Roadblocks the formerly incarcerated face when looking for jobs. A new watchdog report on the smokestack implosion in La Villita. And it’s Carnivale season.

Carnivale is getting underway with festivals bursting with dance, music and food. All are invited to see, hear and taste some of the international Carnivale traditions in a free multicultural event at Chicago's Navy Pier.

Research shows formerly incarcerated people who maintained employment for one year after release had only a 16% recidivism rate, compared to a 52% rate for those who did not stay employed.

Mental health professionals are continuing to bridge the gap on mental health care in Latino communities by offering more culturally competent care and normalizing conversations about mental health.

A major ruling on guns and those accused of domestic violence. A push for a standalone library in Back of the Yards. And what Chef Carlos Garza is serving up On the Pass. 

The 22nd Chicago International Salsa Congress, a four-night, three-day event, kicks off Thursday with three free beginner dance workshops teaching salsa, bachata and rueda casino.

A recent ruling by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals said the Second Amendment allows people accused of domestic abuse to have guns. The ruling applies only to the 5th District, but advocates said there could be ramifications nationwide.

Teresa Fraga of the Pilsen Neighbors Community Council has been a homeowner in Pilsen for the last 43 years. She said she was expecting a $2,500 bill in December but instead received one for $14,279.

Chef Carlos Garza heads the kitchen at one of Chicago’s biggest and most recognizable restaurants, Carnivale. He said Carnivale’s pan-Latin menu reflects the way he thinks about food — a connecting of cultures.

The federal government’s standards haven’t been changed since 1997, two decades after they were created as part of an effort to collect consistent race and ethnicity data across federal agencies when handling censuses, federal surveys and application forms for government benefits.

Proposed changes to the race and ethnicity boxes on government forms. Welcoming refugees in a new sponsorship program. And giving wellness some Latino flavor.

Refugees to America often find themselves starting from scratch, but a new program is offering everyday Americans a way to give refugees a softer landing.

Fitness instructor NK Gutierrez and juice bar owner Anabelle Martinez are helping people meet their wellness goals.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago has launched its first major bilingual exhibit. The museum plans to present everything, from its website to wayfinding signs, in both Spanish and English by 2024.

Keeping kids heathy amid high obesity rates. The state's outgoing schools superintendent on lessons learned from the pandemic. And a Waukegan gym hoping to uplift women.

Latino CPS students are more likely to be overweight or obese than other demographics, data shows. Latino CPS kindergartners in 2020 had an average overweight or obesity rate of nearly 39%; by ninth grade, the average rate climbed to almost 49%.