Stories by Hedy Weiss
Elusive Identities at the Center of 2 Whodunits Separated by Many Decades
| Hedy Weiss
Agatha Christie’s play, “The Mousetrap,” is now receiving a wonderfully entertaining revival at Court Theatre, while Northlight Theatre is presenting the world premiere of Steven Dietz’s “How a Boy Falls,” a compelling whodunit with very dark overtones.
Social Life Without the Buzz? It’s the ‘Sober Curious’ Movement
| WTTW News
Taking a break from alcohol after the holidays has become known as the “dry January” trend. But now that January is over, some people are extending their sobriety, trying out a social life that’s not dependent on alcohol.
For Elsa Harris, Playing Music About Preaching the Gospel, Healing
| Jay Shefsky
Elsa Harris has played in Chicago churches since she was 12 years old and has performed around the world. We visit this “legend of Chicago gospel.”
Iowans Head to Caucuses, May Clarify Democratic Field
| Associated Press
Iowa Democrats anxious for fundamental political change headed toward caucus centers late Monday to decide the opening contest in the 2020 presidential primary season.
Experts Prepare, But New China Virus Not a Pandemic Yet
| Associated Press
Health authorities are preparing for a possible pandemic as they work to contain a respiratory illness in China that’s caused by a new virus. Here’s what you should know about the illness.
The Super Bowl Ad Chicagoans Should Be Talking About, But Probably Didn’t Even Notice
| Patty Wetli
A 30-second spot from Dakota Access ran at least twice during Sunday’s broadcast of the big game on FOX. Here’s why.
Trump Trial Closing Arguments Aim at Voters, History
| Associated Press
Closing arguments Monday in President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial were directed more toward history than to sway the outcome.
Crain’s Headlines: Tribune Publishing Names New CEO
| WTTW News
Tribune Publishing said it has named finance chief Terry Jimenez as its new CEO, succeeding Timothy Knight, who will leave the company after a year in the top job.
DHS: New Screening to Begin Amid Coronavirus Concerns
| Associated Press
Under the new rules, U.S. citizens who have traveled in China within the last 14 days will be re-routed to designated airports, where they will undergo enhanced health screening procedures, including Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
CPS Internal Watchdog Steps Down Amid Report of Investigation
| Matt Masterson
Nicholas Schuler submitted his resignation Monday, just days after a report by the Chicago Sun-Times detailed allegations of a “toxic workplace” inside his office.
Police: Shootings, Homicides Increase in 2020 Despite Overall Decline in Violent Crime
Interim Superintendent Beck calls increases “alarming”
| Matt Masterson
Chicago saw a notable uptick in shootings and homicides in the first month of 2020, but police say that overall, violent crime incidents in Chicago actually decreased in comparison to January 2019.
UChicago Stamp Collection Sheds Light on Everyday Life in North Korea
| Nicole Cardos
A new collection of 2,000 stamps at the University of Chicago offers a unique look at North Korea. We stopped by the Regenstein Library to see it – and meet the librarian who acquired it.
US States Join Global Push to Ban Animal-Tested Cosmetics
| Associated Press
California, Nevada and Illinois all saw new laws take effect this year that ban the sale or import of animal-tested cosmetics.
Impeachment Trial Heads to Historic End in Frenetic Week
| Associated Press
President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial heads toward a historic conclusion this week, with senators all-but-certain to acquit him on charges of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress after narrowly rejecting Democratic demands to summon witnesses.
Super Rally: Mahomes, Chiefs Win Super Bowl with Late Surge
| Associated Press
Patrick Mahome, the 24-year-old quarterback who was selected Super Bowl MVP, led the Chiefs to 21 straight points in the final 6:13 for a 31-20 victory Sunday over the San Francisco 49ers.
The Week in Review: Sandoval Pleads Guilty, Top Cop Shakes Up CPD
| Evan Garcia
A guilty plea has reverberations throughout the state. Coronavirus concerns spread in Chicago. A massive restructuring of the Chicago Police Department. And Catholic schools get a financial lifeline.
FDA Approves First Treatment for Kids With Peanut Allergy
| Associated Press
The first treatment for peanut allergies is about to hit the market, a big step toward better care for all kinds of food allergies – but still a long way from a cure.
Senate Rejects Witnesses in Trump Trial, Ensuring Acquittal
| Associated Press
The Senate rejected the idea of summoning witnesses for President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial late Friday, all but ensuring his acquittal. But senators considered pushing off final voting on his fate to next week.
Paul Lewis and CSO in Astonishing Performances of 2 Beethoven Piano Concertos
| Hedy Weiss
Fresh off a grueling but much heralded European tour, the CSO has returned to the Symphony Center stage with Sir Andrew Davis.
Atari Plans to Open Video Game-Themed Resort in Chicago, Other Cities
| Associated Press
Atari, the arcade game company that ushered in the gaming revolution in the 1980s, is opening eight video game-themed hotels across the United States, including one in Chicago.
CDC Issues Quarantine for 195 American Evacuees from China
| Kristen Thometz
Evacuees from Wuhan, China, will spend two weeks at a military base in Riverside, California, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The risk to the American public remains low, officials said Friday.
What Does Climate Change Sound Like? An Antarctic Iceberg Speaks This Weekend at Millennium Park
| Patty Wetli
The sounds of a calving Antarctic iceberg have been turned into a musical composition, which will be performed as part of an immersive experience this weekend at Millennium Park.
Democratic AGs Sue to Force US to Adopt ERA in Constitution
| Associated Press
The lawsuit filed against the archivist of the United States comes after the National Archives and Records Administration said this week that David Ferriero would “take no action to certify the adoption of the Equal Rights Amendment.”
Trump Trial Could End Soon; Alexander Says No to Witnesses
| Associated Press
Republican Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee will oppose calling more witnesses in President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial, all but dashing Democratic efforts to hear more testimony and pushing the Senate toward a vote to acquit Trump as soon as Friday.
Chicago Police Using Controversial Facial Recognition Tool
| Blair Paddock
The Chicago Police Department recently started working with a controversial facial recognition tool. CPD says it’s not using it for real-time surveillance, but some advocacy groups still have concerns.
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