Chicago Sun-Times
—
The WNBA host the 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend events in Chicago.
finding inspo in everyday life
Somer Van Benton’s Journalist Portfolio
View as a gridWhat to know about diarrhea-causing cyclosporiasis in Illinois
WBEZ-FM (Chicago, IL)
—
Illinois reports 309 cases of the intestinal infection that causes "explosive diarrhea." Taylor Farms voluntarily recalled iceberg salad and shredded lettuce products in several states including in Illinois as the investigation into the outbreaks continues.
South and West sides have highest rates of infant sleep deaths in Cook County
WBEZ-FM (Chicago, IL)
—
Researchers found 208 sudden and unexpected infant deaths in Cook County from 2019 to 2023, with many concentrated on Chicago's South and West sides.
Forever Mine Festival brings Y2K nostalgia and Chicago house culture to Union Park
WBEZ-FM (Chicago, IL)
—
Day 1 of the inaugural festival was a celebration of house music, 2000s R&B and the city's Black and brown culture makers.
As Red Line expands, South and West Siders run along 103rd Street to imagine something new
WBEZ-FM (Chicago, IL)
—
Hundreds of Chicagoans gathered Saturday for the inaugural 103rd Street 5K Peace Walk/Run and sparked a conversation about how vacant lots along the corridor could be transformed into restaurants, gyms and community centers.
Women in Illinois prisons reclaim their beauty with limited resources
WBEZ-FM (Chicago, IL)
—
Some people locked up in prison in Illinois say personal appearance takes on a whole new significance behind bars. It's one thing they can control. WBEZ's Somer Van Benton spoke with a group of formerly incarcerated women about how self-care and community helped reshape how they see themselves.
Casi 70 grupos de Chicago reciben microbecas tras recortes de SNAP y campaña de inmigración
La Voz Chicago
—
Las subvenciones de $4,500 de la Municipalidad están destinadas a apoyar a negocios pequeños y grupos comunitarios que están navegando tras la campaña federal de deportación y los recortes a la asistencia alimentaria durante la administración de Trump.
Nearly 70 Chicago groups receive micro-grants after SNAP cuts, deportation campaign
Chicago Sun-Times
—
The $4,500 city grants are meant to support small businesses and community groups struggling after the federal deportation campaign and cuts to food assistance under the Trump administration.
Nearly 70 Chicago groups receive micro-grants after SNAP cuts, deportation campaign
WBEZ-FM (Chicago, IL)
—
The $4,500 city grants are meant to support small businesses and community groups struggling after the federal deportation campaign and cuts to food assistance under the Trump administration.
Protesta 'Sin Reyes' atrae a miles al Grant Park de Chicago
La Voz Chicago
—
Las manifestaciones a nivel nacional en oposición al presidente Donald Trump se producen en medio de la guerra en Irán.
'No Kings' rally draws thousands to Chicago's Grant Park: 'More and more people are horrified and...
Chicago Sun-Times
—
The nationwide rallies to oppose President Donald Trump come amid the ongoing war in Iran.
Route 66 centennial celebrated with new sign at Navy Pier
WBEZ-FM (Chicago, IL)
—
The storied highway, which spans 2,400 miles between Chicago to California, is celebrating its centennial this year. Chicago honored the landmark Wednesday by unveiling a new sign at Navy Pier outside of Harry Caray's Tavern.
Park District paints over César Chavez mural as calls grow to rename public buildings in Chicago
WBEZ-FM (Chicago, IL)
—
On Friday Rep. Jesús "Chuy" García called to rename a post office in Pilsen, while leaders at Cesar E. Chavez Multicultural Academic Center began the process of getting community feedback on renaming the school.
Cubren mural de César Chávez en parque de Pilsen; también piden renombrar edificios públicos en C...
La Voz Chicago
—
El viernes, el representante Jesús "Chuy" García pidió renombrar una oficina de correo en Pilsen, mientras los líderes de la escuela César E. Chávez Multicultural Academic Center iniciaron el proceso de recopilar opiniones de la comunidad sobre el cambio de nombre de la escuela.
Melissa Bean wins 8th Congressional District primary, moves to reclaim seat she lost 16 years ago
WBEZ-FM (Chicago, IL)
—
Voters decide today which Democratic hopeful will be on the ballot in November for the general election. Learn about the candidates and follow Illinois primary results when polls close at 7 p.m.
A final farewell from the people to civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson
WBEZ-FM (Chicago, IL)
—
After a private service at Rainbow PUSH headquarters Saturday, Jackson was buried at Chicago's Oak Woods Cemetery. WBEZ's Somer Van Benton was at the previous day's People's Celebration at the House of Hope in Pullman.
Jesse Jackson's hometown determined to preserve its rich shared history amid rapid change
Chicago Sun-Times
—
There is little marking Jackson's ties to Greenville, SC, and its larger civil rights history today, but leaders and elders in the rapidly gentrifying community are making plans to honor their most famous son.
Girls run the court at Chicago Bulls' annual clinic
Chicago Sun-Times
—
For Women's History Month, the Bulls and Gatorade hosted 150 girls and 50 coaches for the third annual Girls' Day of Play.
How Greenville, South Carolina, shaped Jesse Jackson's life and legacy in Chicago
WBEZ-FM (Chicago, IL)
—
As dignitaries and celebrities gather on Chicago's South Side to celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson, WBEZ's Somer Van Benton traveled to his hometown to discover how Jackson became the somebody who inspired others to believe they're somebody too.
As thousands gather for viewing of Rev. Jesse Jackson, elders reflect on his impact
Chicago Sun-Times
—
Thousands of people from all walks of life visited the Rainbow PUSH Coalition's headquarters in Kenwood Thursday to show their gratitude for the civil rights leader, who died Feb. 17.
Here's how Chicagoans remember civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson
WBEZ-FM (Chicago, IL)
—
In Chicago, Jackson was everywhere - in churches, at protests, at City Hall, at Rainbow PUSH. WBEZ's Somer Van Benton asked Chicagoans how they remember the civil rights leader; a few themes kept coming up.
From Operation Breadbasket to presidential politics, here's how Rev. Jesse Jackson shaped Chicago
WBEZ-FM (Chicago, IL)
—
A protege of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson left an indelible mark on Chicago. WBEZ's Somer Van Benton has the story of his legacy in the city.
Teams of lawyers put drivers back on the road by reinstating suspended licenses
Chicago Sun-Times
—
Twice-yearly driver's license reinstatement expos connect motorists with lawyers and advocates working to restore their driving privileges and relieving hardships.
Cider lovers and the cider curious are brought together for the annual Cider Summit
Chicago Sun-Times
—
The 12th annual Cider Summit festival brought more than three dozen cider producers and roughly 125 cider products to Navy Pier. Fans say the apple-based beverage, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, is smoother than beer or wine.