Stories by mckenzie richmond

MAT Asphalt in McKinley Park is pictured in a file photo. (WTTW News)

Local Environmental Advocacy Groups Take Air Monitoring Near Industrial Areas Into Their Own Hands

In a city where air pollution is an environmental justice issue, local grassroots groups are self-installing, funding and monitoring air pollution monitors to understand the specific threats they face and demand change.

(WTTW News)

After Supreme Court Ruling, Abortion Rights Advocates See Potential in Gen Z as Political Force

Abortion, which has long been a flashpoint in American politics, has once again taken center stage for both political parties. As the midterm election nears, the abortion issue is very likely to become a driving force in organizing and activism — on both sides. 

(Jonathan Borba / Unsplash)

Festival for Fitness Fans Boosts Nonprofit for Kids and Play

Faces of Fitness will feature a variety of classes including Pure Barre, Orange Theory, Barry’s Bootcamp, and SoulCycle on different stages. Attendees can try out classes for boxing, dance, HIIT (high intensity interval training) cardio, and more.

New features and attractions have been designed specifically for Chicago, including the Sprink-L – a “Pink Line” inspired by the “L” (Courtesy Museum of Ice Cream)

Here’s the Scoop: Museum of Ice Cream Chicago Opens on Michigan Avenue

The Museum of Ice Cream hosts the grand opening for its Chicago location this weekend bringing 14 dessert-inspired installations and a playground of creativity — just in time for National Ice Cream Day on Sunday, July 17.

A pool with empty lanes and pennants overhead. (Artem Verbo / Unsplash)

LGBTQ Advocates Concerned About Effects New ‘Inclusion Policies’ Will Have on Trans, Gender-Nonconforming Athletes

Advocates say recent changes made to the International Swimming Federation’s inclusion policy place an unfair burden on young, gender non-conforming athletes to commit to gender affirming procedures and irreversible treatments before reaching puberty. It’s a decision critics say, could pose health risks for young athletes.