Stories by Erica Gunderson

In the early days of their existence, Chicago’s street gangs developed some unique conventions that, ironically, helped law enforcement track them down. We took a look at the history of Chicago’s gang sweaters.

Our story about a chicken-rental company gets viewers clucking.

For decades, a cocktail called the Downscope was served up at Skipper’s Marina on the Calumet River. Its recipe was a closely guarded secret, until now. Geoffrey Baer tells us what's up with the Downscope in this encore edition of Ask Geoffrey.

Hear what viewers had to say about our discussion of whether or not hate crimes are on the rise.

A new chapter in Chicago’s cultural offerings begins this week.

Brew news with Lagunitas Brewing Company founder Tony Magee.

Geoffrey Baer explores an eccentric architect’s wacky proposal for the World’s Fair.

A Portage Park range takes a whack at bringing axe-throwing to Chicago.

Viewers summed up their thoughts about math after our talk with "Beyond Infinity" author Eugenia Cheng.

Since about 1915, a 7-foot-tall stone man has been shouldering a heavy burden on the corner of a Southeast Side building — more than hundred years without a break! But there’s some debate as to exactly who he is.

We visit a small company in Garfield Park that is hoping to revive the Chicago apparel industry with a combination of American materials and immigrant know-how. 

Viewers respond to Gov. Bruce Rauner’s statements on the state of Illinois’ finances.

In a new graphic novel from the Chicago Architecture Foundation, teens – past, present and future – traipse through Chicago neighborhoods to ponder some big questions, such as: What makes a community?

Many believe there is a fault line that divides Chicago, pitting brother against brother in a long-standing crosstown rivalry. But a viewer wonders if that historic boundary is a myth.

Author Ted McClelland’s idea of annexing suburbs to Chicago to boost the city’s population had viewers talking.

A big show is brewing under the big top, with a cast and crew of more than 200 – plus 65 horses. We go behind the scenes of “Odysseo.” 

After a mild winter, spring is springing in Chicago and it’s time to get back into the garden. The Organic Gardener Jeanne Nolan is joining us for a new season of growing in the Chicago Tonight garden. 

A viewer wonders what became of a Chicago burger chain that borrowed its name from a cartoon moocher. Geoffrey Baer serves up some hamburger history in this encore edition of “Ask Geoffrey.”

Viewers wrote in with their thoughts on teaching cursive in schools. 

ReptileFest is back! We welcome some scaly, slinky and slithery friends to our set. 

A big show is brewing under the big top, with a cast and crew of more than 200 – plus 65 horses. We go behind the scenes of “Odysseo.” 

Does President Donald Trump have a plan for Chicago violence? We hear from viewers.

Viewers reflect on Chicago State University’s crisis, WBEZ reporter Natalie Moore’s report on the Chicago Housing Authority, and the ethics of zoos.

“Our model is that quality equals dignity. We want kids on the other end who are receiving these coats or shoes or pants to feel proud to wear them,” said Cradles to Crayons Executive Director Bernard Cherkasov. 

This week, a significant work by artist Alexander Calder was dismantled from the lobby of the Willis Tower and is being moved into storage. Ward Miller of Preservation Chicago says a second major Calder work may also be in danger of disappearing.

Geoffrey Baer investigates why the Loop’s streets honoring presidents don’t honor the order of their terms in this encore edition of “Ask Geoffrey.”