Stories by Erica Gunderson

The saddest ballad of all is the ballad of what never was – like the ballad of Thomas Hoyne, who was elected mayor of Chicago, but never served. Belly up to the bar and get a little taste of Chicago’s spirited history.

Chicago Public School students can kick off their last week of freedom at one of several Chicago institutions. Learn more.

Four cyclists have been killed this summer in Chicago. Wednesday night, another was struck in a hit-and-run in the Loop. Join us for a discussion on bike safety with the advocacy director for the  Active Transportation Alliance.

The Illinois Supreme Court late Thursday evening ruled that the question of map drawing cannot appear before voters on the November ballot. The process will remain in the hands of state power brokers like House Speaker Michael Madigan.

Watch the August 25, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

As the school year approaches, the Internal Revenue Service has warned of a telephone scam targeting students.

State superintendent says there is "considerable distance to travel" to make sure students are prepared for life after high school following new PARCC assessment results.

The new name for U.S. Cellular Field is striking out with many White Sox fans. The story of how Guaranteed Rate Field came to be.

When most people visit a National Park Service site, they visit the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone. Not many realize that there are more than 400 National Park Service sites. But that’s one thing Mikah Meyer hopes to change as he travels cross-country visiting all 412 of those sites.

A planet that could potentially host life has been discovered orbiting Proxima Centauri, the star closest to our solar system, according to a report published Wednesday by more than 30 international scientists.

Brendan Dassey, whose confession to involvement in the murder of Teresa Halbach was depicted in the wildly popular Netflix documentary series “Making a Murderer,” may be released from prison by Thanksgiving. We hear from his post-trial attorney on the judge's ruling.

Without a new contract agreement with CPS, Chicago teachers are looking at their second work stoppage this year. 

Watch the August 24, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

Cheer on Chicago athletes, shop for fall accessories, take in an outdoor movie, sip sangria on a sprawling lawn, run through mud, watch dashing dogs and more this weekend.

It has been said that the Great Depression was the best thing that ever happened to American artists. A new exhibition looks at how artists of the 1930s applied their diverse visions to the American dream during this time of immense change.

Free barrels for collecting rainwater are being distributed to South and West Side communities prone to flash flooding.

For the 54th year, the Englewood Back to School Parade celebrates education and pride on the South Side. 

Practicing mindfulness exercises like yoga and meditation can alleviate symptoms of depression and stress among disadvantaged women, according to a recent study.

Watch the August 23, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

The day before Chicago Public Schools board members are set to vote on the district’s budget for fiscal year 2017, some analysts are expressing concerns.

As the fall semester begins, a new law goes on the books in Illinois to deal with sexual assault on campus. Just how does it make colleges safer?

Facing the largest equity gap in the country, Illinois state leaders are considering an evidence-based approach designed to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed in the classroom.

Labor Day traffic could be the deadliest in nearly a decade. The National Safety Council tells us why–and how to reverse the deadly trend.

A nationwide opioid epidemic is fueling the need for safe disposal of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. What you should know before tossing out your unused medications.

Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson wants seven officers fired over their reports on the Laquan McDonald shooting. We discuss how likely that is–and why the police union says Johnson's move is out of bounds.

Watch the August 22, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."