Stories by Yahya Salem

When the COVID-19 lockdown hit in March 2020, Chicago’s artistic productions were abruptly placed on hold. Now more than two years later, theater companies are evaluating a path forward with an audience that has new expectations. 

As part of the Green Schools Project, schools engage in project-based challenges to develop and implement creative, low-cost, sustainable practices. Those schools receive resources and support from the Illinois Green Alliance to collaborate on a year-long project which they can present at the end of the school year.

In Jessica Mlinaric’s latest book, decipher rhyming riddles and visual clues that lead to over 300 little-known Chicago attractions ranging from architectural oddities to public artworks to nature areas and more.

This year’s C2E2 took place in the summer, less than eight months after its 2021 iteration, as organizers gradually revert to the event’s original spring calendar, which was disrupted due to COVID-19 restrictions.

In an appearance on “Chicago Tonight,” CTA President Dorval Carter said the agency is working closely with the Chicago Police Department to deploy additional resources to address crime concerns. Recruitment efforts are also underway to help with a worker shortage. 

Funding for the CityArts Program increased by 280% in 2022, climbing from $1.7 million in 2021 to $6.5 million, according to a news release. The awards follow the announcement that $26 million will be provided in new arts and culture investments as part of the city’s 2022 budget.

From homelessness to house parties to the major leagues. From Berwyn to Hollywood. DJ Livia has a life full of experiences and had worked with an impressive list of celebrities despite being only 15 years old.

Three new publications by Chicago students are available for pre-order now through the work of nonprofit 826CHI, which partners with Chicago Public Schools to provide free, project-based field trips to CPS classrooms, as well as in-school programming.

Depending on who you ask, the unusual timing of the elections, issues with voters’ access to the polls, and election judges resigning right before polls open all contributed to the low turnout among Chicago and suburban Cook County’s 3.1 million registered voters. 

Seven people were killed and more than 30 were injured in a mass shooting at Highland Park’s Fourth of July parade on Monday. In the day since, numerous campaigns are being set up to help the victims and provide resources to affected families.

The overarching themes of the three-day event revolved around the role of storytelling and art in criminal justice organizing. The summit included training sessions and workshops led by local activists, defense attorneys and media professionals with the aim of educating the invited participants on topics such as campaign strategies, effective storytelling, and enhancing alignment across communities.