Stories by Erica Gunderson

Chicago’s rapid growth in the late 19th century meant opportunities for the throngs of young, unmarried women who came to make their way in the big city. How one woman’s practical move impacted thousands for more than 100 years.

Bronzeville rapper Sir the Baptist and L.A. indie pop band Saint Motel will headline this year's Chi-Town Rising celebration on New Year's Eve. 

Disappointing results from a clinical trial released late last month by Eli Lilly, but the drug is still being studied as a potential therapy for those who are at risk for memory loss.

Donald Trump tussles with Boeing then meets with Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Illinois universities say no to sanctuary campuses. And the Cubs and Sox are making deals. These stories and more with Joel Weisman and guests.

The Chicago Board of Education this week unanimously approved a resolution affirming Chicago Public Schools’ status as a “welcoming district” for all students, no matter their race, gender or religion.

Legislative leaders and the governor are in a high-stakes game of chicken. A one-on-one with Senate President John Cullerton to see how he proposes ending the Springfield stalemate.

Watch the Dec. 8, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

A modest but eye-opening new exhibition features practical works of art from the collection of a scholar on American quilts.

An investigation into whether or not the Chicago Board of Education’s top attorney violated a Chicago Public Schools ethics policy has been stalled, according to the district’s Inspector General Nick Schuler.

Looking back on U.S. history in addition to contemporary politics, what does the president-elect’s choices for Cabinet positions so far say about how he might lead as president?

Addressing hospital patients’ malnutrition can reduce patient stays by nearly two days and decrease hospital readmissions by nearly 30 percent, according to a new study.                       

“We know Amazon is going to open and we’re not thinking that we can stop it,” said Lynn Mooney, who co-owns a Chicago bookstore. Find out how local shops are uniting to promote literary events.

The mayor delivers a letter to Donald Trump, urging the president-elect to protect the status of Dreamers.

Watch the Dec. 7, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Chicago Public Schools has a budget, but it could change again before the end of the school year.

State lawmakers don’t appear to be any closer to passing a budget, and prosecutors warn the impasse is damaging public safety. Three county state’s attorneys weigh in.

Jimmy John’s has agreed to settle a lawsuit with the office of Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan over its use of noncompete agreements, Madigan’s office announced Wednesday.

Chicago Public Schools teachers and parents blasted the district's plan for special education funding in its budget for the coming year, saying it pits students against each other in a "Hunger Games"-esque struggle for school resources.

Starting next year, cosmetologists working in Illinois will be required to learn how to recognize signs of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Neighborhood holiday markets, outsider art, cyclocross and Jerry Seinfeld usher in the weekend. Here are 10 things to do in and around Chicago.

Why aren't Chicagoans getting on the recycling bandwagon? What city officials are doing to reverse dropping participation rates.

When is a police officer allowed to fire a weapon? The Chicago Police Department is set to release new rules on that, but they are already drawing criticism.

Watch the Dec. 6, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

A controversial energy bill is set to be signed by Gov. Bruce Rauner on Wednesday. We hear from both sides of the debate over the Future Energy Jobs Bill.

A new project aims to fill a void in a news cycle that has primarily centered on the issues young men face in the city.

Parents of former Marist High School seniors claim the students are being used as “scapegoats” by the school in response to growing social media pressure and criticism over the incident.