Future Articles

The Music Institute Honors Chicago Legends May 18

Bill Kurtis and Donna La Pietra receive the Cultural Visionary Award; the Lyric Opera of Chicago receives the Dushkin Award at the Music Institute of Chicago’s 95th Anniversary Gala, Monday May 18 at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. Grammy Award–winning Marta Aznavoorian receives the Richard D. Colburn Award for Teaching Excellence. Gala co-chairs: Carlos R. Cardenas and Shiraz Kotte.

Full article text received Apr 28. Three photos included: cover (Donna La Pietra and Bill Kurtis), Lyric Opera (Enrique Mazzola and John Mangum), Marta Aznavoorian. Caption for Lyric Opera photo: “Lyric Opera Music Director Enrique Mazzola and Lyric General Director John Mangum.”

Chicago: An Express History Part Two — Riding the Gravy Train

Part 2 of 3: Chicago 1871–1939. Covers the Great Fire, the rise of the L, the 1893 World’s Fair, meatpacking dominance, labor struggles (Haymarket, Pullman Strike), the Great Migration, Prohibition, and the Great Depression’s impact on the city. Teaser: “By 1900, Chicago had become the second city of the nation, teeming with people and built on the bedrock of its railroad network.”

Full article text received Apr 29 from Ana Baca. Five photos + cover (all sourced from Chicago History Museum archive). Photo markers in text: COVER, PHOTO 1–5 with captions. Judy confirmed: “Let’s run it this week.”

Preservation Foundation Continues to Embrace Its Mission 50 Years After Launching

Lake Forest Preservation Foundation marks its 50th anniversary under new Executive Director Jennifer McGregor. Covers cemetery headstone inventory, Lake Forest Library renovation, new Adrian Smith Preservationist Award, digitization of 50 years of archives, and upcoming celebrations (Bank Lane block party May 3, black-and-white gala June 26, exhibit Aug. 20, symposium Oct. 16–18 with Geoffrey Baer). First appeared in Lake Forest Love.

Full article text received Apr 29 from Judy. Three photo attachments: (1) Lasker Estate Garage House 2025 event — possible cover; (2) Jennifer McGregor in front of restored David Adler house on Albert Lasker estate; (3) same Lasker Estate Garage House event photo. Judy suggests this “could be the first story, across the top.”

St. James Episcopal Cathedral — 150th Anniversary

St. James Cathedral marks 150 years. Cover photo received Apr 29: The Very Rev. Lisa Hackney-James (Dean), Mayor Brandon Johnson, and The Right Rev. Paula Clark (Episcopal Bishop of Chicago) at the celebratory Gala at The Driehaus Museum. Credit: Office of the Mayor. Article text not yet received.

Fashion Trends (title TBD)

Short fashion article. Marcy confirmed 15 photos ready as of Apr 29; cover photo still needed. Article text and all photos to be emailed to john.bartlett@gmail.com and judycbross@aol.com. Judy asked about layout: Marcy wants text together with photos grouped at end (collage or carousel). Judy noted: “we could do a carousel of photos which readers seem to like.”

Letter from San Miguel de Allende, Part I: History

Part I covers the history of San Miguel de Allende from its founding in 1542 through its 2008 UNESCO World Heritage designation. 13 photos attached. Article text and photos received from Annie (email 19e79ecd652408bf). Judy confirmed June 7 and suggested dividing into two parts.

Letter from San Miguel de Allende, Part II: The Trip

Part II covers the authors’ two-week visit April 16–30, 2026: getting there, exploring the Centro Histórico, artesanía, fiestas, day trips to Atotonilco, Guanajuato, and Rancho Xotolar. 12 photos attached. Same email as Part I.

Short Story by Scott Holleran (title TBD — “Senior”)

Short story forwarded by Judy (email 19e82b9ae37f18c3). Article text in .docx attachment (“Senior | Classic Chicago.docx”). Two JPEG photos (image0.jpeg, image1.jpeg). Caption for both: “Images by author courtesy of GrokAI on X.” Judy says “let’s talk when you are back” — assess before building. Known to have embedded formatting issues.

Jill Lowe on Magic: Abracadabra

PDF article received by Judy (“63) Abracadabra .. and then the magic happens.pdf”, email 19e81fcd543000c2). Photos held separately by Judy. Judy asked whether John wants to tackle or assign to Ana; indicated she will assign to Ana. Do not build until photos and assignment confirmed.

Court Tennis (Unsung Gems)

Judy will send article to John. Not yet received.

Ryan Licht Sang Luncheon

Emma Muhleman will lay out. Article not yet received by John.

Minds Matter Event

Emma Muhleman will lay out. Article not yet received by John.

Seminary Gardens

Annie is writing. Not yet received.