30 second introduction recording for Audio Reporting class. Recorded on Nov. 4, 2014, in Evanston, IL.

Audio Reporting Introduction

When the 114th U.S. Congress convenes on Jan. 3, 2015, it's nearly a given that Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK) will assume the chair of the legislative body's Committee on the Environment and Public Works.

Inhofe, one of the leading climate change deniers in either congressional chamber, coasted to reelection Tuesday night. He is the currently the second-highest ranking minority member on the environmental committee, but with Republicans regaining a majority in the Senate for the first time since 2006, Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) will step down as chairwoman. 

On Wednesday, the day after Election Night, pedestrians in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood reacted to the news.

[PLAY TRACK]

Assuming Inhofe does assume the chair, it's likely any push for action on climate change proposed by President Barack Obama would be blocked. 

Inhofe has referred to the Environmental Protection Agency as the "Gestapo" and has quoted Scripture to express anger at climate scientists for trying "to change what He is doing in the climate." According to OpenSecrets.org, Inhofe has received over $800,000 in political contributions from donors in the oil and gas industry.

Chicagoans react to climate change-denying senator's potential takeover of environmental committee

The North Side Cubs, the South Side White Sox — together, Chicago’s baseball teams form one of America’s enduring sports rivalries. Last week, an exhibit devoted to that rivalry, and the city in which it’s set, debuted at the Harold Washington Library. 
 Dean DeChiaro reports.
The exhibit, “Sox vs. Cubs: The Chicago Civil Wars,” doesn’t just showcase the histories of both teams, says curator Lance Tawzer (TAWH-zerr), but explores how the relationship between their respective fan bases has contributed to shaping the city’s identity.
LANCE TAWZER: I’m a baseball fan too, and I always always thought that, you know, the baseball rivalry between these two clubs was something that could be explored.
Library security guard and avid White Sox fan Mike Pawlicki (PAWH-lick-eee) was stationed outside the exhibit Thursday.
MIKE PAWLICKI: Exhibit’s great. It’s good, it’s very accurate as far as I can remember. Unfortunately I’m 64 years old and I can remember too much of this.
The exhibit will run through February 8th and is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Dean DeChiaro (dih-CHAH-ro), Medill News Service.


dechiaro