Stories by Erica Gunderson

Ask Geoffrey: A Look Back at Chicago's Streetcar Era

Geoffrey Baer tracks down answers for three questions about Chicago's bygone streetcar heyday in this encore edition of Ask Geoffrey.

How Playboy Magazine Created a Taste for Architecture and Design

We revisit an exhibition in suburban Elmhurst that examines how Playboy exposed its readers to new concepts in architecture and design.

City Unveils Plans to Revitalize Chicago’s Waterways by 2040

A plan that aims to allow swimming in Chicago’s waterways in less than 15 years was unveiled Wednesday by the city and partnering nonprofits.

What Macy’s Store Closings Might Mean for Retail Industry at Large

Macy's is closing 100 stores. Will other traditional retailers follow suit?

Urban League President Shari Runner Breaks Down 10-Year Plan

The Chicago Urban League has a new 10-year plan to address racism and poverty and create a more equitable Chicago. The head of the 100-year-old civil rights organization joins us with details.

John McLaughlin, Creator of ‘The McLaughlin Group,’ Dies at 89

The host and creator of the long-running PBS public affairs show, “The McLaughlin Group,” died Tuesday morning. He was 89 years old.

August 16, 2016 - Full Show

Watch the August 16, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

New State Law Regulates Health Insurers’ Prescription Drug Policies

New health insurance rules surrounding prescription drugs could make treatment for some patients more simple. Find out what step therapy is and what the changes could mean.

CPS Seeking to Issue up to $945M in Bonds for Capital Improvements

The schools district and Chicago Board of Education have scheduled a public hearing downtown next week just before the board will vote on the bond proposal.

Pressure Mounts on CPD to Release Scathing Laquan McDonald Report

Did the Chicago Police Department knowingly cover up the shooting of Laquan McDonald, and if so, how many officers, lieutenants and detectives will be fired?

Talk of September Rate Hike by Fed Knocks Stocks off Record High

Stocks retreat from Monday's record high. Is a correction coming? And is it time to move some of your money out of stocks and into something safer?

New Life for Once-Neglected Stretch of Michigan Avenue

Despite the high-profile status you might think comes with a Michigan Avenue address, a stretch of the historic street has long been in need of some love. Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin joins us with details.

CPS Announces Record-High Attendance Rate

The attendance rate at Chicago Public Schools has risen consistently since 2008 and now stands at its highest rate since at least 2003.

Innovation, Sustainability Key to Future of Farming in Illinois

Tomatoes and salad greens that are served in upscale Chicago restaurants are grown in Ogle County, Illinois. We visit the source.

Police Union President on O’Neal Shooting, Persistent Violence

The death toll after another weekend includes the son of a Chicago police officer. Dean Angelo joins us to discuss combating violence and ongoing efforts at police reform.

Delta Outage Raises Questions About Airline Computing Systems

The Delta computer outage that resulted in thousands of cancelled flights raises questions about the systems used by the airline. Just how vulnerable to the same problem are all the airlines?

State Sen. Matt Murphy Explains Resignation

A high-profile Republican state lawmaker and top ally of Gov. Bruce Rauner speaks out on why he abruptly decided to resign.

Copyright Cases Involving Illegal Porn Downloads Surge in Northern Illinois

Northern Illinois sees a huge surge in the number of people being sued for downloading pornography. A look at why so many local people are being targeted.

August 15, 2016 - Full Show

Watch the August 15, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Good and Bad Bugs Found in Your Garden

Not all bugs found in vegetable and ornamental gardens are harmful to plants. In fact, some of them help get rid of common pests. Find out which make the "good" and "bad" lists.

Chris Thile on Hosting ‘A Prairie Home Companion,’ Punch Brothers

Mandolin great Chris Thile is set to take over for Garrison Keillor on “A Prairie Home Companion.” We revisit our recent conversation about what the new host has planned, and listen to him perform a song.

Officials Remind Families to Get Vaccines in Order Before New School Year

With less than a month before school is back in session across Illinois, parents and guardians are encouraged to get their children up to date on their immunizations soon or face a possible school suspension.

Viewer Feedback: ‘Much Ado About Nothing’

Hear what viewers had to say about Donald Trump's comments on “second amendment people” when we read feedback from the "Chicago Tonight" website, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.

New Traffic Pattern Coming to Elston, Fullerton and Damen Intersection

Starting Wednesday, a new section of Elston Avenue will open as work on the Damen, Elston and Fullerton reconstruction project continues. Find out what that means for drivers.

Duckworth to Participate in WTTW ‘Chicago Tonight’ Forum

U.S. Rep. Bob Dold, challenger Brad Schneider appear in separate forum

Democratic U.S. Rep. Tammy Duckworth, who is challenging U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk in the November election, will participate in the WTTW “Chicago Tonight” forum scheduled for Oct. 26.

New Study Finds Teacher Pay Gap Larger Than Ever

With a growing need for educators and a dwindling pool of qualified workers, teachers have seen their wages diverge significantly from their fellow college-educated professionals, according to a new report.
 

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