Stories by Daniel Hautzinger

Attending college on the G.I. Bill changed Abner Mikva's life. As a congressman, judge, and mentor to Barack Obama, Elena Kagan, and numerous young people, Mikva tried to show that government could be a force for good in people's lives. 

Who doesn't love a good speculoos? As the weather chills, bake some of the spiced cookies with a recipe from Milk Street and enjoy them alongside a hot cup of tea. 

As the United Kingdom suffers under mass blackouts, one region spirals into chaos while the Prime Minister is faced with difficult decisions. Anna becomes re-immersed in her past before facing a dangerous situation, and a family crisis threatens the PM's reputation.

Vivien makes two sudden decisions that startle and upset her children, while they all continue to mess up in their struggling relationships and Mary keeps snooping. 

In the series finale of Last Tango in Halifax, Alan and Celia approach their seventh anniversary, Ted goes on an adventure, Caroline tries to make amends, and Gillian ponders what to do with the farm.

40 years ago, the Polish trade union Solidarity was formed. It would go on to force the first free elections in Communist Poland and win resoundingly, ending the Communist regime there. Chicago's Polish community played a strong supporting role throughout. 

A new season of Pati's Mexican Table explores the cuisine of Sonora. Pati Jinich starts off her journey just over the border in Tucson, Arizona, the "gateway to Sonora," where she makes these oozy, cheesy chiles rellenos.

A possible global crisis faces Prime Minister Robert Sutherland and his chief of staff Anna Marshall as they deal with a fractious Cabinet, a long-lost person from the past, and troubles within the family. 

When Vivien begins dating Mark after her husband's death, some of her children are wary. But they have plenty of their own issues to deal with. And Vivien's nosy neighbor eagerly watches all the drama unfold. 

Celia is getting tired of ushering Ted around, especially now that Alan is working and their kitchen is being redone. Gillian and Caroline hit their breaking points, and Judith has a surprising revelation that changes her relationship to John.

In the midst of "the most brutal time the hospitality industry has ever seen," a group of women restaurateurs are collaborating to present globe- and Chicagoland-trotting tasting menus. "Who has ever done a tasting like this?" says one of the organizers. 

While it's not as well-known in the United States as its fellow Middle Eastern dips hummus and baba ghanoush, muhammara is just as delicious, with a depth coming from walnuts and roasted red peppers plus some mild spice from Aleppo pepper.

Something perplexing shows up on Gillian's farm on the day that Alan's brother Ted arrives from New Zealand with his own surprises in tow. Caroline prepares to entertain a possible romantic prospect, and John regrets some decisions. 

When a fashion vlogger shows up dead, Van der Valk and his team investigate rival fashion labels, while an old case returns to haunt Van der Valk and his boss. 

Discover WTTW's programming celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 through October 15.