In chilly San Francisco Bay, open-water swimmers find warmth in community

Boats on San Francisco Bay near a beach

By Lucy Roberts Medill Reports SAN FRANCISCO – The water in the San Francisco Bay rarely rises above 60 degrees, even in the summer. But these chill temperatures do not stop swimmers from diving into the bay, chasing not just the shock of the cold water, but also the warmth of community they find in […]

An orchestra reborn: How Chicago, the cuatro and a car crash reinvigorated Orlando Rivera’s career 

Orlando Rivera, executive director and co-founder of the Chicago Cuatro Orchestra in Humboldt Park, strums a five-string tiple, a cousin of the cuatro instrument, on Jan. 8, 2026, at Humboldt Park Fieldhouse.

By Mallory Evans Medill Reports As the auditorium lights dim, some 20 orchestral musicians pick up their various stringed instruments and begin to play lively tunes including Puerto Rico’s national anthem, “La Borinqueña.” The dream of creating this orchestra has been a long time coming.  In December, 67-year-old Orlando Rivera will celebrate 30 years as the executive director and co-founder of the Chicago Cuatro Orchestra. Based in Humboldt Park, this nonprofit […]