Despite more people receiving organs, it’s still not enough to meet high demand. Recently, the U.S. government announced a plan to revamp the way organ recipients are chosen and organs distributed.
Stories by joanna hernandez
Sam the Barber Creates Hope, Boosts Confidence With Free Haircuts Across Chicago
Public libraries can be a safe haven for those struggling with homelessness. That’s the story of a local barber who benefited from the library’s resources to turn his life around. From living in the streets to becoming a licensed barber, Samuel Brown is now on a mission to pay it forward.
Chicagoans Come Together to Celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility
On Friday, people around the world came together for the annual Transgender Day of Visibility, a day to celebrate the resilience of transgender and nonbinary people.
How a West Side Congregation is Helping Migrants Bused to Chicago From the Border
It’s been more than six months since hundreds of migrants arrived in buses from the Texas border. At Grace and Peace Church in North Austin, a congregation is helping asylum seekers through their journeys.
On Match Day, Loyola Medical Students One Step Closer to Achieving Their Dreams
Every year on Match Day, medical students across the U.S. anxiously open envelopes to learn the name of the institution where they will start the next chapter of their careers.
Mourners Gather at Funeral of Slain Chicago Police Officer Andrés Mauricio Vásquez Lasso
Chicago police Officer Andrés Mauricio Vásquez Lasso, 32, was shot and killed last week while responding to a domestic violence call on the city’s Southwest Side. Hundreds gathered Thursday to pay their final respects, describing the officer as selfless and brave.
United Center Concession Workers Prepare for Strike During Big Ten Tournament as Negotiations Continue
United Center concession workers are in the middle of contract negotiations with the hospitality company that operates the service. On Sunday, dozens of workers walked out on a one-day strike during the Chicago Bulls game.
Half of Discount Mall Vendors to Close Shop in Little Village: ‘We Don’t Have Any Choice’
For the last two years, Discount Mall has been in the middle of a battle between its vendors and property owner Novak Development. Now, half of the mall’s vendors have until the end of this month to pack up and leave.
Back of the Yards Residents Push Back Against Plan to Merge New Library with Public Housing Project
The only library in Back of the Yards shares a space with a local high school. Some residents have advocated for a new freestanding library, securing $15 million in state funding to build it. But a new proposal would incorporate the library into a public housing project.
Discount Mall in Little Village to Continue Operations as Long-Term Deal Signed
Improvements to the mall are planned, including new roofs and facades, parking lot resurfacing, new landscaping, new lighting and an underground storm water detention system.
Chicago-Area Nonprofit Mobilizes Response to Earthquakes in Turkey
Aid organizations say the next few days are crucial when it comes to rescue operations. One local organization is leading its own emergency response team in Turkey.
Little Village Discount Mall Vendors Given Another Short-Term Extension as Future Remains Unclear
Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th Ward) recently hosted a meeting Tuesday with vendors to reassure them he will be fighting to keep the retail hub open. Novak Construction, the mall’s owner, extended vendors’ leases until the end of March.
Chinatown Readies for Lunar New Year Parade Amid Security Concerns
The Lunar New Year Parade is returning to Chinatown this weekend. As hundreds are expected to gather, the Chicago Police Department will be on alert following the recent mass shooting in Monterey Park, Calif.
Volunteers Work to Protect Little Village Street Vendors Amid Uptick in Robberies
Vendors have rallied in front of the Chicago Police Department headquarters, asking for more police presence in the morning, when many vendors are out as early as 4 a.m.
‘Chicago Tonight’ in Your Neighborhood: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy in Marquette Park
Over 50 years ago, Martin Luther King Jr. marched through the park and hundreds gathered to fight for fair housing. How the community has changed since then.
Suburban Woman Looks Forward to New Year Thanks to Heart Donor
At the age of 51, Vicki Strawn suffered a heart attack. Living with cardiac problems came with limitations that made it difficult to walk or cook. Strawn finally got the call she’d been waiting for on May 16, 2021.
Little Village Vendors Push for More Police Protection After Wave of Armed Robberies
One by one, street vendors recently walked into Chicago Police Department headquarters. They were on a mission to get help following recent robberies of street vendors along 26th Street.
From Carnitas to Barbecue, TikTok Creator Chris Dolo Harnesses Power of Social Media to Showcase Chicago Food Scene
In Chicago, a digital creater who goes by the name Chris Dolo has been able to make a name for himself by reviewing food. He joined “Latino Voices” to talk about his road to TikTok fame and the ways he uses it to showcase local offerings.
New Community Campus Hopes to Bring Gathering Space, Activity Hub to Austin
Broader Urban Involvement and Leadership Development is close to completing a large community campus that will bring services and gathering spaces.
Boxing Gym Tucked Inside a Little Village Church Basement Aims to Provide Support and Encouragement
A boxing gym in the basement of a Little Village church is on a mission to provide new opportunities for neighborhood kids. Chicago Youth Boxing Club started in 2006 as a refuge for young people seeking a positive outlet.
Acclaimed Writer Sandra Cisneros on New Poetry, Chicago Roots
Sandra Cisneros visited her hometown for a reading of her new book at the Field Museum. “Woman Without Shame” is her first published collection of poems in 28 years.
Migrants in Chicago Say They Are in Search of Work, Better Opportunities
Migrants arriving to Chicago from the Texas border say they are looking to build a better lives for themselves and want to provide support to their families back home.
After 15 Years of Waiting, DACA Recipient Casts Her First Ballot
“It was really exciting and I’m really grateful that I have the opportunity to use my voice this time around,” said Karen Villagomez, who cast her first ballot Tuesday.
Brookfield Zoo Marks 100 Years Since Groundbreaking With Eye Toward the Future
Brookfield Zoo is celebrating a big milestone. It was a century ago when construction on the grounds began.
Pilsen Resident Creates Elaborate Dia De Los Muertos Backyard Altar
In Pilsen, one Chicago resident transformed her backyard into an altar that provides a transportive experience. You’ll find skulls, flowers and all kinds of objects offered to those who once lived.
Chicagoans Have Been Engaging in Protest of Iranian Regime
Human rights groups say more than 100 people have been killed in Iran since the death of a 22-year-old woman who was in the custody of police. Iranian Americans in Chicago have a message they want everyone to hear: “Stand with Iranian women.”
