Student loan debt and the fate of the Millennial Generation
By Kristen Vake Since the time she was 13 years old Nena Delgado has had a heavy weight on her shoulders. Her dad passed away that year, leaving her mom to provide for her and her younger sister. As soon as Nena was old enough to work, she did, and she soon became her mom’s partner in […]
Fashion program works to keep local designers in Chicago
By Kristen Vake Six Chicago-based designers work from the 11th floor of the historic Marshall Field building (now Macy’s) on State Street. They are part of the Chicago Fashion Incubator (CFI) program which was formed in 2007. Former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley believed in the importance of fashion to the local economy and he […]
Retail is the new kid on the block in the West Loop
By Kristen Vake Best known for its award-winning restaurants like Girl and the Goat and Au Cheval, the West Loop is now attracting retail businesses. Tom Gavin and Lauren McGrady recently opened a lifestyle store called Rider, located under the train tracks on Lake Street in the West Loop. “We’re filling a void that’s not here,” said […]
USA Rugby announces a big goal for Chicago
By Kristen Vake A weekend dedicated to rugby is set for November 4-5 this year in Chicago. “The Rugby Weekend” will feature professional rugby games as well as community engagement and fan interaction with rugby players. The last time a professional rugby game was played at Soldier Field was in 2014 when the USA Eagles took […]
Bernie Sanders student debt plan drawing in young voters
By Kristen Vake One of the issues drawing young voters to the campaign of Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders is his plan on student tuition and debt. Student loan debt in America has reached over $1.2 billion, the highest it’s ever been. Sanders’ rival in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination, calls his plan for free […]
Ted Cruz talks to Medill Reports, defends conservative record
By Kristen Vake AMES, Iowa — The “Cruzin’ to Caucus” event brought hundreds of voters to Iowa State University this morning in support of Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, who is fighting the clock to catch Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump. Conservative talk show host Glenn Beck welcomed Cruz onstage. He told the crowd that he […]
A one-on-one interview with presidential hopeful Rick Santorum
By Kristen Vake DES MOINES, Iowa — Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum spoke with Medill Reports journalist Kristen Vake. [vimeo 153579008 w=474] Medill Reports caught up with the former Pennsylvania senator in outside a rally for Donald Trump shortly after the GOP undercard debate on Thursday night. Only four years ago, Santorum emerged triumphant from […]
Hillary Clinton rallies around equal pay for women
By Kristen Vake DES MOINES, Iowa — Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton spoke to a packed gym at Grand View University in Des Moines this morning. One issue Clinton often focuses on is equal pay for women and today’s rally was no different.
‘Young Invincibles’ work to make youth issues more visible (Video)
By Kristen Vake Health insurance is a hot topic this election year, and with a deadline looming for signing up under the Affordable Care Act, this week it’s the main focus for several organizations across the country. This is the third year for National Youth Enrollment Week which is an effort led by the Young Invincibles, Get Covered […]
David Bowie is gone, but his rebel influence endures (VIDEO)
By Kristen Vake Fans are still coping after the news of legendary artist David Bowie’s death last week. The 69-year-old musician battled cancer for 18 months, unbeknownst to his fans and the public. Bowie knew no boundaries when it came to his performances, but he also pushed the limit when it came to social issues – […]
