Calling all bibliophiles…if you’re looking for a new spot to scope out new reads or peruse book stacks with lots of character, look no further. — Maybe you’re tired of strolling through Barnes & Noble again, or you want to discover new authors. These indie and local bookstores are sure to have something for every reader. Everything from zines to anthologies to comics, Chicago has the bookstores to feature them all. Many of these spaces also host author events or book clubs — like Quimby’s or Semi Colon — for those looking to get deeper with the text or just to meet fellow bookworms. And because you probably want to share your finds with your friends…yes, all of these shops are absolutely Instagrammable (and don’t forget to tag them).

New data shows national vaccinated numbers continue to rise although certain demographics noticeably report lower. — The Center for Disease Control and Prevention had estimated vaccination hesitancy that raised concern for many states. While the estimates were not reported to be comparable to the Household Pulse Survey done, a recent Gallup poll revealed 24% of Americans did not plan to get vaccinated.

South neighborhoods rank highest across vulnerability factors like socioeconomic status and incidents — The Department of Public Health has compiled data on Covid-19 vulnerability across several Chicago neighborhoods. The vulnerability score (CCVI) is averaged through the rankings of several factors like socioeconomic status, comorbid conditions, and Covid-19 incidence rates (to name a few). The data shows certain neighborhoods — typically Southside —…

With the weather warming up and a new season of fresh harvests right around the corner, Chicago farmers markets are a way to support local farmers and practice sustainability. — source: http://www.cityofchicago.org The map of local farmers markets shows locations available in 2015. Farmers markets are a way to help create community and increase environmental awareness, introducing consumers to more organic and sustainable nutrition options.

Comparison of the search frequency for the two terms reflects the variance in Covid prioritization across time and location. — Since its arrival in the United States in January of last year, the coronavirus has claimed over 500,000 lives of at least 30 million reported cases. The disease halted several routine operations, air travel being one of them. Nearly a year later, the first doses of the then newly approved…

Searches of the two entities in conflict may indicate a dominating narrative following Gaza air strikes. — The past two weeks follow an increase in military activity over the Gaza strip, beginning with a recent Israeli airstrike over the area on May 13th. A comparison of Google searches for the two involved parties within the last 30 days reflect the increase in interest as the bombardments escalated.

Pension reform reduces funding available for MAP scholarships, affecting students in need. — by Bob Smith Gov. Pat Quinn visited DePaul University’s Loop campus on Wednesday to discuss how pension reform is harming the Monetary Award Program (MAP) college scholarships and access to higher education in Illinois. “This is so important to our state, not only in the past, but certainly now and…