A new future for Carl Street Studios (VIDEO)
By Anne Arntson Carl Street Studios on West Burton Place in Old Town was built in the late 1800s and was purchased by artist Sol Kogen, who invited friend and artist Edgar Miller to help him turn the building into a space for modern artists. During the late 1920s, ’30s and ’40s, the artists worked […]
Missives from Mongolia: Chasing down the Ice Age
By Sarah Kramer The Altai Mounts of western Mongolia may be concealing secrets amid the splendor. The breathtaking alpine landscape could hold clues to how abrupt climate change might have impacted our ancestors— and how it may impact our descendants. This summer, a team of scientists, students and historians trekked through the hills and valleys […]
Amputees discover new mobility with bionic leg (VIDEO)
By Angela G. Barnes and Anne Arntson Remember “The Bionic Woman” from the ’70s? Today scientists from Feinberg and the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC) have developed a smart robust bionic leg for above-the-knee amputees. This new advanced leg will give patients better functionality and versatility to improve their natural walking patterns.
Purple Line Express to undergo makeover (VIDEO)
By Anne Arntson and Angela G. Barnes Purple Line Express commuters will soon have a smoother, faster commute. Mayor Rahm Emanuel and CTA President Dorval Carter announced a $30 million Purple Line Express improvement project at the Howard “L” stop Thursday. The project includes replacing track ties and running rail between Lawrence and Jarvis. Construction […]
Quadriplegic Mike Becker photographs his way through Chicago (AUDIO)
By Ellen Kobe Several years ago, Catholic Charities Chicago gave disposable cameras to many of their homeless and at-risk-of-homelessness dinner guests, encouraging them to take photos of the city from their perspectives. One of the participants was Mike Becker, who is a quadriplegic. The experience taught Mike a hobby he now loves and empowered him […]
Chicago’s growing exclusive sneaker market
By Coral Lu and Sean Froelich Do the words Yeezy Red Octobers, Air Jordan Champagne 6 or Kobe 9 mean anything to you? Well, they mean the world to exclusive shoe collector Kris Loren. 29-year-old Loren owns more than 100 rare sneakers; some costing as much as $6,000. He has invested in buying, trading and […]
VIDEO: From the streets to the cage: The tale of the Assyrian Nightmare
By Brian MacIver Ankeedo Shamoun has waited long enough. “We’re going pro after this fight and we’re going to make a statement in the pro community, that’s for sure,” he said. “I’m not looking past this guy, but I’m looking through him. He’s just another stepping stone for me.” The 28-year-old Chicago native is ready […]
Not your typical poet-social activist-caretaker: Meet Ayinde Cartman
By Bethel Habte The Fueling Station A passing thunderstorm left tiny puddles in the courtyard entrance of Canvas, an art and performance studio in Wicker Park. The rain’s clearing up and a crowd’s trickling in. Every second Monday of the month the space hosts Gala, an open mic, where Ayinde Cartman refuels. “Everything else is […]
PETRO PERIL: The changing landscape of oil by rail
5 crude oil derailments in 2013. 10 derailments in 2014. 4 derailments within one month in 2015. At this rate, the U.S. is on track to have its worst year for oil-carrying train derailments. By Ezra Kaplan Over 40 crude oil-filled trains, each a mile long, roll through Chicago every week, according to documents obtained […]
PETRO PERIL: Three months after train derailment in Galena, volatile crude still fuels concerns
By Taylor Hall RELATED STORIES VIDEO: Concerns over safety of fuel-carrying trains in wake of Galena derailment Bakken crude’s cross-country odyssey. Oil by rail: a changing landscape GALENA, Ill.– It was a slow day at the Chestnut Mountain Ski Resort when bartender Hannah Davidson glanced out the dining room’s wraparound window and watched the afternoon […]