Stories by Joel Ortiz

Medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have been prescribed for patients to manage diabetes, obesity and other conditions. However, the soaring popularity of the drugs has some healthcare workers concerned over their accessibility to vulnerable populations. 

The Chicago City Council on Wednesday is set to vote on a compromise measure to delay the phaseout of the city’s tipped minimum wage.

The changes to SNAP outlined in what President Donald Trump dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” go into effect this month and require thousands of Illinois households to fulfill new work requirements or submit for an exemption.

Gary Slutkin founded Cure Violence Global, formerly known as CeaseFire, an organization dedicated to training trusted community members to be violence interrupters. Interrupters work with those at risk of committing violence while providing alternative options and resources.

Some Americans are using taxes to protest the Trump administration — more specifically, the refusal to pay taxes.

In his new documentary, “Food Roots,” Billy Dec invites viewers to see who he is under the iconic fedora as he travels to the Philippines to reconnect with relatives — uncovering culture, family recipes and parts of himself along the way.

Not many Chicagoans can say they’ve lived in each of the city’s 77 community areas. But Jahmal Cole, CEO and founder of the nonprofit My Block, My Hood, My City, is looking to do just that.

After last month’s win in the Democratic primary, congressional candidate and Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss is gearing up for the Nov. 3 general election, where he will face Republican John Elleson and independent Delila Barrera.

A new study from the Illinois Economic Policy Institute explores how a 3% surtax on Illinois residents earning $1 million or more per year could impact the state.

This week marked Transgender Day of Visibility, an international day dedicated to uplifting members of the trans community while showing support for the protection of transgender rights.

A recent New York Times investigation found that Cesar Chavez sexually abused both young girls who worked in his movement and union co-founder Dolores Huerta.

Supporters of keeping the lower tipped minimum wage say it’s a win for restaurant owners who have seen an increase in all costs.

The Illinois congressional delegation could be getting a new look. Four members either are retiring or left to run for higher office, opening up the opportunity to usher in a new generation of leaders.

Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi on Tuesday night conceded defeat to Pat Hynes, a one-time employee of the incumbent’s office, in the Democratic primary.

While the blues may be having a mainstream moment, the Chicago blues community has long been dedicated to the art form’s preservation, history and future.

The U.S. and Israel launched the war Saturday, targeting Iran’s leadership, missile arsenal and nuclear program while suggesting that toppling the government is a goal. But the exact aims and timelines have repeatedly shifted, signaling an open-ended conflict.

Latin American culture was on full display on Super Bowl Sunday with Bad Bunny’s historic halftime show. Among the 700 performers on the field were Lyrik Cruz and Giancarlo Guerrero, two Latino artists with Chicago connections.

State Rep. Kam Buckner (D-Chicago) has sponsored a new pilot program that would allow companies like Waymo to service Cook, Sangamon and Madison counties with autonomous vehicles over a three-year period. 

Global music icon Bad Bunny is set to take the stage this Sunday for a Super Bowl halftime performance. Many Puerto Ricans see his performance as a culturally important one.

Three Catholic cardinals are speaking out about some of the Trump administration’s recent foreign policy actions.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president has “an expectation” that credit card companies will accede to his demand that they cap interest rates on credit cards at 10% for one year.

Joseph Mapp heads Chicago’s Office of Reentry. The office is tasked with investing in formerly incarcerated people and providing access to services — including housing, mental health support and job training.

The Citizens Utility Board is sounding the alarm on data centers’ growing demand on the electrical grid, saying Illinois consumers can expect higher electric bills.

The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is set to become the largest quantum development in the United States. Some Southeast Side residents have voiced concerns over gentrification, environmental impacts and energy use.

This weekend the Chicago Bears face the Green Bay Packers. With nine wins and three losses so far this season, Bears fans are amped for what comes next.

The event will take place Saturday and Sunday and features a variety of film screenings, discussions, a game night and a master class taught by Townsend himself.