Dear Reader, 

Here’s what the Maroon has been covering this week. 

Read our latest issue here. 

News

Three Illinois Democratic candidates for senate faced off in a live primary debate at International House on Monday. Representative Robin Kelly, Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton are all vying for retiring Senator Dick Durbin’s seat. 

Chicago’s City Council expanded its rideshare surcharge zone in early January to include parts of Hyde Park. A University spokesperson told the Maroon that the University is assessing whether the surcharge applies to its contract for Via rides. 

The Undergraduate Student Government (USG) College Council (CC) met Monday to hear funding appeals from three RSOs. They also introduced a resolution for USG to consider ways to expand access to Student Center spaces for student organizations that are not officially registered as RSOs. 

USG passed a resolution last month calling on University administrators to offer a Maroon Dollar payment option for laundry in dorms. “I’m optimistic that USG will be able to partner with the administration to deliver results that benefit everyone going forward,” said Class of 2029 CC Representative Aaron Horowitz, who proposed the resolution.

The University is partnering with the Citymapper app to provide real-time shuttle tracking information. The change comes in response to feedback from last year’s transportation survey, which indicated that users were dissatisfied with the University’s previous shuttle tracking app, Passio GO!

Arts

Chicago-born singer-songwriter and poet Patti Smith returned to the city during her Horses 50th anniversary tour this fall. 

Sports

After setting a Ugandan national record in the 100-meter butterfly at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Jesse Ssengonzi (A.B. ’24) is back in the water training for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Ssengozi spoke to the Maroon about his post-UChicago career in consulting, his Olympic success, and future goals.