News from October 2024


Chicago named best big city in U.S. for eighth year

Chicago has been named the Best Big City in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler readers for the eighth consecutive year. This announcement was made by Mayor Brandon Johnson and Choose Chicago, the city's official tourism agency. Over 575,000 readers participated in this year's vote.


UIC releases annual security and fire safety report for 2024

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) has released its 2024 Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This year's report aims to engage the community in shaping the university's public safety ecosystem.


Professor discusses transition from fossil fuels to sustainable energy

The transition from fossil fuels to sustainable energy is a significant challenge, according to Mohammad Asadi, an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering. Asadi aims to replace fossil fuels with energy-efficient and economically feasible energy conversion and storage systems. He targets applications in aviation, trains, ships, and heavy-duty trucks.


Experts discuss foreign policy implications ahead of November elections

The ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine are expected to be significant factors for voters in the upcoming November elections. Voters will consider the different foreign policy approaches of Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.


UIC announces annual employee recognition award ceremony on Nov. 7

The annual Employee Recognition Award Ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 7, at the Isadore and Sadie Dorin Forum. The event will celebrate the achievements of colleagues and honor those who have dedicated 25 years or more to the university.


Department of Energy awards new contract for Fermilab operations

The U.S. Department of Energy announced on October 1 that it has awarded a new management and operating contract for Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory to Fermi Forward Discovery Group, LLC. The contract is set for a five-year term starting January 1, 2025.


Illinois launches $5 million marketing campaign for manufacturing sector revitalization

On October 1, Governor JB Pritzker announced the launch of a new marketing campaign titled "Make It In Illinois" at Richard J. Daley College in Chicago. The $5 million initiative aims to revitalize the state's manufacturing sector by attracting new talent and altering perceptions about careers in manufacturing.


University celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month with professional development program

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) and the Office for Access and Equity are marking the 2024 National Disability Employment Awareness Month. This year's theme is "Access to Good Jobs for All."


UChicago receives $60 million gift from alumni for finance master's program

The University of Chicago has received a $60 million donation from alumni Clifford Asness and John Liew to support the Booth School of Business and its Master in Finance program. In recognition of their contribution, the program will be renamed the Asness and Liew Master in Finance Program.


Architecture student wins second place in national preservation competition

Thomas Lozanovski, a fifth-year architecture student, was inspired by a flyer in S. R. Crown Hall to participate in the Charles E. Peterson Prize competition, hosted by the National Park Service’s Heritage Documentation Programs. The competition recognizes the best set of measured drawings prepared by students according to Heritage Documentation Programs standards.


University of Chicago alumna Ling Ma awarded 2024 MacArthur Fellowship

Ling Ma, an alumna of the University of Chicago and a distinguished fiction writer, has been awarded a 2024 MacArthur Fellowship. The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation grants these fellowships annually to individuals across various disciplines who exhibit "exceptional originality in and dedication to their creative pursuits." Recipients are provided with $800,000 stipends for use at their discretion.


Illinois Tech team competes in XPRIZE Rainforest finals

A team led by Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) Professor Matthew Spenko has returned from the Amazon after competing in the finals of the XPRIZE Rainforest competition. The team, named Welcome to the Jungle, included members from Purdue University, Natural State, The Morton Arboretum, the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden-Chinese Academy of Sciences, and local Indigenous communities.


Enclave chosen over IWG, Industrious for new suburban space

Enclave Coworking, a venture backed coworking startup that is currently raising a financing round, will open two new spaces in Wheaton and La Grange, IL later this year. Both location expansions come amid industry leaders Industrious and IWG, which operates Regus, also making expansion efforts.


Southland Municipalities Seek To Take Advantage Of Federal EV Fleet Opportunities

The federal government is providing new funding sources for electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure for municipalities to take advantage of and utilize in their communities, including Southland's Advantage Dealer Group.


Two Chilean flamingo chicks born at Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago has welcomed two new additions to its flamingo population. Two Chilean flamingo chicks hatched on August 22 and 29 after a monthlong incubation period. Both chicks are healthy and under close observation by the zoo's Animal Care and veterinary staff, though their sex remains undetermined.


Seth Jones to miss practice for maintenance reasons

Defenseman Seth Jones will not participate in practice today due to maintenance. The announcement was made on October 2, 2024.


UChicago study reveals RNA's role in DNA packaging linked to cancer

A recent study by scientists at the University of Chicago has unveiled a crucial role of RNA in DNA packaging and storage within cells, linked to a gene known as TET2. This discovery sheds light on why many cancers and disorders involve TET2-related mutations and suggests new targets for treatment.


Bioelectronic implant project receives $34M funding boost

A collaborative research team, including engineers from Northwestern University, has secured up to $34 million from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to expedite the development of a bioelectronic implant aimed at treating obesity and Type 2 diabetes. This announcement was made by the agency today.


Chicago's lowrider festival returns to Navy Pier for Hispanic Heritage Month

Organizers have announced the return of Slow&Low: Chicago Lowrider Festival to Navy Pier on Saturday, October 12.


Blackhawks trim training camp roster to 28 players

The Chicago Blackhawks have announced changes to their training camp roster, reducing it to 28 players. Forward Frank Nazar, along with defensemen Louis Crevier and Kevin Korchinski, have been assigned to the Rockford IceHogs in the American Hockey League. Additionally, forward AJ Spellacy will join the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League.