Zareen Syed

Zareen Syed is an education reporter for the Chicago Tribune, covering issues that touch K-12 schools and colleges and universities. She also writes about campus activism and various student-led movements as well as narratives focusing on underrepresented groups. She joined the Tribune as a suburban reporter and has previously worked for NBC Sports, WGN-TV and Boston 25 News.

Wadee Al Fayoumi was brutally stabbed to death in Plainfield and his mother was hospitalized in the attack. Their landlord was charged with hate crimes.

News |
Congressional hearing will be the first one to address slaying of 6-year-old Palestinian boy from Chicago area

September 17, 2024 at 6:21 a.m.

Wadee Al Fayoumi was brutally stabbed to death in Plainfield and his mother was hospitalized in the attack. Their landlord was charged with hate crimes.

The oldest Chinese bakery in Chicago makes hundreds of mooncakes a day during the Mid-Autumn Festival season, which culminates in a full moon around the autumnal equinox, which falls on Sept. 17 this year.

Restaurants, Food and Drink |
At Chiu Quon, Chicago’s oldest Chinese bakery, mooncakes take center stage for the Mid-Autumn Festival

September 11, 2024 at 4:13 p.m.

The oldest Chinese bakery in Chicago makes hundreds of mooncakes a day during the Mid-Autumn Festival season, which culminates in a full moon around the autumnal equinox, which falls on...

This year, 39 food vendors and 17 food trucks are taking part in Taste of Chicago.

Restaurants, Food and Drink |
From Filipino to Mexican food, Taste of Chicago wants to be the place to try the city’s restaurants

September 5, 2024 at 3:09 p.m.

This year, 39 food vendors and 17 food trucks are taking part in Taste of Chicago.

Da Bears take on "The Bear" with a new menu featuring a spin on an Italian beef sandwich, plus a bear paw pretzel, carne asada waffle fries and an over-the-top doughnut.

Chicago Bears |
Chicago Bears unveil new concessions like the Odunze Dog, bear paw doughnuts and ‘The Bear’-inspired Italian beef

August 29, 2024 at 6:31 p.m.

Da Bears take on "The Bear" with a new menu featuring a spin on an Italian beef sandwich, plus a bear paw pretzel, carne asada waffle fries and an over-the-top...

Before her speech at the Democratic National Convention, Black and Indian-American women are excited and cautious about Vice-President Kamala Harris' run for the White House.

Politics |
Young Black and Indian women share an identity with Kamala Harris — some are beaming, while others sit at a crossroads with her stance on Gaza

August 22, 2024 at 7:04 p.m.

Before her speech at the Democratic National Convention, Black and Indian-American women are excited and cautious about Vice-President Kamala Harris' run for the White House.

Thousands of pro-Palestine and other demonstrators rallied and marched past the Democratic National Convention headquarters on Monday in what had been billed as the largest of many planned demonstrations during the four-day event.

Politics |
Demonstrators chant, break fencing, but first major protest of DNC stays mostly peaceful

August 19, 2024 at 8:30 p.m.

Thousands of pro-Palestine and other demonstrators rallied and marched past the Democratic National Convention headquarters on Monday in what had been billed as the largest of many planned demonstrations during...

Ushering in its fourth year with an extensive roster of restaurants, cafes and bakeries, Latin Restaurant Weeks runs Aug. 16 through Aug. 30 as organizers hope to spotlight the diversity of Latin flavors in Chicago, beyond the usual tamales and tacos.

Restaurants, Food and Drink |
Latin Restaurant Weeks returns with more than 40 restaurants and cafes

August 16, 2024 at 4:52 p.m.

Ushering in its fourth year with an extensive roster of restaurants, cafes and bakeries, Latin Restaurant Weeks runs Aug. 16 through Aug. 30 as organizers hope to spotlight the diversity...

Summer is fleeting, but there's still plenty of time left to enjoy a picnic outdoors.

Restaurants, Food and Drink |
6 picnic foods and park pairings to make the most of summer in Chicagoland

August 14, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

Summer is fleeting, but there's still plenty of time left to enjoy a picnic outdoors.

The Chicago Department of Aviation welcomed five new culinary and retail offerings to Terminal 5 at O’Hare International Airport Tuesday.

Restaurants, Food and Drink |
New concessions in O’Hare’s Terminal 5 include more local favorites like Metropolis Coffee and Publican Quality Bread

August 13, 2024 at 4:54 p.m.

The Chicago Department of Aviation welcomed five new culinary and retail offerings to Terminal 5 at O’Hare International Airport Tuesday.

Since the June 30 opening, many customers have been arriving at Oud’s bright white storefront specifically to support a Palestinian-owned business.

Restaurants, Food and Drink |
Oud Coffee & Cafe hits a chord with customers looking for culture, community and a chance to support a Palestinian-owned business

August 7, 2024 at 11:57 a.m.

Since the June 30 opening, many customers have been arriving at Oud’s bright white storefront specifically to support a Palestinian-owned business.

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