Stories by Hope Holmberg

While Jay Shefsky tagged along with city workers to learn more about rat control in Chicago, we were curious to find out about other local organizations that had alternative ways of dealing with rats – aside from spreading poison to kill the pesky creatures. We spoke with Jenny Schlueter, Community Cats Program Director at the Tree House Humane Society, about a “green” approach to rat control in Chicago called the Cats at Work Project. Read an interview.

Chicago Sun-Times Theater Critic Hedy Weiss joins us to review shows currently on Chicago area stages, including Shrek the Musical at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Slowgirl at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and Mojada at Victory Gardens Theater. Learn more about the plays and watch a web extra video review.

A concert at the zoo, lots of used books, and a festival for kids at the Art Institute; Chicago Tonight knows what's going on this weekend.

The ninth annual BlogHer conference takes place in Chicago this week at the McCormick Convention Center and the Sheraton Chicago. Created for women and men who feel that blogging has transformed their lives, BlogHer media company was co-founded by Chicago native Jory Des Jardins in 2005. Des Jardins is hosting the annual conference in Chicago this week, which features keynote speaker Queen Latifah and Hollywood producer Gale Anne Hurd (The Walking Dead). She joins us. Read an interview with a local blogger.

City finance wonks, and anyone else interested in Tax Increment Financing (TIFs), have a new site to search for projects across Chicago. Read an article.

Iconic photos of rock stars, yoga at the zoo, and a Parade of Nations at an ethnic arts festival; Chicago Tonight knows what's going on this weekend.

For 40 years, jazz promoter Geraldine de Haas has been an icon in the Chicago music scene. We welcome her back for one last visit to discuss her influential career before she moves out of town. Read an interview with a local jazz performer.

Chicago’s premier rock and roll photographer talks about 37 years of incredible access to the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Prince, and everybody who’s anybody in popular music. On the eve of a new, interactive exhibit of his photos at the Elmhurst Historical Museum, we visit Paul Natkin in his home studio and on assignment shooting the Chicago Blues Fest. Read a Q&A.

An independent comedy about youth baseball, 19th century fashion, and Irish step dancing. Chicago Tonight knows what's going on this weekend.

A close look at the creatures that inhabit the Great Lakes; a wide variety of snacks for foodies; and The Jungle Book at the Goodman Theatre. Chicago Tonight knows what's going on this weekend.

Chicago Sun-Times Theater Critic Hedy Weiss reviews three highly anticipated shows in Chicago. Learn more about the shows and watch a web extra review.