News on Southland Marquee

News from 2024


Chicago City Council approves multiple measures including tax incentives and housing developments

Various measures were introduced to and approved by the Chicago City Council on September 18, 2024. The following press releases detail these actions:


Northwestern scientists uncover mechanism behind static electricity

Static electricity was first observed in 600 B.C., but researchers have struggled to explain how rubbing causes it. In 2019, Northwestern researchers discovered nanosized surface deformations at play. The same researchers now say different electrical charges build up on the front and back parts of a sliding object, creating a current.


Nick Foligno named as new Blackhawks captain

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).


Ph.D. student researches enhanced lift technology for electric airplanes

Nickolas Payne, a Ph.D. student in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE), is conducting research aimed at enhancing the performance of electric airplanes. His work focuses on improving the lift capability of airfoils used in electric aircraft.


ZooLights celebrates three decades at Lincoln Park Zoo

CHICAGO (September 19, 2024) – Lincoln Park Zoo will celebrate three decades of holiday festivities as ZooLights returns for its 30th year this November. This annual event will feature more than 3 million lights across the zoo grounds and various festive attractions.


Jeremy V. Fine named CFO at Illinois Institute of Technology

Illinois Institute of Technology appoints a chief financial officer with more than 25 years of experience in leadership at the CTA, the City of Chicago and other institutions


Northwestern University partners with City Colleges on early admissions agreement

CHICAGO—(September 19, 2024)—Northwestern University School of Professional Studies (SPS) and City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) have announced a partnership to facilitate early admissions for transfer students from CCC to Northwestern.


OPINION: Puffy Combs on abortion

The federal charges, politics and entertainment enterprise of one Sean "Puffy" Combs are an intersection where politically low-skill-set Voters and political parties who need their endorsement meet. Mr. Combs was a valuable resource to the Democratic party for over two decades. It allowed him to go from party promoter, to mogul too mean dog bisexual child/human trafficker/pimp.


Amazon announces the growth of Iya Foods' gluten-free product line

Amazon announced that Illinois-based Iya Foods has expanded its gluten-free product line and has seen significant growth through the Amazon store. The brand offers a range of gluten-free items, including sauces, baking mixes, and baked goods inspired by its African heritage.


Federal Assault Weapons Ban linked to prevention of up to 38 additional mass shootings

The Federal Assault Weapons Ban (FAWB) prevented up to five public mass shootings when it was active between 1994 and 2004, according to previous research. A new Northwestern Medicine study has found that had the ban remained in place, it would have prevented up to 38 more mass shootings between 2005 and 2022.


Research program immerses students in big-city life

Students from universities across the nation converged at Illinois Institute of Technology to engage in an intense 10-week research project and to see the benefits of studying in a large metropolitan city such as Chicago through the College of Computing’s Student Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE).


NSF-Simons Foundation launches $20M national AI research institute focused on astronomy

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.


Scientists grapple with understanding mysterious force driving cosmic expansion

Dark energy is a term scientists use to describe the unknown force causing the universe to expand at an accelerating rate. Though its exact nature remains elusive, it is believed to constitute about 70% of the universe's total energy and matter.


Chicago issues RFI seeking new first responder technologies

Mayor Brandon Johnson has announced the issuance of a Request for Information (RFI) to gather recommendations on first responder technology. This move aims to ensure prompt attention from first responders during emergencies. The City of Chicago, as previously stated in February 2024, will discontinue using acoustic gunshot detection technology from SoundThinking, Inc. starting Sunday, September 22, 2024.


Sheriff seeks help in locating missing Elk Grove Township teenager

Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart is seeking assistance from the public to locate a missing teenager from unincorporated Elk Grove Township.


Mathew Knowles announced as speaker for Chicago's Building Wealth Today for Tomorrow Summit

Mathew Knowles, a renowned music executive and entrepreneur, will be one of the key speakers at the upcoming Building Wealth Today for Tomorrow (BWTT) Financial Empowerment Summit in Chicago. The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the UIC Forum from 10 am to 5 pm.


Northwestern University announces fall lineup at Wirtz Center Chicago

Northwestern University's Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center for Performing and Media Arts in Chicago will host four productions this fall, each highlighting significant historical figures or cultural traditions and exploring art's healing power.


St. Jude promotes events for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

As September begins, it also signifies Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to highlighting the challenges faced by children battling cancer and recognizing the efforts of organizations like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.


Bruce Willis's journey highlights challenges in diagnosing frontotemporal dementia

Actor Bruce Willis was first diagnosed with aphasia in the spring of 2022 and later with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) nearly a year after. FTD is a disorder that can affect personality, social skills, and speech.


University of Chicago welcomes new students with convocation events

The University of Chicago community is set to welcome new graduate and undergraduate students to campus this week through various activities designed to introduce them to their peers and their new intellectual environment in Hyde Park.