Kenya Merritt’s DCASE appointment advances as alderpersons voice concerns about whistleblower lawsuit

During a lengthy City Hall meeting, arts leaders praised Merritt’s leadership. But an unresolved lawsuit from a former employee looms over her confirmation.

Looking for a mentor in Chicago? Our illustrated zine has you covered

Charles Brown, a professor and pastor, has mentored many young men in Chicago. He shares his top tips for young people who would like to find and connect with a mentor.

In ‘Windfall,’ Oscar winner Tarell Alvin McCraney asks if money really buys justice for Black men

Tarell Alvin McCraney’s new play “Windfall,” running through May 31 at Steppenwolf, follows a father who loses a child to police violence and stands to inherit a hefty sum from the government.

Cardinal Cupich, other Chicago-area faith leaders push back on religious rhetoric used to justify war

“It’s not the first time that political leaders have tried to compromise scripture and the Word of God for their own purposes, and I think most people see through that,” Cardinal Blase Cupich said in an exclusive interview.

Nearly 70 Chicago groups receive micro-grants after SNAP cuts, deportation campaign

The $4,500 city grants are meant to support small businesses and community groups struggling after the federal deportation campaign and cuts to food assistance under the Trump administration.

Lyric Opera will bring back its summer musical with ‘Guys and Dolls’ after a four-season hiatus

Lyric Opera of Chicago will bring back its summer musical with a 2027 production of “Guys and Dolls” after a four-season hiatus, the company announced Thursday.

Michelada Fest announces full lineup with an added free day after last year’s cancellations

Michelada Fest is back after a year-long hiatus sparked by concerns over the “rapidly changing political climate” and artist visa issues. Latin Mafia, Jhayco, Jessie Reyez and Sean Paul are headlining the three-day event.

Illinois regulators have little power to stop hospital closures. Lawmakers are stepping in.

“The state, with legislation like this, is really stepping up to make sure that our hospital system is strong and that people are able to get the care that they need … so we are really ready for whatever happens in the future,” said State Sen. Laura Fine, who is sponsoring the Senate bill.

CPS Board calls on Gov. Pritzker to reject federal program that funds private school tuition

The Chicago Board of Education approved a resolution Wednesday calling on Gov. JB Pritzker to reject a federal program championed by the Trump administration that can help cover private school tuition or offset public school costs.

WBEZ is teaming up with NPR to showcase the winner of the 2026 Tiny Desk Contest alongside some of the best emerging talent Illinois has to offer. Out of thousands of entries, these are the artists that demanded to be heard!

Tickets on sale Friday 4/10 at 10 AM: https://mrf.lu/bT7f

What’s That Building? Two LGBTQ+ hotels planned on Halsted Street

“There have never been gay-oriented, gay-vibe hotels in the neighborhood,” said Bob Sievers, president of Interfocus Builders.

WBEZ launches Theater Club to see productions from Lookingglass, Steppenwolf and A Red Orchid Theatre

WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times is launching a Theater Club on April 18 with a trip to see “White Rooster” at Lookingglass Theater.

avery r. young reimagines opera with notes of blues and funk in upcoming world premiere

Chicago’s inaugural poet laureate, avery r. young, makes his Lyric mainstage debut with, “safronia,” loosely based on his family’s own Great Migration story.

Join us on 5/28 for an evening with Senator Chris Murphy as he unpacks his new book, Crisis of the Common Good. The Senator will discuss his framework centered on the “common good” that he argues can resonate across political perspectives.

Tickets at: https://mrf.lu/g93R

What are Chicago area lighthouses used for?

Lighthouses were manned by keepers until automation took over. Now, preservationists are working to restore Chicago’s most iconic one.

Join us on 5/6 for an evening with award-winning journalist & bestselling author Scott Simon! His book Ulysses S. Cat reflects on a lifetime of unforgettable pets. A tender look at love, humor & the animals who shape us.

Tickets at: https://mrf.lu/gP98

Chicago's migrants face scams, sky-high rents and squalor in search for housing

Shifting federal immigration policies and a new Illinois housing law have left Chicago migrants increasingly vulnerable to scams and inflated rents.

Join Patrick Radden Keefe in conversation with best-selling author Gillian Flynn for a night of reporting, revelation, and reckoning. Get your tickets today https://mrf.lu/gP0J

5 noteworthy art gallery exhibitions to check out during Expo Chicago

Many of the city’s dozens of commercial galleries take care to schedule shows during the high-end contemporary art fair to show off their spaces and lure art lovers who are in town for the event. Some highlights include Roger Brown, Youssef Nabil and a “hometown hero.”

New spring wardrobe? Head to the thrift shop

U.S. tariffs are driving up some clothing costs, making secondhand shopping more attractive. Say More talks with a local thrift shop co-founder and hears from listeners about their thrifting tips and favorite finds.

CPS students can now access books, tutoring, other library services with just a student ID

Chicago Public Schools students can now access books, tutors and other resources at city's 81 public libraries with just their student ID number.

Chicago bakers step up their sourdough game by branching out beyond the boule

“If I have to pick one thing that I’m most passionate about it is bread,” said Divs Ray of Umami from Scratch. “Whenever I feel very emotional, overwhelmed or sad, to process my emotions I make bread.”

Pritzker wants 25th Amendment invoked to remove President Trump from office over Iran threats

Pritzker joins an unlikely alliance of conservatives calling for the president's removal, including former U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, former MAGA ally and conservative radio host Alex Jones, conservative commentator Candace Owens.

Fighting Illini team ends its longest March Madness run in 21 years

The University of Illinois men's basketball team fell to the University of Connecticut 77-52 in the Final Four, closing out the program's longest tournament run since 2005. In the Loop breaks down what the run meant for fans and for business.

Sound & Gravity returns to Avondale, Bricktown over Labor Day weekend

More than 50 artists, including Resavoir, Dos Santos and Kassa Overall, will perform across seven venues for the second edition of Mike Reed’s fest.

Mystery-romance bookstore opens in North Center amid rise of specialty shops

The couple’s combined book tastes have culminated in the opening of the new North Center bookstore, Partners in Crime. Fittingly, the romance-mystery bookstore at 4105 N. Lincoln Ave. opened to the public on Valentine’s Day.

Brendan Hunt on Chicago, The Beatles and ‘Ted Lasso’

Actor-writer Brendan Hunt, co-star of ‘Ted Lasso,’ brings a new solo show to Steppenwolf Theatre. He discusses growing up in Chicago and takes calls from Say More listeners.

Chicago content creator finds healing through the art of restoring vintage Coach bags

Helena Kim, known online as Yoonie, has built a following of 1.2 million across platforms by sharing soothing videos about hunting for and restoring forgotten bargain-bin leather goods — feeling less like content, more like company.

Chicago's cherry blossoms are blooming — but for a limited time

Blooming has begun for some of the 230 cherry trees surrounding the Columbia Basin south of the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. But the beautiful blossoms won't last for long.

Vendors burdened by rising costs as Chicago farmers market season ramps up

Customers came out in the rain for the opening of Green City Market Lincoln Park on Saturday. Merchants expressed gratitude for the support amid high gas prices and federal funding cuts.