Children playing at a “Light in the Night” event. (WTTW News)
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Public safety isn’t just about addressing the root causes of crime or stopping people from picking up a gun. Sometimes, making a neighborhood safer is as simple as a water balloon or a bounce house.

Al Raby High School teacher Jasmine Jones, second from left, and her students talk about their solar panel project. (WTTW News)
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A group of students on the West Side are determined to make a big change by confronting environmental issues and working to bring solar energy to their community. We learn more about their vision for Garfield Park.
(WTTW News)

Bernard Barry has been charged with first-degree murder and other gun charges for the fatal shooting of 42-year-old Tyran Evans on Monday afternoon. He was ordered held without bond during a court hearing Wednesday.

BandWith founder Anna Palomino, left, instructs 10-year-old Arviyanna Bell during a ukulele lesson at Marillac St. Vincent Family Services in East Garfield Park on Oct. 15, 2020. (WTTW News)
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When her music education program was cut from a charter school in East Garfield Park, a local teacher refused to quit on the kids in this underserved community. We check out the nonprofit BandWith to learn more.

There’s a new business incubator in Chicago that's cooking up some innovative food products on the West Side. And it’s the home for a culinary wizard’s passion project.

(Hans / Pixabay)

Chocolates, an artisan market and a sweet walk in the woods usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Shawn Harrington (Credit: NMSU and Dennis Daily)

CPS graduate Shawn Harrington is at the center of a harrowing but hopeful new book by Rus Bradburd, his former New Mexico State basketball coach-turned-author.

(Courtesy Special Events Management)

Wine, chocolate-covered treats, food trucks, nerdy comedians and cultural performances usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Scaly creatures, vintage vinyls and cheesy bites usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago. 

(Courtesy of South Side Irish Parade Committee)

An early St. Patrick’s Day parade, thousands of orchids and a new take on Homer’s “Odyssey” usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

(Google Maps)

Chicago is looking to transform two vacant lots into affordable housing, a proposal that’s part of an international sustainability contest the city hopes will help boost interest among potential developers.

(Courtesy of Renegade Craft Fair)

Merry DIY markets, holiday music, furry friends, dream homes and festive trains usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago. 

(National Museum of Mexican Art / Facebook)

Halloween fun, sugar skulls and chocolate treats, vintage treasures and cutting-edge technology usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Cyclocross racers, including one in costume, take part in Afterglow 2011. (Steven Vance / Flickr)

Neighborhood holiday markets, outsider art, cyclocross and Jerry Seinfeld usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Retail therapy comes with vintage flair at this weekend's Randolph Street Market Festival. (Courtesy Randolph Street Market)

Halloween parties, scary movies, vintage finds and even some creatures of the night usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

From flowers to brews, this weekend's Sheffield Garden Walk and Craft Beer Fest is are about the bouquets. (Courtesy Special Events Management)

Stroll through gardens, sample craft beer, watch movies under the stars, tour "green" homes and more this weekend.