On the Far Northwest Side, the Sauganash community seeks to make the season a bit more festive amid the coronavirus pandemic with its holiday light displays.
Stories by Marissa Nelson
Pilsen Holiday Window Walk Aims to Boost Business, Support Local Artists
Marissa Nelson | Dec 15, 2020
A nonprofit on Chicago’s Lower West Side is getting creative this holiday season. We check out the 2020 Pilsen Christmas Window Walk.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Pilsen
Marissa Nelson | Dec 10, 2020
Pilsen has long been an enclave for immigrants, and right now, it’s a community with many residents who are struggling because of the coronavirus.
Chicago Medical School Dean Serving on FDA Vaccine Advisory Committee
FDA advisory committee to hold public meeting Thursday about Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine.

The FDA’s vaccine advisory committee is preparing to meet Thursday to discuss Pfizer’s vaccine. Dr. Archana Chatterjee, dean of the Chicago Medical School and a member of that committee, talks about that process.
Doctors, Nurses Under Pressure as Coronavirus Surges
Marissa Nelson | Dec 7, 2020
Nine months into the pandemic, many health care workers say they’re reaching a breaking point, and they’re bracing for what health officials say could be one of the most difficult winters in American public health history.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Chatham
Marissa Nelson | Dec 3, 2020
As residents and businesses grapple with the coronavirus, a new health center opens on the South Side. Amanda Vinicky reports from Chatham.
‘Latino Voices’ Community Conversation: Election 2020
Marissa Nelson | Dec 1, 2020
It’s been four weeks since the polls closed, but the impact of the election is still unfolding. Check out our virtual discussion about the 2020 general election with Hugo Balta, host of “Latino Voices,” and a panel of guests.
Firsthand Gun Violence: Prevention Programs Get Boost in Funding
Marissa Nelson | Nov 30, 2020
The city’s 2021 budget includes $36 million for violence prevention programs. That’s nearly $25 million more than in the 2020 budget, but some advocates say the additional funding is still not enough.
The Week in Review: A Black Friday Like No Other
Marissa Nelson | Nov 27, 2020
After an unprecedented year, we take a hard look at the pandemic-ravaged economy, as businesses gear up for the all-important holiday retail season.
With Coronavirus Vaccines on The Way, Researchers Say It’s Time to Build Trust
Marissa Nelson | Nov 26, 2020
A recent survey found that just 51% of U.S. adults say they would get the COVID-19 vaccine — and just 32% of Black adults. We discuss the cause of medical mistrust and how to rebuild it.
Chicago Partnership Working Toward Equitable Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccine
Marissa Nelson | Nov 19, 2020
A coalition of over 35 organizations is working to make distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine in Chicago equitable. We speak with three members of the Vaccine Corps Partnership.
Nursing Homes See Increase in COVID-19 As Virus Surges in Illinois
Marissa Nelson | Nov 18, 2020
As COVID-19 continues to surge in Illinois, nursing homes and other long-term care facilities are bracing for what’s likely to come.
Why COVID-19 Is Prompting a Mass Exodus of Women in the Workforce
Marissa Nelson | Nov 16, 2020
Since February, nearly 2.2 million women have left the workforce, according to the National Women’s Law Center. What’s behind what some have dubbed the “she-cession” — and what are the long-term implications of the exodus?
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: West Lawn
Marissa Nelson | Nov 12, 2020
A 25-minute drive southwest of the Loop, the West Lawn community is home to many essential workers and has one of the highest rates of COVID-19 in the city.
Political Divide: 2020 Election Reaffirms Polarization in US
Marissa Nelson | Nov 10, 2020
Political polarization runs deep in America. Though the election is over, tensions still run high—and not just in states with tight races, like Pennsylvania, but right here in Illinois.
‘The Latino Vote’: 2020 Election Proves Community Is Not Monolithic
Marissa Nelson | Nov 9, 2020
Latinos played an important role in local and national elections this year — what their impact tells us about diversity within the community.
Veteran Journalist Carol Marin Retires From Broadcast News, ‘Chicago Tonight’
Marissa Nelson | Nov 5, 2020
After a decadeslong career, Carol Marin is retiring from TV news. “I love what I do,” Marin said Thursday. “I wanna leave when I think the work is still a proud example of decent journalism.”
Iris Martinez to be 1st Latina to Lead Cook County Circuit Court
Marissa Nelson | Nov 4, 2020
The current Democratic state senator ran on a promise to reform an office plagued by a reputation of inefficiency and corruption.
Firearm Sales Increase Drastically Amid Pandemic, Civil Unrest
Marissa Nelson | Nov 2, 2020
In October, Americans purchased an estimated 1.92 million guns — an increase of 67% from October 2019, according to an analysis of FBI data. Why more Americans are purchasing guns in 2020.
State Senators Weigh in On Tightening Coronavirus-Related Restrictions
Marissa Nelson | Oct 29, 2020
Illinois Sens. Sara Feigenholtz and Don DeWitte talk about the governor’s decision to halt indoor dining and bar service in regions where coronavirus rates are surging.
Chicago Bar, Restaurant Owners Face Uncertain Future as Restrictions Return
Marissa Nelson | Oct 28, 2020
Surging COVID-19 infection rates triggered new restrictions that will take effect Friday in Chicago. What that means for the small business owners who can no longer serve diners and drinkers indoors.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Ashburn
Marissa Nelson | Oct 22, 2020
Located 14 miles from the Loop, the middle-class Ashburn community has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and civil unrest this summer.
COVID-19 Recovery: Initiative Aims to Equitably Rebuild Chicago
Marissa Nelson | Oct 20, 2020
The coronavirus has had a disparate impact on Black and Brown communities. What would an equitable recovery look like? Dr. Helene Gayle tells us about a new initiative for equitable economic recovery.
COVID-19 ‘Long-Haulers’: Symptoms Persist for Some Patients
Marissa Nelson | Oct 19, 2020
Months after they were initially diagnosed with COVID-19, some patients known are still experiencing a wide range of symptoms, from extreme fatigue to brain fog and hair loss. What medical experts and patients have to say about the condition.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Wheaton
Marissa Nelson | Oct 15, 2020
West suburban Wheaton, home to historic Wheaton College, hasn’t been spared the health and economic hit caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Method Behind the Madness: Experts Weigh In on Political Polling Process
What the latest numbers do (or don’t) mean for the 2020 election

As Nov. 3 draws near, Americans may be paying more attention to the latest polling numbers — but after the 2016 election, some people wonder just what those numbers really mean.