Stories by Nicole Cardos

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A legendary record store is closing at the end of the month. We revisit our portrait of this one-of-a-kind shop opened by Val Camilletti in 1972.

In a new book, New York Times reporters Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor detail how they uncovered allegations of sexual abuse by Harvey Weinstein. Twohey, an Evanston native, joins us in discussion.

How much do service members and civilians interact? Some say not enough. But a new podcast out of the University of Chicago aims to change that.

What is the connection between mental health, trauma and Chicago’s high homicide rate? A new book by Jonathan Foiles aims to answer that question.

The First Nations Garden in Albany Park was created by the American Indian Center and the Chi-Nations Youth Council in partnership with the city of Chicago. “It’s become a beacon for native people,” said 17-year-old Adrien Pochel.

Dr. Carl Bell, who grew up on Chicago’s South Side, was a national leader in treating childhood trauma resulting from violence. 

It’s a brave new world out there, and one fast-growing career is that of “social media influencer.” We talk with three Chicago-based influencers to find out just what they do.

Summer in Chicago: There never seems to be enough of it, especially with so many things to do – and read. Need a good recommendation? Here are 15 wide-ranging options from three Chicago authors.

Property taxes are on the rise in many parts of the city, and homeowners will soon get specifics on those hikes in the mail. See ward-by-ward changes for single-family homes across Chicago.

If Chicago wants to ease its pension problems, it’ll need $1 billion in new taxes over the next three years. But Mayor Lori Lightfoot reportedly has another plan up her sleeve.

Although the idea behind reparations is “as old as slavery,” it’s gaining more traction than ever before, said Alvin Tillery, a political science professor at Northwestern University.

Does Illinois really have a balanced budget? Local analysts weigh in.

Intimate details about R. Kelly are uncovered in a new book. Jim DeRogatis, the reporter who’s been following the singer for years, discusses “Soulless: The Case Against R. Kelly.”

Did the Chicago police union instruct cops not to police during the violent Memorial Day weekend? Mayor Lori Lightfoot clarifies a rumor she says she heard in this wide-ranging, one-on-one interview.

In light of the charges against Ald. Ed Burke, what can Mayor Lori Lightfoot and aldermen do to clean up City Hall?

There were emotional floor debates and the passage of a slew of bills as the spring session wrapped up. Just how does all this capitol action affect Chicago and the surrounding areas? Two state lawmakers weigh in.

Are Chicagoans getting the information they need to stay safe at the beach – and in the lake? A new task force has some recommendations for Chicago beaches.