound like a work of conspiracy theory.

Movies

Jaime Pressly poses for the 2021 Critics Choice Awards on March 7, 2021 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images for ABA)

Actress Jaime Pressly asked multiple times to leave hotel lobby: report

“Out of sorts” actor Jaime Pressly was reportedly asked to leave a California hotel days before missing her GalaxyCon appearance in San Jose.

TV and Streaming

Chicago Bulls play-by-play radio announcer Chuck Swirsky traveled to Vatican City in November and presented the pontiff with an authentic Bulls jersey, inscribed with “Pope Leo” and the number 14 on the back. (Vatican Media/X)

Chicago Media Report: Bulls’ Chuck Swirsky celebrates 50 years on air — and new sports anchor joins NBC 5

The latest Chicago Media Report introduces the new weekend sports anchor at NBC 5 Chicago and explores Chuck Swirsky's 50 years of high-energy sports talk.

Theater

Marisa Santiago programs dance at the Auditorium Theatre, which this fall will bring Dance Theatre of Harlem and Ballets Jazz de Montreal to Chicago, Aug. 5, 2026. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)

Marisa Santiago keeps the Auditorium Theatre dancing

The Auditorium’s fall line-up is, hands down, among the most notable things in dance this season, and Marisa Santiago has a lot to do with it.

Restaurants, Food and Drink

Chicken Kiev at Maplewood Lounge. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Restaurant review: Maplewood Brewery & Distillery now serving whimsical Polish American food around Chicago

Chef Joanna Janczurewicz launched the expanded kitchen in 2025, and oversees food at the new Maplewood Public House in Glen Ellyn.

Ariana Grande’s final words, before she stepped offstage and out of the spotlight, were for her fans. Addressing the crowd during her last concert in London Tuesday before she takes a break from the public eye, the singer was full...

Travel

A plane flies over Nashville, Tenn., towing a banner reading “change.org/DollyPartonAirport” as part of an effort to rename the airport after Dolly Parton, Friday, Aug. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Nashville’s airport would be renamed for Dolly Parton under Tennessee governor’s proposal

The airport in Nashville, Tennessee, would be renamed for Dolly Parton under a proposal announced Friday by Tennessee’s governor.

Home and Garden

Elizabeth and Hunter Case stand in their backyard in Old Town as they look at the Wacker House next door on Aug. 21, 2026. The owner stripped lead paint from the exterior of the historic home, exposing the Cases’ young daughter to the substance. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Lead exposure, lost history and a runaround: How changes to the Wacker House go beyond a preservation fight

For years, an Old Town homeowner has been making unlawful alterations to his property — at the expense, neighbors say, of the house’s historic roots and their own safety.

Recipes

A zesty, creamy dip perfect for taking out on the high seas or sitting by the pool, no cooking required. (Ryan Liebe/TCA) (Ryan Liebe/TCA)

Cruise into the holiday weekend with creamy boat dip

Also known as “beach dip,” it’s a recipe that is perfectly designed for a day by the water.

Fashion

Ellen Warren. (Zbigniew Bzdak/Chicago Tribune)

Answer Angel: Hair accessories

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I’m in search of a hair accessory that on hot days will help me manage the unwelcome result of summer weather on my shoulder-length hair. After trying various clips, scrunchies and pins, the one I have...

Entertainment

Store closing signs at a different Treasure Island store at 75 W. Elm St. in Chicago in 2018. (Nuccio DiNuzzo/Chicago Tribune)

Whole Foods Market is coming to Old Town, and will take over old Treasure Island spot

Whole Foods Market, which already has 10 Chicago locations, will take over a site once used by the Treasure Island supermarket.

Entertainment

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