Second City continues to strive for diversity with new film school

By Tim Rosenberger Chicago’s Second City has set a high bar for diverse casts for decades. So some may find it strange that the comedy powerhouse’s newest project is devoted mainly to inclusion. But in the wake of the recent debate about the lack of diversity in Hollywood, the opening of a Second City comedy film […]

FDA gives top priority to protecting the blood supply from Zika virus

By Neil Murthy The Food and Drug Administration is turning to technology to protect the nation’s blood supply from Zika, as the virus continues to sweep across the Americas and Chicago reported the first case here last week. Currently there have been no confirmed cases of Zika virus transmission through blood transfusions in the United […]

Fitbit-like wearable devices can help malnourished children

By Katie Murar At the fourth annual Global Health Symposium in downtown Chicago, public health advocates explained how innovative technologies such as wearable devices are improving access to health care in third world countries. The event, hosted by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs at the Standard Club on Friday, brought together three women involved […]

Roscoe Village businesses brace as Western Avenue overpass demolition kicks off

By Siri Bulusu After years of delays and false starts, the crumbling Western Avenue overpass in Roscoe Village is under demolition, but some area businesses are worried their shops will come down with the bridge. The 17-month and $26 million reconstruction of the overpass kicked off Tuesday with its permanent closing. Upon completion in 2017, […]

A hard rain’s gonna fall again at Ravinia

Folk singers Joan Baez and Bob Dylan perform during a civil rights rally on August 28, 1963 in Washington D.C. (Rowland Scherman/National Archives and Records Administration [Public domain] via Wikimedia Commons)

By Josef Siebert Bob Dylan will return to Ravinia this summer, appearing for the first time since his debut at the 102-year-old festival one rainy night in June 1964. Ravinia announced details of its 2016 season, which features over 140 events between June 2 and Sept. 11, on Wednesday. Billed as Robert Dylan for his […]