Caitlin O'Malley
Editorial byline
Caitlin O'Malley is an editorial byline for Today In My City, with a focus on Arts & Culture, Neighborhoods, Local Spotlights. Biographical credentials and external profiles are published only after verification.
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Coverage Areas
Latest Articles
Two Roads to Public Art Funding in Chicago: The City's Percent for Art Program vs. the ART Initiative
Chicago offers two distinct public art funding pathways: the city's DCASE Percent for Art Program for artist commissions and the MacArthur/Field Foundation's ART Initiative for organizational operating support. Understanding the differences between these routes is crucial for artists and arts organizations seeking funding.
Oct 24, 2026 · 5 min read
Beyond Deep-Dish: Three Regional Pizza Styles That Define Chicago's Other Pizza Scene
Chicago's pizza scene extends beyond deep-dish, featuring distinct tavern-style, Neapolitan, and Detroit-style pizzas. Discover their unique crusts, cuts, and flavors to explore the city's diverse pizza offerings.
Oct 23, 2026 · 4 min read
From the Chicago Academy of Design to The Art Institute of Chicago: How SAIC Was Built Twice
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago originated as the Chicago Academy of Design in 1866 and was reorganized in 1882 as The Art Institute of Chicago, establishing its enduring dual mission of art education and museum collection.
Oct 23, 2026 · 4 min read
How Chicago Aims to Close a 16-Year Life Expectancy Gap Through Urban Planning
Chicago is employing urban planning as a public health intervention to address a stark 16-year life expectancy gap between its neighborhoods. The city's strategy involves citywide health equity plans and localized interventions, with progress tracked via the Chicago Health Atlas.
Oct 21, 2026 · 4 min read
Where to Hear Jazz, Blues, and Indie Rock in Chicago: A Genre-Based Venue Guide
Discover Chicago's vibrant live music scene by genre with this guide to iconic venues. From the historic Green Mill for jazz to Buddy Guy's Legends for blues and The Empty Bottle for indie rock, find your perfect night out.
Oct 20, 2026 · 5 min read
Four of Chicago's Most Unique Themed Dining Experiences, Compared
Explore four of Chicago's most unique dining experiences, from a frontier cabin and a speakeasy sushi suite to insult comedy hot dogs and a blindfolded meal. This guide compares their themes, cuisines, and interactive elements to help you choose your next unforgettable culinary adventure.
Oct 19, 2026 · 4 min read
Where to Find Your Literary Community: Four Chicago Bookstores and the Events That Define Them
Chicago's independent bookstores are more than just places to buy books; they are community hubs offering events like author talks, workshops, and book clubs. Discover four distinctive stores—Pilsen Community Books, Madison Street Books, Call & Response Books, and Women & Children First—and their unique roles in building literary communities.
Oct 18, 2026 · 4 min read
What a Major Museum Director Actually Does: Four Jobs in One, Illustrated by the MCA Chicago
A major museum director juggles four key roles: artistic vision, financial management, community engagement, and leadership, as exemplified by the MCA Chicago. This holistic approach ensures the institution's artistic mission aligns with operational sustainability and public relevance.
Oct 15, 2026 · 6 min read
How Chicago Small Business Owners Can Find and Apply for Local Grants
Chicago small business owners can find and apply for local grants by understanding key city departments, comparing programs like SBIF, CDG, NOF, and CCSA, and navigating the reimbursement-based application process and eligibility requirements.
Oct 14, 2026 · 4 min read
How Local Arts Councils Can Fund and Support Your Creative Project
Local arts councils serve as vital community hubs, offering artists and organizers crucial resources, funding, and advocacy. Understanding their diverse support categories, from grants to professional development, can help unlock essential backing for creative projects.
Oct 9, 2026 · 4 min read
How to Read a Restaurant Health Inspection Report
Restaurant health inspection reports can be complex, but understanding key sections and violation categories helps diners assess food safety. By prioritizing critical violations and corrective actions, you can make more informed decisions about where to eat.
Oct 8, 2026 · 4 min read
Navigating Los Angeles Art Submissions: A Guide for Emerging Artists
Emerging artists in Los Angeles can navigate the art submission landscape by understanding the differences between direct gallery submissions and open calls. This guide compares the processes and requirements for venues like Artplex Gallery, Artspace Warehouse, and platforms such as ArtCall.org.
Sep 29, 2026 · 5 min read
Top New Restaurants Opening in Denver in 2026
By 2026, nearly 60% of new Denver restaurants will feature menus with at least 75% locally-sourced ingredients, a dramatic shift from a decade ago.
Sep 16, 2026 · 7 min read
Top 7 Fall Arts & Culture Festivals to Experience in 2026
In fall 2026, New York City's Battery Park alone will host four months of free events, including a light-art festival and Broadway stars, showcasing an unprecedented urban cultural boom.
Sep 9, 2026 · 5 min read
Ann Arbor mourns Tommy York, impacting YORK Food + Drink's future
Tommy York, the visionary behind Ann Arbor's YORK Food + Drink, consistently dedicated ninety hours a week to his enterprise, building a local institution that now employs 40 people and has been repea
Sep 8, 2026 · 4 min read
Top 2 Best New Fall Restaurants for Unique Dining Experiences
In Austin, TX, Le Calamar serves a stuffed chicken wing featuring huitlacoche, veal sweetbreads, and chicken breast, grilled over binchotan, epitomizing a new era of hyper-specific, adventurous...
Aug 25, 2026 · 5 min read
Best Horchata Drinks and Desserts in 2026
Many assume horchata is just a milky drink.
Aug 23, 2026 · 5 min read
Top 5 Local Businesses Showcased at City Expo 2026
This year, 70% of the businesses showcased at the City Expo were less than five years old, signaling a dramatic generational shift in our local entrepreneurial landscape.
Aug 22, 2026 · 5 min read
Royal Oak's Culinary Scene Welcomes New Italian Eatery
Royal Oak, once home to two self-serve taprooms, will soon have none, even as a new cocktail bar serving oysters and caviar just opened its doors.
Aug 21, 2026 · 2 min read
Astoria Arts Center Secures State Grant for Education
The Astoria Arts and Movement Center (AAMC) recently secured a $10,000 grant from the Oregon Arts Commission, earmarked for K-12 dance education in fiscal year 2026, according to the dailyastorian .
Aug 19, 2026 · 2 min read