Caitlin O'Malley
Columnist and Feature Writer
As a columnist and feature writer, Caitlin O'Malley tells the stories of the city, one person at a time. A native of the city herself, she has a unique talent for uncovering the hidden gems—the legacy businesses, the up-and-coming artists, and the unsung community leaders who shape the fabric of our neighborhoods. Her weekly column, 'City Blocks,' is a reader favorite. Prior to Today In My City, Caitlin was a culture reporter for the local NPR affiliate and a contributor to Boston Magazine, where she honed her narrative, people-first approach to journalism.
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Latest Articles
Obama Center announces June 19, 2026 opening
In June 2026, the Obama Presidential Center will open its doors, not with dusty archives, but as the nation's first fully digital museum, displaying no official papers from his presidency, according t
Jun 9, 2026 · 3 min read
Arla to Blend Mediterranean and Japanese Cuisines on Gold Coast Rooftop
Chicago's Gold Coast is buzzing with the promise of ARLA, a new Mediterranean-Japanese rooftop restaurant, yet its opening date remains a mystery wrapped in conflicting reports.
Jun 9, 2026 · 2 min read
Chicago outdoor pools open June 19 with expanded hours
On June 19, Chicago's 50 outdoor pools will open a full week earlier than last summer, operating seven days a week.
Jun 9, 2026 · 3 min read
Chicago's Pride Month Features 'Brokeback Mountain' Stage Show
In Chicago, the stage adaptation of 'Brokeback Mountain,' featuring openly gay actors and a queer playwright, anchors a vibrant Pride Month theater scene.
Jun 6, 2026 · 3 min read
Bears Commit $2 Billion to Indiana Stadium Project
With a decisive 95-4 vote, Indiana lawmakers approved a $1 billion incentive package, paving the way for the Chicago Bears to abandon their historic Illinois roots for a new stadium in Hammond.
Jun 6, 2026 · 2 min read
Chicago LGBTQ+ groups seek ongoing support for services
Howard Brown Health alone provides affirming health and wellness care to over 40,000 people annually, offering services from primary care to youth support across Chicago's LGBTQ+ communities, accordin
Jun 5, 2026 · 3 min read
West Side Project breaks ground on music hall, hotel, retail
A Chicago City Council Committee approved a $55 million tax break last month for the $7 billion 1901 Project, a development repeatedly described as 'privately funded' that just broke ground on Chicago
Jun 4, 2026 · 2 min read
Illinois Senate blocks Bears stadium bill, session adjourns
With just over 24 hours left in the legislative session, the Chicago Bears' 'megaprojects bill' lacked the votes to pass the Illinois Senate, effectively killing the team's public-private stadium fina
Jun 1, 2026 · 3 min read
Parisian-style chairs planned for Buckingham Fountain pilot
The Chicago Park District just shelled out $54,438 for 100 new green metal chairs, destined to grace Buckingham Fountain in 2026.
May 31, 2026 · 3 min read
New Pancreatic Cancer Drug Daraxonrasib Nearly Doubles Survival
In a groundbreaking Phase 3 trial, an experimental drug nearly doubled the median overall survival for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, a disease notoriously resistant to treatment.
May 31, 2026 · 2 min read
Lincoln Square Pet Pantry Boosts Pet Food Assistance Amid Rising Demand
By May of this year, the Friendship Center's pet pantry had already distributed over 12,600 pounds of pet food, a 63% increase from the same period last year, according to Block Club Chicago .
May 30, 2026 · 2 min read
US Attorney's Office Reforms Grand Jury Rules After Broadview 6
Charges against the 'Broadview Six' were dismissed after federal prosecutors were found to have redacted grand jury transcripts and misled jurors, prompting sweeping reforms from the U.
May 28, 2026 · 3 min read
Block Club Unveils 120+ Chicago Sweet Spots 2026 Guide
More than 120 ice cream shops, cafes, bakeries, and paleterias across Chicago are now cataloged in a single, comprehensive guide.
May 26, 2026 · 2 min read
Chicago rooftop bars lounges restaurants guide for summer 2026
This Friday, May 15, La Bella Trattoria on Rush opened its doors at 101 E.
May 26, 2026 · 2 min read
Discover Chicago's unique patios and beer gardens in 2026
With Block Club Chicago mapping over 240 outdoor drinking and dining spots, the city's patio scene has exploded, revealing a hidden world of neighborhood gems far beyond the usual suspects.
May 26, 2026 · 2 min read
Forever Mine Fest 2026 brings Kaytranada, Monica to Chicago
Nearly 20,000 attendees flocked to Chicago's Union Park over Memorial Day weekend for the inaugural Forever Mine Festival, transforming it into a vibrant celebration of Y2K R&B and house music, accord
May 25, 2026 · 3 min read
Forever Mine Festival Debuts in Chicago with Y2K Nostalgia
In Chicago's Union Park, the inaugural Forever Mine Music Festival debuted in 2026, not just with headliners like Kaytranada and Monica, but with a deliberate mission to center local Black and brown D
May 24, 2026 · 2 min read
Sueños Music Festival Ignites Chicago with Reggaetón and Regional Mexican Stars
Last year, the Sueños Music Festival drew over 80,000 attendees to Chicago's Grant Park, a vibrant testament to Latin music's explosive growth from niche appeal to a dominant cultural force, according
May 24, 2026 · 2 min read
Taste of Chicago 2026 Adds Common, Beach Bunny, and Babyface to Lineup
The Taste of Chicago has already locked in headliners Common, Beach Bunny, and Babyface, alongside 84 food vendors and 20 food trucks, for its 2026 festival.
May 23, 2026 · 2 min read
Ford City Mall closure: Community opposes industrial park plan
After nearly 60 years, the JCPenney at Ford City Mall will close its doors on June 21, 2026, according to Blockclubchicago .
May 22, 2026 · 3 min read