Stories by Erica Gunderson
Original Chicago Cocktail: The Submachine
| Erica Gunderson
Our latest cocktail, inspired by Chicago boss William Dawson, brings north and south together with the sweet peaches of Dawson’s ancestral Georgia and the Irish whiskey of Chicago’s rough politics.
Jane Goodall: ‘Human Population Growth’ the Biggest Threat to Chimpanzees
| Evan Garcia
Humans pose the greatest threat to chimpanzees, renowned British primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall said Thursday during an event at the Lincoln Park Zoo.
Despite Lead in Polls, Maintaining Unity Still an Issue for Democrats
| Paul Caine
Hillary Clinton may be riding high in the polls but tensions between her and the progressive left of her party remain. What do Democrats need to do to maintain party unity?
Top Cop Moves to Fire 7 Officers Involved in Laquan McDonald Case
| Paris Schutz
Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson moves to fire seven police officers who, according to a report, were complicit in covering up the police shooting of Laquan McDonald.
August 18, 2016 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Watch the August 18, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."
Making Sense of Illinois’ Changing Health Care Landscape
| Andrea Guthmann
A growing number of health insurance companies are pulling out of Obamacare. Checking out the latest on the Affordable Care Act.
Actor Kevin Bacon Speaks With Young Chicago Authors
| Marc Vitali
We hear from actor Kevin Bacon about helping out a group of young Chicago authors known as the Bomb Squad.
Tribune Reporter on ‘Three Years of Nights’ Covering Chicago Violence
| Nick Blumberg
Three straight years of overnights, reporting on violence: Crime reporter Peter Nickeas on how that work changed him–and why he doesn't want to stop covering violence.
One Man’s Mission to Expand Composting in Chicago
| Alexandra Silets
Meet an entrepreneur who is helping Chicagoans compost while growing his business–all by the seat of his bicycle.
Weekend Best Bets: Air and Water Show, Wright Ride, Black Harvest
| Rebecca Palmore
Turn your eyes to the skies for this weekend's annual air show, explore Bronzeville galleries, hear global rhythms in Albany Park, take in a film festival, ogle Frank Lloyd Wright homes in Oak Park and more.
Invasive Fish on the Menu at Asian Carp Grill Event
| Evan Garcia
Adventurous eaters concerned about Asian carp entering the Great Lakes will have a chance to devour the invasive fish at a special event held along the Chicago River next week.
August 17, 2016 - Full Show
| WTTW News
Watch the August 17, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."
McDonald’s Wins Big at Rio 2016 Olympics
| Alexandra Silets
Olympic athletes are lovin' McDonald's at the Rio games. That story and more from Crain's Chicago Business.
CTU Prepping Teachers for ‘Strong Possibility’ of Strike
| Matt Masterson
An email sent to Chicago teachers this week claims the union is “likely to strike” and advertises a strike training session this weekend.
Trump Shakes Up Staff as Campaign Tries to Broaden Base
| Hunter Clauss
Some conservatives are questioning whether the latest campaign moves will help Donald Trump broaden his base of support.
New Veterinary Rehabilitation Facility Targets Pet Obesity, Surgeries
| Reuben Unrau
As pet obesity and orthopedic surgeries continue to rise, many domesticated animals are struggling to get back on healthy legs, experts say. A new facility in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, is aiming to address that very problem.
Ask Geoffrey: A Look Back at Chicago's Streetcar Era
| Erica Gunderson
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
| Marc Vitali
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
| Evan Garcia
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
| Alexandra Silets
Macy's is closing 100 stores. Will other traditional retailers follow suit?
Urban League President Shari Runner Breaks Down 10-Year Plan
| WTTW News
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
| WTTW News
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
| WTTW News
Watch the August 16, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."
New State Law Regulates Health Insurers’ Prescription Drug Policies
| Kristen Thometz
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
| Matt Masterson
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
| Paris Schutz
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?
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