United expects stronger fourth-quarter revenue, shares rise
By Yemeng Yang Days after two analysts downgraded United Continental Holdings Inc., the Chicago-based carrier bolstered investors’ confidence by raising revenue projections for the quarter and year just ended. Shares of United rose $1.32 or 1.8 percent to $74.98 Wednesday, after a 2.5 percent increase in after-hours trading Tuesday when the guidance was released.
Supporters inspired by Obama’s call to action
By Katie Watkins and Ritu Prasad Joyce Brown still vividly remembers celebrating with the crowd in Grant Park when America elected its first black President. “It was surreal. It was like a fairytale,” said Brown, 68, reminiscing as she watched McCormick Place empty slowly after President Barack Obama’s farewell address Tuesday night. Brown, a South […]
President Obama Returns Home to Say Goodbye
By Nora Younkin President Obama addressed the nation in a farewell speech Tuesday night from his adopted hometown of Chicago. About 18,000 well-wishers came out for the event at McCormick Place. The outgoing president spoke about his legacy, his challenges and his hopes for the future of the nation. Photo at top: President Obama bids […]
Health care stocks drop after Trump criticizes drug industry
By Rachel Newman Health care stocks tumbled Wednesday after President-elect Donald Trump unexpectedly slammed the pharmaceutical industry in his first press conference since Election Day. North Chicago-based AbbVie Inc. was down 3.61 percent at the close of stock trading Wednesday, while the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index fell 2.96 percent, up from its low point of 3.79 […]
Mother finds holiday cheer nine years after her son’s death
By Jasmine Minor Debra McDonald, a mother of five, lost her youngest son in a traumatic backyard accident nine years ago. She reflects back on the experience and how far she has come in her healing process. In preparation for the holidays, she leans on her family, friends and faith for strength. [vimeo 195670217 w=474] […]
East Chicago residents face risk of high lead
By Cloee Cooper Sarah Willis lives near a former U.S. Smelter and Lead Refinery, Inc. plant with her husband and granddaughter in East Chicago, Indiana. The area was designated as a Superfund site, a federal government program designed to fund the cleanup of sites contaminated with hazardous substances and pollutants. While residents in the nearby […]
Immigrants use Snapchat to amplify their voices before Trump
By Marianna Brady President-elect Trump has used Twitter during his campaign and after his presidential election victory to speak directly with the public. He’s harnessed Twitter as a way to quickly express his opinions. Undocumented immigrants and members of Congress are turning to the platform Snapchat to share their stories. We used the messaging app […]
Climate scientists gather to tackle urgent challenges for the planet
By Janice Cantieri “You can’t open a McDonald’s ketchup packet without the little notch. Try it, okay?” noted climatologist Richard Alley. Without the little notches, plastic ketchup packets are almost impossible to open no matter how much you pull or tear. Cracks in the world’s ice sheets are like those little notches, Alley said. Once […]
Christmas comes early at the Chicago Cultural Center
By Kelly Calagna The Chicago Cultural Center came alive Sunday with the sounds of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic, The Nutcracker. About 500 little ballerinas took over the grand ball room in a free public event made possible by the volunteer efforts of Ballet Chicago and the Lakeside Pride Symphonic Band. The tutu’ed participants received a ballet lesson, […]
Teen climber continues his sport despite cancer and loss of leg
By Siyan (Jen) Huang Climbing is a sport that requires great courage and strength. I met 17-year-old Ian Vallejo, an agile climber who had lost a leg to cancer, right after his second round of chemotherapy for yet another cancer. He was pale and sitting in a wheelchair. It was hard for me to picture him […]