Chicago magnet school students can’t count on a bus ride to class as driver shortage continues

Chicago Public Schools is prioritizing students with disabilities, students who are homeless and low-income students first for bus rides.

Sandro and Jesse Arzola pose for a portrait

Jonathan Aguilar / Borderless Magazine

West Chicago is cleaning up the last of its nuclear contamination. Residents exposed to radiation say ‘it’s not over.’

A local factory was once the largest producer of thorium in the world. This fall, the “radioactive capital of the Midwest” is doing one last cleanup.

Koshie Mills (Helena) and Manny Sevilla (Demetrius) in "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

Steven Townshend / Distant Era

A Chicago theater director takes on the Bard: ‘If we have to change a word, we will’

With free shows, diverse casting and a little artistic license, Midsommar Flight hopes to detangle Shakespeare and make it more appealing to audiences.

worshippers gather at Muslim Community Center mosque

Esther Yoon-Ji Kang / WBEZ

Illinois has the most Muslims per capita in the U.S. A new report provides a snapshot of their needs.

The report highlights assets, like business ownership, and needs, like mental health services, for more than 350,000 Muslims in Illinois.

The Bear actor walks down Chicago street under L tracks

Matt Dinerstein / FX

‘The Bear’ is the breakout TV series of summer, thanks to its supporting cast

Set in an old-school Italian beef joint, the hit series gets Chicago mostly right, courtesy of the local actors it sourced from theaters, restaurants and all walks of life.

WBEZ

Chi Sounds Like Showcase

Date: Thursday, August 4
Time: 8:30pm
Price: $5
Location: Subterranean - 2011 W North Ave

Join Vocalo for the summer edition of Chi Sounds Like Showcase, a celebration of Chicago artists. Taking place at the historic Subterranean, the evening will feature live performances from four of our favorite hip-hop and R&B artists from across Chicago. Featured artists include: Joel Q, Heavy Crownz, nombreKARI and Christian JaLon.

WBEZ

Open Mic Night in Ukrainian Village

Date: Thursday, August 11
Time: 6pm
Price: Free
Location: EZ Inn - 921 North Western Avenue

Join WBEZ's Anna Savchenko and other WBEZ reporters on for an open mic night at the EZ Inn in Ukrainian Village. All are welcome to attend, and anyone with a personal connection to the war in Ukraine is welcome to share their story, whether it’s long or short.

WBEZ

Mental Health in Chicago Schools

Dates: Thursday, August 18
Time: 7pm
Price: Free
Location: WBEZ YouTube

Ahead of the 2022-2023 school year, WBEZ and Illinois Latino News are aiming to help parents prepare to keep their kids healthy while learning. This virtual event will be built based on survey responses from Chicago parents. Our goal is to give you the information and resources you need to start the next school year off on the right foot!