K. R. Nelson News
Chicago named best big U.S. city by Condé Nast Traveler
By K. R. Nelson | Oct 4, 2024
Condé Nast Traveler readers have once again recognized Chicago as the Best Big U.S. City for 2024. This marks the eighth consecutive year that Chicago has received this accolade since it first claimed the title in 2017.
UIC introduces new public statements and open expression policies
By K. R. Nelson | Oct 3, 2024
The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) has introduced a new public statements policy along with a revised open expression policy. These changes are part of the university's ongoing efforts to create an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives and the exchange of ideas are prioritized.
Business leaders invited to Chicago workshop on achieving scalable growth
By K. R. Nelson | Sep 30, 2024
Business leaders often grapple with the challenge of driving growth while managing day-to-day operations. Many find it difficult to balance long-term strategy with maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Northwestern's Wirtz Center to host free concert by Mexican musical storyteller Jaime Lozano
By K. R. Nelson | Sep 30, 2024
Northwestern University’s American Music Theatre Project (AMTP) and Teatro Vista Productions (TVP) will host a free concert featuring Mexican musical theater storyteller Jaime Lozano. The event, titled “Jaime Lozano & The Familia: Songs by an Immigrant,” is scheduled for Monday, October 14 at Wirtz Center Chicago in Abbott Hall, located at 710 N. Lake Shore Drive on Northwestern’s Chicago campus.
Survey shows mixed outlook among Chicago's small business owners
By K. R. Nelson | Sep 27, 2024
Chicago’s small businesses are optimistic about their own future but have less confidence in the city's economy. This sentiment was revealed in the 2024 Chicagoland Small Business Outlook, a survey conducted by the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and the University of Illinois Chicago College of Business Administration.
Northwestern expert comments on recent surge in executions
By K. R. Nelson | Sep 26, 2024
Since Friday, five men on death row have been, or are scheduled to be, executed within a one-week span. The most high-profile case is that of Marcellus "Khaliifah" Williams, who was executed in Missouri Tuesday night after a last-ditch effort to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court failed.
Faculty awarded pilot professional development fellowships for 2024-25 academic year
By K. R. Nelson | Sep 25, 2024
The Office of the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, along with the Office of the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, has announced the recipients of the Non-Tenure-Track Faculty Professional Development Fellowship Pilot Program for the 2024-25 academic year.
NSF-Simons Foundation launches $20M national AI research institute focused on astronomy
By K. R. Nelson | Sep 20, 2024
A large multi-institutional collaboration, including the University of Chicago and led by Northwestern University, has received a $20 million grant to develop and apply new artificial intelligence (AI) tools to astrophysics research and deep space exploration.
Nick Foligno named as new Blackhawks captain
By K. R. Nelson | Sep 18, 2024
The Chicago Blackhawks announced forward Nick Foligno as the team’s next captain, making him the 35th team captain in franchise history and the first since Jonathan Toews (2008-2023).
Historian Ralph A. Austen passes away at 87
By K. R. Nelson | Sep 16, 2024
Ralph A. Austen, a noted scholar of African Studies, passed away on August 23 at the age of 87. Austen was a professor emeritus in the Department of History at the University of Chicago and played a pivotal role in establishing the African Studies Workshop at UChicago over four decades ago.
Study links collapse of bat populations with increased infant mortality
By K. R. Nelson | Sep 13, 2024
Bats are considered a natural pesticide, widely relied on by farmers as an alternative to chemical pesticides to protect their crops from insects. Since 2006, many bat populations have collapsed in counties in North America due to an invasive fungus found in the caves that bats use.
Fortinet invests $30 million in new Chicago innovation hub
By K. R. Nelson | Sep 12, 2024
In a significant development for Chicago's tech ecosystem, global cybersecurity firm Fortinet inaugurated its innovation hub in the city's West Loop on Tuesday, Sept. 10. The event marked a $30 million investment, highlighting Chicago's growing appeal to high-tech enterprises.
Amazon's Career Choice helps 200,000+ employees achieve their education goals
By K. R. Nelson | Sep 9, 2024
Since Amazon launched Career Choice, its education and career advancement benefit, it has helped more than 200,000 employees achieve their educational goals. They have obtained high school/GED diplomas, associate and bachelor’s degrees, and certifications.
Northwestern scientist's platform tracks tight race between Trump and Harris
By K. R. Nelson | Sep 9, 2024
Daily updates enable followers to see how current and campaign events might affect potential election results. The model predicts how the Electoral College will vote. Similar models correctly predicted the 2020 presidential election and 2021 runoff elections for two Georgia Senate seats.
Amazon announces opening of new Amazon Fresh store in Tinley Park
By K. R. Nelson | Sep 2, 2024
Amazon has announced the opening of its eleventh Amazon Fresh store in the Greater Chicago area, located in Tinley Park, Illinois. The new store is expected to create numerous local jobs and contribute surplus food to the Illinois Food Bank.
CFC announces Amazon-backed scholarship fund for HBCU students
By K. R. Nelson | Aug 8, 2024
The Chicago Football Classic (CFC) announced its annual Scholarship Fund at a press conference held at the Amazon Regional Office. The fund will award scholarships to incoming Chicago-area students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Amazon sponsored the event, providing laptop computers to each of the 20 scholarship recipients.