Stories by Erica Gunderson

Crain’s Chicago Business managing editor Ann Dwyer takes a closer look at McDonald’s success with its new CEO, the auctioning of the remaining Caputo & Sons grocery stores and the latest Wrigley rooftop bought by the Ricketts family. 

Recent court documents claim former U.S. House Speaker Dennis Hastert sexually abused five students. We talk with a Chicago Tribune reporter covering the case.

Aldermen on Tuesday are widely expected to approve a one-time change to city law to name Eddie Johnson the permanent Chicago Police Department superintendent. The move comes on the heels of a committee vote Monday to approve another $6.5 million in payouts to victims of police misconduct.

Watch the April 11, 2016 full episode of "Chicago Tonight."

A Tony-award winning team will craft a new $4 million “Nutcracker” which dramatically switches gears from Robert Joffrey’s vision, one which has been performed for nearly three decades.

The sexual abuse allegations against Dennis Hastert could send him to prison, even though he has not been charged or convicted of the crime. WBEZ senior news editor Robert Wildeboer explains.

Sandy Weisz returns with a new video puzzle and photo puzzles. Submit your answer by 10 a.m. Monday, April 18 for a chance to win our puzzle prize package!

The disaster in Flint has spotlighted the dangers and adverse health outcomes of lead seeping into communities’ drinking water. Elizabeth Brackett reports on the lead pipes carrying water into Chicago and suburban homes. 

A movement is underway to have the Illinois legislature expand what's called "home rule authority." Bob Reed of the Better Government Association explains what that could mean for towns and villages throughout the state.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Monday unveiled a new plan to build 50 miles of "better bike lanes" in the city over the next three years. 

Acclaimed Midwestern photographer Kenneth Josephson has created innovative pictures of Chicago from the 1950s until the 21st century. We take a look at the man behind the lens and his conceptual photography.

Hear what viewers had to say about our interview with Hershey Felder, our story on outsider artist Lee Godie and our showcase of creatures from ReptileFest when we read feedback from the "Chicago Tonight" website, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Writer and curator José Esparza Chong Cuy, who was previously associate curator at the Museo Jumex in Mexico City, replaces Julie Rodrigues Widholm.

Eddie Arruza and and guests discuss the mayor's support for Eddie Johnson as police superintendent, Dennis Hastert's apology and other top stories of the week.

We get perspective on the business of interviewing from Mark Bazer, host of "The Interview Show," which airs Friday nights on WTTW starting this week.

Could reports of an exam-cheating probe related to Eddie Johnson's fiancée derail his confirmation as top cop? Should IPRA be abolished? A panel of aldermen tackle these questions and more.

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

State Republican leaders unveiled a $1.3 billion spending plan Thursday that they say will be a “lifeline” for social services and other programs that have struggled financially in the ongoing budget impasse.

A University of Illinois dance professor created an app which encourages audience members to get interactive during performances by using their smartphones. 

Hear what viewers had to say about proposed residential reuse of the Cook County Hospital building and the latest proposal for funding Illinois' schools when we read feedback from the "Chicago Tonight" website, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.

Recent news coverage has suggested a spike in pileated woodpecker sightings in the western suburbs may be linked to the emerald ash borer. But according to at least two wildlife experts, it probably has more to do with the restoration of local habitat.

Reptiles, amphibians and the people who love them, or at least like them, come together this weekend for ReptileFest 2016. We get a preview of the event and meet some of the animals on display.

Celebrate the season at the White Sox home opener, or freshen up your collection of vinyl, take in a few Latino films, get inspired by Shakespeare and rub elbows with robots. 

Winter’s (mostly) behind us and we’re ready to grow! It might not quite feel like it yet, but spring is here and it’s time to head back to the garden. The Organic Gardener Jeanne Nolan joins us to prepare WTTW’s organic garden for a fruitful growing season.

What's it like to work with Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland? We speak with one of his former law clerks about what it's like to work with the judge.

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