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Stories by Erica Gunderson

Ask Geoffrey: Was There an Egg Factory in Bronzeville?

A viewer says her uncle used to swipe eggs from a factory in Bronzeville in the 1940s or ‘50s. Chicago history eggs-pert Geoffrey Baer has the surprising answer to that and other questions in this encore edition of Ask Geoffrey.

Why One Sociologist Says It’s Time for Black Women to Date White Men

Cheryl Judice, the author of the new book “Interracial Relationships between Black Women and White Men,” tells us why she believes more black women should date outside their own race.

10 Things to Do This Weekend: April 18-21

Circus acts, colorful eggs and superheroes usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Brookfield Zoo’s 7-Week-Old River Otter Pup Dies

Staff made the decision to euthanize the North American river otter pup after his health declined over the weekend. “This was an enormously hard decision to make,” said Bill Zeigler of the Chicago Zoological Society.

Dual Art Show at Intuit Makes Case for Art as Therapy

This pair of art shows couldn’t be more different, highlighting a New Zealand artist who hasn’t spoken in more than 50 years; and two Chicago artists who fight addiction with creativity.

Records: Kim Foxx Felt Office May Have Overcharged ‘Washed Up’ Smollett

Weeks after recusing herself from the felony prosecution of “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett, Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx sent texts to her second-in-command about the case, saying it appeared the office was “overcharging” the actor.

Porter Moser: ‘All In’ as Loyola Ramblers Coach

Loyola-Chicago coach Porter Moser says he plans to stay at the school after he reportedly talked to St. John’s about its job.

Coroner: 5 Aurora Warehouse Victims Shot Multiple Times

Autopsies on the five employees killed when a gunman opened fire in February at a suburban Chicago manufacturing plant have determined that all of them were shot more than once.

Lawmakers Uneasy About Pritzker’s Pension Plans

Illinois’ long-term pension debt tops $130 billion. What Gov. J.B. Pritzker plans to do – and what he won’t do – about that crushing burden.

April 16, 2019 - Full Show

Watch the April 16, 2019 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

‘Brotherland’ Photographer Documents Conflict, Life in Ukraine

The young American photographer Brendan Hoffman tells us about his new show at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art.

Report: Amazon Employees Are Listening to Alexa Conversations

Would you forgo your privacy for more effective technology? Owners of voice-activated home devices may need to start asking themselves that question.

Rebuilding Notre Dame a ‘National Project’ for France

A fire has devastated the 850-year-old cathedral in Paris. What will it take to rebuild the iconic structure? Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin joins us in discussion.

How Guano Islands Helped Build an American Empire

The U.S. empire stretches farther than you may think. The new book “How to Hide an Empire” details America’s acquisition of foreign land.

Why Illinois Spends So Much Money on School Administration

Illinois spends more per pupil on school administration than almost every other state in the union, according to a new report. What the state is doing to address spending.

‘Pop Pulp!’ Illustrates Weird, Wonderful World of Mexican Pulp Art

In recent years, illustrations from 1970s Mexican comic books have earned a dedicated following of fans and collectors. We visit a new pulp art show at a Chicago gallery.

Proposed Bills Would Restrict Illinois’ Authority to Protect Endangered Species

A pair of bills would strip the state of its authority to regulate endangered species that are protected at the federal level but that might require further protections within Illinois.

Illinois Congressmen: Scientific Research Needs More Federal Funding

A pair of bills would increase funding for biomedical and scientific research at top U.S. agencies and “defend America’s place as a world leader in scientific progress,” U.S. Rep. Bill Foster said in a statement. 

Study: Senior’s Weakness for Scams May be Warning Sign of Dementia

New research suggests seniors who aren’t on guard against scams also might be at risk for eventually developing Alzheimer’s disease.

The Iconic Muppets Are Coming to Chicago in June

The nonprofit Sesame Workshop said Tuesday a selection of Muppets will take part in a 10-city trip to celebrate the show’s 50th anniversary campaign with free park festivals, live performances and kid-friendly activities.

Shock, Prayers Around the World for Notre Dame Cathedral

The world reacted with shock, horror and prayers to the massive fire Monday at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, united in grief and in solidarity with the people of France.

Will Illinois Blow Up its Tax System? We Ask State Lawmakers

They’ll be faced with a lot of work when they reconvene from spring break. We discuss taxes, marijuana and meeting Chicago Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot with Illinois lawmakers from both sides of the aisle.

Johnson Publishing Company Leaves Behind Rich Legacy

After 77 years, the founding company of Ebony and Jet magazines will soon cease to exist. We talk with two former writers and editors about the history and legacy of Johnson Publishing.

April 15, 2019 - Full Show

Watch the April 15, 2019 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Chicago Developer Linked to Ald. Burke Faces Bribery Charge from US Attorney

Federal prosecutors allege a Chicago developer steered business to 14th Ward Ald. Ed Burke in exchange for Burke’s help getting a City Hall permit.

Bright Idea from Longtime Professor Brings Neon Art to Rogers Park

Have you ever wanted to make your own neon sign? You may soon be in luck. Neon artists, led by a 30-year veteran of the School of the Art Institute, plan to offer art classes and studio space on the North Side.
 

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