Stories by Marc Vitali

Welcome to Artbeat, Chicago Tonight’s blog on arts & culture. It’s a privilege to be the curator and share my enthusiasms, but this is a two-way street: help me out, and I’ll return the favor.

We share what you had to say about Russian President Vladimir Putin's open letter to American readers in The New York Times urging "caution" in Syria in tonight’s viewer feedback.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the week's top headlines.

In this week’s web extra segment, Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists dive deeper into the Jon Burge police torture case. How did Burge’s actions increase mistrust of the police? And what about the “no-snitch” culture both on the street and on the police force? Charles Thomas says that while there aren’t necessarily more bad cops than bad journalists, the “no-snitch” culture has to change. Watch the web extra video.

Oktoberfest, model sailboats, and a Day of the Dead exhibit; Chicago Tonight knows what's going on this weekend.

Newer suburban theaters may attract more critical attention, but if slow-and-steady wins the race, The Theatre of Western Springs (TWS), established in 1929, slaughters the competition. This year, they celebrate their 85th season and 500th production with a solid staging of Slaughterhouse-Five, Kurt Vonnegut's mordant tale of a World War 2 veteran "unstuck in time."

The president of Russia writes an open letter to American readers in The New York Times urging "caution" in Syria. Eddie Arruza and his guests have analysis. Read Putin's full Op-Ed.

A new carnivorous mammal is now on display at The Field Museum. Described as a cross between a cat and a teddy bear, the Olinguito was part of the museum's collection for decades. Bill Stanley, the Field's mammals collections manager, brings the specimen to our studios. Watch Emily Graslie's "The Brain Scoop" video about the Olinguito.

We get a backstage tour of the newest theater in town – the architecturally significant Theatre School of DePaul University. Read an interview and view a photo gallery.

More than 7 billion people inhabit the earth today, consuming huge amounts of natural resources and altering the face of our planet. When we exceed the current global population, then what? Author Stephen Emmott joins us to discuss his new book, 10 Billion. View graphics of global natural resource consumption.

You might remember her as the devilish Vera on Downton Abbey. But Irish singer, songwriter, and actress Maria Doyle Kennedy also has a heavenly singing voice. We revisit a conversation and performance with Kennedy.

We share what you had to say about a controversial plan that would cut down 14 acres of trees along the Chicago River near Horner Park in Ald. Deborah Mell's ward to save the river's west bank from erosion in tonight’s viewer feedback.

A new law passes requiring buildings to report their energy uses. Some aldermen warn it will cost condo owners big on their assessments. Paris Schutz has the details on that, and more news from today's Chicago City Council meeting. Read the news release.

President Obama addressed the nation Tuesday night to discuss the situation in Syria. Carol Marin and her guests discuss the president's speech and the possibility of a diplomatic solution. Watch the full speech and read the president's remarks.

Retired Lt. Col. Ryan Yantis is a decorated survivor of the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. In 2001, he was a Public Affairs Officer on duty at the Pentagon when American Airlines Flight 77 slammed into the building. He joins us 12 years after that fateful day.

One in 20 U.S. children are severely obese, and the numbers are rising while treatment remains limited. What does this newly defined class risk mean? A panel of medical experts joins us to discuss.

Your coupon cutting days could be over with mobile coupon and daily deal apps revolutionizing how consumers save money. Our panel analyzes the mobile couponing trend and shares tips on the hottest coupon apps. Read 10 tips for a novice couponer.

We revisit a story about a Chicago artist who has been painting since the 1940s and is just now getting his due.

President Obama will address the nation about his plans to respond to the situation in Syria on Tuesday night. Our panel has a preview.

North Side residents are battling a plan to clear-cut 14 acres of trees along the Chicago River from Irving Park Road to Montrose Avenue. The Army Corps of Engineers and the Chicago Park District say the Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration plan will restore the riverbank by Horner Park. But opponents want the native old-growth trees left alone for the $6.5 million project.

Chicago’s newest harbor is only one-third full. Critics say it's the Park District's high fees that are keeping boaters away. Elizabeth Brackett has the story. Read an article.

It is believed to be the world’s most valuable book but you may never have heard of it. And now it’s up for auction with an estimated sale price of between $15-$30 million. We tell you what the extremely rare and pricey tome is when we get a firsthand look at it in our studio on Tuesday.

We revisit Jay Shefsky's profile of a basketball team you won't forget. Read an article and view a photo gallery.

Watch Charlie Rose's exclusive interview with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

How is the CTA faring in day one of the rollout of the controversial new Ventra system? Paris Schutz has the details.

Illinois Rep. Jim Durkin talks about his new role as the minority leader of the Illinois House. View a timeline of his career.