Stories by Erica Gunderson
Little Village Residents Demand Answers from Police in Cases of Missing and Murdered Young Women
| Erica Gunderson
Little Village is on high alert as two young women have been found dead there in recent weeks. And now with a reported disappearance, 15-year-old Azreya Lomeli, who was last seen walking in Little Village, community members are increasing calls for action from the police.
As Golden Gloves Tournament Turns 100, ‘70s-Era Boxing Champs Look Back at Knockout Careers
| Erica Gunderson
This year, Tim Adams and Frank Smith will be inducted into the Chicago Golden Gloves Hall of Fame as the tournament marks 100 years since the Chicago Tribune sponsored the first competition in 1923.
Exonerated Police Torture Survivors Continue to Pursue Certificates of Innocence in 1994 Murder Conviction
| Erica Gunderson
In 1994, brothers Sean Tyler and Reginald Henderson were convicted of murder after being tortured into false confessions. They were exonerated in 2021 after serving more than 25 years in prison.
Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices, March 25, 2023 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Little Village residents are on high alert after two women are found dead. The toll of COVID-19 three years later. Alebrijes sculptures on the move. And medical students find their match.
Shop Alongside Alebrijes at North Riverside Park Mall
| Erica Gunderson
If you weren’t able to make it out to Cantigny Park last summer to see the “Creatures of a Dream World” exhibition of alebrijes, good news! Twenty of those super-sized sculptures have traveled to the North Riverside Park Mall.
‘Proximity’ Takes on Modern Topics at Lyric Opera
| Erica Gunderson
“Proximity” comprises performances about the search for connection in a tech-dominated world, humanity’s fraught stewardship of the environment and the impact of gun violence in cities and communities.
Chicago Park District Wants Teens for ‘Perfect Job’ This Summer
| Erica Gunderson
The Chicago Park District is offering teenagers a chance to work where they play this summer in seasonal positions like recreation leaders, lifeguards and junior laborers.
Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, March 25, 2023 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Two wrongfully convicted brothers fight for justice. Residents push for the reopening of a closed “L” stop. Lyric Opera tackles emotional stories. And in the ring with Golden Gloves winners.
Push to Expand Voting Rights in US for Those Held in Jails
| Associated Press
Detainees awaiting trial or serving misdemeanor sentences retain the right to vote, but face barriers to exercising it in many parts of the U.S. Cook County Jail, with more than 5,500 inmates and detainees, is one of the largest jails in the nation.
As South Bans Abortion, Thousands Turn to Illinois Clinics
| Associated Press
Hundreds of women travel each week to the southern tip of Illinois to secure an abortion, something that is no longer available to millions living in a 1,800 mile stretch of 11 Southern states that have mostly banned pregnancy terminations.
March 24, 2023 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Another week of mayoral campaigning down — another to go. We’ll analyze the race, plus the claims of bringing former cops back to the force. And air taxis could shorten your trip to O’Hare.
Taking a Flight to Your Flight? New Air Taxi Service to O’Hare Coming in 2025
| Acacia Hernandez
United Airlines is partnering with Archer Aviation to offer flyers an air taxi service from Vertiport Chicago on the Near West Side to Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
Latest Poll Shows Chicago Mayor’s Race Too Close to Call
| Paul Caine
The race for Chicago mayor enters its final stretch. Political speechwriter, debate strategist and senior lecturer at Northwestern University Jason DeSanto breaks down the latest developments in a tightening race.
Vallas Promises ‘Hundreds’ Will Rejoin Chicago Police Department, Others Say There’s No Evidence to Support That Hope
| Heather Cherone
Efforts by the leaders of large cities across the country to bring back officers amid a nationwide staffing crunch have fallen short, and experts on policing told WTTW News there is no evidence that Chicago will prove to be any different.
Week in Review: Inside Madigan’s Inner Operations, Voting Opens in the Mayor’s Race
| Alexandra Silets
Inside Madigan’s inner operations. Early voting opens in the mayor’s race. And so many cars on the Kennedy.
This Week in Nature: Nature’s Bounty is a Myth, and Scientists Have the Numbers to Prove It
| Patty Wetli
Scientists calculated the biomass of various groups of mammals, and humans’ impact weighs heavily on the planet.
Chicago State University Faculty Could Begin Strike As Early As April 3
| Matt Masterson
The CSU chapter of the University Professionals of Illinois (CSU UPI) on Thursday filed their 10-day intent to strike notice with the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board. In doing so, the union could begin a work stoppage as early as April 3.
Advice By Way of a CSO Rehearsal: Seek Out This Weekend’s Concerts
| Hedy Weiss
A Chicago Symphony Orchestra concert featuring works from Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Aaron Copland and Antonin Dvorak is well worth seeking out.
Why Executions by Firing Squad May Be Coming Back in the US
| Associated Press
Idaho lawmakers passed a bill this week seeking to add the state to the list of those authorizing firing squads, which currently includes Mississippi, Utah, Oklahoma and South Carolina. Interest comes as states scramble for alternatives to lethal injections after pharmaceutical companies barred the use of their drugs.
Chicago Parks Are on Fire, and That’s a Good Thing
| Patty Wetli
The Chicago Park District has been setting its land ablaze on purpose, these fiery scenes leading to healthier natural areas.
March 23, 2023 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Neighbors in Itasca concerned about the impact of a railroad company merger. Former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Ukraine. And fossil-hunting in the Arctic.
Chicago Paleontologist Neil Shubin Prepares for Return to the Arctic
| Paul Caine
The long-delayed trip is a return to the Canadian Arctic and an area where University of Chicago paleontologist Neil Shubin made a career-defining discovery back in 2004.
Former US Defense Secretary Hagel on Future of Liberal Democracy Amid Ongoing Russia-Ukraine War
| Acacia Hernandez
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is now more than a year old with little sign of any resolution in the near future. Meanwhile, the U.S. has supplied billions of dollars’ worth of military aid and supplies to help push the invading Russians back. Many wonder how much more might it take.
After Controversial Freight Rail Merger Approved, Northwest Suburban Communities Weigh Next Steps
| Nick Blumberg
Federal regulators just approved a merger between Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern, with Chicago as part of the route linking Mexico, the U.S. and Canada.
Illinois Secretary of State Awards $21M to Target Carjackings, Vehicle Thefts
| Amanda Vinicky
The $21 million in grants will be funded through a dollar assessment charged annually on Illinois auto insurance policies.
5 Things to Do This Weekend: Ritmo del Mar, Opera Premiere
| Erica Demarest
A dance concert, film screenings and opera premiere usher in the weekend. Here are five things to do in Chicago.
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