Research, interviewing process differs across regional banks for Fed’s Beige Book
By Sarah Foster Medill Reports The Beige Book’s research process isn’t exactly black and white. Each of the 12 regional Federal Reserve banks has a different method for reporting and writing its section. Some economists make in-person visits to local companies throughout their region. Others distribute digital surveys to area contacts or host roundtable discussions. […]
Brush strokes of support for the Chicago River
By Alexis Shanes Medill Reports Chicago artist Barbara Kay Herring spiked her canvas with vaulting spires and their shimmering reflections emerge from a flurry of sweeping, feathery paint strokes. The Chicago River has long been a source of creative inspiration and community debate, and a partnership this weekend between local painters and long-standing non-profit Friends […]
Chicago’s CircEsteem uses circus arts to empower young people
By Alissa Anderegg When Antoinette Mpawenayo, 17, first came to Chicago from Tanzania, she struggled with the language and the culture. “English is not my first language,” she said. “I was bullied by students at school.” Her refugee caseworker saw something in the way she moved around and suggested she join a circus program that had […]
For one urban farmer, the future is fungi
By Alexis Shanes Medill Reports Terry Noland’s 1958 rockabilly hit “There Was A Fungus Among Us” may not have been a direct reference to mushrooms when it was released. But the title merits momentum today, when there are many fungi among us in nature and in our kitchens. Researchers have recruited them for soil remediation, […]
Chicago leads a national-level push towards mental well-being within poetry slam circuits
The 2018 National Poetry Slam, in Chicago this week, is addressing longtime wellness problems plaguing the slam world by Vangmayi Parakala Medill Reports CHICAGO – On Monday afternoon, the conference room at the Palmer House Hilton was abuzz. Under the ornate ceiling décor were busy-but-excited-seeming groups of volunteers streaming in for their official check-in. The […]
‘Renaissance Woman’ embraces new phase of life and gender identity at 75
By Lauren Robinson Medill Reports Stefanie Clark describes her regular stints volunteering at the Art Institute of Chicago as a way she can give back to the community that kept her moving forward during a tumultuous time in her life. “This is one of my things I look forward to the most,” said Clark, 75, […]
Chicago State athletic director; diligent basketball coaching search worth the wait
By Patrick Engel Medill Reports Chris Zorich knows the narrative that surrounded his three-month coaching search. He heard the criticism of his long hiring process and Chicago State’s lack of a men’s and women’s head basketball coach during the entire spring and summer evaluation periods. The first seven words he spoke while standing behind a […]
Take a look inside Chicago’s 29Rooms
By Katelyn Sabater Medill Reports Refinery29 finally brought the Instagram worthy, interactive exhibit to Chicago at 1522 W Hubbard St. After popping up in New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco, residents got to experience this year’s theme: Turn It Into Art. Refinery29 is a media and entertainment company focused on women with a […]
Grassroots organization helps Chicagoans in need experience their periods with dignity
By Valerie Nikolas Medill Reports Homeless and impoverished women in Chicago can stress less about their periods, thanks to a local organization that provides them with feminine hygiene products. The Chicago Period Project brings together local volunteers and community organizations to help homeless and in-need people experience menstruation with dignity. The Chicago Period Project (CPP) […]
Opinions Differ on How Merged Bayer-Monsanto Affects Some Seed Businesses
By Yanchun (Roxanne) Liu Medill Reports Academics and independent seed companies have divergent outlooks on whether the merger between agrichemical giants Monsanto Co. and Bayer AG will drive away potential customers from companies that sell organic seeds and seeds that aren’t non-genetically modified. German drug maker Bayer said in a press release on June 7 […]