Stories by Erica Gunderson

For many years, sports fans in Chicago were welcomed to games by clean-cut and friendly Andy Frain ushers. The story of the man behind the house of ushers in this encore edition of Ask Geoffrey.

A Chicago police officer, two female medical professionals and the suspected gunman are dead following a shooting rampage Monday afternoon at Mercy Hospital on the city’s Near South Side.

Watch the Nov. 19, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

From “Angels in America” to “Hamilton,” a new book from Chicago Tribune critic Chris Jones looks at the last quarter century of American theater.

An estimated 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and that number is expected to rise. We learn about one of the world’s most comprehensive studies of the disease, taking place right here in Chicago.

We speak with Robin Amer, the creator of a new podcast from USA Today that takes a broad look at the events that led up to the so-called Operation Silver Shovel scandal – and the fallout that continues to this day.

City Council overwhelmingly approved a 2019 budget with no major tax or fee increases, but the next mayor and City Council will face rapidly rising city pension obligations and a host of other issues.

And they’re off. Candidates for Chicago mayor, alderman and other municipal posts made it official on Monday, the first day they were able to file petitions with the Chicago Board of Elections.

Watching Northlight Theatre’s luminous world premiere stage version of Jane Austen’s third published novel, it was impossible not to wonder what the writer might make of her enduring cult status among 21st century audiences.

Chicago’s recycling woes have been well-documented, but a new report shows that at least five other cities in Illinois are failing to meet average U.S. recycling rates.

The death of an inmate following an “altercation with correctional staff” at Western Illinois Correctional Center in May has been ruled a homicide, according to an autopsy report.

Former 2nd Ward Ald. Bob Fioretti, who tried to unseat Mayor Rahm Emanuel in 2015, and ran against Toni Preckwinkle for Cook County Board president in the 2018 Democratic primary, appears to be running once more for mayor.

The recent Broadway musical based on the hit 1942 film is an old-fashioned charmer on every level, with just enough of a sardonic bite to make it feel fresh, and just enough nostalgia to pierce your heart.

A movie theater-sized screen highlighting daily programs, plus gardens and a member center will provide additional comforts and services to visitors, the zoo says.

An Instagram video that captured the incident Tuesday morning shows students yelling and running through smoke-filled hallways after the fireworks were set off. A 16-year-old now faces a felony charge.

Susana Mendoza is in the race for mayor. Outrage and confusion surround the fatal police shooting of a security guard. Chicago gets the big snub from Amazon. And the Bears get ready for their prime time matchup against Minnesota.

Paris Schutz and guests discuss the planned $75-million restoration of the landmark Uptown Theatre.

Watch the Nov. 15, 2018 full episode of “Chicago Tonight.”

Gang violence in Chicago has been researched, debated and battled for years. What role might artificial intelligence play in preventing violence?

We learn about a new state-sponsored savings program aimed at more than one million Illinois workers not already covered by a retirement plan.

Investigators described the Park District’s procedures for vetting volunteers as “outdated” and “under-resourced,” with a single employee responsible for managing the entire volunteer program.

Scandals plague USA Gymnastics in the wake of the Larry Nassar sexual abuse catastrophe. USA Today columnist Nancy Armour has the latest.

Food pantries are popping up in a surprising, new location: colleges and universities. How City Colleges of Chicago and the Greater Chicago Food Depository are providing for local students.

Special prosecutors believe it will take less than a week to present their case against a trio of current and former Chicago police officers accused of trying to cover up the 2014 shooting of black teen Laquan McDonald.

He is widely considered one of the greatest American novelists. Saul Bellow’s anger, appetites and enormous talent are captured in a newly released biography by Zachary Leader, who joins us in conversation.

More than 6,000 dogs were taken in by the city’s animal shelter last year. How one local animal lover is focusing his lens on the challenge of finding them permanent homes.