South Loop

Showdown at the Blackstone Hotel

Frustrated over the slow pace of contract negotiations, the union representing many workers at the posh South Loop hotel has enlisted the public in its fight with hotel management.

2 years ago | Adrian G. Uribarri

New dorm with room for 1,200 students moves forward

But the Loop project has raised concerns on the part of some area residents, and one alderman is threatening to hold it up until a university signs on to lease the privately-developed dorm.

over 2 years ago | Peter Sachs

Students downtown climb 25 percent in last five years

Loop businesses are looking for ways to capitalize on a surging population of college students attending classes downtown, including many who live nearby and shop for groceries and clothes.

over 2 years ago | Peter Sachs

Bradbury won't make Columbia graduation

Science fiction legend Ray Bradbury is ill and unable to travel, but a video of his speech will be shown at the graduation ceremonies.

over 2 years ago | Peter Sachs

Freedom School spurs social change

Chicago students can become "Freedom Fellows" in their communities, identifying problems and developing action plans to solve them.

over 2 years ago | Jennifer Fernicola

Communication barriers hinder asthma education

Language barriers and cultural misunderstandings stand in the way of teaching people about the dangers of asthma and treatment options, according to the Chicago Asthma Consortium. The group held a series of town hall meetings to ask asthma patients what they needed to better understand the disease.

over 2 years ago | Alex Parker

Clothes come off at kick-off for Columbia event

During a campus event, one Columbia College official took his shirt off and another removed her bra from under her shirt. The president has apologized, but students mostly seem amused.

over 2 years ago | Peter Sachs

Showdown at Blackstone over union representation

A petition filed with federal regulators says some workers at the Blackstone Hotel are trying to ditch their union, UNITE HERE Local 1. Management has been breaking federal labor law in an attempt shake the union, organizers say.

over 2 years ago | Fernando Diaz

Nonprofit uses art to help students cope with violence

Art Therapy Connection uses clay and paint help Chicago traumatized by abusive households and the violent lose of loved ones. A gala benefit raising money for the organization is set for Saturday.

over 2 years ago | Raven Moore

Manifest expected to draw 30,000 to South Loop

The annual celebration organized by Columbia College will feature the work of 2,000 students. But the college cut a popular concert as it looks for ways to trim the event's budget.

over 2 years ago | Peter Sachs

DePaul law school formal won't cross Congress Plaza Hotel picket line

Students at the DePaul College of Law are looking for a new hotel at which to host their annual Barrister's Ball. They want out of their contract with the Congress Plaza Hotel because of a labor dispute.

over 2 years ago | Fernando Diaz

Plan Commission snubs Congress Hotel workers

Striking workers hoped to speak against a rumored lawsuit settlement between the city and hotel. Commissioners declined to hear from the approximately 60 workers, union representatives and sympathizers.

over 2 years ago | Claire Bushey

A speech that left many speechless

Obama traced his path from unlikely contender to president-elect, lavishing praise on many of the Chicagoans who helped him make that journey.

almost 3 years ago | Megan Cottrell

"Another black man on the street"

Will the Obama presidency change change the way the country deals with poverty and homelessness? One homeless man, who voted for Obama, suspects not.

almost 3 years ago | Antony J. Caldaroni

Some Obama fans celebrate; others weigh future

Inside Grant Park, supporters of all ages and races erupted into joyous applause as the news that Barack Obama was elected the 44th president of the United States made its way across the field.

almost 3 years ago | Christine Fioretti & Bridget Maher

MIKE MAGUIRE, 08-15-2008

What is up with the yet to be opened restaurant at 13th and Michigan?