Stories by nicole cardos

(StartupStockPhotos / Pixabay)

Anxious About Exclamation Points? You’re Not Alone

The Wall Street Journal recently examined email and text anxiety caused by the “tyranny of the exclamation point.” We discuss the punctuation phenomenon.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel speaks Tuesday, July 17, 2018 about the fatal police-involved shooting of 37-year-old Harith Augusts. (Chicago Tonight)

Aldermen Discuss Priorities for Mayor’s Next 9 Months

Now that the mayor is out of the race, Chicago aldermen talk about what that could mean for the coming months – and beyond. 

Mayor Rahm Emanuel appears on “Chicago Tonight” on Sept. 5, 2018.

What’s Next for Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel?

He stunned the city with his decision to not seek a third term, leaving everyone wondering: what’s next? A discussion with Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

A still image taken from video footage released Thursday, Aug. 16 by the Chicago Police Department shows the immediate aftermath of the police-involved shooting of Harith Augustus, 37, on Saturday, July 14, 2018.

Judge Orders Release of Harith Augustus Shooting Videos

A conversation with journalist Jamie Kalven about police accountability as more videos of last month’s fatal police-involved shooting of Harith Augustus come online.

New Book Shares Stories of ‘Rad Girls’ to Inspire Youth

Meet the author and illustrator behind the new “Rad Girls Can” book about young women who are “bold, brave and brilliant.”

J.K. Simmons and Lupita Nyong’o pose for a photo at the 87th Academy Awards on Feb. 22, 2015. (Disney | ABC Television Group / Flickr)

Changes to Oscars Draws Criticism, Raises Questions

The Motion Picture Academy announces a new award category for the Oscars. Why some critics say that’s cause for concern.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel addresses safety in Chicago on Aug. 8, 2018 following a deadly weekend of violence. (Chicago Tonight)

As City Adds Cops, Communities Call for More Comprehensive Solution to Violence

City officials may have some thoughts about solving violence in Chicago, but not everyone’s on board. What some community members have to say. 

House Speaker Michael Madigan (File photo)

WBEZ: Madigan, Party Defensive After Volunteer Charged with Murder

Michael Madigan and his political organization are under fire once again. This time, it involves a volunteer who has been charged with murder. We go inside the WBEZ investigation.

Six students will participate in UIC’s Call Me MISTER program, which aims to get more male teachers of color into classrooms. From left: Alfred Tatum, Armando Rivera, Juan Hernandez, Jesus Flores and Juwaun Williams. (Credit: UIC Photo)

New UIC Program Aims to Bring More Men of Color into Classrooms

There’s a shortage of male teachers in Illinois classrooms, particularly those who are African-American and Latino. How the University of Illinois at Chicago is hoping to change that. 

Is Chicago the ‘Rat Capital’ of the US?

Chicago residents logged more than 50,000 complaints last year about rats, according to a new survey that ranks the city as the “rat capital” of the U.S. We separate rat fact from fiction.

The GMT will consist of seven mirrors, each eight meters in diameter, to make a single optical surface that’s 24.5 meters wide. (Giant Magellan Telescope – GMTO Corporation)

World’s Next Largest Telescope Hopes to Answer Question of Life Beyond Earth

There’s a telescope under construction in Chile, and it’s slated to be the world’s largest – if it’s completed in time.

Willie Wilson speaks to Chicago Tonight in 2015. (Chicago Tonight file photo)

Willie Wilson Addresses Charity Event Cash Controversy

The Chicago mayoral candidate faces criticism after handing out nearly $300,000 in cash and checks at a charity event. “I haven’t done anything but give my own money away,” Wilson said of the cash controversy.

Cases of Foodborne Illness in Illinois Surpass 500

There are more and more cases of food poisoning in Illinois. What’s behind the problem – and how to protect yourself.

Honors for Carl Grapentine and his work at WFMT at a special “Goodbye to Carl” event at Ravinia Festival on July 14, 2018. (Courtesy 98.7 WFMT)

Longtime WFMT Host Carl Grapentine Signs Off

A very familiar voice on our classical music sister station is retiring. A look at the on- and off-air musical life of WFMT’s Carl Grapentine. 

Ald. Pawar Drives Initiative to Test Universal Basic Income in Chicago

A new resolution to bring universal basic income to Chicago may soon be making its way to City Council for a vote.

Justice Anne Burke, one of the leading forces behind the first games, stands with volunteers at the 1968 Games. (Courtesy of Special Olympics Chicago)

Chicago Remembers 1968 Special Olympics with Anniversary Celebration

The Special Olympics celebrates 50 years. How it all began – right here in Chicago.

(Frank McNamara / Flickr)

How Healthy is Lake Michigan? A Checkup on the Great Lakes

When it comes to the health and maintenance of Lake Michigan, some environmentalists, property owners and even surfers have expressed their concerns. What the future may hold.

(markusspiske / Pixabay)

5 Things to Know About Smoke-Free Public Housing Rule

Public housing across the U.S. will become smoke-free at the end of the month. What that means for some 60,000 residents in Chicago.

(Cozendo / Pixabay)

New Anti-Harassment Panel Addresses Barriers for Women in Politics

Illinois ranks sixth in the nation when it comes to the percentage of state legislators who are women. A new panel aims to increase the number of women in Illinois politics.

Nate Claus, second from left (© Mercy Ships)

Hospital Ship Sets Sail in Documentary ‘The Surgery Ship’

A Chicago-area native talks about efforts led by a hospital ship to provide free surgeries to patients in West Africa and Central Africa.

Report: Changes Needed to Combat Sexual Harassment in Academic Sciences

Learn about a new report on sexual harassment in the sciences – and the suggestions it makes to better combat it. 

First Phase of Automatic Voter Registration Now Underway in Illinois

Exploring the change in the way you register to vote at the DMV – a change that’s rolling out this week.

(Courtesy Vicki Huddleston)

Diplomat’s Memoir Chronicles Relationship with Cuba’s Past and Present

Vicki Huddleston, a former U.S. ambassador, shares stories from her new memoir, “Our Woman in Havana.”

Do Newspaper Closures Impact Government Spending? One Study Says Yes

“A lot of studies show that when newspapers close, local politicians become lazy and voters become less informed and there’s lower voter turnout,” said Chang Lee, an assistant professor of finance at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

(Courtesy of UChicago Medicine)

2-Month Checkup on UChicago Trauma Center

The center has seen nearly 500 patients since opening May 1. “It’s as busy as expected to be, and as well as we can expect early on,” said Dr. Selwyn Rogers, founding director of UChicago Medicine’s trauma center.

(Courtesy of React Mobile Sidekick)

Starting July 1, Chicago Hotels Will Need to Have Panic Buttons

Chicago will become the second city in the country requiring hotels to implement panic buttons.