Lizzie Johnson

There's water everywhere in Plitvice Lakes National Park.

Tourists often miss one of the most magical places in Croatia

August 23, 2019 at 5:48 p.m.

Often bypassed for other tourist attractions in the region, Plitvice Lakes National Park is a gem tucked away in inland Croatia's rolling green hills. Besides being one of the oldest...

At the Bernard Beer Spa in Prague, beer is readily available even in the bath.

Prague beer spa takes brew to a whole new level

August 23, 2019 at 5:12 p.m.

It's no surprise that the Czech Republic, which has the highest beer consumption per capita in the world, has found a way to include the beverage in its bathing rituals....

PianoForte has a multi-floor showroom and sponsors piano events.

Piano industry revives as housing market recovers

May 23, 2019 at 12:35 a.m.

In August, Bob Frazier's company made a move that many people called crazy: It opened a second piano store. The industry is dying, he was told. Kids don't have the...

The Chicago Police Department's Homan Square facility is on the West Side.

Men sue Chicago over alleged detainment at Homan Square

May 23, 2019 at 12:34 a.m.

A grocery worker and two customers have alleged that Chicago police officers wearing masks illegally took them to the department's Homan Square facility more than three years ago and threatened...

The Illinois Tollway is asking the public to submit safety slogans that it will display on overhead signs.

See your slogan in lights: Tollway asks public for safety ideas

May 23, 2019 at 12:33 a.m.

The Illinois Tollway is eyeing new slogans for its roads, and the public can contribute. The winning messages will be displayed on rotation on 37 electronic roadway signs along the...

The Rev. Michael Garanzini will step down as president of Loyola University and take on an advisory role.

Loyola University president stepping down

May 23, 2019 at 12:33 a.m.

After 14 years, the Rev. Michael Garanzini is stepping down as president of Loyola University. "It's really been a privilege and a great honor," Garanzini said in a statement. Garanzini...

Transit employee contributions in spotlight Wednesday

June 16, 2018 at 2:47 a.m.

Public transportation workers will be lauded Wednesday for their efforts during Transit Employee Appreciation Day. Riders on the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra and Pace are encouraged to say thank you...

Knitting clubs provide refuge for teens from high-crime neighborhoods

August 18, 2019 at 11:55 p.m.

Four years ago, Mary Visconti took an unconventional approach to keeping her North Lawndale students out of trouble. The communities where many of Visconti's students grow up are impoverished, and...

Chicago aims to be world’s greenest city on St. Patrick’s weekend

May 23, 2019 at 12:31 a.m.

Chicago is going for the title of "greenest city in the world" this weekend for the second year in a row. "We will have the most buildings lit up in...

Arne Duncan, the U.S. secretary of education, walks through a small group of protestors on his way to Ariel Community Academy in Chicago on Thursday, March 12, 2015.

PARCC testing launches with some pushback, confusion

August 18, 2019 at 11:55 p.m.

The launch of new state exams in most school districts this week signaled a historic shift in how and when Illinois public school students are tested. It also spurred rebellion...

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