My Work

Square dancing was once so popular that the Chicago area had a dedicated center. It’s waned in popularity, but local clubs are keeping it alive.

Derided as low-brow entertainment for women, these shows have survived industry upheaval, changing taste and the digital streaming revolution.

In 2020, Illinois legalized recreational marijuana. But experts say the boon won’t last forever, and policymakers should re-examine how the funds are spent.

Where and how Filipinos settled tells the story of Chicago: “Where you are is where you build community.”

Historians say it’s an impossible question to answer. Major events have shaped Chicago from its very start in 1837, but one year stands out.

Hi there! It’s Thursday, and the newsletter will be taking a day off tomorrow, but we’ll be back on Monday. Here’s what you need to know today. As omicron spreads across the U.S., Illinois today reported 18,942 new COVID-19 cases — the highest total…

Hi all! It’s Monday, and I’m still recovering from too many bags of M&M’s. Here’s what you need to know today. (By the way, if you’d like this emailed to your inbox, you can sign up here.) International leaders today stressed the apocalyptic…

Good afternoon! It’s Tuesday, and here’s an actual picture of me filling in for Hunter. Here’s what you need to know today. (By the way, if you’d like this emailed to your inbox, you can sign up here.) Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said today…

Good afternoon! It’s Monday, and I can’t get over how easy it looks when Simone Biles makes history. Here’s what you need to know today. Thousands of people are expected to gather around the country this week to remember George Floyd, who was…

Hey there! It’s Monday. And when the news gets too heavy, I look at beautiful animal pics. This week: whales! Here’s what you need to know today. Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin “had to know” he was killing George Floyd when he cried…

Hi there! It’s Friday, and Happy Easter and Passover to those celebrating. Here’s what you need to know today. One U.S. Capitol police officer was killed and another was injured when a man rammed a car into a security checkpoint today in Washington,…

Hi there! It’s Tuesday, and I’m soaking up sunshine like I’m in “The Odd Life of Timothy Green.” Here’s what you need to know today. The drugmakers behind the two currently authorized COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. told Congress today they are ramping…

Good afternoon! It’s Monday, and I’m slightly worried my front yard will go from igloo to swimming pool this week. And here’s what you need to know today. America is expected to soon surpass a half million COVID-19 deaths, and public health officials…

Hi! It’s Wednesday, and I’ve resorted to watching hedgehogs “running” obstacle courses to pass the time. Here’s what you need to know today. 1. White House projects up to 90,000 more COVID-19 deaths in U.S. over the next 4 weeks The Biden…

Hi! It’s Tuesday, and I’m thankful for readers like Renuka Sharma, who made me aware of this piece of Chicago history. (Give me a break, I’m from St. Louis). Here’s what you need to know today. In-person learning hasn’t led to widespread transmission…

Hi! It’s Monday, and my husband is excited to use his snow shovel again. (Let’s see if he’s still excited three days from now.) Here’s what you need to know today. Almost 2 million Illinois residents over the age of 65 are now eligible for the…

Hi! It’s Monday, and I’m not ready for another potential polar vortex. Here’s what you need to know today. With just over a week until President Donald Trump’s term comes to an end, House Democrats today filed an impeachment resolution that charged…

Hi! It’s Wednesday, and my husband was way too excited to use his new snow shovel. Here’s what you need to know today. A handful of the Chicago public schools scheduled to reopen on Jan. 11 are expecting only one child to show up. Others are…

Hi! It’s Tuesday, and everyone in my household except me is on vacation. At least I have my dog, Atlas, to keep me company while I work. Here’s what you need to know today. President-elect Joe Biden said today that the Trump administration’s promise…

Good afternoon! It’s Monday, and my family baked approximately 472 cookies over the weekend, which should help me fill in for Hunter this week. Here’s what you need to know today. Lawmakers in Washington can breathe a sigh of relief today after…