Stories by Erica Gunderson
Viewer Feedback: ‘Insightful Without the Sentimentality’
| Erica Gunderson
Hear what viewers had to say about our discussion of the police accountability task force's report and Carol Marin's conversation with Ron Magers when we read feedback from the "Chicago Tonight" website, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.
Confessions of a Mommy Blogger in New Book on ‘Mediocre Parenting’
| Brandis Friedman
So what if the kids have a television for a babysitter and a Big Mac for dinner—five nights in a row? They're alive. These are the hilarious confessions of Chicago mommy blogger Karen Alpert, who is out with her second book, "I Want My Epidural Back: Adventures in Mediocre Parenting."
Karen Lewis: Rauner Holding Schoolchildren ‘Hostage’
| Brandis Friedman
As the head of the Chicago Teachers Union warns of a strike, the district makes one last pitch to reach a contract agreement.
Crain's Roundup: McDonald's Testing Bigger, Smaller Versions of Big Mac
| Alexandra Silets
One size apparently does not fit all Big Mac lovers. Crain’s Chicago Business managing editor Ann Dwyer weighs in on this story and more business news.
Do Big Wins for Clinton, Trump in New York Signal End of Primary Season?
| Hunter Clauss
Tuesday’s primary in New York proved that Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are the front-runners in their respective parties, with both candidates winning big in a state that was crucial to each campaign. What does it mean for the other candidates moving forward?
Ask Geoffrey: A League of Chicago’s Own
| Erica Gunderson
Chicago women had a professional baseball league of their own in the 1940s and '50s. Geoffrey Baer has the story of the National Girls Baseball League.
CTA Bus Driver Moonlights as Chicago Bluesman
| Marc Vitali
As a guitarist, singer and songwriter, Toronzo Cannon drives the sound of Chicago blues from the city to blues clubs and festivals around the world.
New Book ‘The Gray Rhino’ Puts Emphasis on Recognizing Looming Threats
| Erica Gunderson
From climate change to leaky roofs, disasters big and small can often be avoided if the warning signs are recognized and acted upon in time. And while it can be easy to see the crisis approaching, it's not always easy to know when or how to react.
Ron Magers Reflects on 51-Year Career in TV News
| Hunter Clauss
The legendary Chicago news anchor who started his career at WMAQ-Channel 5 in August of 1981 will sign off one last time from WLS-Channel 7 on May 25.
Backlog of Rape Cases, Rape Kits Can Lead to Long Wait for Justice
| Nick Blumberg
Delays in rape kit testing and strained law enforcement resources nationwide mean that victims of sexual assault may face long waits for their attackers to face prosecution.
Progressive State Income Tax Proposed in Springfield
| Paris Schutz
A bill that's advancing in Springfield would move Illinois from a flat income tax of 3.75 percent to a graduated system, where higher earners pay higher rates. Does the bill stand a chance of becoming law?
Loyola Women’s Basketball Coach Sheryl Swoopes Under Investigation
| Kristen Thometz
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer is under investigation following a mass exodus of players and allegations of player mistreatment.
Pacific White-Sided Dolphin Gives Birth at Shedd Aquarium
| Evan Garcia
Shedd Aquarium staff are watching a 28-year-old female Pacific white-sided dolphin and her newborn calf around the clock during what they call "a very crucial time."
For Tree Specialist, Only Plants with ‘Good Behavior’ Make the Cut
| Evan Garcia
Less than half of the plant life found in the Chicago region is native to the area. As the Morton Arboretum's tree improvement specialist, it's Joe Rothleutner's job to make sure those native plants are protected.
Final Installment of ‘10 That Changed America’ Airs Tuesday
| Erica Gunderson
Geoffrey Baer visits 10 American towns in the final installment of the "10 That Changed America" series, airing at 8 p.m. Tuesday night on WTTW.
Mellody Hobson on Her Career, Marriage to George Lucas
| Kristen Thometz
“Bravery means that you’re fearful,” Ariel Investments President Mellody Hobson said to an audience of 1,600 during the annual Women in the Forefront luncheon last week. “You cannot be brave without fear. I think that’s more important than anything else, especially for women.”
Comptroller Munger: ‘Devastating’ Budget Stalemate Needs to End
| Alexandra Silets
Illinois Comptroller Leslie Munger tightens state lawmakers' belts, hoping to force a budget deal. Will that work to break the deadlock?
Chicago Teachers Union Rejects Fact-Finding Report, Talks Strike
| Paris Schutz
The Chicago Teachers Union explains why it's counting down the clock to another strike. But will the strike happen at the end of this school year or the beginning of next?
Despite Fundraising Efforts, Future of Historic Church Remains Bleak
| Eddie Arruza
Historic St. Adalbert Church on Chicago's South Side is the latest casualty of a declining Catholic congregation and expensive upkeep. But could its listing by a preservation group give it new life?
Blair Kamin on Lucas Museum Move, Endangered Churches and More
| Nick Blumberg
The Chicago Tribune's Pulitzer prize-winning architecture critic discusses a new lakefront proposal for the Lucas Museum and architecturally significant churches like St. Adalbert's in Pilsen that preservationists warn are at risk.
President of Ecuador Rafael Correa Talks Politics, Immigration
| Paul Caine
The country of Ecuador is recovering from a massive earthquake that hit on Saturday, leaving 350 people dead and thousands homeless. Last Thursday, Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa joined “Chicago Tonight” to talk about the South American nation that straddles the equator.
For Polish Artist, Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster Hits Close to Home
| Chloe Riley
In 1986, Karolina Kowalczyk’s mother was pregnant and living in Poland when the Chernobyl nuclear reactor exploded. Kowalczyk's intricate paper art is now part of an exhibition at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art commemorating the 30-year anniversary of the disaster.
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