Elizabeth Alvarez has dedicated her life to teaching, empowering students and breaking down educational disparities. Alvarez shares all of this and more in her new book “Rabbit on the Moon: Embracing My Mexican-American Identity.”
Stories by Emily Soto
Public Art Project Uncovers the History of an Ancient Mexican Civilization
Long before the Aztecs or the Maya, there were the Olmecs. Their people once lived along the southeast border of Mexico in what is now Veracruz; they are considered one of the most influential civilizations of Mesoamerica.
Clinics Offering Abortion Care in Illinois See Increase in Out-of-State Patients in 2 Years Since Dobbs Decision
An increasing number of people are coming to Illinois in search of abortion care in the two years since the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision overturned the Roe v. Wade ruling.
A Community Conversation: The Role of Art in Chicago’s LGBTQ Activism Movement
The arts have played a major role in the history of activism and support for members of the LGBTQ+ community in Chicago.
As Temperatures Climb, Advocates Say People Working in Hot Warehouses or Laboring Outdoors Need More Protections
Advocates say a lack of regulation is leading to life-threatening conditions, but are working to educate workers about their rights.
How Animal Shelters Are Working to Cut Down Chicago's Record-High Euthanasia Rate
The city shelter has seen a 24% increase in the first five months of 2024. Advocates said a rise of intakes and a lack of adoption are contributing to the issue.
New Photo Exhibit Captures Life in Pilsen in the ‘90s
Japanese photographer Akito Tsuda was a student at Columbia College when a class assignment brought him to the Pilsen neighborhood in the 1990s. Now he’s back in the city revisiting the people and places he visited all those years ago.
How One Group is Working to Attract More Black Ice Skaters Through Mentorship, Sponsorship and Fun
The Diversify Ice Fellowship and Foundation is now working to make skating more accessible and show what can be achieved through mentorship, sponsorship and fun.
New Bill Awaiting Pritzker’s Signature Would Help Transgender Illinois Residents Update Documents Issued by Other States
The bill allows Illinois residents to get a judicial order to alter the name and sex on birth certificates and other documentation issued in another state. Currently in Illinois, the process no longer requires certification from a health professional, making it easier to request this change.
At 26, She Became the First Mexican-Born Woman to Travel to Space. Now She’s Working to Encourage the Next Generation
Many kids dream of blasting off into space one day — and Katya Echazarreta was no exception. As the first Mexican-born woman to travel to space, she is dedicated to showing other women the sky’s the limit when it comes to reaching their goals.
Evanston’s Groundbreaking Reparations Program Faces Class Action Lawsuit
Evanston’s program is aimed at addressing housing discrimination and segregation that took place in the northern suburb from 1919 to 1969.
For 35 Years, a Chicago Family Has Fostered Community at Apollo’s 2000 Theater in Little Village. Now the Century-Old Venue is a City Landmark
Javier Galindo and Lidia Galindo Corral have welcomed artists from all over the world to the Apollo’s 2000 Theater in Little Village for nearly 35 years. The building is now being designated a Chicago landmark.
‘I Really Want to Represent My People’: Latino Entrepreneurs Opening Businesses Twice as Much as General Population
Latinos are starting businesses at over twice the rate of the general U.S. population. But getting there as a first-time business owner comes with its own set of challenges.
North Lawndale Residents Push Back Against Proposed Logistics Hub Amid Environmental, Traffic Concerns
Developers are pumping the brakes on plans for a controversial logistics and distribution hub in North Lawndale. The project would tear down two buildings preservationists said are historically significant to make way for the nearly 250,000-square-foot facility.
Thousands of Immigrants in Illinois May Lose Their Health Care as Advocates Call for More Funding
The programs rolled out during the pandemic, providing benefits for immigrant adults and seniors. They offered health coverage for low-income individuals who did not qualify for Medicaid because of their immigration status.
First-Generation Students Reflect on Experiences as Rising Number of Latinos Pursuing Post-Graduate Degrees
While the number of Latinos enrolling in post-graduate degree programs has increased 81% since 2010, that group still only makes up 8% of all post-grad students, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Mental Health Care Access is Key for Shooting Survivors’ Healing, Gun Violence Prevention
Mental health struggles can play a big role in a gun violence survivor’s recovery, but navigating that journey isn’t the same for everyone. Finding the right care can be difficult, and often involves unpacking complex trauma.
Amid Ongoing Campus Protests, Northwestern Students Discuss the Line Between Free Speech and Safety
Student protests over the Israel-Hamas war have popped up at college campuses across the U.S. after being inspired by demonstrators at Columbia University. As May commencement ceremonies near, administrators face added pressure to clear protesters.
Asian American Advocates Call on Illinois Lawmakers to Address Immigration and Language Services
The Pan-Asian Voter Empowerment Coalition has gathered over 300 members to take part in this year’s Asian American Action Day events to advocate for language and immigration services and education equity, among other causes.
‘A Safer City’ Community Conversation: Addressing the Root Causes of Gun Violence
“Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices” host Joanna Hernandez moderated a conversation about how supporting victims of gun violence and finding a path toward healing plays a role in ending cycles of violence.
Rainbow PUSH Coalition Searching for New Leader After CEO Steps Down Just Months After Taking the Job
The Rev. Frederick Haynes III announced last week he would step down as president and CEO after just months on the job. It has raised questions about the future of the historic civil rights organization.
New Bill Would Make It a Felony for Protesters to Block Major Roads in Illinois
The bill comes on the heels of recent pro-Palestinian protests that blocked traffic on I-190 near Chicago O’Hare International Airport, causing many travelers to pull their luggage along the freeway to catch their flights.
As Illinois Launches ‘New Stores in Food Deserts’ Grant Program, Local Groups Work to Fill the Gaps
A city report found 29% of Latinos in Chicago are experiencing food insecurity. Not only do families struggle to access enough food, but finding nutritious foods to stay healthy can also be more difficult.
Concert to Celebrate Chicago’s Place in Gospel Music History
Some of gospel’s biggest stars are coming together for a night of performances in the city where it all began.
Suicide Rates Rising Among Black and Latino Chicagoans, Study Finds
Mental health resources and early intervention can play a crucial role in preventing suicides, but researchers say those services are becoming harder to access.
Former Gov. Quinn Wants Voters to Weigh In on Stadiums: ‘It’s Better to First Ask the Taxpayers’
As the Bears and White Sox are on the hunt for taxpayer cash to fund new stadiums, Quinn says it’s once again time to ask the voters what they think.
