Stories by Meredith Francis

Though the history books rarely mention her, social worker and avant-garde writer Mary Field Parton embodies Chicago's role as a focal point of political and social movements. 

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett, Illinois has won the Most Beautiful Bracket Challenge!

Kiara Jones thinks food is a love language, and she has built up a following on social media with her cooking videos. She's one of several students going through a West Side job readiness program called Impact Culinary Training. 

It's time for the finals of our Most Beautiful Bracket Challenge, with BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett facing off against Unity Temple in Oak Park. Vote for your favorite!

The semifinals for the Most Beautiful Bracket Challenge have arrived! In this round, we've got Ping Tom Park vs. Unity Temple, and Tribune Tower vs. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. Vote now! 

What do you think is the most beautiful place in Chicago? Vote in round one of our bracket challenge! Round one features eight locations included in The Most Beautiful Places in Chicago with Geoffrey Baer.

Did you keep up with the news in and around Chicago in February? Test your knowledge of local headlines with our February news quiz.

Celebrate Women's History Month with WTTW in March with the stories of women who were leaders in their fields. 

Amanda Christine Harth and Felton Kizer love Mondays. They want their coffee company to be about high-quality beans, the experience of coffee, and making a safe space for others. 

None of the 57 Super Bowls has taken place in Chicago, but Soldier Field did once host a "Super Bowl of Rock" featuring Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Foghat, the J. Geils Band, and more.