Stories by Erica Demarest

An arts festival, walking tour and May the Fourth weekend events usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in and around Chicago.

Federal prosecutors allege eight of the nine defendants are members or associates of the Black P Stone Nation street gang. Charges include firearms trafficking, distribution of a controlled substance and possession of a weapon as a convicted felon.

A block party, poetry festival and spring art shows usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in and around Chicago.

A photo exhibit, rum festival and cherry blossoms usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in and around Chicago.

Art exhibits, a boxing tournament and Earth Month festivities usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in Chicago.

An art exhibit, improv brunch and classical Chinese dance usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in Chicago.

Police were called to Highland Park High School following a report of a student with a gun. The school was locked down Tuesday; no shots were fired.

River cruises, egg hunts and a beer festival usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in and around Chicago.

A dance concert, film screenings and opera premiere usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in Chicago.

Maple syrup, stand-up comedy and classical music usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in and around Chicago.

Parades, magic shows and a film festival usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in Chicago.

Indoor garden shows, a wintry polar plunge and Holi festivities usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in Chicago.

Chicago police Superintendent David Brown said the officer was a five-year veteran who had responded to a call of a woman being chased by a man with a gun. “This is something that no family should have to face.”

Carnivale, flamenco dancing and a polar adventure usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in Chicago.

Theater performances, an African American art exhibition and an international dance congress usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in and around Chicago.

Restaurant specials, a ski jump competition and an orchid show usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in Chicago.

A beer festival, jazz performance and small print show usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in and around Chicago.

A musical, parade, seed swap and more usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in and around Chicago.