Field Museum scientists have new CT scans of mummified people from the museum’s “Inside Ancient Egypt” exhibit. Researchers hope the scans will help the public see the mummified individuals as people instead of artifacts.
Stories by Nicole Cardos
Illinois Has Its First-Ever State Mushroom. These Local Schoolkids Helped Make It Happen
The students behind efforts to name the Calvatia gigantea the state mushroom of Illinois had an opportunity to learn more about the “giant puffball” at the Field Museum.
Annual Dixon Brotherhood Reunion Helps Formerly Incarcerated Men Network, Build Connections
Since 2018, the Dixon Brotherhood Reunion has brought together formerly incarcerated men. The event was born out of a need to network for jobs and housing and to build social connections that weren’t centered around funerals.
Want to Commemorate the 2024 RNC or DNC? The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame Has You Covered
If it appeared in a movie, sports game or meme, chances are it’s been made into a bobblehead. And if it’s a bobblehead, it’s likely exhibited on one of the dozens of wooden bookshelves inside the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum.
Business Slower Than Usual for Some Milwaukee Establishments Outside RNC, But Still Beats 2020’s Virtual DNC
From brats to cheese, downtown Milwaukee businesses are hoping for a boost from the Republican National Convention. So far, business has been on the slow side.
New to Running? This ‘Slow AF’ Runner Knows How It Feels and Shares His Top Tips for Beginners
Eight-time marathoner Martinus Evans says he didn’t always feel welcomed in the sport. He now wants to help others feel good about picking up their running shoes.
Birds Are Dinosaurs: How a Family Tree That Spans T. Rex to Pigeons Informs Our Understanding of Life on Earth
Shake any family tree, and a few skeletons are bound to fall out — that’s as true for birds as it is for people. Except that for birds, the wacky cousin lurking in one of those branches is T. Rex.
Hundreds Watch Solar Eclipse at Triton College in Western Suburbs
Nearly 2,000 people gathered at Triton College in west suburban River Grove to view the solar eclipse Monday afternoon.
From Funeral Home to Comedy Club, Here Are Some of Chicago’s Most Interesting Polling Places
Of the nearly 1,300 polling places across Chicago for Tuesday’s primary election, there will be a few private businesses that offer up their space for voters.
It’s Been 10 Years Since ‘The Polish Luther’ Was Created. Chicago, How Will You Take Your Paczki This Fat Tuesday?
The paczki many Polish Americans grew up eating, made with plum, rose or raspberry fillings, aren’t the only kind available these days. We take a look at the Fat Tuesday tradition.
This Chicago-Area Home Baker Makes Hundreds of Paczki Every Year. Here’s How She Does It
Paczki are fried Polish donuts filled with jam. Residents across Chicago and the Midwest celebrate the donut every year on Fat Tuesday, better known to some as “Paczki Day.”
What Are Some of Chicago’s Hidden Secrets? A New Book Lists 500 of Them
In her new book, Lauren Viera compiles a list of places to eat, buy food, drink, shop and sleep with a short description of why each location is a “hidden secret.”
Azadi Brewing Introduces Indian Flavors, Culture to Chicago’s Craft Beer Scene
Longtime friends Bhavik Modi and Ray “Gator” Schrand have created what might be the only Indian brewery on tap in the American craft beer market: Azadi Brewing Company. The co-founders said everything about each Azadi beer is a lesson in Indian history and culture.
I Ran the Chicago Marathon Last Year. Here’s What I Wish I Knew
It’s race week for more than 47,000 participants in the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. We’ve compiled tips from one runner who shares what to expect at this year’s race.
Photographer’s ‘Scream Sessions’ Aim to Challenge Stereotypes
Since January 2018, Whitney Bradshaw has photographed more than 375 women who participated in her “Scream Sessions.” All portraits are now on display together for the first time in a new exhibit at the McCormick Gallery called “Outcry.”
Arlington Park Takes Its ‘Final Turn’ Amid a Pandemic as Sale Looms
It’s home to trainers, jockeys and others in the horse racing industry. And during summer weekends, it’s a place for fans to bet on their favorite racehorse. Arlington International Racecourse is officially open for what could be its last season.
Local Couple Recreates Picture Day for Chicago Families
Whether you loved it or hated it, a school picture day was something everyone had growing up. But that isn’t the case for some Chicago-area students during the pandemic. How one local couple is recreating the tradition.
New Documentary ‘Finding Yingying’ Shares Intimate Details About Murdered Scholar
Chinese scholar Yingying Zhang went missing in June 2017 at the University of Illinois. Her story is detailed in a new documentary that goes beyond true crime. We speak with the film’s director and a producer to learn more.
Need a Book During Quarantine? Local Bibliophiles Share Recommendations
With Illinois’ stay-at-home order in place through the end of May, some of us are looking to pick up new hobbies — or new books. We asked a trio of book lovers to share their picks.
Highland Park Resident Describes Experience Living With COVID-19
Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 have described a range of symptoms, and they’ve lived with a fear of spreading the illness to their family and friends. A Chicago-area resident shares her story.
Host of New Series ‘Flavor of Poland’ Talks Polish Cuisine, Paczki
If there’s one thing Aleksandra August hopes viewers take away from her new show “Flavor of Poland,” it’s that they learn something more about the country than its offerings of pierogi and kielbasa.
UChicago Stamp Collection Sheds Light on Everyday Life in North Korea
A new collection of 2,000 stamps at the University of Chicago offers a unique look at North Korea. We stopped by the Regenstein Library to see it – and meet the librarian who acquired it.
Need a Drill? A Sewing Machine? New Chicago Tool Library Ready to Lend
There’s a new library in Chicago and it’s stocked with pretty much everything except books. We visit the Chicago Tool Library in Bridgeport.
12 Book Suggestions for Cozy Winter Nights
If you find yourself snowed in this winter (or you just feel like hibernating by the fire), how about reaching for a good book? Three book lovers join us with their top picks.
NYT Reporters Reveal New Details in ‘The Education of Brett Kavanaugh’
A new book from reporters Robin Pogrebin and Kate Kelly offers a detailed look at Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh a year after his tumultuous Senate testimony.
Report: 46 Illinois Hospitals Earn Grade ‘A’ in Patient Safety, 4 Earn ‘D’
As many as 440,000 people die every year from preventable mistakes in hospitals, according to national nonprofit The Leapfrog Group. How Illinois hospitals are performing.
