Chicago spring may be fickle, but the recent explosion of public art has also brought some color and life to the city. One local muralist is hoping his 15-foot-high mural in Wicker Park inspires people to find hope. It’s called “The Butterfly Effect.”
Stories by erica gunderson
Comedy Troupe Brings Mirth and Mariachi to Improv
Apr 16, 2022 | Erica Gunderson
A group of local comedians is bringing a taste of Latin culture to their comedy routine. In what is often a white-dominated space, they hope their acts add some variety and relatability.
Organized Retail Crime Bill Proposed to Address ‘Smash-and-Grab’ Thefts
Apr 9, 2022 | Erica Gunderson
Illinois lawmakers have proposed a new bill that defines organized retail crime for the first time in statute. But some community groups are raising concerns saying the legislation will further harm communities that have been oppressed by the criminal justice system for decades.
University of Chicago Study Reveals Benefits of Early Bilingual Education for English Learners
Apr 9, 2022 | Erica Gunderson
The Illinois State Board of Education is announcing a $4 million grant to cover tuition costs for teachers interested in becoming licensed to teach English-language learners.
Culinary School Sets the Table for Food Industry Equity
Apr 9, 2022 | Erica Gunderson
Food Hero, a culinary school that operates on a social enterprise model, offers instruction on food preparation and entrepreneurship free of charge. Founder Javier Haro says the idea came in part from his own experience as the former owner of a tapas restaurant in Pilsen.
Puerto Rican Flags Over Paseo Boricua Approach Landmark Status
Apr 9, 2022 | Erica Gunderson
In 1995 two 60-foot-high Puerto Rican flags were planted over Division Street, also known as Paseo Boricua, solidifying its identity as the heart of the Puerto Rican community in Chicago. Now, the flags are poised to receive landmark status from the city.
State’s Overdose Action Plan Seeks to Save Lives
Apr 2, 2022 | Erica Gunderson
The Illinois Overdose Action Plan offers new and expanded resources to help treat substance abuse and addiction.
Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults Expansion Takes Effect
Apr 2, 2022 | Erica Gunderson
In December 2020, Illinois expanded Medicaid to provide health coverage to immigrant adults ages 65 and older. Now, another expansion offers health care benefits to low-income immigrants ages 55 to 64 starting May 1.
One Year After Toledo and Alvarez Deaths, Communities Reflect on Role of Police in Public Safety
Apr 2, 2022 | Erica Gunderson
In March 2021, the city was sent reeling when Chicago police officers shot and killed Adam Toledo and Anthony Alvarez just a few days apart. We look at where the relationship between law enforcement and Latino communities stands.
New Book Studies Why Many Latinos Lack Health Insurance
Mar 26, 2022 | Erica Gunderson
Through extensive personal interviews conducted over three years, a new book takes a deep dive into what keeps Latinos feeling locked out of health care access. It’s called “Uninsured in Chicago: How the Social Safety Net Leaves Latinos Behind.”
‘A Search for Unity’ Heralds the Life and Legacy of Rudy Lozano
Mar 26, 2022 | Erica Gunderson
Rudy Lozano’s life is the subject of a new exhibit at UIC’s Richard J. Daley Library. It brings together a collection of papers, photos, and other items to tell the story of the activist and community organizer. It’s a story that some say is integral to the story of Chicago’s Latinos as they forged an identity in the city.
Germán López Transcends Tradition with a Timple, the Instrument of the Canary Islands
Mar 21, 2022 | Erica Gunderson
When it’s used to play the traditional music of the Canary Islands, the small instrument’s sound is often bright and folksy. But in the hands of Germán López, whose style combines the sound of the Canary Islands with pop and world rhythms, the timple takes on an entirely new character.
Examining the World’s Reaction to Ukrainian Refugees: A Voices Crossover Discussion
Mar 12, 2022 | Erica Gunderson
As Russian forces invade Ukraine, more than 2 million Ukrainians have now fled their homes and sought refuge in neighboring countries —most of them greeted with warmth and generosity. But people fleeing conflict or disaster in other countries have not been welcomed with such open arms in Europe or here in the U.S.
Chicago Program Gets Girls Revved Up for STEM Careers
Mar 12, 2022 | Erica Gunderson
In recent years, educators have made extra efforts to encourage children to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. Especially girls. To help with this, the local nonprofit Girls 4 Science is offering a free program called Saturday STEM Academy for girls ages 10 to 18.
Legal Aid Organizations Call on Gov. Pritzker for Increased Funding
Mar 12, 2022 | Erica Gunderson
The Illinois Access to Justice coalition comprises 67 nonprofit legal aid organizations that offer Illinoisans free legal representation and free training on legal literacy. Now, it’s calling on the state to help with funding to help expand its services.
Masks Off (Again) – Looking Ahead to Living with COVID-19
Mar 5, 2022 | Erica Gunderson
This week seems to have marked a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic with the lifting of masking mandates and vaccine checks in Chicago. But as spring approaches, it’s also a reminder that we’ve been here before.
Start It Up – Advice from Latino Entrepreneurs on Striking Out for Yourself
Mar 5, 2022 | Erica Gunderson
According to the Stanford Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative’s 2021 report, Latino entrepreneurs continue to outpace the rest of the startup population. So, why take the risk of starting your own business? We spoke with some local entrepreneurs about how they got their starts.
Little Village Mural Depicts Chicago’s Labor Legacy
Mar 5, 2022 | Erica Gunderson
A new mural near 30th and Ridgeway in Little Village depicts the figures behind a pivotal moment in Chicago’s labor history: the Haymarket Affair.
She Can Do It: La Ultima Palabra on Women in Skilled Trades
Mar 5, 2022 | Erica Gunderson
Like Rosie the Riveter, ironworker Jennifer Ortiz wants women to know they can do it. Here, she gives La Ultima Palabra on how the spark that ignited her career in the trades can work for other women, too.
Where Industry, Environment and Community Meet: Rethinking Chicago’s Manufacturing Future
Feb 26, 2022 | Erica Gunderson
In the wake of the decision to reject a permit for a metal shredding and recycling operation on the city’s Southeast Side, environmental justice advocates say now is the time for the city and industrial leaders to work together and find ways to meet the needs of both the community and corporations.
Scholarship News Brings Excitement, Joy to Benito Juarez Community Academy
Feb 26, 2022 | Erica Gunderson
Nonprofit organization Hope Chicago told students at Benito Juarez Community Academy they were recipients of fully-funded scholarships at their choice of 20 colleges, universities, and other education programs across Illinois.
‘Making Mexican Chicago’ Traces History of Mexican Communities in Chicago
Feb 26, 2022 | Erica Gunderson
The story of how La Villita and Chicago’s other Mexican enclaves developed is the subject of “Making Mexican Chicago: From Postwar Settlement to the Age of Gentrification.” The book walks the streets of the city’s Mexican communities and explores the history of the forces that shaped them.
Where Can You Get Tropical Paczki? Only in Polombia
Feb 26, 2022 | Erica Gunderson
The last day before Lent has many names: Shrove Tuesday, Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras. It's also known as Paczki Day when Chicagoans prepare for Lent by indulging in as many of the traditional Polish jam-filled doughnuts as they can eat.
Pilsen Fixture Alvarez Hardware Plans to Keep Old-Fashioned Business in the Family
Feb 19, 2022 | Erica Gunderson
Competition from big-box stores and a lack of successors has forced many small family-run businesses in Chicago to close their doors. But the owner of a longtime fixture on 18th Street is nailing down plans to ensure his store has a different fate.
Latino Families Feeling the Pinch of Inflation
Feb 19, 2022 | Erica Gunderson
As record-high inflation impacts every American’s wallet, Latino spending patterns mean they could be feeling the pinch even more.
Kids First Chicago CEO on What’s Behind the Drop in Enrollment at CPS
Feb 19, 2022 | Erica Gunderson
In the last 20 years, the Chicago public school system has lost more than 100,000 students, with 40,000 leaving the system in the last five years. An education advocacy group digging into the root causes of the enrollment drop found some factors unique to Chicago, and some trends that are nationwide.