The arts cover a wide range of activities with different “active ingredients,” such as aesthetics, sensory or physical stimulation, and social interaction.

Every Thursday, WTTW News newsletter producer Josh Terry highlights his picks for the week’s must-see cultural events.

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

It’s been just over a year since white smoke billowed out of the Sistine Chapel, announcing the election of a new pope. Now, a new biography looks at Pope Leo XIV’s life, his influences and his first months leading the Roman Catholic Church.

The road that helped stitch the nation together with automobile travel turns 100 this year. As the starting point for Route 66, Illinois plays a central role in launching centennial celebrations.

For nearly 40 years, the Chicago Sinfonietta has worked to advance equity in classical music by expanding access for underserved communities and developing diverse talent. The institution will undergo a “strategic renewal period” focused on fundraising and revising its operating model.

Every Thursday, WTTW News newsletter producer Josh Terry highlights his picks for the week’s must-see cultural events.

Anupy Singla built her career on storytelling, working as a broadcast journalist before shifting to documenting her family’s recipes and making Indian food accessible to a larger audience. “Indian as Apple Pie” recently premiered on WTTW.

The summer film series runs most Tuesdays between June 30 and Aug. 18. All film screenings are free. This year’s lineup features crowd favorites and milestone anniversaries.

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

All entry to the museum is timed-ticketed, and visitors are strongly encouraged to reserve tickets online in advance, according to the center. Every Tuesday, the museum is free for Illinois residents.

The U.S. Postal Service on Tuesday is releasing eight stamps marking significant parts of the road in each of the states it traverses, passing by vintage diners, gas stations and motels — many since preserved or restored — along with breathtaking vistas and wide horizons of the open road.

In his new documentary, “Food Roots,” Billy Dec invites viewers to see who he is under the iconic fedora as he travels to the Philippines to reconnect with relatives — uncovering culture, family recipes and parts of himself along the way.

Peabody and Emmy Award-winning producer Rita Coburn is offering a fresh way to look back on the legacy of civil rights pioneer and sociologist W.E.B. Du Bois.

The rapid growth of prediction markets has sparked a high-stakes debate that is playing out in courts and legislatures all over the country.

“Comedy gives you a unique avenue into all manner of news stories,” Jordan LaFlure said. “It’s a way to break down a complex issue and get to the core of the matter. … Comedy may be the best tool to hold people accountable.”