Good afternoon, Chicago.
The University of Chicago has received a $100 million gift from an anonymous donor to support free expression, marking what may be the largest-ever single donation to support such values in higher education, the university announced Thursday.
In addition to generally supporting the university’s “leadership on the principles and practice of free expression,” the gift will fund the programming of the University of Chicago Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression, launched last year by university President Paul Alivisatos. Discussions surrounding the donation have been ongoing for over a year, according to a university spokesperson.
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Toxic chemicals found in food packaging; FDA under pressure to take action
Evidence is mounting that food packaging and plastic tableware contain toxic chemicals absorbed by humans, a public health risk largely ignored by federal officials charged with protecting the nation’s food supply. Read more here.
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BMO celebrates 40 years in Chicago by jettisoning the Harris name. Goodbye Hubert, hello BMO Guy.
BMO, formerly the Bank of Montreal, has created its own Chicago history, growing to become the 10th largest bank in the U.S., now headquartered in a gleaming new eponymous tower in the West Loop. Read more here.
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4 takeaways from the Chicago Blackhawks preseason opener, including Connor Bedard’s connection with Teuvo Teräväinen
Newcomers made an impact for the Blackhawks, who got goals from Craig Smith and Teuvo Teräväinen, but they couldn’t prevent a 4-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings in the preseason opener Wednesday at the United Center. Read more here.
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The Chicago Temple is turning 100. Its birthday gift to itself? Fixing its historic organ.
Home to the First United Methodist Church of Chicago, the historic downtown building opened its doors 100 years ago this Saturday. Read more here.
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NYC Mayor Eric Adams charged with taking bribes and illegal campaign funds from foreign sources
Adams was indicted today on federal charges alleging that he secured bribes from foreign nationals and illegal campaign contributions in exchange for favors that included helping Turkish officials get fire safety approvals for a new diplomatic building in the city. Read more here.
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