Chinese international students experience backlash in both the U.S. and China
By Amy Ouyang Medill Reports Since the start of the global pandemic, Chinese international students studying in the United States feel their identity has made them a target of aggression in both the United States and in China. In the U.S., the assumed close association between the virus and China often leads to discrimination against […]
Museum of Science & Industry’s ‘Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light’ goes virtual
By Jade Nash Medill Reports Just days after Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced a city-wide stay-at-home advisory, the Museum of Science and Industry’s holiday exhibit “Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light” began virtual celebrations. At a press conference on Nov. 12, the Mayor advised Chicago residents to only leave their homes for work, […]
Queer Christian cover band reclaims church space
Queer Christian cover band reclaims church space by Caroline Love Medill Reports It started as an idea on Twitter. Now, it has 1.6 million views on TikTok. HERE’S THE PITCH: An all queer Relient K/Switchfoot cover band and we tour the country and put on shows for kids who were done wrong by their youth […]
Secret signals in sewage detect coronavirus outbreaks earlier
By Marisa Sloan Medill Reports Infectious disease expert Rita Colwell began her career studying fruit fly genetics. Over the next several decades, she added marine and medical microbiology to her repertoire, assisted NASA scientists with oceanographic work and became the first woman to direct the National Science Foundation. Now, like many researchers, she is tackling […]
It’s more than semantics: The trafficking and abuse of language in modern politics
By Allison Schatz Medill Reports Sunday’s televised debate between Georgia Republican Sen. Kelly Loeffler and Democratic candidate Rev. Raphael Warnock was a stunning example of the mounting danger the misuse and abuse of language poses to the future of American politics. From the outset of the debate, a tedious, monotonous and even robotic Loeffler referred […]
A planned “Wild Mile” may transform the Chicago River’s North Branch into an urban oasis
By Caroline Catherman Medill Reports In 2016, over 18.2 billion gallons of pollution flowed into the Chicago River, according to the Chicago Tribune. Believe it or not, this year brought a significant improvement compared to the many years that came before it. Efforts by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and other organizations have transformed the […]
Community organizer sells his artwork to raise money for Stowe Elementary School students
By Kelly Milan Medill Reports Nicolas Hernández from the Humboldt Park Solidarity Network sells his artwork to raise money for Stowe Elementary students to paint every Wednesday. In 2005, Hernández got shot in the chest, almost puncturing his left lung. Hernández is one of the thousands shot in Chicago every year. He gives back to […]
Chicago pilots mental health co-responder model, critics say armed officers should not be present
By Allison Schatz Medill Reports At a recent City Council meeting to review the annual Chicago Police Department budget, a proposed co-responder pilot program designed to change how the city responds to behavioral health-related 911 calls brought criticism from community members and aldermen alike. The program, viewed by many as a more humane and logical […]
Chicagoland musician gives hope for Veterans Day
By Brandon Schaff Medill Reports A Barrington church that has helped served thousands of meals this year continued giving this Veterans Day, enlisting the help of a local musician to preserve the spirit of the holiday. Cameron Edwards, known by his stage name Keys to Inspire, performed on Nov. 12 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church. While listening to the patriotic-themed music from their cars, the […]
Chinese international students struggle to return home amid the pandemic
By Amy Ouyang Medill Reports Starting in March with the newly enforced flight restrictions, the entry restrictions for foreigners and Chinese citizens quickly tightened. The increasing restrictions leave many Chinese international students with no other choice but to either purchase highly expensive flight tickets to fly back home or remain abroad until the relaxation of […]