

Where Every Story Begins: Mornings in Silence, Unwritten Pages Wendy Roberts is already at her desk before the whole world has woken up. The sunlight in Vancouver is diffuse at first, welcoming rather than dictatorial. It has coffee to be had, a blank page on the screen, and the inaudible

By Julian Mercer Friendships often begin with excitement. New energy. New possibilities. A feeling that life has suddenly become bigger. But sometimes the same relationship that sparks reinvention slowly turns into something darker. That tension drives A Dangerous Friendship, a psychological novel that blends dark humor, nightlife chaos, and emotional

Chicago’s annual contemporary art fair opens at Navy Pier this Thursday, but the programming has already moved into the neighborhoods — and tonight, the South Side takes center stage. EXPO CHICAGO, the city’s largest annual gathering of contemporary and modern art, returns to Navy Pier’s Festival Hall for its 13th

By: Sarah Gartner Guinness World Records’ oldest working female comedian, D’yan Forest, is bringing her one-woman show, “D’yan Forest: A Gefilte Fish Out of Water,” to Chicago in partnership with the Chicago Jewish Alliance. The show will take place at the Skokie Theatre on June 18th, with doors opening at

Chicago does not need a departure gate to deliver a memorable summer. The city’s neighborhoods, waterfront, food scene, and cultural institutions offer enough to fill weeks of discovery without a checked bag or a boarding pass. For residents who want to slow down, spend intentionally, and actually experience the city

By: Ethan Lee The gospel music industry is witnessing a powerful shift as independent artists break through traditional barriers to reach global audiences. For many listeners, the challenge lies in finding music that feels both professionally polished and spiritually authentic. In an era of manufactured sounds, there is a growing

By Devin Wallace In Bad Americans: Part II, author Tejas Desai returns to the world he introduced in the first installment with a deeper, more layered exploration of human behavior under pressure. Rather than offering resolution, the novel opens in the immediate aftermath of a charged accusation, setting the tone

Most books about faith begin with certainty. Know, Trust, Abandon begins with questions. Written by Gerald Mackrell, an 86-year-old retired industry professional, the book does not attempt to persuade through doctrine or instruction. Instead, it reflects a lifetime spent returning repeatedly to the same fundamental uncertainties that define human existence:

By: Roger Anderson The Significance of The Jones Awards The Jones Awards are more than just a ceremonial evening; they represent a meaningful shift in how we view cultural contributions from local communities. Jeremy Jones believes in the power of shared narratives that often go unrecognized. “These awards aim to

By: Chenyang Nie In a quiet Los Angeles gallery on La Cienega Boulevard, an intimate exhibition invites viewers not just to see—but to feel. Curated by Chenyang Nie and presented by the nonprofit Artistry Edge, the group exhibition Her Nonverbal Notes offers a delicate exploration of female inner worlds, expressed

By: Elena Mart Amidst intense argument on racism, responsibility, and identity, there’s one voice that rises above the rest, relentless, incisive, and determined to reverse the currents of Black consciousness. That voice is Prof. George Nyamndi, whose latest book, The Urgency of Black Madness, deconstructs dominant narratives and readjusts the

By: Kattie Muniz “What is bachata dance?” Ask a Chicagoan this Labor Day week stretch and you’re liable to get more than a definition. You’ll get an invitation to a Hyatt ballroom turned Caribbean patio, to twining guitar music that once drifted through Santo Domingo’s bars, and to the city-spanning

Teen talent, TV finalist, Soon-to-be author, Josslyn Banh is a name to remember, one that represents not just youthful creativity and performance power, but resilience, mentorship, and a mission to inspire. From reaching the finals of not just one but two educational TV shows, including Life Academy Season 1 and

When it comes to outdoor yard and beach games, a few big names have long dominated the scene—Spikeball, Kan Jam, and cornhole, to name a few. But now, there’s a new player in town that’s gaining attention: Disc Warrior. Combining the thrill of throwing discs with competitive gameplay, Disc Warrior

By: Casey Truitt In a world of algorithm-driven playlists and formulaic pop hits, the Rick Lee Vinson Group stands apart. This Las Vegas-based ensemble, led by the multi-talented Rick Lee Vinson, has built a reputation for soulful, genre-blending performances that challenge musical norms while staying grounded in emotional truth. Since

Dave Reggina is not your typical leadership expert. Known for his candid approach to discipline, growth, and leadership, Reggina aims to bring a message of authenticity and resilience to cities across the United States. Through his debut book, 30 Lessons to Lead, he offers a guide for personal transformation, focusing

On two July weekends (July 12-13 and July 19-20), the Illinois Railway Museum (IRM) will once again trade its gentle prairie hush for the unmistakable “Peep Peep!” of Thomas the Tank Engine™. But this season, the beloved #1 blue engine isn’t just offering a real train ride. Day Out With

Voltaire’s Ghost, a band hailing from the scenic hills of Western Colorado, has captured the attention of listeners with their unique blend of Gothic, Rock, and Classical influences. With a sound that has been described as Dark Pop and Cosmic Goth, the band has quickly made a name for itself

By: Miles Granger In King of the Groove: How One Dream Transformed into 60 Years of Making Legendary Music, John “JR” Robinson opens the door to a life lived on the beat—and beyond it. Robinson is widely recognized as one of the most recorded drummers in history, with an impressive

By: Elowen Gray M.S. Dalzell’s Breathless Escape is a deeply evocative and suspenseful novel that spans continents, cultures, and generations. In the reflective yet determined voice of Adrian Michael Danton III, the novel unspools a life of double lives, geopolitical fiction, and a man’s relentless pursuit of purpose and belonging.

By: David L. The publication of Xue Ding’s new critical edition of Carl Stamitz’s Viola Concerto in D Major reflects both a personal artistic journey and a contribution to the field of viola performance practice. This comprehensive edition, available through JW Pepper, traces its origins to a pivotal moment in

By: Chenyang Nie Luyao Chang is a multidisciplinary artist born in Japan and raised in China. Her practice moves fluidly between sculpture, installation, and moving image, weaving together reason and intuition, playfulness and unease, the personal and the structural. Through her evolving artistic language, she draws viewers into spaces of

By: Angel L. Lyons In The Lighthouse, Tom D. Welsh presents a deeply moving story of reinvention, resilience, and the enduring human drive to seek purpose, even in challenging times. Through the parallel journeys of Henry Strong, a man burdened by past tragedy, and Charlie, a young Marine navigating the

By: Raymond Donaldson Maintaining a Legacy Through New Endeavors Today, Maurice Christian’s contributions to music continue to resonate, especially as a key member of the iconic R&B group, The Main Ingredient. Known for their smooth harmonies and soulful melodies, the group represents a significant part of America’s musical landscape. Maurice,

Chicago’s summer festivals are some of the most anticipated events in the city, drawing thousands of locals and tourists each year. From food and music to art and culture, these festivals offer something for everyone, making them an essential part of the city’s summer experience. The allure of Chicago’s summer

Podcasts have become an increasingly popular medium that blends knowledge and entertainment in ways many find appealing. What factors contribute to podcasts becoming a preferred choice for both learning and relaxation? How do these audio experiences fit into the routines of diverse listeners and continue to attract growing audiences? By

Stories often begin in the smallest of moments—childhood adventures, family traditions, and the places that shape us. For Kathie FitzPatrick, author, television producer, and creative force, those moments unfolded in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she grew up surrounded by some of California’s most memorable landscapes. From family outings

During World War II, many families and lovers found themselves separated by great distances and depended on handwritten notes, moving at an excruciatingly slow speed. Though behind every bold print were tales of regular individuals creating extraordinary relationships, newspapers were full of distressing headlines. Against this turbulent backdrop emerges one