Stories by Hedy Weiss
Mark Larson’s ‘Ensemble’ Captures Chicago Theater History in Creators’ Own Words
| Hedy Weiss
Mark Larson’s encyclopedic new book chronicles the development of a unique artistic movement in Chicago through the voices of more than 300 actors, directors, designers, writers, choreographers and producers.
Pritzker Signs Bill Redefining ‘Local Foods’ in Illinois
| Alex Ruppenthal
The new law is expected to help Illinois-based food producers and manufacturers compete for contracts that prioritize locally sourced foods.
Should Physicians Ask Patients About Illicit Drug Use?
| Kristen Thometz
More than 70,000 people died from drug overdoses in the U.S. in 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Now, a task force is recommending clinicians ask adult patients about illicit drug use.
US Stock Indexes End Mostly Higher After Volatile Day
| Associated Press
Investors rode out another turbulent day on Wall Street that kept stock indexes flipping between gains and losses until a late-day bounce gave the market a modest gain. Local analysts weigh in on what it all means for consumers.
Deep Frydays: Potato Chip-Crusted Polish Sausage
| Erica Gunderson
What do Polish sausage, potato chips and Plochman’s mustard have in common? They all come together to make a delicious snack.
US Makes New Push for Graphic Warning Labels on Cigarettes
| Associated Press
The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday proposed 13 new warnings that would appear on all cigarettes, including images of cancerous neck tumors, diseased lungs and feet with amputated toes.
R. Kelly is a No-Show at Cook County Court Hearing
| Matt Masterson
R. Kelly refused transport Thursday to the Leighton Criminal Court Building, where he faces several criminal sexual charges, according to a Cook County prosecutor.
Vaping Companies Sue to Delay US Review of E-Cigarettes
| Associated Press
The legal challenge by the Vapor Technology Association is the latest hurdle in the Food and Drug Administration’s yearslong effort to regulate the multibillion-dollar vaping industry, which includes makers and retailers of e-cigarette devices and flavored solutions.
Rare Coins, Cash on View as World’s Fair of Money Returns to Chicago Area
| Marc Vitali
Coins and cash are the focus the annual World’s Fair of Money. It’s in the Chicago area this year and we visited to get a load of all the loot.
Spotlight Politics: Politicians Hit Illinois State Fair
| Amanda Vinicky
Democrats take the stage for Governor’s Day at the state fair in Springfield. Our politics team tackles the 2020 election and more in our weekly roundtable.
A Look at Immigration Status in the Workplace
| Nick Blumberg
Amid workplace raids, what responsibilities do employers have to verify immigration status? And what rights do workers have?
Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown Won’t Seek Re-Election
| Paris Schutz
Long the subject of federal scrutiny, Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Dorothy Brown explains why she will not seek re-election.
Keya Trammell Was Bullied for Alopecia. Now She is Bald and Proud.
| Jay Shefsky
Sometimes, the very thing that brings a person the most trouble in life can become a source of joy and inspiration. Meet local singer – and mentor – Keya Trammell.
Judge Lifts Decorum Order in Jason Van Dyke Case, Freeing Up Last Documents
| Matt Masterson
Until this week, 18 documents from the landmark case had remained under seal, even though the former officer was convicted 10 months ago for the murder of Laquan McDonald.
How the Weakened Endangered Species Act Could Impact Illinois
| Alex Ruppenthal
The Trump administration’s move to effectively weaken protections under the landmark law could have stark consequences for the 480 plant and animal species classified as endangered or threatened within Illinois.
10 Things to Do this Weekend: Aug. 15-18
| Kristen Thometz
Stunt planes, Italian fare, vintage finds and hummingbirds usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
Witness Describes Moments Leading to Chicago Officer’s Fatal Shooting
| Matt Masterson
After a night out with friends in River North, off-duty Chicago police Officer John Rivera apparently realized a dangerous situation was unfolding. Moments later, the 23-year-old was fatally shot inside his vehicle.
Experts Call for Steps to Stem Increases in Legionnaires’ Disease
| Associated Press
In a report released Wednesday, top U.S. science experts said annual cases of Legionnaires’ disease jumped more than fivefold from 2000 to 2017, and that as many as 70,000 Americans get the disease every year.
Stocks Slide After Bond Market Warns Again of Recession
| Associated Press
Weak economic data around the world also unnerved investors, who flipped back into selling mode after driving a rally Tuesday on hopeful signals that the U.S.-China trade war may not be worsening so much.
United Tells Pilots No Alcohol for 12 Hours Before Flights
| Associated Press
The change in the rule — it’s called “bottle-to-throttle” in the airline business — comes several days after two United pilots were arrested in Scotland and charged with suspicion of being under the influence before a flight to the U.S.
Chicago Casino Study: Taxes Too High to Be Profitable
| Paris Schutz
An onerous tax structure would virtually kill any chance that a Chicago casino operator could make a profit, despite an ability to make massive amounts of money, according to a newly released feasibility study.
The Plight of the Monarchs: Trump Order Weakens Protections
| Associated Press
Monarchs are in trouble, despite efforts by volunteers and organizations across the United States to nurture the beloved butterfly. And the Trump administration’s new order weakening the Endangered Species Act could well make things worse.
New Asian Carp Study Reaffirms Need to Protect Great Lakes
| Paul Caine
Asian carp will certainly survive and most likely thrive if they are able to make their way into Lake Michigan, according to a study released Monday by the University of Michigan.
Southwest Side Bungalow Provides Shelter from Street Violence
| Andrea Guthmann
A group of young men have chosen to escape street violence by living together in an innovative safe house. We discuss the program with the two Chicagoans who started it: Liz Dozier and Rami Nashashibi.
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