Stories by Marissa Nelson

Latinos played an important role in local and national elections this year — what their impact tells us about diversity within the community. 

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.” 

The current Democratic state senator ran on a promise to reform an office plagued by a reputation of inefficiency and corruption.

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.

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.

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.

Located 14 miles from the Loop, the middle-class Ashburn community has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and civil unrest this summer.

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.

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.

West suburban Wheaton, home to historic Wheaton College, hasn’t been spared the health and economic hit caused by the coronavirus pandemic. 

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. 

According to the Federal Reserve, the gap between the rich and the not-so-rich in the U.S. is getting wider. What that new data may mean for economic inequality in America. 

A pandemic, civil unrest and an increase in violence. How community organizations in Greater Grand Crossing are helping young people cope with adversity.

Nearly a dozen of President Trump’s allies and team members have tested positive for the coronavirus just four weeks ahead of the election. We discuss the potential political fallout of the president’s diagnosis.

The community faces food insecurity, poverty and violence in addition to the coronavirus pandemic and fallout from this summer’s civil unrest. Meanwhile, residents have mobilized to support one another.

Interruption, disruption and insults. Tuesday’s presidential debate was arguably the most chaotic ever produced. We get reaction from the father of presidential debates, the former FCC chairman who first proposed the idea in 1955.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, a racial justice movement and a rush to confirm a new Supreme Court justice comes the first of three presidential debates. What to expect.

A Supreme Court confirmation battle rages. President Trump won’t commit to a peaceful transfer of power should he lose. Chicago reacts to the Breonna Taylor decision, and Bears fans mourn the death of the legendary Gale Sayers.

The Breonna Taylor decision. Chicago’s massive budget shortfall. A Supreme Court battle ahead. Our politics team has the latest on those stories and more in this week’s roundtable.

In the aftermath of George Floyd’s death and other police killings of Black Americans, calls to defund and reform the police have intensified. At the same time, Chicago is grappling with the coronavirus and a drastic increase in shootings.

A recent poll found that 17% of households in Chicago can’t afford to pay for both their food and bills. How COVID-19 has impacted food security in Chicago six months into the pandemic.

How one of Chicago’s Far Southwest Side neighborhoods is coping with the coronavirus.

Tuesday marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, which celebrates of the cultures and honors the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. We discuss the varied and vast impact of Latinos on business, art and politics in Chicago.

Cook County’s second annual Racial Equity Week began Monday. This year’s theme: acknowledging past harm, its impact today and a vision for the future. Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle tells us more.

The west suburban community is full of history, with monuments to WWI and WWII veterans, and home to a legendary musician. It has struggled with higher rates of poverty and lack of access to health care, making it particularly susceptible to COVID-19.

What you need to know about the race for a coronavirus vaccine.