A mural in the southern downtown area of Chicago, July 2026. (Photo by Monica Stagnaro)

The Chicago skyline as seen from the waterfront near North Michigan Avenue, July 2026. (Photo by Monica Stagnaro)

The Chicago River runs through the city, while it turns into a highway for boats filled with tourists during the summer, July 2026. (Photo by Monica stagnaro)

Downtown Chicago on a quiet workweek morning, July 2026. (Photo by Monica Stagnaro)

An alleyway next to where I worked when I initially arrived in New York in the year 2015, I was fired and almost not paid for my work, I filed a suit against the employer with the Human Rights Commission and lost. (Photo by Monica Stagnaro)

Lady Liberty as ships go by in the East River on 4th of July, New York City (Photo by Monica Stagnaro)

A full moon. (Monica Stagnaro)

Luna Park in Coney Island, Summer 2026 (Photo by Monica)

A row of apartment buildings in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, NY (Photo by Monica Stagnaro)

New York City, the financial capital of the world.