“There is an art of gathering what to burn.” In her latest exhibition, a mascletà for burning and flowering at Leisure Gallery, artist Natasha Mijares asks: What traditions do we inherit? What violence do they carry? And how do we choose what blooms in their place?

At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if they thought Black Friday was a DEI holiday 😭

Jaw been hanging since I got the tour announcement email 🥹. We’re so back

A few days ago, I learned I won a grant to support an ongoing journalism project — my first grant for writing, let alone journalism and research. I kept rereading the email in disbelief. Then I glanced over and saw my dog excitedly jumping up and down. Pretty sure he’s gonna up his rates now 😭

Tired of unanswered questions and fragmented information, Janel King and fellow residents like Patricia Ostaszewski are creating new paths to transparency in #Berwyn. Scroll ⬇️ for the TLDR or click the link to read more! 15west.org/silence-isnt...

Me after the latest episode of #AndJustLikeThat:

Man self-promo is tuff but here goes. If you’re seeing this, I’ve started a newsroom called 15 West (@15West.org)! This wouldn’t be possible without a grant from Cook County and @citybureau.bsky.social.

I fell in love with a cinnamon roll this weekend. It was so good that I’m planning to get 2 more this weekend. For anyone with a sweet tooth like mine, the cinnamon roll in question was the “Apple Butter Bun” from pHlour Bakery in Edgewater.

One thing about editing a lit journal is you’ll spend days & days & weeks & sometimes months reading subs, and you’ll start to think, “why do I do this? wtf am I even doing with my life??” and then you’ll read one that you fall in love with and it will all feel like one of the best things ever again

Ew.. Someone thought they were being so clever posting about ignoring a journalist who was following up on a pitch. Pitching is already hard enough as it is. Let alone having the courage to follow up despite getting ghosted, having your ideas stolen. Some people are just…weird…

Y’all, being a corgi mom as an introvert is such an interesting experience. I kinda feel like he’s my life coach at this point, idk.. 😭 If he had a LinkedIn his About would say,“From herding to Life Coach, book a session with Benito today.”

We only need 25 new readers to reach our goal. Tell a friend about the extraordinary work that our writers do every day.

Is anyone else obsessed with Ravyn Lenae and Debbii Dawson??

I’m clearly in the wrong timeline. Tell me why I’m planning my wedding, and there’s now a line item for “additional tariffs” 🫠

I asked Siri to wake me up with Doechii’s Tiny Desk and I was not disappointed

personally would like to see every store show what part of the price increase is due to tariffs bc if these tariffs ever come down, i need to see that price go right back down

Do something restorative today. Take a walk. Feel the sun on your skin. Color. Meditate. Buy or pick flowers. Make a cup of tea and take your time drinking it.

I need the recipe for Jimmy John’s bread 😩

It was never just about schools, it was never just about libraries, and it isn't actually about the books. It's about finding a way to banish entire people, entire ideas, out of society, back into the closet or worse. www.chron.com/politics/art...

Me when anyone cancels or delays our plans

last year @nobordersbooks.bsky.social sent 600+ books to Rikers; this year our book drive is for teens who are incarcerated in Brooklyn. please purchase a book if you can—most of these are requested titles, and a $7 Goosebumps book would mean A LOT to a kid in detention bookshop.org/wishlists/70...

I love this headline 😍 And what a win for New Mexico. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...

Katy Perry and Gayle King going to space feels more like a filler episode than real life.

Just published my first Substack post. Please cheer 🫣 letsbreakbread.substack.com/p/unplugged-...

Hmm..let’s see how I want to spiral this weekend… #TheHandmaidsTale or #BlackMirror…

Just got a quirky pitch accepted. The day is still young, but I’m feeling like HER 🙂‍↔️.

I just finished binge-watching this show and it’s SO good.

Belinda didn’t “Tanya” Pornchai. End of story lol. #WhiteLotus

“This is not what we voted for.” Yes, yes, it is. You just didn’t think it could destroy you, too.

I’m so proud of everyone who protested today. Keep protesting. Keep fighting. Keep pushing. I’m so so proud of you.

How in the world is White House Black Market still standing and not Toys “R” Us??

i miss the early internet. people were like “you gotta see this dude. this cat sure is long.” and they were right. it was really long. it never shoulda gotten any more complicated than that.

Still stunned someone spelled my name “Nabelela” in their email response to me.

Started a new job a few weeks ago *throws confetti*! I care about the future of news & will be advising journalism students at Columbia in Chicago. I’d love to connect them with reporters, editors, & resources. Wanna support? Email me at [email protected]—include your name, role, etc.—or repost!

Nintendo rn:

I just started watching #ThePitt yesterday and OHHH mann, y’all..I was on the edge of my seat, audibly gasping, a few heart palpitations, the whole nine..

Remember when the best part of waking up was Folgers in your cup 🫠

new word

Calling all emerging photographers in Chicago! We just opened applications for a new 1-month fellowship we’re launching with Buddy in The Chicago Cultural Center. Fellows will receive: - $250 stipend - Workshops - Mentorship - An exhibition - Plus some APPLY BY JUNE 1: bit.ly/EmergingPhot...

I can’t wait until I run into the person who started that god awful rumor that Taylor Swift would be featured on #Mayhem. Come on now Swifties…lol

Pitching as a freelance journalist…as told by my corgi Benito 😭

I shut my thumb in the door this morning and I kid you not, my dog just stared at me like

I got married to my best friend today 🥹😭

I actually don’t want to think about Nikki Giovanni being gone.

I still have chills from watching Wicked…the score, the set design…the acting…the cast… The Ozdust Duet…Defying Gravity.. Unliiiiiiiimiteeeed

"Press Forward will invest $20 million in solutions that make it easier to start and sustain local news outlets." Deadline is Jan. 15, 2025.

Me looking for Solange on here

No ads got me feeling so good

sheeeesh 😮‍💨😮‍💨 @theferocity.bsky.social