‘Afternoon Shift’ #174: American dreams

We chat with WBEZ architecture blogger Lee Bey about the Chicago landmark that turns 40 next year. Then, we kick off the latest set of stories from the Front & Center series as we examine the American dream. Finally, we hear an interview and live performance from artist Dana Falconberry.

Storified by · Wed, Oct 24 2012 08:35:08

Debate drama by WBEZRick Kogan talks about the infamous Lincoln-Douglas debates and how they remind him of the current presidential debates.

The Willis Tower (still the Sears to some) is turning 40 next year. WBEZ’s Lee Bey talks about the architectural and cultural significance of one of the world’s most iconic structures. He’ll also give us the latest news on the fate of Bertrand Goldberg’s original Prentice Hospital building.

Willis tower history lesson by WBEZThe Willis Tower (still the Sears to some) is turning 40 next year. WBEZ’s Lee Bey talks about the architectural and cultural significanc…

Willis Tower reconsidered: New photo exhibit examines the city’s tallest buildingAs the Willis (or do you still say “Sears”?) Tower turns 40, a new photo exhibit examines the building's visual impact on the city&#3…

The latest installment of our Front & Center series examines the American dream deferred. We talk about the state of the American dream. What is it? How has the notion of it changed? Does it still exist for most folks? If not, what or who is standing in the way? Today’s feature focuses on Palermo’s Pizza. It was started by an immigrant family in Milwaukee in the 1950’s. We discover Milwaukee’s immigrant history through the story of Palermo’s and the current state of immigrant workers through stories of those employed at the factory today. Author Hedrick Smith and Pew Researcher Diana Elliot join us. 

American dreams by WBEZThe latest installment of our Front & Center series examines the American dream deferred. We talk about the state of the American dream. …

Palermo’s Pizza - a story of immigrants past and presentFor generations, the American Dream has been a pervasive part of our culture: work hard, and you and your children will be better off. Bu…

Today’s 3@3 panel: Philosopher Al Gini and RedEye’s Ernest Wilkins tackle Jenny McCarthy coming to the Sun-Times as a columnist, Rupert Murdoch’s possible interest in the Trib when it comes out of bankruptcy, what the stats you hear during the presidential debates really mean to the average person, and why fans across Chicago are jumping on the Notre Dame bandwagon. 

Professor Al Gini and the RedEye’s Ernest Wilkins unpack today’s headlines by WBEZToday’s 3@3 panel: Philosopher Al Gini and RedEye’s Ernest Wilkins tackle Jenny McCarthy coming to the Sun-Times as a columnist, Rupert M…

Ernest Wilkins and Al Gini with Rick Kogan #wbezwbezchicago

Splash this: Sun-Times signs Jenny McCarthy as columnistActress Jenny McCarthy will write a Sunday column and Monday-through-Friday blog for the Sun-Times, starting next week.

Tonight President Obama and Governor Romney joust over foreign policy. But first, WBEZ’s Jerome McDonnell lays out a bunch of important topics that he’s betting the candidates will likely NOT talk about tonight. 

What issues won’t be covered in tonight’s debate by WBEZTonight President Obama and Governor Romney joust over foreign policy. But first, WBEZ’s Jerome McDonnell lays out a bunch of important t…

Achy ObejasWhat’s at stake for Barack Obama at Tuesday’s debate? Everything. Anyone who’s still holding onto the idea that debates don’t matter, tha…

 Earlier this month, Dana Falconberry made a bit of a splash with the release of her third full-length album, Leelanau. Her music falls somewhere in the marshlands between orchestral pop and Ozark-informed folk pop.  Falconberry and her band join us in studio to talk about her career and perform songs from her new release. 

Dana Falconberry interview and performance by WBEZEarlier this month, Dana Falconberry made a bit of a splash with the release of her third full-length album, Leelanau. Her music falls so…

Dana Falconberry performs ‘Snail Shells’ on WBEZ’s Afternoon ShiftWBEZ

Listen to today’s full episode here: 

Episode #174 Hour 1 by WBEZWe chat with WBEZ architecture blogger Lee Bey about the Chicago landmark that turns 40 next year. Then, we kick off the latest set of st…

Episode #174 Hour 2 by WBEZPhilosopher Al Gini and RedEye’s Ernest Wilkins join us as our 3@3 panel. Then WBEZ’s Jerome McDonnell lays out a bunch of important topi…