Stories by Hedy Weiss

Saul Bellow’s ‘Augie March’ Inspires a Theatrical Masterpiece at Court Theatre

Labeling a work of art a “masterpiece” is a dangerous business, but on rare occasions there can be no doubt that such a tag is unavoidable. This is one such case.

Northwestern Researchers Reverse Age-Related Memory Loss

Neil Shubin, University of Chicago paleontologist and one of our favorite explainers of all things scientific, joins us to discuss stories making news in the world of science.

An ‘Open Swim’ in the Chicago River is in the Works for September

Doug McConnell has swam in New York’s Hudson River, the Boston Harbor and even the English Channel. Now he wants to make a splash in his own city.

May 21, 2019 - Full Show

Watch the May 21, 2019 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Gullivers Selling a Slice of Chicago Restaurant History

A famous Chicago pizza joint is filled with antiques, and they’re all going to be part of an unusual estate sale. We go for a look.

Study Finds ‘Promising’ Results for Lung Cancer Detection Using AI

Artificial intelligence outperformed radiologists in identifying lung cancer as part of first-time screenings, according to a new study. The technology also produced fewer false positives and negatives.

OPRF High School to Reprint Yearbooks After Racist Gestures Found in Photos

The suburban school district’s Board of Education voted Monday to spend $54,000 to reprint the books after more than a dozen photos were found of students displaying an upside-down “OK” hand gesture.

Rahm Emanuel to Contribute to ABC News, The Atlantic

Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has at least two new gigs after wrapping up his second term in office. He joins the broadcast network as a contributor and The Atlantic as a contributing editor.  

Funeral Set for Marlen Ochoa-Lopez

The visitation, funeral and burial will take place this week for Marlen Ochoa-Lopez, who was strangled and whose baby was cut from her womb late last month.

Asian Carp DNA Found in Chicago Area Near Lake Michigan

Officials say genetic material from Asian carp has been detected near Lake Michigan, but a follow-up search turned up none of the invasive fish.

May 20, 2019 - Full Show

Watch the May 20, 2019 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Lightfoot Recounts Ancestor’s Tragedy in the Jim Crow South

The little-known story of Lori Lightfoot’s grandfather who was murdered in the Jim Crow South nearly 100 years ago.

Lightfoot Signs Executive Order Curbing Aldermanic Prerogative

Within hours of being sworn in, Mayor Lori Lightfoot signed an executive order that aims to significantly curb aldermanic prerogative. She made signing it her first order of business as a demonstration she’ll bring change to the city. 

Aldermen on Governing with Mayor Lori Lightfoot

As Mayor Lori Lightfoot takes aim at City Council corruption, we talk with four aldermen about how they’ll work with the new mayor.

Before She Was Mayor: An In-Depth Profile of Lori Lightfoot

From humble beginnings in Massillon, Ohio, to a high-powered federal prosecutor – to mayor of Chicago. Our in-depth profile of the events that shaped the life of Lori Lightfoot.

Rare Albino Alligator Arrives at Brookfield Zoo

Snowflake, a 16-year-old American alligator, is estimated to be one of just about 100 albino alligators in existence. 

In ‘Pygmalion Effect,’ Superb Dancers of Russia’s Eifman Ballet Undermined by Manic Choreography and Too Much Strauss

Watching the company as it performed Boris Eifman’s latest work, the feeling that his dancers are not well served by his relentlessly madhouse style of movement – manic, extreme, repetitive – could not be denied.

Violinist Hilary Hahn Elicits a ‘Wow,’ and More, at CSO Concert

Hilary Hahn’s bravura handling of a fire-breathing passage in Sibelius’ “Violin Concerto in D Minor” brings forth a “Wow!” from what was certainly an adult man in the audience at Symphony Center.

Measles Exposure Reported in Chicago

An individual with a confirmed measles infection took public transportation and visited several stores in the Loop late last week, according to health officials. 

Lightfoot Sworn in as Chicago Mayor: ‘This City Felt Like Where I Belonged’

Chicago’s new mayor, the first black woman and openly gay person to hold the office, takes aim at aldermanic prerogative and outlines her four guiding principles: community safety, public education, stability and integrity.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot: Inaugural Address

Did you miss the inauguration? Watch video of the ceremony or read the full text of Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s inaugural address at Wintrust Arena. 

Illinois Not Alerted to Early Clues in Womb-Cutting Case

Police and Illinois’ child welfare agency say staff at a Chicago-area hospital didn’t alert them after determining that a bloodied woman who arrived with a gravely ill newborn had not just given birth to the baby boy, as she claimed.

Incoming Chicago Mayor Has Path to Historic Police Reforms

Lori Lightfoot will have a powerful ally in seeking to fulfill a campaign promise to overhaul the Police Department: a judge with authority to hold reform slackers in contempt.

In ‘Next to Normal,’ Mother’s Mental Illness Wreaks Havoc with Family’s Health

This 2008 musical is unsettling, irritating, frustrating, relentless and more. But director David Cromer and his actors have tapped into the dark charm and moments of humor in the show with great skill.

Lightfoot Rewards ‘Reform’ and ‘Old Guard’ Alderman in Council Shake-Up

Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot releases her picks for committee chairmanships, proposing that Ald. Scott Waguespack (32nd) lead the Finance Committee that was led for decades by Ald. Ed Burke (14th).

Illinois Bill Seeks to Legalize Syringe Exchanges Statewide

A new bill aims to fix the state’s “ambiguous” law over syringe exchange programs. Public support for such programs remains low, but advocates say they can offer critical help to those in need.
 

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