Community news: Zoo installs new primate habitats, egg hunt in Elmhurst, more

Brookfield Zoo Chicago prepares for new primate habitats
Western lowland gorillas have moved into a new indoor habitat at Brookfield Zoo Chicago as part of the preparation for the James & Elizabeth Bramsen Tropical Forests, a new outdoor home for primates opening this summer.
The new $66 million setup, which encompasses nearly three acres, will include two indoor habitats (one of which is viewable by the public) and four outdoor habitats for western lowland gorillas, Bornean orangutans and several monkey species.
In addition to the zoo's six western lowland gorillas, four of whom were born at Brookfield Zoo, a group of 'bachelor' gorillas from partner zoos will join them, as well as five spider monkeys rescued from illegal wildlife trading.
'The gorillas are quickly settling in, displaying adaptability and engaging in natural behaviors as they climb, explore and interact with their new environment,' Kim Skelton, director of primate care and conservation, shared in a news release.
Bramsen Tropical Forests is named for James Bramsen, a life trustee, and Elizabeth Hamill Bramsen, vice chairman of the zoo's board of trustees
'This new addition to Brookfield Zoo Chicago – which prioritizes the primates' welfare, enriches their daily lives and supports the conservation of their species – is truly special,' Elizabeth Bramsen said in the release. 'We are thrilled to see the gorillas in their new indoor habitat and look forward to seeing them outdoors later this spring.'
Contributions to the project can be made at brookfieldzoo.org/GrowTheForest.
Egg hunts set at Berens Park in Elmhurst
The Elmhurst Park District hosts two sessions of egg hunts for children 2 to 10 years old on April 19 at the baseball fields at Berens Park, 493 N. Oaklawn Ave., Elmhurst. They are from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. or 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Yard games will be available, and food trucks will be at the park. Adults must accompany children and should bring a basket for the eggs. The event is free but requires registration at epd.org.
Parking is available at the parks' east and west lots. Information is at 630-993-8900.
More than 400 climb stairs to benefit lung association
Teams and individuals, including firefighters, climbed 30 floors at Oakbrook Terrace Tower last month as part of the American Lung Association's Fight For Air Climb, raising more than $120,000 by climbing 660 stairs.
The money raised by the more than 400 participants will be used to support the nearly 1.8 million Illinois residents who have lung disease.
'It is wonderful to see our community members come together to bring awareness toward the importance of lung health and their ongoing efforts to defeat the leading cause of cancer deaths in the nation,' association Executive Director Danielle Trojanek said in a news release.
The American Lung Association works to save lives by improving lung health and using advocacy, research and education to prevent lung disease. Information is at 800-586-4872 or Lung.org.
'The Little Mermaid' hits stage at Nazareth Academy
Nazareth Academy presents its spring musical, 'The Little Mermaid,' at 7 p.m. April 11 and 12 and at 2 p.m. April 12 and 13 in its Romano Family Theatre, 1209 W. Ogden Ave., La Grange.
The musical, based on Disney's animated film and one of Hans Christian Andersen's most loved fairy tales, showcases students. 'As we celebrate Nazareth Academy's 125th anniversary, this production offers a special opportunity to bring our community together in a shared experience of magic, music and joy,' director Aileen O'Carroll shared in a news release.
Tickets cost $15 for general admission and $10 for students and seniors. They are available via the school's website, www.nazarethacademy.com. Information is at 708-354-0061.
Podiatrist moves clinic from Hinsdale to Western Springs
Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists has opened a new office at 608 Hillgrove Ave., Western Springs, with patients starting there April 7.
The office previously was in Hinsdale. A grand opening event is planned for May 8. The public is invited to explore the new clinic and to meet its staff. Entertainment, food, drinks and raffles will be included.
'We are thrilled to expand our services in a location that allows us to enhance the patient experience while continuing to provide the highest level of podiatric care,' Dr. Ashley Lee, lead podiatric specialist, shared in a news release.
Northern Illinois Foot & Ankle Specialists offers care at 16 locations. Information is at www.illinoisfoot.com or 847-639-5800.
'Annie Jr.' takes the stage April 11-13
The Academy of Music and Art presents several performances of 'Annie Jr.' at Mario Parente Theater, 1S325 Ardmore Ave., Oakbrook Terrace.
Tickets are available for the show at 7 p.m. April 11 and April 12 and at 3 p.m. April 13. They cost $25 per person plus a service fee. Buy tickets at https://cur8.com/14060/project/130526. Information is at 630-654-8426 or email at information@academyofmusicart.com.

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a day ago

• Buzz Feed

If You Think You're Out Of Space In Your Home, It's Time To Check Out These 22 Storage Ideas

Use a silverware tray that holds just as much flatware as a traditional one but takes up half the space. It smartly stacks the utensils instead of having them side by side, which is perfect if you've got a kitchen with very limited storage. Promising review: "Yes, this little utensil tray is really that good! I went from using 12 inches of horizontal space in a lovely but huge wooden utensil tray to about using about four inches (whatever the width of this godsend is). It stores my butter knives, steak knives, spoons, forks, and a slew of little teaspoons. I'd guess that the max capacity for each slot is about 10 pieces. For example, I fit four butter knives and four steak knives into the first/knife slot easily, with good wiggle room. This is such a great design. Using this tray opened up about half of my 18-inch wide drawer, which allowed me to decompress the other drawers in my kitchen a bit. I highly recommend this item. It's worth every penny." —Kathleen CookeGet it from Amazon for $5.99. Keep all of your bathing necessities off of the tub's rim and within arm's reach with a clear shower curtain liner. The nine pockets can hold bottles, and thanks to being made of mesh, stored items drain and dry fairly quickly. Elizabeth has this and LOVES it: I own this and *adore* it. Yes, this is my shower and I live alone. I just have lots of products, OK?! I have even more today than when I took this pic more than a year ago! It holds lots of heavy bottles of body wash and conditioner, and helps me find where my pumice stone or razor is in my pre-contacts morning haze. If I could marry an object, it'd be this shower curtain. Check out my *full* Maytex Quick Dry Mesh Pockets Waterproof PEVA Shower Curtain or Liner it from Amazon for $ a traditional shower caddy? Check out this corner tension-rod caddy. Hang some Command hooks in your kitchen cabinets if you're a renter (or a homeowner) who doesn't want to drill or nail into your cabinetry. These are great for holding lighter items like measuring cups. From Elizabeth: Yes, this is my kitchen cabinet and this trick helps me find the correct measuring cup so much faster than back when I used to stack them in a drawer! Just be sure to account for the cups' depth while arranging the cabinet's contents. Since I took this pic, my 1/2 cup met its doom in a tub of sugar so I swapped in some measuring cups with *engraved* measurements on the cups, which makes my setup even better!Get a 10-pack of hooks from Amazon for $10.86. Mount a battery organizer on the wall if you keep plenty of batteries on hand but have no place to store them. It even comes with a battery tester so you can make sure each battery works before use. This *safely* holds 82 batteries of various sizes. You can store in a drawer or mount on a wall!Promising review: "Something so simple saved me an entire drawer's worth of space! We had a battery drawer in the den desk, but it was a mess! Opened battery packages, half of them had new batteries, other batteries floating around loose in the drawer all willy-nilly, all different sizes and brands mixed together. It was an eyesore and a pain every time I had to look for batteries. Now, thanks to this little helper, our batteries are organized and easy to find and grab, right inside the basement stairs doorway. The wattage tester is super helpful, and I was able to toss out half of the batteries we'd had that were dead or nearly dead from being old or accidentally put back with the new batts instead of into recycling. It feels a little thin and flimsy, but it just holds the batteries, you don't move or bend it, so it's moot. So glad I bought this; it's fantastic!!" —Amanda S. MichniewiczGet it from Amazon for $17.97. Fill vacuum storage bags with bulky items like seasonal clothing (puffy coats!!) and bedding and then vacuum all of the air out. Now a giant pile of clothing looks as flat as a pancake (you can keep them out of sight and mind by storing them under your bed or in your closet). From Elizabeth: I'm linen closet–less in my one-bedroom apartment, so all my spare linens are folded up inside my rolling luggage underneath my bed. Set includes 2 jumbo, 5 extra large, 4 large, and 4 medium review: "These bags are freaking great. My fiancé and I recently moved from a 2 bed/2 bath to a 1 bed/1 bath. We lost a lot of storage space and didn't want to get rid of our guest bedding when we are planning to buy a house within the next year. We use the jumbo and large bags for our guest linens/extras. I think the medium bags could come in handy for packing luggage for extended trips back home." —KyraGet 15 bags from Amazon for $24.97. And if you're not too keen on keeping your bags under the bed, try a pack of hanging vacuum bags. This set comes with two long and two short bags, and each bag can store up to five garments. Make the most of your sink's space with a corner sponge organizer. Keep your dish soap, sponge, and other dishwashing tools neatly organized instead of strewn around your countertop. There's even a spot for a rag or hand towel. Promising review: "This fits our sink perfectly! It's not too big and holds a sponge and two bottles of soap. We have a standard apartment sink and it fits perfectly, it also holds very well. We have it suctioned on the sink not the counter." —Erin JohnsonGet it from Amazon for $29.99. Utilize every square inch of your kitchen with some slide-on baskets that mount under shelves. Now all that dead space will be put to good use! Promising review: "It's a must for my pantry. Especially the spice shelf where the items are short. Good for putting those extra items that are the last lonely product in the box, ie., granola bars, fruit snacks. Good package deal." —DaisyGet four baskets from Amazon for $ check out more pantry organizing tips. Use some moldable glue to hang hooks, repair wobbly shelves, or secure charging cables to the wall so they stop living on the floor. Pro tip: mold it into tiny bumpers to keep cabinet doors from slamming. Promising review: "I've used it to mount things, organize wiring in stereo cabinets, stop rattles (license plate rattled when closing trunk, two little balls of Sugru to back of plate did the trick). Even made tool hangers in the garage with it. Wonder if I could build a boat with it." —fastrnuGet an eight-pack from Amazon for $26.35 (available in several color combo pack). Make the most out of an unused corner in your home with a corner bookshelf that can hold a surprising amount of stuff. Use it to display your favorite photos and knickknacks or store all those books that are currently piled high on your nightstand. Promising review: "I just bought this corner shelf for my bathroom and am so happy with it! It's very sturdy and doesn't take up much room at all (my bathroom is tiny). It's in a corner by my stackable washer/dryer and holds detergents for the laundry and towels and tissue for the bathroom. Perfect!" —Debra L. KellyGet it from Amazon for $103.35+ (available in black or white). And check out a similar, cheaper option. Show off your favorite books with a wall-mounted floating bookshelf. Now your most beloved reads will be on display for everyone to see. Promising review: "These are so much fun! We ordered the small size, which fits standard hardback books (approximately 5–7 hardbacks in my experience). They're a great way to add some extra storage to our very small home, and we've placed them in our hallway so people ask us about them all the time. I'd highly recommend!" —LaBuenaVidaMereGet a set of three from Amazon for $30.99. Display your pretty stemware and free up space in your cabinets with an under-cabinet wineglass rack. And because the glasses hang upside down, you needn't ever worry about dust collecting in the glasses when they go unused for a lil bit. Elizabeth lucked out with some similar racks already mounted in her apartment (like these!) and she adore them. Get three rows (enough for nine glasses) from Amazon for $17.91 (available in black, brown, and white). If your nightstand is cluttered beyond belief or you literally don't have room for one, consider a bedside storage caddy to hold all your essentials. I have one of these and it holds a few books, a pair of reading glasses, a portable charger, and a pair of headphones. All the things I need to relax in bed. Promising review: "One of the most useful items I have ever purchased. The pockets are the right size to hold a tablet, phone, remote, or book. My bedroom is too small for bedside tables so I use this organizer to hold anything that I might need right by my bed. I was surprised at how well it stay in place just by sliding the flat end in between the mattress and box spring." —HannahGet it from Amazon for $8.99+ (also available in several styles and colors). Get your mattress up off the ground with a metal platform bed frame. It requires zero tools to assemble, creates valuable and usable space underneath it, and is sturdy enough that you won't need to use a boxspring. Elizabeth owns this and loves it: Cover it with a bedskirt and no one'll know your clever secret. I own this and love it. It's super easy to assemble and very sturdy, and has plenty of space for me to store all my luggage packed with out-of-season clothes and spare it from Amazon for $94.27+ (available in seven sizes). Or give your current bed frame a little more height with some adjustable bed risers. This eight-piece set can rise your bed three, five, or eight inches, which will create just a little more space for you to cram stuff under your bed. Pro tip: If you don't like the look of these, consider a simple bed skirt that hangs low enough to cover them up. Promising review: "These blow my mind. They've added so much storage under our bed. I worried about them being durable enough to withstand our weight but there was no need to worry. Just this past weekend, both my husband and I were on the bed when two of our teenage sons ran and jumped on the bed with us. I didn't even hear a creak from these bed risers. There must have been close to 800 lbs. on our bed at that point and these risers held up like champs." —Kelly McHoneGet them from Amazon for $21.99+ (also available in brown and white).Here are some handy under-bed storage ideas. Streamline your kitchen setup with some 3D-printed KitchenAid tool holders that hold attachments. You install these handy mounts beneath your upper cabinets, keeping everything tidy and within reach — no need to sacrifice precious drawer or shelf space. Keep unruly cords organized in your garage with some heavy-duty bungees that connect anywhere with a simple hook. Now your hoses, cords, tire tubes, and tools will have a home of their own. Promising review: "I really like this organizer. I used them in my garage to hang two 150-foot outdoor electrical cords, and folding patio chairs. Great idea and much stronger than bungee cords." —Ann LajuanGet it from Amazon for $14.97+ (available in six color combos). And for inside your home, use a wall-mounted rack you can put on an empty wall to keep all your cleaning tools neatly organized and off the floor. There are five slots and six hooks, so you can really fill it up with your cleaning essentials. Promising review: "It's a broom rack and it performs its job well. The springs holding the mechanisms are strong. The plastic feels durable and like it would last. It came with mounting hardware but the screws were too long for my hollow core door, so I used toggle bolts instead (some folks call them 'butterfly' screws). As you can see in my images it can be loaded full of various tools and holds everything in place, feels sturdy once bolted to the door. The fold away hooks are a nice turned our unused hot water tank room as an efficient use of space to store vacs, brooms and mops. I plan on adding a small shelf in here for some cleaning detergents and whatnot like extra filters and mop heads etc." —JakobeGet it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in two colors). Attach some fishing rod racks to the back of your garage door to make sure all your rods are organized and easy to find. Hardware included for easy, no tool installation on standard garage doors. If the door is a hard insulated or wood door, self tapping screws are not included but can be shipped at no cost. Promising review: "I love these racks. They work just like they say. I have two sets with all of my best poles. It works with my surf rods and with my casting rods wonderfully. I did have to move my hurricane braces down a couple of inches from the top edge of the panels. That was my door installer's fault for trying to save on screws. I have no problems with mine falling out and I use my garage like a front door." —amoGet them from Amazon for $39.99. Try a T-shirt roll holder if you have a lot of T-shirts but no place to store them. It can be hung anywhere, so it won't take up valuable closet or drawer space. Easily install an outlet shelf so tiny electronics that live in your bathroom don't crowd your countertop. FYI, it installs like a regular outlet cover. Of course except with the wonderful shelf. Can also be installed so the shelf is below the outlet. Promising review: "I absolutely love this thing! I have much less clutter on my sink thanks to this. If there's anyone not sure if it will fit due to an object, all you need is 1.25 inches of space between the edge of your existing outlet plate and the piece of furniture. I have a GFCI with a standard wall plate." —Amazon CustomerGet it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in four colors). And add a touch of bohemian elegance to your kitchen storage with a macrame fruit hammock. This handcrafted piece not only maximizes space but also allows air to circulate around your fruits, keeping them fresh, all while adding an artistic flair to your kitchen. macraYAYmacrame is an Indianapolis, Indiana-based shop that makes a variety of cool macrame accessories. Promising review: "Beautiful and functional! This is the perfect addition to our beachy kitchen. We spray painted the hooks matte black to match our other hardware. It's so cute!" —Melissa WilkesGet it from macraYAYmacrame on Etsy for $33.

Yahoo

09-06-2025

• Yahoo

The one change that worked: I started sketching

I've always battled with phone use. I resent how much my sense of being alive in the world – feeling it, doing things, making stuff happen – is affected by my screen time. So a few years ago, I decided to do a sketch every day. I had always wanted to draw, but I was embarrassed about starting out because I was so bad at it. Then I bought a few black notebooks: a small one for my jacket pocket, and larger ones for my bedside and for the kitchen table. As no one would ever see my drawings, I decided I didn't need to care about what anyone thought. One day I grabbed one of the notebooks and a pencil and went out to the Cornish cliffs. I spent 10 minutes hastily drawing some cows and wild ponies. Standing on a cliff, pencil in hand, I felt like an idiot and an impostor, but I had started. It was a happy moment. I had never drawn a pony before but, to my delight, one quick, simple sketch seemed not bad for a beginner. Next, I drew our cat snoozing. Then our dog, Foxy, staking out a mouse in our kitchen. Beside each sketch, I wrote the date and little notes. Having the pencils and sketchbooks within easy reach – in my car or lying around the house – meant these small moments built up. Within weeks what might otherwise have been buried in photos on my mobile phone became a tender profile of my life unfolding on pages. My favourite drawings are often of people. Our daughter, Elizabeth, is usually furious when she realises I'm surreptitiously drawing her. Drawing strangers at airports, in cafes or on the tube is fun. I enjoy the element of danger. Will I get caught? Can I finish the drawing before that person moves on? It helps to pass the time on long journeys instead of spending it on screen. Lots of my sketches are dreadful, but the quickest ones – of people or animals – can have good results because drawing at speed makes my self-consciousness fall away. One unexpected benefit of doing a sketch a day is I spend less time doomscrolling on my phone. Like most people, I am anxious about the state of the world, but drawing slows things down, makes me pay attention to the moment. I lose myself in the act of drawing, and I'm using my hands, which is soothing in itself. Drawing also brings me back to the analogue world. It makes me happier and more patient. Art is known for being therapeutic and transformative, and I've definitely felt the benefits. In two years our daughter will be leaving home. In the future I'll be able to look at those drawing diaries and think, yes, we were together when I did those.

Newsweek

04-06-2025

• Newsweek

People in Multiple States Advised to Monitor Themselves for Coughs

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Officials in Michigan and Maine warned residents to monitor themselves for respiratory symptoms, including coughs, as poor air quality hit both states on Wednesday. Health advisories and air quality alerts blamed elevated fine particulate and ozone levels caused by wildfire smoke and other pollution sources for putting people in several counties in both states at increased risk of adverse health effects. Coughing is the lungs' only defense mechanism, said Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos, a volunteer medical spokesperson with the American Lung Association (ALA). "A cough is the body's way of saying, 'hey, you're breathing in something we don't really agree with,'" he told Newsweek. Why It Matters Air quality alerts mean increased risks for Americans, particularly for vulnerable groups such as children, older adults, and individuals with preexisting heart or respiratory conditions. Fire-related air pollution can worsen conditions such as asthma and lead to more serious health events during periods of elevated pollutants. With nearly half Americans already living in areas with failing grades for particle or ozone pollution, according to the ALA's 2025 "State of the Air" report, the current alerts underscore persistent and growing public health challenges from air pollution across the United States. What to Know Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy issued an Air Quality Advisory for Wednesday, across at least 15 counties, including Emmet, Cheboygan, Leelanau, Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Manistee, and several in the Upper Peninsula. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) rose to levels considered 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' or higher, with some areas reaching the red AQI range, according to the EPA's AirNow platform. Officials recommended avoiding strenuous outdoor activities, especially for people with heart disease, asthma, or other respiratory conditions. Authorities instructed residents to monitor for symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, dizziness, or burning of the nose, throat, and eyes. Residents were also advised to keep windows closed overnight and use high-efficiency filters (MERV-13 or higher) in home air systems. A stock image of a woman coughing. A stock image of a woman coughing. Liubomyr Vorona/Getty The Maine Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Bureau of Air Quality issued an Air Quality Alert from 11 a.m. Wednesday to 11 p.m. Thursday for much of the state—including Hancock, York, Cumberland, Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox, and Waldo counties. The alert cited ozone levels predicted to reach the 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' range, with particle pollution levels also expected to be moderate statewide due to wildfire smoke. Officials recommended limiting strenuous outdoor activity, warning that the health impacts could be compounded by ongoing heat and humidity. The DEP specifically urged people who may be especially sensitive—including children, the elderly, and those with asthma or heart disease—to consider reducing the intensity and duration of outdoor activities if symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, or throat irritation develop. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone, the primary pollutants cited in both states, can irritate the respiratory system and worsen chronic conditions. Wildfire smoke contains small particles able to penetrate deep into the lungs, increasing risks for bronchitis, asthma attacks, and potential cardiovascular impacts. Short-term exposure to unhealthy air can cause noticeable symptoms even in healthy individuals, but the risks are substantially higher for those in at-risk groups. Monitoring for symptoms such as coughing, throat irritation, and chest discomfort remains crucial for early intervention and prevention of severe outcomes. Galiatsatos told Newsweek that coughing is a good thing in that it is the body's way of expelling something potentially dangerous, but there are instances where someone should seek medical attention. "Your cough itself doesn't need emergent medical attention," he said. "However, if you're also experiencing breathlessness, talk to your doctor or seek more urgent care." Other reasons to see a doctor include a cough lasting more than seven days. What People Are Saying Galiatsatos told Newsweek: "If the Air Quality Index is high, over 100 for the general population, people should really take that into account in regards to their safety. People with preexisting conditions such as asthma or COPD, anything greater than 50 should really be taken into consideration." The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Gaylord, Michigan, said in an air quality alert: "Reduce or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution, such as outdoor burning, and use of residential wood burning devices." What Happens Next Air quality advisories in Michigan and Maine are scheduled to remain in effect through the end of Wednesday and Thursday depending on local conditions. Officials in both states have advised residents to monitor air quality forecasts and follow health recommendations as pollution levels may fluctuate due to weather and wildfire trends. Galiatsatos urged people to regularly pay attention to their local air quality. If air quality is poor, people might choose to stay indoors, limit their time outside, or keep preventive medications on hand, such as an inhaler.