Stories by Reuben Unrau

West Side Woman Planning Soldier Field Prayer Vigil

Shelisa Jones is on a mission from God. Her plan? Rent out Soldier Field next Monday for a citywide interfaith prayer vigil for peace during one of Chicago’s most violent years in decades. 

COPA Gets City Council Vote

Who will police the Chicago police? Plans to clean house and overhaul the police accountability process face a crucial City Council vote.

What’s Ahead for Chicago’s DuSable Museum of African American History

With the recent opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, we get an update on Chicago's museum of African American history.

Librarian at Center of Student Protest Last Year Among Latest CPS Cuts

Sara Sayigh, a 60-year-old librarian on the historic DuSable High School campus, was one of nearly 250 educators and support staff CPS laid off this week because of shrinking budgets and declining enrollment.

Chicago Journalist’s ‘Algren: A Life’ Reveals New Details About Writer

He was a literary giant who chronicled the seedy side of the city. We talk with the author of a new biography about Chicago writer Nelson Algren.

Chicago Latino Music Festival Showcases Latin American, Spanish Music

The 11th annual festival is underway. Get a preview of this year's artists and hear a performance by guitarist Iliana Matos.

Business Leaders on Get In Chicago’s Efforts to Stem Violence

We hear from three business leaders on their efforts to help Chicago reduce violent crime.

Venomous Illinois Rattlesnake Gets Federal Protection

The eastern massasauga rattlesnake, also known as the “swamp rattler,” produces venom more toxic than most other rattlesnakes.

World Premiere Play ‘Man in the Ring’ Much More than a Boxing Story

The story behind a new stage adaptation of an infamous–and fatal–boxing match that was televised in the 1960s.

For Elsa Harris, Playing Music About Preaching the Gospel, Healing

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.”

October 3, 2016 - Full Show

Watch the Oct. 3, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight." 

Duckworth, Kirk Face Off in 1st Senate Debate

Illinois' U.S. Senate candidates, incumbent Republican Mark Kirk and Democrat Tammy Duckworth, square off in a debate for the first time. Why it may be their last.

The Role of Newspaper Endorsements in Elections

Only 35 days until Election Day and newspapers across the country are making some surprising endorsements. We talk with local editorial board members. 

Emily Graslie Launches ‘Natural News’ Series

The Field Museum's Chief Curiosity Correspondent has a new show and she's here to tell us all about it.

CPS Sends Layoff Notices to Almost 250 Teachers, Staff

Some Chicago Public Schools students may be missing their teachers as more than 250 layoff notices go out Monday.

Camps, Day Care Available for CPS Students if Teachers Walk Out

The YMCA and other community organizations across the city plan to hold strike camps for CPS students if the district and Chicago teachers can't reach a contract agreement by next week.

What is Postpartum Psychosis?

The rare psychiatric disorder increases the risk that a mother will harm herself or her newborn, according to a recent study. A local psychiatrist explains the seriousness of the illness and how it differs from the more commonly studied postpartum depression.

Shedd Urges President Obama to Sign Wildlife Trafficking Bill

The Shedd Aquarium is calling on President Barack Obama to sign legislation that aims to curb the highly lucrative, international business of illegally trading endangered and threatened animals.

Northwestern Announces Record Voter Registration for Incoming Freshman

This week, the university announced that 96 percent of incoming freshman have registered to vote, thanks in part to a new website launched this fall. 

The Week in Review: Spotlight on Chicago in Presidential Race

Presidential hopefuls hit the town in a mad dash for cash. Chicago teachers set a strike date. Englewood gets a new Whole Foods. And the battered Bears look for first win. These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.

September 29, 2016 - Full Show

Watch the Sept. 29, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Whole Foods Brings Economic Development, Lower Prices to Englewood

A brand-new grocery store opens its doors in one of the city's food deserts. What does it mean for neighbors in Englewood?

Mayor Emanuel: Teachers Strike Avoidable

Chicago teachers formally give a 10-day strike notice to the Chicago Board of Education. Why the mayor and schools chief think they can avoid a walkout.

Baby with 3 Parents: Genetic Technique Offers Hope, Controversy

A baby has been born with the DNA of three parents. We hear about the promise the technique offers for avoiding some birth defects, and the ethical concerns it raises.  

Cooking with Chef Rick Bayless

Chef Rick Bayless joins us with recipes for pork tacos and a tequila-based cocktail of his own invention.

Talking Politics at Work: What to Avoid at the Water Cooler

This year's heated election is spilling over into the workplace. Are there any benefits to talking about politics at work? 
 

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