Composers transform nature’s symphony into songs of the wild
By Sara Freund Leafless trees stretch their branches toward the gray sky like ageless giants at the Chicago Botanic Garden . The trees appear frozen still, but they are warriors. Some species of oak trees sense when they’re under attack – they detect the saliva of chewing insects and retaliate. The oaks release chemicals to warn their neighbors […]
Playwriting Competitions bring bold new voices to Chicago theaters
By Elizabeth Elving The theater is a place to ask questions, and the writers in this year’s Young Playwrights Festival weren’t afraid to tackle some of the biggest ones head-on. The four winning entries of Pegasus Theatre Chicago’s annual high school competition just closed their run at Chicago Dramatists in River West under the title […]
VIDEO: Business owners worried about high turnover in Lakeview and Lincoln Park
By Courtney Dillard Many businesses in Lakeview and Lincoln Park have closed over the past few years, making residents concerned about the future of their neighborhoods. Some blame the turnover on rising property costs that make it difficult for local businesses to maintain their space.
High Wi-Fi Demand Promising for New Library Program
By Phoebe Tollefson Rebecca De Santiago takes her daughter, Itzel, to Pilsen’s Lozano Public Library after school to help her with homework. They need a computer with Internet access and the library has it – for two hours a day. “Es un lujo con nosotras,” De Santiago said of Internet access. “Como somos madres solteras, […]
Black history told in 30 minutes for history month celebration
By Kate Morrissey In just 30 minutes, a cast of readers provided a timeline of African-American history beginning with life in Africa, moving through slave trade and emancipation and culminating in the progress made by people like Martin Luther King Jr. and Barack Obama. The Illinois Department of Human Rights hosted readings Wednesday from a […]
VIDEO: The return of ‘dibs’ to Chicago causes conflict in neighborhoods
By J’nelle Agee Calling dibs on a newly shoveled parking spot has long been a winter tradition in Chicago. Many residents are upset that their neighbors continue to put objects in parking spaces to reserve them until they return home from work. Others feel that if you shovel and do the work you should be able […]
Rauner Declares ‘Fair Share’ Fees a Violation of First Amendment
By Lucy Ren Governor Bruce Rauner declares in a federal lawsuit that the “fair share” union fees are “unconstitutional,” as the Supreme Court has repeated recognized from recent cases that “compelling a state employee to financially support a public sector union seriously impinges upon the free speech and association interests protected by the First Amendment.” […]
A healthy winter for plant-based dieters
By Grace Eleyae Eating a healthy diet can be difficult in the winter because it’s harder to find produce at good prices. Two plant-based dieters talk about what you can do to make sure you’re eating lots of fruits and vegetables during this cold season.
Cancer patients find support through mentoring program
For those battling cancer, the difficult part is often times, finding others who can relate and pass on valuable advice from experience. Through Imerman Angels, cancer patients are matched with “Mentor Angels,” who are cancer survivors. Marika Bastrmajian has more. Read more.
VIDEO: Young people among new additions to vinyl record lovers
By Kira Boyd Vinyl records are a growing niche among young people. However, even though record sales are rising, they still account for only six percent of total music sales.