Undrafted rookies fight to make Bears roster

Chicago Bears rookie Ian Wheeler talks to media after rookie minicamp, May 11, 2024. (Jazmine Thomas/MEDILL).

By King Jemison Medill Reports   The NFL draft was done. But for former Illinois defensive lineman Keith Randolph Jr., the show had just begun.  “When the draft is over, everything’s coming so fast,” Randolph said.  He was one of the highest-ranked prospects to go undrafted — and thus one of the biggest names on […]

WATCH: Chicago This Week — Episode 7

Text by Kennedi Hewitt Medill Reports In this episode of “Chicago This Week,” we look back at Mayor Brandon Johnson’s first year in office. A new policy could limit how late local bars can serve alcohol, and we talked to a local golfer who will be playing in this week’s PGA tournament. “Chicago This Week” […]

WATCH: Coraje y Corazón: The fight for women’s boxing in Argentina

The female The Argentinian boxer Marcela Acuna stands on the ring. She wears a red t-shirt where you can read "La Tigresa Acuna".

By Nicole Herzog and Rose LaForest  Medill Reports BUENOS AIRES — When boxing world champion Marcela “La Tigresa” Acuna was a child, her mother wanted her to be a tango dancer. In Argentine society, a strong sense of machismo culture and traditional gender roles have historically made it difficult to be a woman in the […]

Roster crunch: Shortage of spots in the WNBA leads to widespread cuts

New York Liberty guard Jaylyn Sherrod leaps to defend Chicago Sky guard Dana Evans in a preseason game, May 7, 2024.

By King Jemison Medill Reports With the New York Liberty trailing by 26 points in a meaningless preseason contest, rookie Jaylyn Sherrod entered the game and immediately bodied up veteran Chicago Sky guard Dana Evans. Sherrod stripped Evans and streaked down the court for a sweeping layup. On the next possession, her physical defense forced […]

Array of emotions accompany Bears fans to NFL draft

By Everett Munez Medill Reports When Caleb Williams walks onto the grass at Soldier Field, he won’t be following in the footsteps of greatness.  The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner out of USC and the Bears top pick in the 2024 NFL draft follows a long history of disappointment at quarterback. The 104-year-old franchise is one […]

WATCH: Chicago This Week — Episode 6

Text by Mary Grace Grabill Medill Reports On this episode of “Chicago this Week,” we talk to activists who are fighting to get permission to protest outside this summer’s Democratic National Convention. We meet two new NFL recruits who grew up in the Chicago area. We also take you to Mexico Fest.   “Chicago This […]

Chicago native Bucky Irving overcomes tragedies on path to NFL

Bucky Irving runs the ball for Hillcrest High School The Tampa Bay Buccaneers just selected Irving with the No. 125 overall selection in the 2024 NFL draft.

By Caleb Nixon and King Jemison  Medill Reports Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans may have heard Mar’Keise “Bucky” Irving’s name for the first time when their team selected the Oregon running back with the No. 125 overall pick April 27. But in his native Chicago, he’s been a fixture in the football community since he was […]

WATCH: Chicago This Week — Episode 5

Text by Mary Grace Grabill Medill Reports On this episode of “Chicago This Week,” we have in-depth NFL draft coverage. Our reporters were in Detroit as the top picks were selected. Chicago Bears jersey sales break records. We also have new developments about protests on college campuses. “Chicago This Week” is a half-hour show that […]

Notting Hill: a beacon for coat connoisseurs

By Sylvie Kirsch Medill Reports LONDON — Notting Hill, a glitzy West London neighborhood chock-full of vintage and designer boutiques, is arguably the epicenter of coat couture. Thousands of styles, designs and brands dominate sidewalks and fill stores. Effortless and elegant, a well-made coat can last decades and is the ultimate statement piece. Pop an […]

WATCH: Surviving amateur sports: Life as an artistic gymnast in Argentina

Daniel Villafañe training on the rings

By Karina Wilson & Mary Grace Grabill Medill Reports BUENOS AIRES — Life as an amateur athlete in Argentina is far from glamorous. Daniel Villafañe is an artistic gymnast for Argentina’s men’s national team. He spends his time training, traveling and managing his finances. In preparation for several world cups, he opens up about his […]