News published on Southland Marquee in February 2025

News from February 2025


Binary black holes align spins before merging in dense star clusters

Most people are familiar with the concept of "love at first sight," but Northwestern University astrophysicists have discovered a phenomenon they describe as "love at first collision."


UChicago scientists advance understanding of quantum sound through new research

University of Chicago researchers have made significant progress in the field of quantum sound by demonstrating high-fidelity entanglement between two acoustic wave resonators.


Taylor Street roadwork phase 2 begins next week on west side of campus

The Chicago Department of Transportation is set to commence Phase 2 of the Taylor Street roadwork project next week, weather permitting.


Blake Lively files harassment complaint against co-star Justin Baldoni

In December 2024, actress Blake Lively took the unusual step of making public her complaint filed with the California Civil Rights Division (CRD).


University of Chicago opens submissions for 2025 Science as Art contest

The University of Chicago is inviting its community members to participate in the fourth annual Science as Art contest.


Chicago-Kent law students advance to national trial competition after regional success

Two teams from Chicago-Kent College of Law achieved victory at the 2025 National Trial Competition regionals held at their home campus from February 7 to 9.


UIC begins campuswide accessibility evaluation

In late 2023, a plan for a campuswide accessibility audit was developed to gather input from UIC stakeholders and guidance from consultants.


UIC invites participation in undergraduate research forum during annual research week

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) is preparing for its upcoming Undergraduate Research Forum, an event that highlights student research across various disciplines.


University of Chicago researchers explore gut microbiome for disease treatment

Researchers at the University of Chicago are delving into the complex world of the gut microbiome, aiming to unlock its potential for treating diseases.


Department of Education issues guidance on Supreme Court decision

The Department of Education issued a "Dear Colleague" letter on February 14, indicating plans to interpret the Supreme Court's decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard as extending beyond undergraduate admissions.


Fast food wage theft rises sharply; calls grow for worker rights education

Minimum wage violations are on the rise in fast food restaurants across Los Angeles and its surrounding areas, according to a recent report by researchers from Northwestern University and Rutgers University.


Chicago's first hybrid school board completed by Mayor Brandon Johnson

Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the completion of Chicago's first hybrid school board, marking a pivotal step towards a fully elected board by 2027.


Blackhawks recall Ethan Del Mastro from Rockford IceHogs

The Chicago Blackhawks have announced the recall of defenseman Ethan Del Mastro from their American Hockey League affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs.


Illinois Tech partners with Shiv Nadar Foundation for new Indian student scholarships

Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) and the Shiv Nadar Foundation have initiated a new scholarship aimed at providing access to high-quality undergraduate education for students from VidyaGyan, a transformative initiative by the Shiv...


Astrophysicists observe constant flare activity from Milky Way's central black hole

Astrophysicists have utilized NASA's James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to conduct an extensive observation of the supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way, known as Sagittarius A*.


Illinois Tech explores new metal extraction methods with DOE funding

Illinois Tech's Professor Sohail Murad has secured $450,000 in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy for a project aimed at evaluating a novel method to extract valuable metals such as lithium, vanadium, manganese, and arsenic from wastewater...


Six UChicago scientists awarded Sloan Research Fellowships

Six scholars from the University of Chicago have been honored with Sloan Research Fellowships, a prestigious award recognizing early-career researchers with the potential to make significant contributions in their fields.


Northwestern honors leaders at commencement; Steve Carell among honorees

Northwestern University will award honorary degrees to four prominent individuals during its 167th Commencement ceremony on June 15 at the United Center in Chicago.


Illinois Tech students win competition with innovative raspberry-based syrup

In November 2024, Illinois Tech students gathered at Charlie Baggs Culinary Innovations in Chicago for the Food Product Innovation Student Competition.


Illinois Tech professor receives DOE grant for dark matter detection research

In the realm of physics, dark matter has long posed a mystery to scientists.