In the Zooniverse, AI can’t take the citizen out of citizen science
By Sara Cooper Medill Reports Dan Caselden had little interest in astronomy before he became an expert in identifying undiscovered celestial bodies. Scrolling through social media in 2017, he heard of a digital project called Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 where he could volunteer his time to help astronomers identify rogue planets, brown dwarfs and potentially […]
At 65, The Second City tries to practice what it teaches
Yes, the funny business that launched Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert and Tim Meadows challenges power onstage. And today, the comedy theater is striving to reflect that offstage as well. By Emma Urdangen Medill Reports A scene from The Second City Chicago’s recent mainstage show “The Devil is in the Detours” features an apparent father and […]
Chicago’s Rohingya Cultural Center rethinks adult education
By Khaleel Rahman Medill Reports Chicago’s Rohingya Cultural Center is taking a unique approach to English as a second language (ESL) classes by tailoring courses to meet the needs and schedules of newly arrived immigrants who often don’t know how to read or write. “RCC prioritizes teaching beginning literacy, and unfortunately, a lot of programs […]
WATCH: Dubai chocolate trend inspires local Bliss Bowls innovation
By Amanda Pirkowski and Kate Wunderlich Medill Reports Dubai chocolate, the new indulgence and dessert of the moment, can be enjoyed in ways other than its solid, chocolate form. Bliss Bowls, a family-run açaí and smoothie store with four locations in the Midwest, including one in the Loop, is doing just that. The place put […]
As new Illinois law looms on third party restaurant reservation platforms, diners weigh if Hogsalt restaurants are worth hype — or price
By Kaitlyn Luckoff Medill Reports If you set an alarm for 9 a.m. 21 days in advance, log onto Resy and cross your fingers, like Zoe Hannon did, you might get a reservation for a special occasion at a restaurant by Hogsalt — a restaurant group with establishments where diners clamor for a reservation to […]
Digging into Ireland’s Ice Age legacy could improve sea level predictions
By Cathy Ching Medill Reports IRELAND – Ireland and much of Northern Europe was once buried under a large ice sheet tens of thousands of years ago. Today, long after the ice has retreated, the land is still reshaping itself like a mattress slowly rebounding upwards after a heavy weight is lifted. But Southeast Ireland, […]
WATCH: Off the Clock — Episode 7
By Alexia Kadota-Browner, Catherine Lacovara, Simone Roberts and Amanda Pirkowski Medill Reports This week on “Off the Clock”: Our team covered Angel Reese’s back-to-school event, flew through the sky at a trapeze class and learned about a workout class providing mental health support. “Off the Clock” is a half-hour news show specifically covering sports and […]
WATCH: Backstage Chicago, Episode 5: Celebrating summers, stories and the magic of the city
By Abby Feldman and Reilly Cook Medill Reports In the final episode of “Backstage Chicago,” Reilly Cook and Abby Feldman take viewers on a celebratory send-off filled with highlights, memories and a touch of magic. From revisiting some of the city’s most unforgettable summer traditions to hearing directly from Chicagoans about what they’ll miss most […]
PHOTOS: Community without barriers: This Chicago dancer wants to build a stage for all
By Alyssa Rola Medill Reports Brandon Jackson is a jack of all trades. By day, you can find the 27-year-old Chicago native at a hospital tending to patients as a nursing assistant. Apart from his full-time job is an array of gigs, from wedding photography to music mixing and video shoots. But Jackson’s major […]
Cleveland non-police crisis response builds trust, meets civilians where they are
By Tyler Williamson Medill Reports Cleveland police shot Timothy Russell and Malissa Williams in the parking lot of Heritage Middle School following a high-speed chase involving 60 police officers in 2012. The sound of a nearby car backfiring was mistaken for a gunshot. Thirteen police officers fired 137 times into the car where Russell and […]