Ryan Smith

Nursing home worker steps up during coronavirus pandemic: ‘If not me, who?’

Shantonia Jackson and other certified nursing assistants who are members of SEIU have been desperately needed during the pandemic that has ravaged care homes.

By Ryan Smith

Cecelia Renteria helped paint this building at 625 W. Adams St.

Hardest-Working Voices

From the Chicago skyline to the West Loop, this painter’s work brightens up the city

Cecilia Renteria is trying to recruit more women to the painting trade.

By Ryan Smith

Hardest-Working Voices

Chicago plumber proud to ‘protect the health of the nation’ — now more than ever

Jason Reed’s 22-year career includes numerous construction projects at local hospitals.

By Ryan Smith

Music

Chance the Rapper lends hit ‘I Love You So Much’ to new video game — designed by CPS students

Here’s how you can play the new game, which was announced Monday at an event attended by 400 CPS students.

By Ryan Smith

Hardest-Working Voices in Labor

Garbage hauling no longer a dirty job but still essential to city life, Teamster says

Mike Angus left the business world to drive a garbage truck — a job he unexpectedly loves.

By Ryan Smith

Hardest-Working Voices in Labor

From ‘tunnel rat’ to power engineer, electricians like Steven Moore keep the trains running on time

As power engineer coordinator for the Chicago Transit Authority, Moore is ready to respond quickly to electrical issues impacting the city’s 244 miles of ‘L’ tracks.

By Ryan Smith

Video-game tournament participants at Ignite Gaming Lounge, 3341 N. Elston Ave.

News

Chicago franchise in new, pro Call of Duty League another sign of eSports’ growing popularity

The Chicago Huntsmen will join teams from 11 other cities in the league that’s set to debut in January.

By Ryan Smith

Mike Badame, assistant chief operating engineer for the Chicago Department of Aviation, at O’Hare International Airport.

Hardest-Working Voices in Labor

Mike Badame hopes you never notice him at O’Hare Airport — it means everything is working

The operating engineer keeps the world’s 6th busiest airport running smoothly through a massive infrastructure of systems that control everything from the lights to the hot water.

By Ryan Smith

Hardest-Working Voices in Health Care

Traveling bard, musician and art teacher helps kids in hospitals take center stage

Emmy Bean’s bedside lessons give patients “a chance to be a kid, and not a kid who’s sick.”

By Ryan Smith