As fans gather to watch this summer's FIFA World Cup, coaches, players and families across the city hope the global spotlight inspires more girls to lace up their cleats and strengthen Chicago’s growing women's soccer community.

As the nation marks its 250th Independence Day, the Chicago History Museum's refreshed "Facing Freedom" exhibit explores how generations of activists have shaped the meaning of freedom through stories rooted in Chicago.

After a night of torrential rain, a humid Hyde Park celebrates a massive milestone. The neighborhood’s 34th annual “4th on 53rd” parade is officially underway, marking a historic 250th birthday for the United States.

As the United States marks its 250th anniversary on Saturday, July 4, Columbia students facing rising costs and uncertain career paths are redefining what success looks like.

As the Obama Presidential Center prepares to release another round of museum tickets next week, visitors describe an experience that blends history, emotion and lessons about democracy.

Thousands gathered for Chicago's 55th annual Pride Parade on Sunday, June 28, celebrating queer joy.

The Chicago Park District runs a multi-week ceramics course in the Irving Park neighborhood that is designed to be accessible to Deaf, hard of hearing, blind and visually impaired artists.

Since graduating in May 2025, Columbia alum Qianyi Wang has been balancing multiple jobs while maintaining her temporary work authorization as an international student.

As federal immigration enforcement increases across Chicago, some Latino residents, including U.S. citizens, say they fear being detained. One Pilsen resident has largely stayed home, worried he will be targeted simply because he is Latino. Fernando has rarely left his home in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood since immigration enforcement intensified in the city this fall. A U.S. citizen, he spends his days working on cars and household projects, avoiding even routine trips for groceries out of fear that he could be detained by federal agents. The Chronicle is withholding his last name at his request because he fears being targeted. Fernando crossed the border from Mexico with his brother in 1982. After a brief detention, he was released and later granted asylum in 1986. In the early 1980s, asylum procedures were far less formalized than today. He became a U.S. citizen in 2008, more than two decades after first arriving. He has since built a life in Chicago, he said, but now fears it could be taken away.

Through self-produced shows and grassroots organizing, Latino musicians are rebuilding community spaces rooted in resistance and belonging during a period of heightened fear around immigration enforcement.

Hunter Prehn Lindstrom is working toward becoming a USDA-certified butcher.