A growing number of Venezuelans fleeing the turmoil in their country are finding a new life in Chicago. But they’re keeping a close eye on their homeland, with the hopes that change is about to take place.
Stories by Eddie Arruza
‘Missing’ Uptown Chandeliers to Make Their Way Back Home
After decades of neglect and decay, Chicago’s historic Uptown Theater is finally being brought back to life. And some of the original light fixtures – painstakingly restored – will soon make their way back to the 1925 movie palace.
The Dangerous Beauty of ‘Chiberia’
Chicago is seldom brought to its knees by brutal weather conditions, but Wednesday was a rare exception. And while subzero temperatures made the outdoors dangerous, they also created extreme beauty.
Snowstorm Likely a Prelude to More Dangerous Weather
How Chicagoans handled a snowy start to the week – and how the city is preparing for worsening conditions.
Federal Courts in Chicago in Triage Mode as Shutdown Trudges On
The chief judge of the Northern District of Illinois speaks out on the effect the shutdown is having on the federal courts.
Federal Employees in Chicago Turn to Food Pantries for Help
A growing number of federal workers in Chicago are turning to food pantries as the government shutdown enters its second month.
Historic Black Marines in Danger of Losing South Side Veterans Hall
They were among the first African-Americans to be accepted into the U.S. Marines Corps. Now, surviving members of the Montford Point Marines fear they could lose their veterans hall in Englewood.
Rediscovered 15th Century Songbook Produces ‘New’ Songs
Nearly 50 short love songs, all handwritten in the tiny Leuven Songbook, were apparently lost for centuries until their fateful rediscovery in 2014. Now, some of the songs are being brought back to life in Chicago.
No Signs of Sickout Among Chicago TSA Agents
The federal shutdown is causing a lot of worries among government employees, including TSA agents. How workers in Chicago are reacting.
Farthest Object Ever Explored Comes into View on New Year’s Day
Ultima Thule, the relatively tiny object in the outer solar system, is now the farthest cosmic body to be reached by humans. We hear from the lead scientist behind the farthest flyby ever.
Apollo 8 Astronauts Recount Historic Mission at ‘Rocket Men’ Book Launch
A Chicago reunion of the Apollo 8 astronauts as a new book by local author Robert Kurson celebrates the historic first human flight to the moon.
New Chicago Ordinance Aimed at Encouraging, Regulating Pop-Ups
The concept of pop-up businesses is not new, but a city initiative to regulate them is. We visit several Chicago pop-ups that are open for business in this new era of retail.
NASA Reaches New Heights: Mars, Asteroid Bennu and Ultima Thule
From amazing new vistas of Mars to a little rover bouncing on a distant asteroid, an exploration of recent achievements in outer space with Adler Planetarium astronomer Lucianne Walkowicz.
Chicago’s Historic Newberry Library Unveils New Look, Exhibition
As one of Chicago’s oldest and most prestigious institutions unveils a new look, it also looks back at an event that transformed the city.
Illinois’ Bicentennial: People, Places and Things to Celebrate
From its majestic rivers to Lake Michigan, and sky-high architecture to vast, fertile prairies, there really is no other state like Illinois.
Chicagoans Celebrate Landing of Latest Mars Probe
It took six months, a voyage of 300 million miles and a final “seven minutes of terror,” but NASA’s InSight spacecraft on Monday touched down on Mars in a landing the craft’s chief engineer called “flawless.”
Brain Donations Power Groundbreaking Study of Alzheimer’s Disease
An estimated 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and that number is expected to rise. We learn about one of the world’s most comprehensive studies of the disease, taking place right here in Chicago.
Landmark Musical ‘Miss Saigon’ Returns to Chicago, Turns 30
Decades after it premiered in London, the mega-musical “Miss Saigon” is still captivating audiences around the world. Meet three of the stars from the new touring production.
Remembering Chicago’s Role in World War I
Over the weekend, world leaders gathered in France to mark the 100th anniversary of the armistice that brought World War I to an end. We remember Illinois’ sacrifice during the Great War.
City of Chicago and Cook County See Surge in Voting
Voter interest was strong this Election Day. Both the Chicago Board of Elections and its suburban Cook County counterpart say turnout has been higher than in previous midterm elections.
Doris Kearns Goodwin on What Makes for Great Presidential Leadership
Presidents who have effectively led the nation out of trying times seem to share some key attributes. The Pulitzer Prize-winning historian writes about those qualities in her new book “Leadership in Turbulent Times.”
Michael Beschloss Sheds Light on ‘Presidents of War’ in New Book
Presidential historian Michael Beschloss on how U.S. presidents have increasingly usurped the power to go to war.
At Public Hearing, Nearly 50 Speakers Weigh in on Police Reform
A ceremonial courtroom at the Dirksen Federal Building was filled to capacity Wednesday as the first of two public hearings got underway on the proposed Chicago police reform consent decree.
Made in Chicago Auction Highlights 150 Years of Local History
You want a piece of Chicago? An array of notable works of art and historic Chicago artifacts are up for auction.
Lyric Opera Orchestra Ratifies New Contract
Following a five-day strike that forced the cancellation of three performances at Lyric Opera of Chicago, the company’s orchestra ratified a new contract Sunday.
