The Hardest-Working Paper in America | 
Friday, April 19, 2024

Nina Molina

People jog, cycle and rollerblade along The 606 trail near North Damen Avenue in the Bucktown neighborhood.
Outdoors
Chicago area offers plenty of places to get back out into nature
A byproduct of the pandemic was residents’ renewed connection to nature. Check out these Chicago-area spots for your outdoor fix.
By Nina Molina
 
People enjoy their time at the beach with their dogs at the Montrose Dog Beach located next to Montrose Beach.
Outdoors
The dog days aren’t over
Chicago residents are taking their dogs adopted during the pandemic out on the town as restrictions ease.
By Nina Molina
 
Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. and other local leaders spoke at a news conference Friday morning.
Chicago
Rev. Jesse Jackson, local leaders call for Congress to pass legislation that would hamper voting restrictions
The group said the passage of two bills — “For The People Act of 2021” and the “John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021” — would make it easier to register to vote and eliminate voter suppression tactics.
By Nina Molina
 
70,000 rubber ducks are thrown into the Chicago River near the Columbus Bridge in the Loop during the Chicago Ducky Derby, Thursday afternoon, Aug. 5, 2021. The Chicago Ducky Derby was held to raise funds for Special Olympics Illinois.
Entertainment and Culture
Ducky Derby races 70,000 rubber ducks in the Chicago River, raises money for Special Olympics Illinois
As of Thursday afternoon, the Derby has raised about $310,340 for Special Olympics Illinois.
By Nina Molina
 
People line up to enter the Illinois Driver Services Center in Schaumburg, Ill., Thursday, July 15, 2021.
Transportation
To shorten lines, most Chicago-area driver services centers to require appointments
The Secretary of State’s office also will expand remote renewal for eligible drivers.
By Nina Molina
 
Moving crews move the historic Vautravers building at 947-949 N. Newport Avenue in Lakeview East, Monday, Aug. 2, 2021.
Lake View
Historic Lake View building moving westward — literally — so Red Line tracks can be straightened
The entire Vautravers Building will be moved about about 30 feet west and four feet south by the end of Tuesday.
By Nina Molina
 
A piping plover chick stands in the sand of Montrose Beach.
Chicago
‘Welcome Imani & Siewka’ — Monty and Rose’s surviving piping plover chicks now have names
Chicago residents suggested names for the two chicks and a panel of 10 made the final choice.
By Nina Molina
 
Darryl Grant stands in front of Merlo Library.
Lake View
Seniors, people with disabilities can’t reach their books at Lake View library
“We’re looking at a real justice issue here,” said Darryl Grant, 67, who has moved to another library due to the three-month elevator problem.
By Nina Molina
 
University of Chicago students Riley Hurr, Caitlin Jorgensen, Steph Ran, and Wesley Shih from Dr. Hibino’s lab work on NASA’s Vascular Tissue Challenge.
Education
University of Chicago students take on NASA challenge to help hearts work better in space
The team’s findings could help earthbound people with heart conditions, too, with organ transplants and stem cell regeneration of the heart.
By Nina Molina