The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
At a Feb. 27 meeting, Lab employees received little new information about the University of Chicago’s review of school policies, leaving questions about the reasoning behind the move.
At meeting, employees receive little new info about review; director sees ‘opportunity for growth’
Lab’s operations and custodial staff have reported an increase in inappropriate use of feminine hygiene products and general messiness in shared spaces, prompting a reminder about respecting the school environment.
Messy bathrooms, cafeteria raise alarm
During an assembly in the Ken Griffin Auditorium on Feb. 27, Andy Dunn, founder and former CEO of Bonobos, spoke about his history with bipolar disorder.
Assembly speaker Andy Dunn encourages openness about wellness; workshops encourage mental health
Video: Community says farewell to retiring ‘Ms. Cynthia’ Boykin
Video: Community says farewell to retiring ‘Ms. Cynthia’ Boykin
University of Chicago President Paul Alivisatos announced the start of a review into the “current practices, programs, and policies” at the Laboratory Schools in a Feb. 24 email.
UChicago launches review of Lab frameworks, operations
The math team placed first in the state for division 3AA in the Regional ICTM Math Competition on Feb. 22 at Concordia University.
Dominating regional competition, math team places first
The debate team has had exceptional performances at the Golden Desert Debate Tournament at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Feb. 1-3, the Harvard National Speech and Debate Tournament in Cambridge, Massachusetts Feb. 15-17 and the Maine East Regatta in suburban Park Ridge Feb. 7-9.
Debate team performs well at three recent competitions
The Model United Nations team won best small delegation and had a 100% placement rate at the North American Invitational Model UN Conference at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. Feb. 13-16.
MUN team earns best small delegation, full placement at Georgetown
Ethics Bowl is a competitive academic team that debates moral philosophies. U-High teams placed high at the Indiana Ethics Bowl Regional Tournament on Feb. 1 to end their current season.
Ethics Bowl team finishes season well at Indiana tournament
From Jan. 29 to Feb. 1, junior Sophia Zheng and sophomore Sinziana Lazar went to the Illinois Music Education Association All-State Orchestra in Peoria for three days of intense practice with a final performance on the last day. 
Two U-High musicians perform in Illinois Music Education Association All-State Orchestra
Addicted to the Algorithm
Addicted to the Algorithm
10 x 10: Midway 100
10 x 10: Midway 100
Vice presidential candidate and previous educator Tim Walz addresses his supportive crowd at the 2024 DNC.
With former educator Walz on ticket, schools take spotlight
Freedom in the Balance
Freedom in the Balance
Speakers at the DNC addressed the theme of freedom, directing the word's meaning at key political issues in the election.
DNC highlights freedom as key theme
Audience Engagement Editor argues that controversial topics that are hard to discuss must be discussed more freely.
Lab must take action and foster discussions on critical issues
The Editorial Board argues that the DEI cuts made at the federal level have negative impacts on Lab students.
DEI initiatives are essential
Audience Engagement Editor Caroline Skelly argues that cancel culture is harmful towards society and argues it perpetuates public shaming.
Exaggerating cancel culture hampers free expression, debate
Troubling Tech
Troubling Tech
Assitant Editor Sohana Schneider argues that birthright citizenship must stand regardless of President Trump's executive order.
Birthright citizenship cannot cease under Trump
College counselor Patty Kovacs talks to a junior on Jan. 22 about his potential college matches and how his extracurricular activities and interests could affect which colleges are a good fit for him. Along with representing student's ambition, extracurriculars also work to bolster college applications.
Audio: Extracurriculars represent ambition, self-discovery — and pressure
Dressed head to toe in his own merchandise, Quinton McNair, founder and owner of StruggleBeard Bakery, prepares a batch of his lemon cookies. With his background of battling struggles and determination to grow a beard, Mr. McNair started this buisness to give back to his community through sweet treats.
One tough cookie: Founder of local StruggleBeard Bakery overcomes struggles to share sweets
Saba Ayman-Nolley unpacks donations from the Baha'i community to be used for various social justice projects. Ms. Ayman-Nolley is the president of the Hyde Park/Kenwood Interfaith Council.
Saba Ayman-Nolley: Uniting faith traditions, celebrating difference
Ashley Cole and mother Linda Cochran pose behind the main counter of their jewelry and bodycare store, Suuri Design. Their handmade creations are intentionally crafted minimalist jewelry that doesn’t break the bank.
Linda Cochran and Ashley Cole: Mother-daughter duo run jewelry store, strengthen bond
Moss, the resident dog at Powell's, delights both customers and residents passing by. One of the largest independent bookstores, Powell's first opened in 1970 and sells a varied collection of mostly secondhand books.
Hyde Park bookstore provides community with history, culture
Slice of the City: Pizza in Chicago
Slice of the City: Pizza in Chicago
An attendee drives a Kia car simulation at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show, Feb.8-17. The auto show included other interactive elements for visitors, such as electric test tracks and ride-alongs.
Chicago Auto Show immerses, engages attendees
The "Coco - Robot Food Delivery" app allows users to order robot food deliveries from certain restaurants. These robots are available in the 27th and 34th ward of Chicago and are also in use in Los Angeles.
Coco Robotics pilot program reimagines, optimizes food delivery
A WONDERFUL TIME. The Shedd Aquarium's Wonder of Water exhibit opened to the public in December, replacing the historical Caribbean Reef.
Wonder of Water exhibit offers insight, understanding
Flag Forward
Flag Forward
Over the course of this spring break, catch up with your favorite podcasts and audio stories — while also trying out some new ones!
Break-ready, binge-worthy: 5 podcasts to check out this spring break
Junior Liz Longnecker completes a Gelli plate print during Period 3.
Gallery: ArtsFest sparks excitement, expression
Sophomore Valkyrie Laurence and senior Sylvie Bartom rehearse a scene during S.E.T., or Student Experimental Theater.
Student Experimental Theater fosters creativity, growth
Senior Sierra Stacy strums at her harp, locked in concentration. Harpists at U-High have a unique and close-knit community that comes with playing this rare and technically demanding instrument.
Strings of Connection: U-High harpists find connection in niche musical community
With the launching of multiple programs that include AI generation features, such as Adobe and DALL-E 3, the question of generative intelligence’s role in art has become more prevalent than ever.
Art-ificial: AI art prompts ethical, creative concerns
Senior Noah Runesha lays the ball up during the varsity boys basketball game against Latin on Jan. 17. The team ended its season on Feb. 26 with a 57-41 regional semifinal loss to top-seeded Leo High School.
Boys basketball wrap up: season ends after regional semifinal loss
The fencing team capped off one of its most successful seasons with a second-place finish at the Great Lakes Conference Team Championships on Feb. 1.
Fencing wrap up: team finishes second overall
Senior Alex Giles dribbles the ball up the court during the varsity girls basketball game against DeLaSalle on Dec. 5. The team ended its season on Feb. 15 in the first round of regionals, losing 13-38 to Dyett High School.
Girls basketball wrap up: team ends season after regional loss
Listening to music is a crucial part of many students' pre-game routines.
U-High athletes use music to prepare for competition
Juliana Zavala will step into her new role as athletics director on April 7. She will be taking over for David Ribbens, who has been serving as interim athletics director.
New athletics director brings student-centered approach
FLAWED FORMULA. Once a primary tool for diagnosing obesity, BMI is now being challenged for its oversimplified approach to health. The formula was originally created for population studies, not individual health assessments.
Experts question traditional weight classification in diagnosing obesity
CAFETERIA CHANGES. Some students find the cafeteria food meets their needs, while others feel there is room for improvement. In the coming months, HandCut Foods plan to bring more variety and excitement to lunch by adding new options like sushi, omelets and seasonal treats.
What’s on your lunch plate?
SWEATY SERENITY. Besides benefits like increased sweat production, flexibility, and the detoxifying effects, hot yoga brings many other gains including stronger bone density, better skin, and ease of depression.
Students find mindfulness and strength hot yoga and pilates
FOOD FITNESS FOCUS. Rising obesity rates among younger people reveal the important role of an equal balance of nutrition, exercise and mindful lifestyle. Hidden ingredients, like the fructose found in corn syrup, in a wide range of common foods may be fueling the increase in obesity rates and the downfall of public health.
The real weight of obesity
SLEEP SABOTAGE. Exposure to blue light and media before bedtime can disrupt sleep by interfering with the body's circadian rhythm and reducing the natural buildup of sleep pressure. This makes it harder to fall and stay asleep, leading to increased fatigue during the day.
Better sleep starts with simple changes
College counselor Patty Kovacs talks to a junior on Jan. 22 about his potential college matches and how his extracurricular activities and interests could affect which colleges are a good fit for him. Along with representing student's ambition, extracurriculars also work to bolster college applications.
Audio: Extracurriculars represent ambition, self-discovery — and pressure
Video: Community says farewell to retiring ‘Ms. Cynthia’ Boykin
Video: Community says farewell to retiring ‘Ms. Cynthia’ Boykin
Video: Sophomores celebrate ‘joy in service’ with dance, activities
Video: Sophomores celebrate ‘joy in service’ with dance, activities
RDFZ’s dance, aerobics, martial arts and boy’s dance teams smile during the last moments of the “Youth of the Lion Dance,” one of the most common Chinese dances. This Lunar New Year’s animal was the snake, a symbol of good luck, rebirth and regality.
Exchange students arrive from China; Lunar New Year performance amazes
Many U-High sports teams offers various preseason activities, and the pressure on student athletes to attend these varies depending on the sports team and the athlete's motivation.
Audio: Preseason team activities bring opportunity, added pressure
TRIUMPHANT TACTICS. Surrounded by players, varsity boys basketball coach Andre Battle discusses mid-game adjustments during a game against the Latin School of Chicago in Upper Kovler Gymnasium on Jan. 17. The game ended in a decisive 58-44 victory.
Gallery: Coaching with Care
An attendee drives a Kia car simulation at the 2025 Chicago Auto Show, Feb.8-17. The auto show included other interactive elements for visitors, such as electric test tracks and ride-alongs.
Chicago Auto Show immerses, engages attendees
RDFZ’s dance, aerobics, martial arts and boy’s dance teams smile during the last moments of the “Youth of the Lion Dance,” one of the most common Chinese dances. This Lunar New Year’s animal was the snake, a symbol of good luck, rebirth and regality.
Exchange students arrive from China; Lunar New Year performance amazes
Before returning to their townhomes for the night on Jan. 31, Stefanie Giurcanu and Olivia Adams play Jenga in the basement of the Eagle Ridge Resort main lodge.
Gallery: Class of 2025 unwinds, bonds with friends during annual Senior Getaway
Before the Dec. 18 high school music concert at Mandel Hall, ninth grader Ari Wong prepares by wetting the reed for his clarinet while laughing and playing around with a friend's violin.
Gallery: U-High winter music concert
Connections: Feb. 25, 2025
Connections Feb. 18, 2025
The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
The Student News Site of University of Chicago Laboratory High School

U-High Midway
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Break-ready, binge-worthy: 5 podcasts to check out this spring break

Juliana Daugherty, Light Dohrn, Clare O’Connor, Sohana Schneider, and Caroline Skelly
March 3, 2025
Nathan Li
Over the course of this spring break, catch up with your favorite podcasts and audio stories — while also trying out some new ones!

Whether you’re road-tripping, lounging on the beach, or just enjoying a well-earned break from school, the right podcast can be the perfect companion. From bookish banter to chaotic comedy, candid conversations, and chilling encounters, these five podcasts offer something for every kind of listener. Plug in, press play, and make the most of your spring break downtime.

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More in Arts
Junior Liz Longnecker completes a Gelli plate print during Period 3.
Gallery: ArtsFest sparks creativity, expression
Sophomore Valkyrie Laurence and senior Sylvie Bartom rehearse a scene during S.E.T., or Student Experimental Theater.
Student Experimental Theater fosters creativity, growth
Senior Sierra Stacy strums at her harp, locked in concentration. Harpists at U-High have a unique and close-knit community that comes with playing this rare and technically demanding instrument.
Strings of Connection: U-High harpists find connection in niche musical community
With the launching of multiple programs that include AI generation features, such as Adobe and DALL-E 3, the question of generative intelligence’s role in art has become more prevalent than ever.
Art-ificial: AI art prompts ethical, creative concerns
The University of Chicago's Court Theatre is performing a production of Lorraine Hansberry's timeless play "A Raisin in the Sun." The production will run until March 9.
Court Theatre’s ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ honors Hansberry’s vision
From Jan. 29 to Feb. 1, junior Sophia Zheng and sophomore Sinziana Lazar went to the Illinois Music Education Association All-State Orchestra in Peoria for three days of intense practice with a final performance on the last day. 
Two U-High musicians perform in Illinois Music Education Association All-State Orchestra