Stories by Erica Demarest

Get ready for fun with this Chicago festival guide to neighborhood street fests, art shows, outdoor concerts, cultural celebrations and summer events of all sizes across Chicago and the suburbs.

From public libraries to community centers, the city of Chicago offers more than 190 public facilities where anyone can go to keep warm this winter.

From light shows to theater, themed bars and dance spectacles, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season. We’ve rounded up some of the season’s highlights in Chicago and the suburbs.

A 30-year-old Chicago man has been charged with four counts of first-degree murder following a fatal Labor Day shooting on a CTA Blue Line train in suburban Forest Park. At a bond hearing Wednesday, Rhanni Davis was ordered detained pending trial.

Firefighter Jermaine Pelt was killed battling a West Pullman blaze in April 2023. Two men have been charged with murder and arson, while a third faces fraud and forgery charges.

Attorney Kathy Salvi ran unsuccessfully against incumbent U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth in 2022. Salvi assumes the post July 19, the day after the Republican National Convention wraps in Milwaukee.

Police said three people were fatally shot following a Feb. 25 altercation inside a Chatham home: two men, ages 20 and 36, and a 14-year-old boy. A 16-year-old boy was also shot and seriously wounded.

If you’re seeking activities that don’t break the bank this winter, look no further than local museums, zoos and gardens. A number have announced free admission days in 2024.

A magic show, menorah lighting and Pocket Con usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in Chicago.

A winter walk, art exhibit and community lighting event usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in Chicago.

Police said the 15-year-old boy was identified as one of the individuals who participated in numerous armed robberies in the early morning hours of Aug. 20.

A tree lighting, makers markets and Italian food usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in and around Chicago.

Whether you’re interested in theater or light shows, ice skating or shopping, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season. We’ve rounded up some of the season’s highlights in Chicago and the suburbs.

Comedy shows, a French market and dazzling lights usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in and around Chicago.

A dance series, film festival and Native American art usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in and around Chicago.

With winter fast approaching, the city of Chicago is reminding people that asylum seekers and homeless residents are in need of clothing, toiletries and other items.

Spooky music, pet costume contests and a deli exhibit usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in and around Chicago.

A musical showcase, aura portraits and a clothing swap usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in and around Chicago.

A film festival, arts celebration and Reuse-a-Palooza usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in and around Chicago.

River tours, home tours and fall festivals usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in Chicago.

Art walks, a charity run and a 12-foot puppet usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in and around Chicago.

An art walk, film festival and house music party usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in and around Chicago.

Oktoberfest, Oksoberfest and a pair of arts festivals usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in and around Chicago.

Dumplings, fossils and a 5K usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in Chicago.

Irish days, African arts and a Labor Day parade usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in and around Chicago.

Kia and Hyundai vehicles made up 41% of all Chicago car thefts in 2022 — despite the fact Kias and Hyundais account for just 7% of vehicles in the city, according to the lawsuit.