Stories by maya miller

Test your Midwestern ability to withstand the cold at the 17th Chicago Polar Plunge. (Dori / Wikimedia Commons)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: March 2-5

A polar plunge, Cubs-inspired garden show, film festivals and live music usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

(Jeremy Atherton / Flickr)

March Rent Report Reveals More Renters, ‘Average’ Satisfaction

Nearly 2,000 renters in Chicago gave the city poor marks for weather, quality of schools and safety, but landed more favorably on public transit and job opportunities, according to a survey conducted by Apartment List.

Raven Smith is the youngest leadership award recipient in decades. (Courtesy of Reina Smith)

Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards Highlight Progress, Positivity

The 18-year-old founder of a Chicago clothing line will be the youngest recipient of a leadership award at the Chicago Neighborhood Development Awards on Tuesday. Meet Raven Smith and learn about her brand, Straight From The Go.

(Maya Miller / Chicago Tonight)

Chicago Ideas Asks Panel, Audience to ‘Reimagine Prison’

The nation’s prison system was in the spotlight last week at an event hosted by Chicago Ideas and the New York-based Vera Institute of Justice.

The 90 Days, 90 Voices website features stories of immigrants and refugees in Chicago, including Hadia Zarzour. (Illustration by Daniel J. Rowell)

‘90 Days, 90 Voices’ Shares Stories of Immigrants, Refugees in Chicago

Inspired by President Donald Trump’s executive order on immigration, a team of local journalists launched a website this week to tell the stories of immigrants and refugees living in Chicago.

Chicago blues artist Toronzo Cannon plays in his hometown this weekend. (Courtesy of Chris Monaghan)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: Feb. 23-26

Live blues, a jazz fest and a vintage pop-up show usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

‘Sleep In’ Spotlights Youth Homelessness in Chicago

With nearly 20,000 homeless youth in Chicago, an all-night benefit aims to raise awareness and funds for 13 homeless agencies, shelters and drop-in centers. Learn more.

The 50x50 Neighborhood Arts Project aims to bring more public art to all of Chicago's neighborhoods, including murals like this one in Bronzeville. (Courtesy of the City of Chicago)

Neighborhood Project Aims to Grow Chicago’s Public Art Profile

New murals, sculpture and other works of public art are coming to each of Chicago’s 50 wards as part of the city’s Year of Public Art initiative.

Anthony Green, left, and his youth development coach Patrick Daniels at the UCAN headquarters in North Lawndale. (Maya Miller / Chicago Tonight)

‘Positive Vibes’ in North Lawndale an Alternative to Crime Narrative

North Lawndale native Patrick Daniels says his neighborhood is defined by more than violence, and he’s working to change that narrative at UCAN.

U.S. Rep. Danny Davis

Data: Upward Battle for African-American Males in Chicago

Unemployment rates for African-American males in Chicago are nearly three times higher than the national average, according to data released Monday by U.S. Rep. Danny Davis.

The Chicago History Museum partnered with Alan Rhodes to present historical events like the Valentine's Day Massacre through virtual and augmented reality. (Courtesy of Chicago History Museum)

Augmented Reality App Sharpens Focus on St. Valentine’s Day Massacre

Last fall, 21st century technology was used to tell the story of a 20th century tragedy: the Eastland Disaster. The team behind that project is set to launch a second installment of its augmented reality app. Learn more.

(Ben Houdijk / Flickr)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: Feb. 16-19

Mavis Staples, a roller skating party and spirited festivals usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago. 

BuzzFeed Editor: How to Live in a World of Misinformation and Fake News

BuzzFeed editor Craig Silverman talks about the consequences of living in a world of misinformation and fake news, and discusses how media platforms, businesses and individuals can begin countering it.

An Urban Institute report found that financial insecurity, which is above the national average in Chicago, is weighing on the city's budget. (Dave Dugdale / Flickr)

Report: Evictions, Missed Payments Bite into City Budget

Sixty-two percent of Chicago families have less than $2,000 in savings, according to a new report. While this type of financial insecurity can lead to unpaid bills and evictions, it can also directly impact city budgets.

(Raffi Asdourian / Flickr)

How Social Media is Being Used to Prevent Chicago Violence

Social media has been criticized for inciting violence, but it can also be used to prevent it. How the public and private sectors are using platforms like Twitter as a “tool” for doing just that.

The Second City’s “The Winner … of Our Discontent” is one of the productions offering discounted tickets as part of Chicago Theater Week. (Courtesy of Todd Rosenberg)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: Feb. 9-12

Discounted theater tickets, pizza parties and a giant car show and usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago. 

Chicago bars offer food and drink specials for Super Bowl LI on Sunday.

10 Things to Do This Weekend: Feb. 2-5

An after-hours museum party, ice cream for breakfast and Super Bowl parties usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago. 

Ta-Nehisi Coates discusses politics, race, journalism and identity at Northwestern University on Jan. 31. (Maya Miller / Chicago Tonight)

Ta-Nehisi Coates: ‘Chicago is the Capital of Black America’

The journalist and author spoke Tuesday night to a crowd of more than 1,000 Northwestern University faculty, staff and students on topics of race, journalism, politics and identity.

More than 100 works by African-American artists, including sculpture, are on display at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry. (J.B. Spector / Museum of Science and Industry)

Museum Celebrates Black History Month With Annual Art Display

Underway at the Museum of Science and Industry is the longest-running exhibition of African-American art in the country. Learn more about the museum’s program and the origins of Black History Month.

A city ordinance intended to curb disposable bags will go into effect Feb. 1. (Walmart / Flickr)

Chicago’s 7-Cent Bag Tax to Start Feb. 1

Shopping trips may become additionally taxing for Chicagoans starting in February as the checkout bag tax is set to go into effect on the first of the month.

(H. Michael Miley / Flickr)

Metra Fare Increases Begin Feb. 1

Metra fare increases as of Wednesday include 25-cent increases for one-way tickets and $11.75 more for monthly passes.

‘Radical’ Gallery Exhibition Houses 2 Homeless Chicagoans

A Chicago gallery’s newest exhibition takes an unusual approach to addressing homelessness. Meet the creative team behind the “House” show.

Last year’s plunge saw mild temperatures and plenty of sun. (Courtesy of the Lakeview Polar Bear Club)

10 Things to Do This Weekend: Jan. 25-29

Restaurant deals, a polar plunge, the White Sox and a hip-hop festival usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Reem Asaad (Maya Miller / Chicago Tonight)

‘Lingerie Campaign’ Activist on Changing Saudi Culture

Reem Asaad led the “lingerie campaign” that helped get women into the workforce in Saudi Arabia, and is now using her platform to highlight the ways social media has impacted the changing Saudi culture.

(Maya Miller / Chicago Tonight)

Thousands of Demonstrators Flood Loop for Women’s March on Chicago

Chants of “this is what democracy looks like” echoed Saturday through the streets of downtown Chicago as an estimated 250,000 individuals flooded the area to take part in the Women’s March on Chicago.

Chicago Media Project has a hand in seven films debuting at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. (Vancouver Film School / Flickr)

Chicago Group Leaves Mark on Sundance Film Festival

Chicago Media Project co-founders Paula Froehle and Steve Cohen are on a mission to put Chicago on the map as the next impact media hub.