Stories by Erica Gunderson

Hear what viewers had to say about Toni Preckwinkle's comments on the state budget stalemate and our candidate forums for the 4th and 7th Congressional Districts when we read feedback from the "Chicago Tonight" website, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Enjoy another restaurant week in the Northwest suburbs, see the reinstallation of the "Above and Beyond" dog tag exhibiton and watch Shirley King pay tribute to the King of Blues.

Surrealism is the focus of a show at the Museum of Contemporary Art. We'll get a tour of the weird and the wonderful.

Avril Lavigne. Mariah Carey. Outkast. Usher. Rihanna. You've heard these names and many others made famous by music mega-mogul L.A. Reid. The current CEO and chairman of Epic Records has not only scouted star talent, but also penned quite a few top 10 hits himself. Reid tells us about his new memoir.

Candidate statement: "I believe that the State’s Attorney of Cook County plays two important roles. The first is to prosecute crime no matter who commits it. That means being tough on crime without regard to race, uniform, politics or money. The job requires a dogged determination to remain wide-eyed about evidence … and blind to outside influence."

Candidate statement: "I have devoted my entire legal career to public service as an Assistant State’s Attorney, working for justice, fairness and compassion and advocating for victims of crime across Cook County."

Candidate statement: "I am running for State’s Attorney because our criminal justice system is broken–and incumbent State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez is part of the problem."

Candidate statement: "I ask you for your vote, because, in these very serious times, especially for our criminal justice system, it's important that we have a Clerk of Court, that will protect court records for all the people, not just for the privileged few."

Candidate statement: "My vision for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District is to provide the Chicagoland area with a strong infrastructure system that will last the next 100 years."

Candidate's vision for this office: "As commissioner, I have worked to ensure homeowners and property owners receive a full and fair review of the assessed values of their property so they pay only their fair share in property taxes, while also guaranteeing schools and local communities receive these tax proceeds on time."

Candidate statement: "My guiding vision for the Cook County Recorder of Deeds is 'Accuracy-Efficiency-Advocacy.' That means protecting an accurate public record of property ownership and doing it with only the minimum amount of taxpayer resources needed to get the job done."

“This government entity, with a billion dollar plus per-year budget, needs to use its resources in a more effective manner to get the most ‘bang’ for our tax dollar investment.” Learn more about this candidate.

Candidate statement: "For the District to move forward, there is a need for a new breed of commissioner with an enlightened vision to make the agency more efficient."

Candiate statement: "The major issue for me as an incumbent Commissioner of MWRD is to continue our efforts to fund and complete the entire TARP program which includes the completion of all phases of the McCook Reservoirs to alleviate flooding for the citizens of Cook County."

Candidate statement: "I am a strong community-based advocate who works very hard to improve the lives of Chicago residents. I'm experienced and dedicated to public service. And that's why I am seeking election as the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County."

Candidate's vision for this office: "To provide fair and impartial hearings in a timely, professional and cost efficient manner for taxpayers who are contesting their property tax assessment."

Candidate statement: "Transforming the MWRD into a resource recovery agency will both improve our environment and improve the District’s financial footing, providing the citizens of Cook County with its essential services in a more cost-effective way."

Candidate statement: "My vision is a Circuit Court Clerk’s office that operates the court system effectively and efficiently so the focus is on justice instead of bureaucracy."

Candidate Statement: "I will work to make sure that Cook County has the best infrastructure possible within the fiscal realties of the district."

Candidate statement: "Nothing could be more important than protecting our natural resources for future generations."

Candidate Statment: "As we see from what is happening in Flint, Michigan, protecting our water is essential for all of us."

Candidate Statement: "The most pressing issue facing the MWRD is to continue to protect the quality of our water and to continue to handle issues related to stormwater management."

Candidate statement: "I envision the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District taking the lead role in areas such as renewable energy, disinfection of our local waterways, and being fiscally responsible to the taxpayers of Cook County."

Candidate statement: "My vision for this office is to first eliminate the Security Detail and refund all of the money spent on this to the Cook County Coffers. I will accept only a CTA Pass, Metra Pass and gasoline allowance for my personal vehicle only when traveling from courthouse to courthouse."

Reaction to Gov. Bruce Rauner's second budget address from Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, who says no state budget means layoffs are around the corner.

A 10-week-old sea otter pup rescued after a rough storm in California last month is recovering at her new home in Chicago.