The blues is often described as the most American of all musical forms. Yet one of its key sounds-the harmonica-came from Germany. Just in time for the annual Chicago Blues Festival, German Consul General to the Midwest Herbert Quelle has published the new novel Monika’s Blues. The book follows Quelle’s passion for the players, the people and the culture that sprung up around the harmonica and the blues.

The blues is often described as the most American of all musical forms. Yet one of its key sounds-the harmonica-came from Germany. Just in time for the annual Chicago Blues Festival, German Consul General to the Midwest Herbert Quelle has published the new novel Monika’s Blues. The book follows Quelle’s passion for the players, the people and the culture that sprung up around the harmonica and the blues.

It’s not often that a scientist — especially an astrophysicist — is a household name. But Neil DeGrasse Tyson’s mix of knowledge, enthusiasm, and desire to communicate why science is cool has made him a shining star in the pop-culture universe (puns intended). His new book Astrophysics For People In A Hurry takes on big questions about who we are and how we got here. But sitting down with Tony Sarabia, Tyson covered a whole range of topics, from his very first lecture at age 15 to why scientific research isn’t for the here-and-now.

It’s not often that a scientist — especially an astrophysicist — is a household name. But Neil DeGrasse Tyson’s mix of knowledge, enthusiasm, and desire to communicate why science is cool has made him a shining star in the pop-culture universe (puns intended). His new book Astrophysics For People In A Hurry takes on big questions about who we are and how we got here. But sitting down with Tony Sarabia, Tyson covered a whole range of topics, from his very first lecture at age 15 to why scientific research isn’t for the here-and-now.

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start to summer in Chicago, and in years past, it has been one of the most violent weekends of the year. According to the University of Chicago Crime Lab, gun violence nearly doubled from 2014 to 2016, which was the worst year for gun violence in two decades. So far, Chicago is slightly safer in 2017, but not by much. So, what is the police department doing to reduce the violence? Morning Shift talks to Chicago Police Department Superintendent Eddie Johnson.

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start to summer in Chicago, and in years past, it has been one of the most violent weekends of the year. According to the University of Chicago Crime Lab, gun violence nearly doubled from 2014 to 2016, which was the worst year for gun violence in two decades. So far, Chicago is slightly safer in 2017, but not by much. So, what is the police department doing to reduce the violence? Morning Shift talks to Chicago Police Department Superintendent Eddie Johnson.

Morning Shift talks to Alden Loury, director of research and evaluation at the Metropolitan Planning Council. He’s crunched the most recent census data and cross referenced it with other data sets to build a picture of who is leaving Chicago and where they are going.

Morning Shift talks to Alden Loury, director of research and evaluation at the Metropolitan Planning Council. He’s crunched the most recent census data and cross referenced it with other data sets to build a picture of who is leaving Chicago and where they are going.

A new institute at the University of Chicago will work on innovative ways to optimize human health. Scientists at the Duchossois Family Institute will use genetics, immunology, big data and the microbiome to study how to strengthen the body’s immune response and natural defenses. The goal is to complement modern medicine’s focus on disease by developing a new “science of wellness.” Morning Shift talks to microbiologist Jack Gilbert, one of scientists who will help head up the work at the new institute, and Dr. John Alverdy, professor of surgery at the University of Chicago.

A new institute at the University of Chicago will work on innovative ways to optimize human health. Scientists at the Duchossois Family Institute will use genetics, immunology, big data and the microbiome to study how to strengthen the body’s immune response and natural defenses. The goal is to complement modern medicine’s focus on disease by developing a new “science of wellness.” Morning Shift talks to microbiologist Jack Gilbert, one of scientists who will help head up the work at the new institute, and Dr. John Alverdy, professor of surgery at the University of Chicago.