Stories by Erica Gunderson

Ask Geoffrey: Where Does Chicago’s Water Go?

Geoffrey Baer dives into the history of Chicago’s water and answers viewer questions about ghostly paper images haunting a South Side neighborhood and memories of a space-themed park.

10 Things to Do This Weekend: Dec. 1-4

Holiday markets, an enormous motorcycle parade, World AIDS Day, Cuban rhythms and more usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Inspector General: Chicago Restaurants Falling Behind on Health Inspections

More than half of Chicago’s high-risk food establishments, which mainly include restaurants, were not inspected as frequently as required by city law in 2015, according to a report released Tuesday.

November 29, 2016 - Full Show

Watch the Nov. 29, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

The Future of HIV/AIDS: Treatment, Prevention 35 Years Later

A look at some breakthrough treatments for HIV and AIDS and a landmark clinical trial for a vaccine ahead of World AIDS Day.

Fashion Studies Overhaul Draws Ire of Students, Faculty at Columbia

A proposed overhaul of the fashion studies curriculum at Columbia College Chicago has upset some students and part-time faculty, who’ve criticized what they see as a move away from strictly manufacturing and design courses toward a more marketing- and business-focused program.

O’Hare Workers Go On Strike

Hundreds of airport workers on Tuesday took to the picket lines around terminals 2 and 3 to protest for higher wages and better work conditions. 

City Extends Deadline for Property Tax Rebate Program

The deadline for Chicago homeowners to apply for a property tax rebate has been extended to the end of the year, city officials announced Monday.    

Controversial Energy Bill Gaining Support

The so-called Future Energy Jobs Bill would bail out two struggling nuclear plants. Critics say it would amount to the largest rate hike in U.S. history.

Chicago Runners: Get Safety, Self-Defense Tips at Upcoming Event

In light of attacks on runners earlier this fall, the Chicago Area Runners Association is hosting a free safety seminar on Thursday. 

Public Voices Concerns Over Special Education in Revised CPS Budget

Speakers raise questions over special education cuts and $215 million in state funding that has not yet been provided to Chicago Public Schools during dual hearings Monday.

What’s Next for US-Cuba Relations?

The death of Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro sparks a wide range of emotions and uncertainty over the future of U.S.-Cuba relations. We have some local reactions.

Fake Retail Apps Targeting Holiday Shoppers

The Better Business Bureau has reported hundreds of incidents of fraudulent smartphone apps designed to look like the real thing. Learn how to protect yourself against these holiday scammers.

November 28, 2016 - Full Show

Watch the Nov. 28, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

America’s Post-Election Economy

The unprecedented victory of President-elect Donald Trump has left many people wondering how his administration might affect the U.S. economy. 

Rare Holiday Crèche on Display at Art Institute of Chicago

A spectacular Nativity set blends heavenly drama with earthly delights. “Chicago Tonight” visited the museum and found an elaborate piece of art originally seen in churches in 18th century Naples.

CPS Arts Instruction Growing, But Parts of City Still Lagging Behind

Students at Chicago Public Schools have seen greater access to arts education programming in recent years, according to a new study, but many schools on the South and West Sides of the city are still lacking in an equitable distribution of this programming.

Black Teens Report Alienation, Fear in Dealings With Police

The Invisible Institute, a locally-based nonprofit production company, this week published a new report after spending five years talking with black Chicago high school students about their interactions with police.

What You Need to Know About Food Allergy Labels

What does it mean when a food label says it “may contain” peanuts or was “processed in a facility” that also uses peanuts? A local pediatrician explains what these labels mean and why consumers should be wary of them.

Black Friday Protesters Return to Michigan Avenue

For the second year in a row, protesters marched on Chicago’s high-profile downtown shopping destination to call for police reform and disrupt Black Friday shopping.

As Immigration Debate Heats Up, Students Push to Expand Financial Aid

In Illinois, immigrants living in the country illegally are ineligible to receive federal or state financial aid to four-year public universities. But student advocates across the state have been pushing lawmakers for change.

Teachers Union Leaders Blast Trump’s Pick for Education Secretary

President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday tabbed billionaire donor and school choice activist Betsy DeVos as the next federal Secretary of Education, a move the head of the Illinois Federation of Teachers immediately called “hugely troubling.”

10 Things to Do This Holiday Weekend: Nov. 23-27

Helicopter tours, helium balloons, Amy Schumer and Julie Andrews usher in the Thanksgiving weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Study: Spending on Activities, Not Possessions, Inspires More Gratitude

Tempted to buy yourself a gift this week? Consider buying tickets to a show rather than a new pair of shoes. Not only will you be more grateful for the experience, but that gratitude can lead to more generosity, according to a recent study.

Exelon Slims Down Massive Energy Bill

Will there be a radical change in how consumers pay electricity bills in Illinois? 

November 22, 2016 - Full Show

Watch the Nov. 22, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."
 

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