People can spend hours scrolling through social media. An organization called Project Unloaded is helping teens educate their peers on the risks of owning a gun by empowering youth to become social media influencers for change.
Stories by Joanna Hernandez
Chicago Latino Film Festival Celebrates 40 Years
This year’s lineup includes 50 feature films and 35 short films from artists in Latin America, the U.S., Spain and Portugal.
Hundreds Come Out to View Solar Eclipse at Adler Planetarium
Hundreds of people gathered outside the Adler Planetarium in downtown Chicago for a viewing party. People brought telescopes, cameras and the necessary protective eyeglasses.
Venezuelan Migrant Depicts His Journey to Chicago in Series of Paintings
Last year, a Belmont Cragin pastor opened his church’s doors to house a group of migrants who were sleeping at a police station. One of the men has now created a series of paintings describing his journey to America. His artwork will be on display this weekend.
‘This is a Beautiful Way to Meditate’: Little Village Pastor Reflects on Stations of the Cross
On Friday, many Catholics will gather for the annual Stations of the Cross ceremony to mark Good Friday ahead of Sunday’s Easter holiday.
Chicago Dance Studio Celebrates Self-Love, Builds Community Through Inclusive Classes
During the day, Lexi Longsworth is a speech pathologist. By night, she runs DivaDance Chicago, a dance studio focused on building confidence and community.
Families of Homicide Victims in Chicago Await Closure Amid Low Clearance Rates
As homicide cases in Chicago remain open, the families of victims are left to cope with the trauma.
Pilsen’s La Tiendita Connects Families in Need to Free Clothing, Necessities
The free shop is located inside a Chicago Public Schools Parent University, which offers classes and workshops on topics like financial literacy, career development and more.
Bridgeport Restaurant Blends Mexican, Asian Cuisine: ‘We Try to Mix It All Up’
The owners of Belly Bowl Asian Kitchen and Lounge experiment with different spices and flavors, offering a blend of cultures.
Cosmetology School Owner Looks to Teach, Inspire Others From Immigrant Backgrounds
At a cosmetology academy in Back of the Yards, Jaime Romero is using his entrepreneurial spirit to guide his students through the beauty industry. He also knows what it’s like to face obstacles because of undocumented status.
211 Helpline Connects Cook County Residents to Health and Social Services: ‘It’s Those Everyday Emergencies’
Have you heard of 211? It’s a free hotline connecting Chicago and suburban Cook County residents to everyday services — from housing resources to utility payment assistance.
Little Village Community Hub to Connect Local Entrepreneurs to Resources, Programming
Little Village is known for its business corridor and its Latino entrepreneurship. A space coming to the heart of the neighborhood is designed to help those without access to resources kickstart a business.
Funkytown Brewery Looks to Bring Black Cultural Influences Into Craft Beer Market
Funkytown’s beers can be found at more than 100 locations around the Chicago area. It was their pale ale called Hip Hops and R&Brew that kick-started the trio into the craft beer industry.
At Albany Park Elementary School, Community Rallies Behind Migrant Students and Their Families
“We’re trying to put ourselves in the place of these families,” Haugan Elementary School principal Heather Yutzy said. “If we were in this situation, what would we need for our kids?”
From Making Pozole to Playing Lotería, Here’s How Some Chicagoans Are Celebrating the Holidays
“Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices” host Joanna Hernandez went out to ask people to share what they enjoy about this time of year.
As Armed Robberies Continue, Street Vendors in Little Village Fear for Their Safety
Multiple vendors in Little Village say they have been robbed at gunpoint despite efforts to protect them. The latest victims are food truck workers.
What is Chamoy? See How Family-Run Company Makes the Sweet, Spicy Mexican Sauce
WTTW News stopped by Big Mich, a family-owned company that specializes in house-made micheladas and is now making chamoy at its Willowbrook headquarters. There’s an original lime flavor, plus strawberry and mango.
‘It Could Be Any One of Us’: Muslim Organization Helps Those Facing Homelessness in Chicago
Winter in Chicago can be brutal, and it can be even worse for those experiencing homelessness. A Latino Muslim organization is coming together to help those in need on the city’s Southwest Side.
Cook County Restorative Justice Program is Giving People a Second Chance
The Avondale Restorative Justice Community Court program offers those charged with nonviolent offenses a chance to turn their lives around. Rather than serving time, people are given another option.
DACA Recipients Push for Action on Federal Health Insurance Coverage
Earlier this year, the Biden administration announced plans to expand health care coverage to those enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. But the proposed change has yet to be finalized, leaving thousands of young adults who were brought to the U.S. as children in limbo.
MLB All-Star Inspires Next Generation of Players at Chicago Academy
Curtis “The Grandyman” Granderson spent 16 seasons playing Major League Baseball. Now he’s passing down those years of experience to the next generation of players and inspiring them to pursue college.
With Coffee and a Shaving Brush, Here’s How Some Chicagoans Are Remembering Their Loved Ones on Dia de los Muertos
El Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Day, is a two-day celebration where people come together to remember their late loved ones. It’s a beautiful, colorful tradition with festivities, music and food.
How a Chicago Police Officer Transformed His Backyard Into an Award-Winning Oasis
Deronis Cooper said getting his hands in the dirt helps him cope with the challenges of being a police officer. What started with four planters has grown into more than 50 plant species in his backyard.
Pulitzer Prize-Winning Composer Tania León Talks Teaching Northwestern Students, Creating Her Own Language
Tania León is an Afro-Cuban Latina composer who has made her mark by following the rhythm of her own beat. León’s pieces carry both her Caribbean influences and the sounds of her travels.
How Accelerated Moving Events Are Helping Combat Homelessness in Chicago
Accelerated Moving Events use federal funding to connect people to housing, among other services. During an event, clients work with the AME team to browse apartment units, fill out an application and pick out furniture from the Chicago Furniture Bank.
For Spanish Speakers, the Right Word Often Depends on Where You’re From
You have probably had these debates before. Is it pop or soda? Fireflies or lightning bugs? Well, just like the English language, in Spanish, people use different words to describe the same thing depending on where they’re from. So we headed out to ask people, “¿Cómo se dice la palabra?”
