Stories by Dan Andries
Art Institute Highlights Revolutionary Art from Soviet Union
| Dan Andries
An exhibit at the Art Institute of Chicago features the artistic outpouring of Russian artists after the October Revolution of 1917, the coup that brought the Soviet Union into being more than a century ago.
Holiday Theater in Chicago: Alternative Picks from Hedy Weiss
| Marc Vitali
Hedy Weiss reviews alternative holiday shows on Chicago stages—with not a “Nutcracker” or “Christmas Carol” in sight.
‘Genius’ Grant Winner Hopes to Shed Light on Segregation in US
| Brandis Friedman
Tough talk about segregation from MacArthur “genius” grant recipient and journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones.
Secret UFO Program Funded by Pentagon for Years
| Evan Garcia
It might sound like an episode of “The X-Files,” but a story reported Saturday by the New York Times sheds light on an official Pentagon program that researched and investigated unidentified flying objects.
Governor’s Race: Marshall’s Plan to Split State, Legalize Marijuana
| Paul Caine
Burr Ridge physician Dr. Robert Marshall tells us why he’s running for governor and discusses his plans for Illinois.
Police: Off-Duty Officer Shoots Would-Be Carjacker
Felony charges filed Tuesday against teen offender
| Matt Masterson
An off-duty police officer shot and wounded a would-be carjacker Monday evening in the Bronzeville neighborhood, according to the Chicago Police Department, which is dealing with an unprecedented spike in vehicle thefts this year.
EPA Union Blasts Pruitt’s Pick to Lead Regional Office in Chicago
| Alex Ruppenthal
Former Wisconsin politician Cathy Stepp “will bring a fresh perspective” to the EPA, agency chief Scott Pruitt said Tuesday. But the announcement drew blunt criticism from the group’s national employee union.
New Book Explores Dorothy Day’s Life as Mother, Grandmother
| Erica Gunderson
Author Kate Hennessy discusses her new book about Dorothy Day, her Catholic activist grandmother.
Why 25K SNAP Recipients Are Suddenly Without Food Stamps
| Amanda Vinicky
Individuals often drift in and out of the SNAP system intermittently, but the number who suddenly lost benefits spiked last month to 41,000 after recipients apparently missed a Nov. 5 deadline.
In Maria’s Wake, Young Puerto Rican Family Now Calls Chicago Home
| Eddie Arruza
It’s been three months since Hurricane Maria dealt a devastating blow to Puerto Rico, and the U.S. territory is still struggling. How one young mother and her sons are restarting their lives in Chicago.
Hiplet Is Not Your Grandmother’s Ballet
| Brandis Friedman
They’ve strutted across high-end runways and for fast-fashion TV commercials. Now, the Hiplet dancers are showing Chicago Tonight how they’ve worked for their success.
The Life and Landmarks of Chicago’s John Vinci
| Marc Vitali
A new illustrated biography takes a close look at the life of the Chicago architect, preservationist and restorer of architectural masterpieces.
Preventing Sexual Harassment: What Companies Can Do
| Erica Gunderson
The “me too” campaign has ushered in a flood of allegations against prominent men. But whose job is it to make sure that rank-and-file workers are protected against sexual harassment?
4 Shedd Penguins Celebrate Landmark 30th Birthday
| Alex Ruppenthal
Meet Drake, Magdalena, Pebbles and Wellington. They are the first penguins to turn 30 at Shedd Aquarium, and among the oldest penguins in human care across the U.S.
MAP: Snowy Owl Sightings in Chicago Area
| Alex Ruppenthal
Bird enthusiasts are enjoying an “invasion” of snowy owls in Chicago and across northeastern Illinois this winter. Check out our map of recent snowy owl sightings.
‘The Accidental President’ Traces Early Truman Era
| Erica Gunderson
A.J. Baime’s new book makes the case that Harry S. Truman’s first four months as commander-in-chief were the most challenging and consequential ever faced by a U.S. president.
State Board to Review CPS Special Education Offerings
| Matt Masterson
The Illinois State Board of Education will hold a public inquiry into Chicago Public Schools after advocate outrage stemming from a WBEZ report on the district’s special education practices.
Restaurants, Advocates Prep for New Food Allergy Law Starting Jan. 1
| Kristen Thometz
Starting next month, some restaurant managers must be formally trained in food allergy safety. But an informal survey by the Illinois Food Allergy Education Association indicates not all restaurants are aware of the new rules.
The Week in Review: Mayor Emanuel Starts Re-Election Media Rounds
| Alexandra Silets
Mayor Rahm Emanuel blasts President Donald Trump on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios faces a lawsuit charging racial discrimination in the property tax assessment system. And Cubs announcer Pat Hughes reveals a health scare.
CPS Music Teacher’s Outreach Helps Replace Stolen Instruments
| Matt Masterson
A music teacher at Fulton Elementary has raised thousands of dollars and collected donations from around Chicago to replace dozens of instruments that were stolen from his school.
Why Do Animals (Including Humans) Play? A Chicago Researcher Explores
| Alex Ruppenthal
From siblings with snowballs to wrestling chimpanzees, playful behavior is usually easy to spot. But the question of why we play – and whether we all play for the same reasons – is less apparent.
New Museum Showcases Massive Collection of Stained Glass, Rare Clocks
| Marc Vitali
Historic clocks from around the world and brilliant stained glass windows fill a new museum in Evanston. We go for a look.
Chicago Takes the Reins of Bitcoin Futures Trading
| Evan Garcia
On Sunday, the Chicago Board Options Exchange became the first major U.S. exchange to start trading bitcoin futures, allowing traders to place bet on the commodity’s future value.
Outgoing Fed Chair Janet Yellen Hikes Interest Rates One Last Time
| Paul Caine
While Fed Chair Janet Yellen ends her tenure on an upbeat note, are there storm clouds ahead for the economy?
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