Stories by Erica Gunderson

As 2020 comes to a close, the events of this unprecedented year have devastated Chicago’s small businesses. Why it’s more important than ever to support neighborhood shops.

In a year filled with twists and turns, news outlets are more important than ever. We discuss the role of advocacy journalism in effecting positive change for marginalized communities.

In the past three weeks, back-to-back hurricanes landed a double blow on Central American countries. Gonzalo Chavez, consulate general of Honduras, says the situation is dire. Find out how you can help.

What health care institutions and practitioners can do to unwind the systemic racism that continues to affect health care outcomes in Black and Latino communities.

We speak with Audra Wilson, the head of the Shriver Center on Poverty Law, on what the new Biden administration could mean for communities of color.

Chicago officials say they’re trying to help small businesses survive what appears will be — as President-elect Joe Biden put it — a very dark winter.

Local journalists discuss national and local elections results following a dramatic Election Day that stretched into Election Week.

The protests that swept across Chicago this summer had plenty of cameras on them, but who was behind the camera?

We talk with local journalists about the wild election week — and one of the big stories to come out of the election: how the nation’s Latino population voted.

Why our motivations for helping those in need matter just as much as how we help them.

Chicago gets a lot of attention for its soaring skyscrapers and ornate downtown buildings, but there’s more to Chicago architecture than what’s in the Loop. 

Election Day is around the corner, but if you haven’t yet made it to the polls, don’t fret — there’s still plenty of time to cast your ballot. We check in with Chicago Board of Elections Commissioner Jonathan Swain.

This turbulent year spurred the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus to develop an anti-racism agenda. State Sen. Kimberly Lightford tells us how Black legislators hope to dismantle systemic racism.

Women could decide who wins the election — we speak with four Latina voters about what they’re hoping to see in the next four years. 

Librarian Miguel Ruiz has the last word on why supporting the work of public libraries is so important.

With just days to go until Election Day and millions of votes already cast, the Latino vote is more consequential than ever. Sylvia Puente of the Latino Policy Forum shares insights about this historic election.

The Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority has fought for voting rights for more than a century. We talk with AKA member Kimberley Egonmwan about what they’re doing to get the vote out today.

Chicagoans are casting their votes for political candidates and making their voices heard on political ideas. A group of journalists walks us through the referenda on the ballot.

Chef Jesus Delgado talks about making Peruvian plates for Chicago palates.

Beekeeper Thad Smith offers his thoughts on honeybees, native bees and working together as part of our new feature on “Black Voices.”

Is the HBO horror series on your binge-watching list? Architecture critic and author Lee Bey unpacks the hidden history of the new show.

As a voting bloc, Latinos have traditionally leaned left. But President Donald Trump has been able to count on the support of about 30% of Latino voters, according to national polls. We speak with two such Trump supporters.

Dr. William Yates has made public safety through technology his business, first by developing metal detectors to prevent gun violence, and now, by developing no-contact thermal scanners to protect against the spread of COVID-19.

Black women are considered the backbone of the Democratic Party, despite what advocates call a resurgence in voter suppression tactics. How they became a formidable force in U.S. elections.

The executive director of the Mary and Michael Jaharis Health Law Institute has the last word on closing the health disparity gap for Latinos.

How the local business Blossom Inspirations is building bridges between American and Latino cultures through artisan crafts.