Latino Voices

Latino Voices

Spanish Is Fading Across Generations. These Latino Parents Are Working to Keep It Alive

(WTTW News) Nationally, the share of Latinos who speak Spanish at home declined from 78% in 2000 to 68% in 2024, according to a Pew Research Center analysis. The decline has been particularly pronounced among U.S.-born Latinos, as English becomes increasingly dominant across generations. Read more >

Latino Voices

Grassroots Effort Grows Into Queer-Led Community Hub in Gage Park

Antonio Santos and Katia Martinez founded the Gage Park Latinx Council. (WTTW News) In a neighborhood where nearly 90% of residents identify as Latino and many families are rooted in Catholic traditions, the queer-led Gage Park Latinx Council has grown into a hub for families. Read more >

Black Voices

Black Voices

Smithsonian Head Lonnie Bunch on Preserving History, Retirement and Trump Administration Threats

FILE - Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution Lonnie Bunch speaks at an event, Feb. 20, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo / Allison Robbert, File) Lonnie Bunch was named secretary of the Smithsonian Institution in 2019. He began his career at the Smithsonian at the National Air and Space Museum in 1978 and took on a new role in 2005 to lead the development of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Read more >

Black Voices

Chicago State University Gears Up for First-Ever Football Game

The Chicago State University football team at practice. (WTTW News) For Chicago State University, the first game will be about more than football. The university is hoping the new program can help build a new sports identity on Chicago’s South Side. Read more >

Latino Voices

Latino Communities ‘Shocked’ By Property Tax Increase, Neighborhood Advocates Say

(WTTW News) Many Cook County residents received an unwelcome surprise this month when their new property tax bill arrived with a hefty hike. The increase was especially noticeable for those living in largely Latino communities, according to an analysis by the Cook County Treasurer’s office. Read more >

Latino Voices

Long-Lost Photos of Chicago Artists Resurface in ‘Encuentros,’ an Exhibit at the Poetry Foundation

(WTTW News) Poetry Foundation Creative Director Fred Sasaki says the exhibition grew out of the discovery of a collection of Diana Solis’ photographs and other items abandoned in a basement. Read more >

Latino Voices

Pilsen Gourmet Showcases Chicago’s Latino Culinary Stars on Dec. 16

(WTTW News) Pilsen Gourmet organizer Esmirna Garcia says in its second year, the event’s plate is overflowing with the flavors, colors and culture of Chicago’s diverse Latino cuisine scene. Read more >

Latino Voices

Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices, Dec. 10, 2022 - Full Show

Some residents see a spike in their property taxes. Pushback over CPD’s new gang database. And a local boxing club helping kids pack a punch in and out of the boxing ring. Read more >

Black Voices

Chicago Rolls Out Administrative Debt Relief Program

(WTTW News) Chicago’s latest phase in debt relief sets its sights on administrative debt, the sort of debt incurred by tickets for noise violations or littering. People can pay the original fine, and the city will waive any accrued penalties or fees. Read more >

Black Voices

New Citizen Board for Chicago Police Oversight Gets Ready for Election

(WTTW News) Voters will elect three-member councils for each of the city's 22 police districts. Those councils will be charged with holding regular meetings and bringing concerns and recommendations from community members to the city and police leadership. Read more >

Black Voices

Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, Jan. 28, 2023 - Full Show

(WTTW News) One-on-one with the CEO of the city’s controversial ShotSpotter gunshot detection technology company. New to this year’s mayoral ballot: civilians who will oversee the Chicago Police Department. And debt relief for Chicagoans. Read more >

Black Voices

What’s the Human Role in ShotSpotter Gunfire Detection System? CEO Explains

(WTTW News) ShotSpotter alerts law enforcement to potential gunfire with the goal of reducing gun violence in Chicago. Critics say it's ineffective and contributes to overpolicing in Black and Latino communities. Read more >

Join WTTW News every weekend for analysis and features on a wide range of topics, including arts and life, entrepreneurship and innovation, and equity and justice across the sectors of our society and in the Black and Latino communities in Chicago. Make the VOICES series your definitive source for real conversation and a platform for different voices and perspectives.

Latino Voices

Black Voices

Latino Voices

Spanish Is Fading Across Generations. These Latino Parents Are Working to Keep It Alive

(WTTW News) Nationally, the share of Latinos who speak Spanish at home declined from 78% in 2000 to 68% in 2024, according to a Pew Research Center analysis. The decline has been particularly pronounced among U.S.-born Latinos, as English becomes increasingly dominant across generations. Read more >

Black Voices

Ida B. Wells Among 20 Groundbreaking Women Honored on US Quarters

A photograph of Ida B. Wells. Women’s suffragist, investigative journalist and civil rights leader Ida B. Wells is now immortalized as part of the U.S. Mint’s American Women Quarters Program. Read more >

Latino Voices

Grassroots Effort Grows Into Queer-Led Community Hub in Gage Park

Antonio Santos and Katia Martinez founded the Gage Park Latinx Council. (WTTW News) In a neighborhood where nearly 90% of residents identify as Latino and many families are rooted in Catholic traditions, the queer-led Gage Park Latinx Council has grown into a hub for families. Read more >

Black Voices

Chicago State University Gears Up for First-Ever Football Game

The Chicago State University football team at practice. (WTTW News) For Chicago State University, the first game will be about more than football. The university is hoping the new program can help build a new sports identity on Chicago’s South Side. Read more >

 

Black Voices

Storm Recovery Continues in Gary, as Thousands Still Without Power

The city of Gary, Ind., is pictured in a file photo. (WTTW News) Tuesday will mark two weeks since a derecho swept through Illinois and northwest Indiana, with winds damaging homes, uprooting trees and knocking out power for hundreds of thousands. Read more >

Latino Voices

New Short Film Showcases Life, Work of Puerto Rican Activist

The case and crew of the short film “Mataron A Pedro” at a screening in Chicago. (Carmona Rivera / National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture) Members of Chicago’s Puerto Rican community recently took park in a special screening of a new short film based on the life of Pedro Albizu Campos.  Read more >