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Scapi Weekly: November 1–8, 2026

Catch up on Scapi’s stories from Chicago and beyond, published from November 1, 2026 to November 8, 2026. Select a headline to read the full story.

Sara Rahanjam on making Spring, and leaving room for the viewer

Sara Rahanjam on how research, materials and revision shape her ongoing Spring series, and what a viewer can bring to the finished work.

Andrew Pelletier on the sounds he finds with somebody else in the room

Featured image: Andrew Pelletier. Photo by Patrick Ginn. “I'd love to say that I hear a sound in my head, then pick up the instrument, hit record and boom, there's the sound. But alas, it's trial and error,” Andrew Pelletier said. For Pelletier, making a…

217 Films makes “Glorious Morning: A Revolution Revealed” available for free home viewing

Michael Maglaras’ documentary examines paintings of the American Revolution. It is available through 217 Films for individual home viewing.

CIRCA Pintig takes “Debut” to three Chicago venues this fall

A Filipino drag queen plans a debut celebration as he approaches 30 in CIRCA Pintig’s “Debut: Coming of Age in Filipino America,” touring Chicago in November and December.

Stephen Kohler’s “Step Into Your Shoes” follows a family story

Chicago songwriter Stephen Kohler wrote “Step Into Your Shoes” for his eldest son, a premedical student living with long COVID, according to release materials supplied by NoVo Management and Publicity.

Yes leads with 67.5% in Chicago festival-space referendum

Unofficial Chicago returns showed 67.54% support for permanent festival space. The advisory vote leaves the site, funding and public access unresolved.

Abdul El-Sayed reports $2.4 million day amid Stevens endorsement fallout

El-Sayed’s campaign reports more than 65,000 donors on November 1, as Stevens’ endorsement of Republican Mike Rogers drew condemnation from Democratic leaders.

Hasan Piker describes class politics and organizing in new EFE interview

EFE published its conversation with Piker on November 3. His account of political participation follows an October 26 effort to get Minnesota students to vote early.

Broadview Six judge orders Chicago U.S. attorney to testify about failed prosecution

Andrew Boutros and three prosecutors must testify November 16 as Judge April Perry examines the government's account of the dismissed protest case.

Chicago expands non-police CARE mental health response into the evening

CARE's weekday evening expansion brings more hours of public mental health response. Organizers are pressing for 24/7 coverage as 2027 funding remains proposed.

Adam Hamilton wins Kansas Senate race, ending Democrats’ 94-year drought

The Methodist pastor defeated Republican Roger Marshall, AP called Tuesday night. His platform includes reversing Medicaid cuts and strengthening workers’ organizing rights.

James Talarico defeats Ken Paxton in Texas Senate race

Talarico's victory ends Texas Democrats' statewide losing streak and brings his proposals on wages, childcare and union rights into the Senate.

Democrats projected to win Senate control in 2026 midterms

A projected Democratic Senate majority puts nominations, hearings and the floor agenda in play. Incoming senators' terms begin January 3, 2027.

The Left Won Primaries. Then It Beat Republicans.

These left and progressive candidates won Democratic primaries, then beat Republicans in 2026. Verified winners and the swing-seat result that tests electability.

At Idle Muse, collaboration changes what reaches the script

A director can bring playlists, furniture images and an early reading of a play into the first production meeting. At Idle Muse Theatre Company, that material gives the designers something to answer.

Gina Hinojosa Wins Texas Governor Race. What Happens to School Vouchers?

Gina Hinojosa defeated Greg Abbott after campaigning on public schools. Her victory opens a fight over vouchers, state takeovers and education leadership.

Russ Marr keeps a motorcycle tank visible inside his Tank Birds

The sculptor follows a tank’s wear, shape and personal history as he adds the parts that turn it into a creature.

The Greatest Is Streaming: Cast and Story of the New Muhammad Ali Series

The eight-episode Muhammad Ali drama is streaming on Prime Video, with Jaalen Best leading the cast.

Troy Jackson Defeats Susan Collins in Maine Senate Race

The former logger and union member defeated Susan Collins after a late entry into Maine's Senate race, running on health care and workers' rights.

Suno Seeks Dismissal of Jason Isbell and Other Musicians’ Identity Lawsuit

Suno argues that artist names function as genre shorthand in a November 3 motion. The musicians oppose dismissal, and the filing is not a court ruling.

Alexis Di Stefano kept the shape of a surfboard’s earlier life

A weathered longboard and crystals found on Malibu's coastline gave the artist a way to carry an object into a different use.

KATSEYE Chicago Show Postponed: Tickets, Refunds and the New Date

KATSEYE’s November 5 United Center show was postponed. Tickets and VIP packages carry over; a replacement date has not yet been announced.

VIA Art Fund’s November 5 deadline is for the first letter of inquiry

Artists with a venue lined up can seek $25,000 to $100,000 for a new public artwork. VIA lists November 5 as the deadline for its spring 2027 cycle.

Judge orders new bond hearing for Round Lake resident Beata Siemionkowicz

After more than a year in immigration custody, Siemionkowicz is entitled to a hearing where the government must show why it needs to keep her detained.

Victoria Kowalczyk gives metal the shape of a pillow

Her forged pillows pose a problem of form, while oil painting lets her build depth in layers.

Missouri Rejects Amendment 3, Preserving Abortion Rights

Missouri voters preserved abortion rights and rejected a constitutional ban on trans-youth care. Existing statutory restrictions remain in place.

Janeese Lewis George Wins D.C. Mayor Race With Housing and Arts Plans

D.C.'s mayor-elect campaigned on publicly owned housing, stronger tenant protections and a restored Office of Nightlife and Culture.

Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross Score David Fincher’s Cliff Booth Film

The composers reunite with David Fincher for The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth, starring Brad Pitt and written by Quentin Tarantino.

Samuel Virgo brings two EPs together on Laughing in the Wilderness

Virgo II completes the album, with an early-written song about the weight of words at the EP's close.

Three Solo Shows Open at ARC Gallery on November 6

Abigail Engstrand, Alejandro Mazon and Laura Farahzad Mayer open exhibitions at the West Town gallery, with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m.

Nithya Raman Wins Los Angeles Mayor Race With Housing and Tenant Plans

Raman defeated Karen Bass after campaigning on faster housing construction and stronger tenant enforcement. Those commitments now face the work of implementation.

CTA Damen Bus Stops Change November 16: Where to Board the #50

CTA lists 13 stop eliminations and one relocation on the #50 Damen route beginning November 16. Here are the replacement boarding locations.

Chia Amisola’s Hyundai Artlab commission is available online

“There Are No Gardens on the Internet” lets visitors navigate scenes, collect objects and uncover texts in a browser-based artwork.

Sufjan Stevens Releases Worst Christmas Ever! With One New Song

The November 6 collection draws 15 tracks from Stevens' holiday catalog and adds “On This Christmas (It Only Gets Better).”

Chicago Symphony announces mobile ticketing partnership with True Tickets

The ticketing provider says the partnership will connect mobile ticket activity with Chicago Symphony’s audience records. A rollout date was not specified.

Paige Kizer’s “Unconditional” brings a band and choir into her debut album

Paige Kizer’s debut album, “Unconditional,” brings her songs together with a band, background vocalists and choir arrangements by Gracie Lubisky.

Red Spot Rhythm Section revisits “Twilight” with acoustic recordings

Red Spot Rhythm Section’s “Back of the Bar Room (Twilight Acoustic Sessions)” revisits songs from “Twilight” through recordings made with acoustic instruments and a portable eight-track recorder.

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