The fight over Illinois’s data center boom is coming to a head
From Joliet to Chicago’s southeast side, residents are pushing back against a wave of proposed data centers. A new state bill could change who has power in those negotiations.
NEWS & POLITICS
One TRiiBE, divided?
After two terminations and a public Instagram dispute, the last two eligible employees at Chicago’s celebrated Black-owned newsroom head to a union vote on March 25.
What are REITs—and what do they have to do with immigration jails?
Real estate investment trusts, explained
‘What does real investment look like to you?’
The Southeast Side People’s Assembly brought residents together to discuss community needs as developers push forward with the construction of a $9 billion quantum computing center.
Latest Stories
Local witch-house artist Häxa welcomes spring at Reggies Music Joint
Sun 3/29 at Reggies Music Joint
Blowouts, quince curls, and 27 years of miracles at Margarita’s Hair Design
Owner and stylist Margarita Duarte has nurtured a space that is both salon and sanctuary for Avondale’s immigrant communities.
You’ll feel beautiful when Eat Steak Chips and Late Night Noods unite at the next Monday Night Foodball
Chicken paws are the secret behind the Nood Dudes’ ramen and dumpling menu for the Reader’s weekly chef pop-up at Thattu.
Memories of a Window captures a revolutionary portrait of Iran
The short film by Chicago-based Iranian filmmakers Mehraneh Salimian and Amin Pakparvar recently premiered at the Berlinale.
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News & Politics
The death of diversity
Universities—in Illinois and across the U.S.—fall in line amid Trump’s attacks on higher education.
Gasoline and slot machines
Chicago’s 2026 budget opened the door to slot machines in city bars and restaurants—but video gambling might not be all it’s cracked up to be.
Catholic clergy gain access to Broadview ICE facility—when no one is there
A federal judge ordered immigration authorities to allow religious leaders inside the facility for Ash Wednesday.
Music
Heavy Crownz aims for the Chicago rap canon with Trench Baby Turned Farmer
Plus: Jah Pool releases two more #NewChicago compilations, hardcore benefit Uncaged raises money for immigrant advocates, and more.
Rapper Chris Patrick hopes his good luck holds on Pray 4 Me
Wed 3/25 at Subterranean
Lamb of God hew to their antiauthoritarian roots on Into Oblivion
Wed 3/25 at Aragon Ballroom
Footballhead prove that butt-rock nostalgia is real
Sat 3/21 at Reggies Rock Club
Film & TV
Review: Project Hail Mary
Project Hail Mary is an immersive and occasionally unoriginal science-fiction spectacle.
Review: Undertone
Ian Tuason’s Undertone innovatively breeds fear and paranoia in negative space.
Review: Divine Hammer
With Divine Hammer, Hazel and Mae M. have created an astounding debut film that’s aesthetically, narratively, and tonally unique.
Review: André Is an Idiot
André Is an Idiot is a tender but not cloying portrait of a unique man’s death.
Theater, dance, comedy
The Drowsy Chaperone delights at Theo
An environmental staging and gifted cast make this charming metamusical a perfect treat.
White Rooster examines ghosts, longing, and desire at Lookingglass
Matthew C. Yee’s world premiere is a spooky love story set in the Wild West.
The Jackie Wilson Story returns to Black Ensemble Theater
Jaitee Thomas steps into the shoes of the troubled singer.
When words fail
Mickle Maher’s Song About Himself illuminates the sorry state of digital communication.
Visual Arts, books
Colors that rhyme, clash, and dance
A Matisse exhibition displays the artist’s complete Jazz works at the Art Institute for the first time.
How the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin got their land back
In Unsettling Territory, Douglas Metoxen Kiel chronicles the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin’s resilience.
After O’Grady
At Mariane Ibrahim, three artists demonstrate the expansiveness of Black women’s subjectivity.
CITY LIFE
Reader-recommended Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr events
This Ramadan, the Chicago Reader highlights the city’s artsy and celebratory events, communal meals, and gatherings.
Nuestro Chicago Archives and the power of family photographs
The founder of the Instagram-based community archive talks about preserving snapshots of love, resilience, and everyday Latine life in Chicago.
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
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