Erica Thompson

4 weeks ago | chicago.suntimes.com | Matt Moore |Erica Thompson |Selena Fragassi |Violet Miller

To visit the National Public Housing Museum is to step back in time, era by era. Open the door to one room, and you’re transported to the Turovitz family’s late-1930s apartment in Chicago’s Jane Addams Homes development. Open another door, and you’re standing in the Hatch family’s apartment from that same complex, but now it’s the 1960s.

4 weeks ago | chicago.suntimes.com | Erica Thompson

Street artist Lajuana Lampkins could have set up shop in any number of Chicago’s neighborhoods, but there was something about Wicker Park that made an impression. Lampkins’ son, Sir Gerald Akbar, even warned his mother, then in her 50s, that the bustling area might be too overwhelming. But Lampkins pressed on. “It was something about that place that was magical,” said Akbar, a 44-year-old Jefferson Park resident and street artist who goes by the name Ghetto Art.

1 month ago | chicago.suntimes.com | Erica Thompson

To visit the National Public Housing Museum is to step back in time, era by era. Open the door to one room, you’re transported to the Turovitz family’s late-1930s apartment in Chicago’s Jane Addams Homes development. You’ll view old photos and vintage furniture, and explore their kosher kitchen, complete with a treasured gefilte fish chopping bowl. Open another door, and you’re standing in the Hatch family’s apartment from that same complex, but now it’s the 1960s.

1 month ago | chicago.suntimes.com | Matt Moore |Amy Yee |Erica Thompson

In today’s newsletter, we take a look back at the COVID-19 pandemic, zooming in on ways Chicago restaurants pivoted during unprecedented times — and the lingering challenges these businesses face. Plus: Hidden gems to explore this spring break, how Chicagoans came together for Holi this weekend and more news you need to know.

1 month ago | chicago.suntimes.com | Erica Thompson

Once again Chicago welcomed the return of spring by celebrating Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, at Navy Pier on Saturday. But for many of those splashing themselves in the customary colored powder, the holiday means so much more. Reflecting on the occasion, participants and presenters used words like joy, love, tradition and inclusivity to describe their feelings.