New coronavirus variants explained
By Grace Rodgers Medill Reports Virus mutations are a natural occurrence during an epidemic or pandemic. However, some new coronavirus variants have raised concern amongst scientists because of the number and type of mutations they contain, leading to questions on what role these new variants play in the transmissibility of coronavirus. While COVID-19 cases remain […]
We’ve found Atlantis, and it’s dying: Coral bleaching, explained
By Caroline Catherman Medill Reports For years, Atlantis fanatics have zealously searched for a city on the ocean floor. But there’s been a thriving metropolis hiding under the ocean’s currents for millions of years. These constantly expanding reefs have the most biodiversity — the number of living species in one place — of any ecosystem […]
Black and Latino communities in Pilsen are calling for an end to police brutality against their communities
By Diamond Palmer Medill Reports Police use of force against Black and Latino communities in Pilsen has residents in an uproar. Some residents feel Mayor Lori Lightfoot has not delivered the police reform she promised, as demonstrated by police behavior in Pilsen, and community members are determined to hold Lightfoot accountable to stop police brutality. […]
Large-scale equity solutions needed to eliminate root causes of homelessness
By Liam Bohen-Meissner Housing alone is not a solution for eliminating homelessness, emphasized participants in a panel on “Homelessness in America: The Search for Solutions During COVID-19” panel. Panelists called for large-scale efforts tackling root causes of homelessness, such as structural racism and a shortage of affordable housing. Although the panelists said they believe […]
Environmental education in Chicago has room to improve, teachers say
by Emily Little Medill Reports Chicago-area educators see increased flooding, intense cold and beach erosion all around their city. They see these issues as paramount to their climate change teaching and better environmental learning. Ayesha Qazi, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Illinois at Chicago, teaches Advanced Placement environmental science and honors biology at […]
Cutting calories requires some research, says experts
By Kayla McDermott Medill Reports Warm weather is right around the corner and now that it looks as though we may have a normal summer with the COVID-19 vaccine being distributed people are trying to rapidly lose weight in preparation. Many hear that they should cut their calories but not everyone knows what that means, […]
Artist explains how to paint away quarantine blues
By Sophie Kim Medill Reports If you’re searching for an artistic way to beat quarantine boredom, look no further. Grab some paper, paint and brushes, the only tools you need to transform a photograph into a 3D sculpture. Sophie Kim is a video reporter at Medill. You can follow her on Twitter at @ellveress.
Field Museum showcases health benefits of Chicago gardens
By Shivani Majmudar Medill Reports Among skyscrapers and industry, another landscape designs Chicago’s urban footprint: community gardens. Tucked away in many of Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods, each holds its own cultural significance. Plants offer immigrants and refugees a way to maintain their cultural identity through familiar culinary and medicinal practices. Meet the people cultivating gardens and […]
CPS teachers fought for access to COVID vaccines. Now, they might become mandatory.
Christopher Vazquez Medill Reports With Chicago Public Schools teachers returning to in-person learning, the school district is now trying to keep track of who’s received a COVID-19 vaccine and — in some cases — require district employees to get vaccinated. But some teachers are concerned over how the district is approaching this. Christopher Vazquez is […]
Illinois coalition fights utility shutoffs during pandemic
By Yuhan Ma Medill Reports Utilities have become more essential than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic. People are spending more time at home and need more electricity, gas and water. However, paying for utilities can be a struggle, especially for those who have lost jobs due to the pandemic. Hear from community members and organization […]