Stories by Erica Gunderson
Ask Geoffrey: What Was a Manure Monger?
| Erica Gunderson
Before automobiles, Chicago basically ran on horsepower. Find out how the city kept its streets free of manure in this week’s edition of Ask Geoffrey.
Local Author Helps Kids Find Voice, Courage to Stand Up to Bullies
| Kristen Thometz
October is national bullying prevention month. Holistic psychotherapist and author Regina E. McCarthy wants to help children of all ages find their voice and the courage to stand up to bullying.
10 Things to Do This Weekend: Oct. 13-16
| Rebecca Palmore
International films, behind-the-scenes access and migrating hawks usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.
Cubs Beat Giants, Head to National League Championship Series
| Paris Schutz
A thrilling ninth-inning rally clinches the NL Division Series for the Cubs. Looking at just how they did it–and what lies ahead.
CTU, CPS Agree to Contract, Full Cost Remains Unclear
| Brandis Friedman
Chicago teachers were back in schools Tuesday instead of on the picket line. We take a closer look at the eleventh hour contract agreement between the district and teachers union.
Mayor Presents Budget ‘Unlike Any Other’
| Paris Schutz
Is the fiscal tide finally turning for Chicago? The mayor lays out the coming year's spending plan.
Debating the Transportation Fund Lockbox Amendment
| Evan Garcia
Illinois voters will decide whether the state's transportation funds will be locked away solely for transportation spending. A look at what’s at stake.
Global Garden Cultivates Hope for Refugee Farmers
| Jay Shefsky
Displaced farmers–refugees from other countries–get more than food for their hard work at an urban garden in Chicago's Albany Park neighborhood.
Aldermen React to City Budget Proposal, CTU Deal
| Nick Blumberg
We get reaction from aldermen to the eleventh hour deal that averted a Chicago teachers strike, as well as the mayor’s budget, police oversight reform and more.
Federal Grant Helps Fund New Illinois Sexual Assault Law
| Reuben Unrau
The Illinois Attorney General’s office announced last week a $750,000, three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Justice that will help fund a new program that aims to improve the state's response to sexual assault crimes.
Officials Warn of Rabid Outdoor Cats, Urge Vaccinations of Pets
| Kristen Thometz
The Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control is urging pet owners to vaccinate their cats, dogs and ferrets against rabies after two outdoor cats tested positive for the virus in Illinois and Missouri.
Alderman Backs Off Controversial Merger of Kellogg, Sutherland Schools
| Matt Masterson
A Chicago alderman dropped his controversial plan to combine two elementary schools within his ward, but some parents are still concerned about what the rest of his proposal could mean for other schools in the community.
Mark Kelly on the Future, and Importance, of Chicago’s Cultural Mission
| Marc Vitali
Free events like the Chicago Blues Festival are evolving. We speak with Chicago’s new commissioner of cultural affairs and special events about the future of city celebrations.
CPS, Teachers Union Reach Tentative Deal to Avert Strike
| Matt Masterson
A strike by Chicago Teachers Union members has been averted after the union reached a tentative agreement with Chicago Public Schools and the Board of Education.
Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich to be Elevated to Cardinal
| Paris Schutz
Archbishop Blase Cupich is going to Rome, where he’ll be elevated to cardinal in a special ceremony next month.
Assessing the Political Damage of Explosive Donald Trump Tape
| Alexandra Silets
Sunday’s town hall debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump was one of the most tense in history.
CTU Preps for Second Strike in 2 Contracts
| Brandis Friedman
Picket signs are printed and teachers say they're ready to walk out as parents scramble to find care for their children.
Corporate Space Race to Colonize Mars: Feasible or Fantasy?
| Paul Caine
Tech billionaire Elon Musk wants to create a colony on Mars. Assessing the challenges–and his chances of success.
Second Clinton, Trump Debate Gets Personal
| Nick Blumberg
The second presidential debate starts off frosty and quickly gets personal. Analysis of how the two candidates performed.
Study: Social Justice Appeals May Influence Healthy Eating Among Teens
| Kristen Thometz
Framing healthy eating as a rebellious act against a manipulative industry can inspire teens to choose healthier snacks and drinks, a recent study found.
New Program Aims to Employ, Provide Services to Chicago’s Homeless
| Reuben Unrau
A pilot program announced last week by Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Department of Family and Support Services aims to provide temporary employment opportunities and assistance to 100 homeless individuals.
With No Deal in Place CTU, Board of Education to Negotiate Through Weekend
| Matt Masterson
CTU President Karen Lewis said negotiations between the two sides would continue over the weekend and through Columbus Day if necessary, but as of Friday afternoon, she had “nothing substantial” to report.
In Chicago, Gary Johnson Defends Foreign Policy ‘Gaffes’
| Paris Schutz
Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson said Friday at an event at the University of Chicago that despite his recent blunders on foreign policy, he is the preferred candidate among men and women in the armed forces.
The Week in Review: Campaign Messaging, Fundraising at Full Throttle
| Alexandra Silets
President Barack Obama hits town to raise cash. Contract talks heat up as a teachers strike looms. COPA sails through City Council. And the Cubs launch their playoff push against the Giants.
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