Public safety isn’t just about addressing the root causes of crime or stopping people from picking up a gun. Sometimes, making a neighborhood safer is as simple as a water balloon or a bounce house.

A group of students on the West Side are determined to make a big change by confronting environmental issues and working to bring solar energy to their community. We learn more about their vision for Garfield Park.

Bernard Barry has been charged with first-degree murder and other gun charges for the fatal shooting of 42-year-old Tyran Evans on Monday afternoon. He was ordered held without bond during a court hearing Wednesday.

When her music education program was cut from a charter school in East Garfield Park, a local teacher refused to quit on the kids in this underserved community. We check out the nonprofit BandWith to learn more.

There’s a new business incubator in Chicago that's cooking up some innovative food products on the West Side. And it’s the home for a culinary wizard’s passion project.

Chocolates, an artisan market and a sweet walk in the woods usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

CPS graduate Shawn Harrington is at the center of a harrowing but hopeful new book by Rus Bradburd, his former New Mexico State basketball coach-turned-author.

Wine, chocolate-covered treats, food trucks, nerdy comedians and cultural performances usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Scaly creatures, vintage vinyls and cheesy bites usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago. 

An early St. Patrick’s Day parade, thousands of orchids and a new take on Homer’s “Odyssey” usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Chicago is looking to transform two vacant lots into affordable housing, a proposal that’s part of an international sustainability contest the city hopes will help boost interest among potential developers.

Merry DIY markets, holiday music, furry friends, dream homes and festive trains usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago. 

Halloween fun, sugar skulls and chocolate treats, vintage treasures and cutting-edge technology usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Neighborhood holiday markets, outsider art, cyclocross and Jerry Seinfeld usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Halloween parties, scary movies, vintage finds and even some creatures of the night usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Stroll through gardens, sample craft beer, watch movies under the stars, tour "green" homes and more this weekend.