Chicago City Council Video Gambling Battle Takes New Turn
Chicago's License Committee rejected ward-by-ward video gambling bans requested by six mayoral allies, defying the longstanding aldermanic prerogative tradition.
About Michael
Michael Kowalski is the founding editor of Chicago Gust, bringing over two decades of journalism experience to the Windy City's newest independent news publication. A third-generation Chicagoan with deep South Side roots in Bridgeport, Michael spent 15 years at the Chicago Sun-Times covering city hall and local politics before launching Chicago Gust. He holds a journalism degree from Northwestern's Medill School and has received multiple Peter Lisagor Awards for political reporting. When he's not chasing stories, you'll find him at Guaranteed Rate Field watching the Sox or grabbing Italian beef at his neighborhood's legendary spots.
Articles by Michael
CTA Riders Shoved onto L Tracks Once a Month, Data Shows
A Sun-Times analysis found 60+ riders shoved onto CTA L tracks since 2021, averaging roughly one incident per month on Chicago's train system.
Chicago Faces $27M Settlement in Deadly Police Chase Case
Chicago taxpayers may pay $27M to settle a deadly 2017 police chase case after the city's appeal backfired, tripling the original $10M jury verdict.
Chicago Developer Owes CTA $1M+ in Back Rent and Late Fees
Scott Goodman's Farpoint Development owes the CTA over $1 million in back rent and $11 million in late fees tied to a West Loop office lease.
Brooks Baldwin Sidelined by Elbow Inflammation
White Sox outfielder Brooks Baldwin has been out since March 6 with right elbow inflammation, putting his Opening Day availability in doubt.
Chicago Housing Authority Moves to Strip Board Member's Voucher
Chicago Housing Authority seeks to revoke Commissioner Debra Parker's housing voucher over fraud allegations, while also pushing for her removal from the board.
Chicago's Most Anticipated Spring 2026 Restaurant Openings
From a mid-century Chicago bar in West Town to a D.C. bagel shop's Midwest debut, here are the spring 2026 restaurant openings generating the most buzz.
City Colleges of Chicago Students See Higher Graduation Rates
New research shows City Colleges of Chicago support program participants are graduating at higher rates and landing better-paying jobs than peers.
CTA Expands Safety Plan to Protect Federal Transit Funding
The Chicago Transit Authority unveiled a new security package with increased police presence and stricter enforcement to safeguard hundreds of millions in federal funds.
Security Guard Dies Breaking Up Fight at Hubbard Inn
Bryan Watson, 35, died after being pushed down stairs while breaking up a fight at Hubbard Inn. Police released the suspect without charges, sparking scrutiny.
Hamilton Returns to Chicago's CIBC Theatre Review 2026
Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton returns to Chicago's CIBC Theatre through April 26, hitting harder than ever amid America's shifting political landscape.
Chicago Craft Brewery Closures 2026: What's Behind the Wave
Five Chicago-area breweries have closed or announced closures in early 2026, leaving the local craft beer industry on edge about what comes next.
Chicagoan Francisco Duilior Rebuilds Life After Deportation
After three decades in Chicago's Little Village, Francisco Duilior was deported to Mexico, revealing the human cost of immigration enforcement in 2026.
Security Guard Dies After Being Pushed Down Stairs at Hubbard Inn
A 35-year-old security guard died after being pushed down stairs during a fight at Hubbard Inn in Chicago's River North neighborhood early Monday.
Midway Blitz Spring Sequel Shows No Signs of Materializing
Federal threats to repeat Chicago's 'Midway Blitz' immigration enforcement surge this spring have not materialized, continuing a pattern of rhetoric outpacing action.
Chicago River Dyeing, Multiple Parades Highlight Week-Long St. Patrick's Day Celebrations
Chicago area residents will have numerous opportunities to celebrate St. Patrick's Day this year, with festivities spanning more than a week and featuring the iconic river dyeing, multiple parades, and community festivals across the city and suburbs.
Hamilton' Returns to Chicago's CIBC Theatre with Fresh Energy and Timeless Relevance
Lin-Manuel Miranda's groundbreaking musical "Hamilton" has returned to Chicago's CIBC Theatre in the Loop, running through April 26 with a cast that delivers the same electric energy that made the show a cultural phenomenon over a decade ago.
Peoples Gas Defends $202M Rate Hike Before City Council Despite Record Profits
Peoples Gas officials defended a proposed $202 million rate increase before Chicago City Council members Tuesday, arguing the hike is necessary to complete mandated pipeline replacements despite consumer advocates' fierce opposition.
Chicago Stands Alone Among Major Cities in Giving Mayor Council Leadership and Veto Powers
Chicago operates under a unique governance structure that concentrates unusual power in the mayor's office, making it the only major American city where the mayor both presides over the City Council and holds veto authority, according to an analysis of municipal government structures.
Local Child Services Leader Calls for Support of Social Workers During National Recognition Month
Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois is highlighting the critical role of social workers as the nation observes National Social Work Month in March, according to the organization's president and CEO.
Fitch Downgrades Chicago's Credit Rating Following Budget Battle Between Johnson and City Council
Chicago's credit rating has been downgraded by Fitch Ratings following last year's contentious budget negotiations between Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City Council, according to the rating agency's recent announcement.
Hundreds Honor Rev. Jesse Jackson as Civil Rights Leader Lies in Repose at Rainbow PUSH Coalition
Hundreds of mourners lined Drexel Avenue in Kenwood on Thursday morning as Rev. Jesse Jackson's lying-in-repose services began at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition headquarters, according to attendees at the scene.
Chicago's Return to Normal Winter Weather Boosts Some Businesses While Others Adapt to Climate Trends
Chicago is experiencing a more traditional winter this year after several seasons of unusually mild weather, providing a boost to certain sectors of the local economy while highlighting how businesses are adapting to long-term climate changes.
Pritzker Signs Executive Order to Fast-Track Nuclear Power Development in Illinois
Gov. JB Pritzker signed an executive order aimed at expediting nuclear power plant development in Illinois, setting the stage for construction of facilities that could power up to two million homes by 2033.
New Federal Tax Changes for 2025 Include Higher SALT Deduction Cap, Child Savings Accounts
Chicago-area taxpayers face several significant tax changes for 2025 under President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, with implications that will affect returns filed in 2027.
New Federal Tax Law Raises SALT Deduction Cap to $40,000, Benefiting Illinois Homeowners
Illinois taxpayers will see significant changes to their federal tax returns following the passage of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act, which raised the state and local tax deduction cap from $10,000 to $40,000 for most filers.
River North Sports Bar Theory Draws Formula 1 Fans with Early Morning Race Broadcasts
Theory, a two-story sports bar in River North, has carved out a unique niche among Chicago's Formula 1 enthusiasts by opening early to broadcast overseas races, according to a recent dining review.
Guatemalan Chef Opens Mazor in Fulton River District, Featuring Fresh Masa and Monthly Fine Dining
Chef Cristian Orozco will open Mazor, a new counter-service restaurant in the Fulton River District, in early February, according to the chef.
Chicago Rivet & Machine Short Interest Drops Nearly 50%
The Chicago-based manufacturer of rivets and fasteners saw short interest fall from 6,037 shares to 3,144 shares by month's end, signaling reduced bearish sentiment.
Indiana Sets Feb 27 Deadline for Bears Stadium Deal
Indiana lawmakers say any financial agreement for a Bears stadium in northwest Indiana must be finalized before the legislative session ends Feb. 27.
Chicago-area wrestlers face brutal sectional matchups
Mount Carmel, Marmion and other local schools prepare for make-or-break sectional tournaments this weekend with state championships on the line.
North Lawndale to add greenhouse, expand community gardens
The Garden 2 Table Pipeline plans to grow over 8,200 pounds of produce annually and distribute 1,000 meals weekly across North Lawndale using expanded facilities.