Stories by shanika gunaratna

A People’s Housing Authority

What happens when a bunch of housing activists decide to seize some vacant homes and take the foreclosure crisis into their own hands? We take a look at a guerrilla group called the Anti-Eviction Campaign that has people rethinking their ideas on housing and homelessness in Chicago. Read an article.

Pregnant Boys? New Transit Ads Spark Dialogue

A new ad campaign is turning heads and raising eyebrows. We talk with the commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health about this new effort to highlight teen pregnancy.

Olympia Snowe’s Fight for Change

Months after her much-publicized departure from politics, former U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe joins us to discuss her new book, Fighting for Common Ground.

The Mom Who’s Challenging CPS on its Data

Meet Jeanne Olson, a CPS parent who's trying to translate the district's complicated school closings formula into plain English -- for other parents to understand.

Taking on Chicago

Rachel Shteir joins us to discuss her recent essay in The New York Times' Sunday Book Review. Tackling Chicago’s problems with so-called “boosterism,” the piece has already attracted a firestorm of criticism.

Can Moms Break the Cycle of Poverty?

Is coaching new moms a cost-effective way to fight poverty? We delve into a program that's producing surprising results across Illinois.

Hadiya Pendleton’s Mother Raises her Voice

Since the high-profile murder of her 15-year-old daughter, Hadiya Pendleton’s mother has jumped head first into the national debate on guns. She joins us to explain why.

Jesse Jackson Jr.’s Dramatic Rise and Fall

They've pleaded guilty to illegal use of campaign funds but do Jesse and Sandi Jackson deserve some measure of sympathy for their public service? We hear what some observers have to say.

The Curious Job of a “Futurist”

Ford Motor Company's resident "futurist" is here with a look at what's in the pipeline for American cars.

The Powerbroker of the Civil Rights Movement

We look closer at civil rights icon Whitney Young, who believed corporate America could be a friend, not a foe, to the movement for equality.

Civil Rights Icons Remember MLK’s Final Days

Two titans of the Civil Rights Era – Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rev. Otis Moss Jr. – open up with personal stories of their relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

National Wildlife Refuge Born in Illinois

We take you one hour north of Chicago to Hackmatack, a new wildlife refuge that's one of Illinois' best-kept secrets.

Civil Rights Icons Remember MLK’s Final Days

Two titans of the Civil Rights era – Rev. Jesse Jackson and Otis Moss Jr. – open up with personal stories of their relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

2013 Sets Stage for Affordable Care Act

Illinois is racing against the clock to implement the new health care law. We talk about the changes heading our way.

The Year’s Extreme Weather

From the historic summer drought to today’s surprisingly mild winter, Illinois has experienced some extreme weather patterns this year. Our panel of experts dissects what this means for the future.

David Wessel on Fiscal Cliff

Having trouble understanding the stakes of the so-called fiscal cliff? The economics editor from The Wall Street Journal helps demystify the issue, and preview what comes next for the federal budget.

Freedom Lost and Won: Exonerees Sing Their Story

Released from prison, a group of wrongfully convicted men remake themselves as blues musicians.

Web Extra: Obama on Electoral College in 2004

Eight years ago, President Barack Obama appeared on Chicago Tonight to debate his opponent, Republican Alan Keyes, in the race for U.S. Senate.

Veteran Health Care Reporter on Improving the System

Has the conversation about health care gotten too politicized for real reform to happen? We talk with the former Medical Editor for ABC News on how to improve health care in America.

Meet the Dream Team

Undocumented Students Set Sights on College

A group of undocumented students form a support group at a local high school. The goal? Getting into college, with or without legal status. We have the story.

The Onion Takes on History of the World in New Book

Clear your coffee table -- a new encyclopedia by the staff of The Onion takes on all human knowledge and turns it upside-down. We talk with one of its editors.

The Rise of Rooftop Bees

Beekeeping in Chicago is legal, relatively easy and increasingly popular. We take a look at the largely unseen world of rooftop bees, and the people who care for them.

"As Goes Janesville"

New Doc Goes Behind the Scenes of Wisconsin’s Historic Labor Battle

We talk with the filmmaker behind As Goes Janesville, which goes deep into Wisconsin’s historic labor battle under Gov. Scott Walker.

"Never Leave Your Block"

A new book looks at Bucktown's transformation -- from gang territory to stomping ground for new gentrifiers. We talk with author and former Chicago Sun-Times reporter Scott Jacobs.

City’s Inspector General Releases Roadmap for Savings

What should a 21st century city budget look like? Chicago's Inspector General has some ideas for the mayor. He joins us to discuss them.

National Wildlife Refuge Born in Illinois

We take you one hour north of Chicago to Hackmatack, a new wildlife refuge that's one of Illinois' best-kept secrets.