The Nooner | Chicago news and beyond | July 5, 2011

The Garfield Park Conservatory, shown here pre-storm-damage, lost a lot of roof panes in the hailstorm.

The Nooner: Chicago news and beyond, plus what TOC editors are reading now.

In today’s news, we’ve got drama at the Joffrey and a lost-and-found tortoise.

Joffrey Ballet’s upcoming season up in the air
A contract dispute between the Joffrey Ballet Company and the American Guild of Musical Artists (the dancers’ union) is threatening to put the kibosh on the Joffrey’s upcoming season. The AGMA’s three-year contract has expired, and no new contract has been forthcoming. The Joffrey claims that they have not heard any response from the AGMA; The AGMA insists that they have been working with the Joffrey through a mediator. The season is currently scheduled to start on August 20, but the Joffrey has said that they will cancel performances if they do not have a contract in place.

Garfield Park Conservatory re-opens, rebuilds after hail storm
That killer hailstorm shattered about half the ceiling panes in the Garfield Park Conservatory’s many glass-roofed plant houses, leaving plants damaged and loose glass shards hanging over the walkways. Now, the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, which runs the conservatory, has stabilized the situation and has been able to partially re-open the conservatory. But it's looking at a $5 million repair bill; the conservatory is accepting donations at their website, and is also encouraging folks to come visit to show their support.

Stanley Kubrick’s photos of ’40s Chicago
Before he became a filmmaker, Kubrick was a photographer—these stunning photos capture 1949 Chicago, from The Pump Room to the tenements. This should surprise no one, but the guy had an amazing photographic eye. 

Gun ranges coming to Chicago
Now that gun ownership is legal in Chicago, allowing gun ranges inside city limits are the next logical thing, it would seem—and Rahm Emanuel agrees. He’s introducing an ordinance to allow gun ranges (which are currently relegated to the suburbs) in the city.

Life on other planets is totally a possibility
This news story is a favorite of Time Out Chicago Kids’ associate editor Web Behrens: Life on Enceladus, one of Saturn's moons! Or, at least the distinct possibility of life there. Key quote, from Dr. Carolyn Porco: "I think we should go directly to Enceladus. We should not pass 'Go,' we should not collect $200. ... All you have to do is land on the surface and stick your tongue out to sample the habitable zone." 

Tortoise theft: Boo! Tortoise recovery: Yay!
Media coverage of a dastardly tortoise theft in Lincolnwood (Spur, a 70-pound lady tortoise, was stolen from a pet store) seems to have lead the reptile thieves to set the creature loose in someone’s north-suburban backyard. Tips on tortoise sightings lead to the animal’s eventual recovery. The pet-shop owner described Spur’s condition as “a little freaked out, but otherwise healthy."