Illinois recently released the 2025 School Report Card that should prompt a serious conversation about the future of education in the state. This year’s report card, the first issued under Illinois’ new scoring system, showed higher proficiency rates in reading and math. But state leaders have been clear about why: They lowered the bar for proficiency. The numbers look better … [Read more...] about Bruce Rauner: When it comes to K-12 education, Illinois families deserve high standards and proven policies
Patrons pour one out for Miskatonic Brewing as it shuts down in Darien
Loyal patrons of Miskatonic Brewing Company, a fixture for 10 years in Darien, packed the place on its final Sunday, eager to sample at least one more pint of the brews that had them coming back for more. Josh Mowry, 39, a co-owner of the craft brewery and pub with partner John Wyzkiewicz, said the financial strain of running a second site led to the difficult decision to … [Read more...] about Patrons pour one out for Miskatonic Brewing as it shuts down in Darien
Lizzadro Museum’s Community Music Programs curates auditory art
The Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art in Oak Brook always features lots to look at. Once a month, there’s also something special to hear during the museum’s Community Music Programs. Upcoming programs feature New Vintage Strings, presenting “A Century of Songs: Hits Through the Decades” on Jan. 11; Downtown Charlie Brown on Feb. 1; and David Polk on March 22. The events all are … [Read more...] about Lizzadro Museum’s Community Music Programs curates auditory art
Classical music for winter 2026: Embracing the unexpected
Chicago might have already hit its first deep freeze, but the local classical music scene pulses with life this season. Mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato, the Chicago Symphony’s artist-in-residence, returns to sing a work specially written for her and string trio Time For Three (Feb. 10), and director-in-waiting Klaus Mäkelä bookends his East Coast CSO tour with two home-turf … [Read more...] about Classical music for winter 2026: Embracing the unexpected
Theater for winter 2026: ‘Hamnet,’ a local ‘Evan Hansen’ and Robert Falls returns to the Goodman
A new year has dawned and Chicago’s energetic new theater season will keep your winter chill away. Here’s a quick look at 10 of the most intriguing shows opening between now and the end of March, listed in alphabetical order. I’ve not yet seen these shows, of course, so I always offer the caveat that some may not live up to expectations — but the odds are good! It hardly needs … [Read more...] about Theater for winter 2026: ‘Hamnet,’ a local ‘Evan Hansen’ and Robert Falls returns to the Goodman