Stories by Erica Gunderson

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

After more than 25 years on the force and 10 months as Chicago’s number three cop, Deputy Superintendent Barbara West is retiring from the Chicago Police Department.

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

Meet Elizabeth Morales, a 29-year-old teacher and community service organizer who is working to support local families and individuals struggling with food and housing insecurity during the coronavirus pandemic.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker responds to criticism from the president Sunday as state health officials report more than 4,200 new cases of the coronavirus and a slight increase in the statewide test positivity rate to 5.3%.

After struggling to ramp up coronavirus testing, the U.S. can now screen several million people daily, thanks to a growing supply of rapid tests. But the boom comes with a new challenge: keeping track of the results.

President Donald Trump leaned into fear tactics Saturday as he accused the left of trying to “destroy the American way of life” in a late reelection pitch to voters in Michigan and Wisconsin.

Chicago is the six-time holder of a title that no city wants.

Latino supporters of President Trump on the reasons behind their votes. Domestic violence is on the rise during the pandemic, especially for Latino households. And we check in with the “Tamale Guy.”

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.

An update to our profile of Claudio Velez, the longtime food vendor affectionately known as the “Tamale Guy” who contracted COVID-19 just weeks after opening his new restaurant. Velez returned home earlier this month.

Former top cop Eddie Johnson is accused of sexual assault in a lawsuit filed by a member of his security detail. And a new report says he received special treatment after being discovered unconscious behind the wheel last year.

Despite President Donald Trump’s repeated promises of a vaccine before Election Day, scientists have been cautioning that it’s unlikely data showing a leading shot actually works would come until November or December. 

Owners of the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline have been given the go-ahead by Illinois to double capacity. Opponents aren't ready to give up the fight to block the expansion.

The Senate Judiciary Committee set Oct. 22 for its vote to recommend Amy Coney Barrett’s nomination to the full Senate, with a final confirmation vote expected by month’s end.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker warned Illinois residents Friday that the entire state is seeing a surge in confirmed cases of the coronavirus, as the state set a single-day record for new infections and reported 38 deaths linked to the virus.

The school district announced Friday morning that its citywide enrollment had fallen from 355,156 in the 2019-20 school year to 340,658 this year.

A federal judge has ordered Jeremiah “Jerry” Harris, star of the Netflix documentary series “Cheer,” to remain in jail pending trial on a charge he sexually exploited underage children.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced on Friday that Illinois’ ban on evictions would be extended until Nov. 16, as state officials continue to send grants to Illinois residents struggling to make ends meet.

The all-day event Saturday will take advantage of a sweet spot in the migratory timeline, with organizers expecting to record outgoing and incoming species.

Inspector General Joe Ferguson’s report details several instances when Eddie Johnson got special treatment after being discovered unconscious behind the wheel of his vehicle near 34th Place and Aberdeen Street last year.

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

The election is just weeks away and early voting is in full swing. How ready are voters and election authorities?

The Bears have a 4-1 record after eking out a 1-point win over the Buccaneers on Thursday, but that record may flatter them. Former Bears offensive lineman James "Big Cat" Williams gives us his take.

The exhibit would normally feature authentic artwork from Mexican artists, including traditional ofrendas, or altars. This year, the artwork comes from both the museum’s personal collection and local artists.

“This has not been a good week in Chicago,” said Dr. Allison Arwady, urging people to avoid gatherings, wear masks and keep 6 feet of distance from others.