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From Rare Imports to an Operatic Favorite, Here Are 5 Arts and Culture Picks for the Weekend

Sculpture from Italy, theater from Peru, the inspiration for “Rent” — this week’s offerings include rare imports, an operatic favorite and a homegrown songwriter with a cinematic mind. See you at the show.

Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, March 12, 2025 - Full Show

How major cuts to the Department of Education could impact local schools. And Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton on Illinois’ push against the Trump administration.

‘A Tsunami Coming From Washington’: Chicago, Illinois Leaders Respond to Education Department Layoffs

Officials from Chicago and Illinois are sounding the alarm as the U.S. Department of Education plans to lay off about half of its workforce, putting its future in peril while causing “chaos” for students and schools throughout the country.

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton on the Trump Administration, Cuts to the Department of Education

Illinois is facing challenges in the still early days of President Donald Trump’s second term, and the state is pushing back. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton joined “Chicago Tonight: Black Voices” to talk more about the state’s response.

Slots at Your Fingertips? Illinois Considers Legalizing Mobile Gambling

Instead of going to a casino to play poker or a bar to play the slots, so-called iGaming participants could play on their tablets or phones, a change that backers told lawmakers at a Springfield hearing on Wednesday could bring in another $1 billion annually.

Discrimination Cases in Limbo as Education Department Layoffs Gut Its Civil Rights Office

Seven of the civil rights agency’s 12 regional offices were entirely laid off, including busy hubs in New York, Chicago and Dallas. Despite assurances that the department’s work will continue unaffected, huge numbers of cases appear to be in limbo.

Finding His Roots: New York Artist Discovers Much to Love in Humboldt Park as Exhibition Opens

The lives of artist Adrián Viajero Román's family members are reflected in the new exhibition “Archivos Vivos” at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture.

Chicago City Council Votes 19-26 to Reject Push to Ban Sale of New Furs

Supporters of the ban said it would strike a necessary blow against animal cruelty, while opponents said it would harm Chicago businesses.

Egg Prices Continue to Hit Records as Easter and Passover Approach, But Some Relief May Be Coming

If prices remain high, it will be third year in a row consumers have faced sticker shock ahead of Easter on April 20 and Passover, which starts on the evening of April 12, both occasions in which eggs play prominent roles.

Real ID ‘Supercenter’ Opens in Downtown Chicago Ahead of May 7 Federal Enforcement Date

The downtown facility aims to meet the “unprecedented demand” for Real IDs while easing strain on DMV operations, according to the Secretary of State’s Office.

With Latest Settlement, Taxpayers Spent $8.7M to Settle, Defend Lawsuits Accusing CPD Officers of Misconduct During Protests, Unrest in 2020

The Chicago City Council voted 34-15 Wednesday to pay $280,000 to activist Miracle Boyd, who was struck by a Chicago police officer during a protest in Grant Park near the Christopher Columbus statue in July 2020.

CTA Board OKs Bus Lane Cameras, $3.5M Crash Settlement; President Outlines Springfield Outreach Amid Debate Over Transit’s Future

The CTA board of directors approved the purchase of cameras aimed at catching bus lane scofflaws on Wednesday, making good on a plan announced last year as part of a pilot program.

Friends of the Parks Taps Nonprofit Veteran as New Executive Director, Vows to Take on ‘New Threats and Challenges’

Brian Gladstein, a long-time Rogers Park resident with an extensive background in nonprofit management, will lead the organization into its 50th year.

Local Live Music Recommendations for March 12-18

Each Wednesday, WTTW News producer Josh Terry presents must-see live music shows from indie rock to jazz, country, hip-hop and more.

Army Corps Drops Plan to Expand Toxic Dump on Lake Michigan

The dump — known as a confined disposal facility — was constructed in 1984 to store polluted sediment dredged from the Calumet River and Cal-Sag Channel. When it reached capacity, the initial plan was to top off the 45-acre site and turn it over to the Chicago Park District. Instead, the Army Corps proposed a 22-foot vertical expansion that would extend the dump’s life for another 20 years.