Latino Voices

Latino Voices

‘Like Lightning Struck’: Community Marks 60 Years Since the First Division Street Riot, Puerto Rican Rebellion

(Courtesy of the Chicago History Museum) While events for the community are planned for the entire weekend to celebrate Puerto Rican pride and culture, this year also honors the history of Chicago’s Boricua community — marking the 60-year anniversary of the first Division Street riot. Read more >

Latino Voices

As Mexico City Prepares to Host World Cup, Residents Say Construction Is Taking a Toll

(Medill School of Journalism) Residents said the rapid construction is destroying local infrastructure, severing the very pipelines that communities depend on for daily life. For many, the disruptions have come with little warning and even less explanation. Read more >

Black Voices

Black Voices

From a Replica Oval Office to Michelle Obama’s Dresses, What’s Inside the Obama Presidential Center

Visitors experience the “Yes We Can” installation at the Obama Presidential Center Museum on March 1, 2026. (The Obama Foundation) WTTW News visited the Obama Presidential Center for a firsthand look at the exhibits, installations and everything in between. Read more >

Black Voices

South Side Residents Voice Gentrification Concerns Ahead of Obama Presidential Center Opening

The Women’s Garden at the Obama Presidential Center Museum in Chicago on Thursday, May 14, 2026. (The Obama Foundation) Despite years of organizing and city ordinances being put in place, rising housing costs and investor activity continue to threaten gentrification in neighborhoods surrounding the Obama Presidential Center. Read more >

Latino Voices

How Trump’s Proposed Tariffs on Mexican Imports Could Impact Businesses, Consumers

A file photo of shipping containers. (WTTW News via CNN) Fears are heightening over the potential of a new trade war and its possible impact across the country. President Donald Trump has agreed to a temporary pause on the 25% tariffs he is proposing on goods from Mexico and Canada — the country’s two largest trading partners. Read more >

Latino Voices

Chicago Immigrant Advocates Push for Increased Protections as Trump Administration Targets the City

Federal immigration agents in Chicago in a file photo. (WTTW News via CNN) Increased immigration raids have been reported across the country. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also known as ICE, confirmed nearly 1,200 arrests on Sunday. Approximately 100 people have been detained by federal officials in the Chicago area, according to the Chicago Police Department. Read more >

Latino Voices

Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices, Jan. 30, 2025 - Full Show

Joanna Hernandez hosts "Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices" on Jan. 30, 2025. (WTTW News) The impact immigration raids are having on local businesses. And the stability of federal funding going forward for local nonprofits. Read more >

Latino Voices

Some Illinois Nonprofits Face Uncertain Future After Trump’s Attempted Federal Funding Freeze

A file photo inside a child care facility. (WTTW News) The freeze threatened to hold up trillions of dollars in funding for basic government functions like health care, infrastructure and support for children and veterans. Read more >

Black Voices

Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, July 30, 2025 - Full Show

Brandis Friedman hosts "Chicago Tonight: Black Voices" on July 30, 2025. (WTTW News) How a national civil rights organization is challenging the Trump administration. And meet the DJ sisters who are making their Lolla debut this weekend. Read more >

Black Voices

DJ Sisters Bringing ‘Booty Bass’ to Chicago on Lollapalooza Debut

Twin sisters Rachel and Nicole Henderson — aka the DJ duo RaeCola — are about to have a very special homecoming at Lollapalooza. (Provided) Twin sisters Rachel and Nicole Henderson — aka the DJ duo RaeCola — are about to have a very special homecoming. The South Side natives may now live in Los Angeles, but on Sunday they’ll be making a triumphant return to their hometown to DJ at this year’s Lollapalooza music festival. Read more >

Black Voices

National Urban League CEO on Declaring ‘State of Emergency’ Over Trump Administration

National Urban League President and CEO Marc Morial appears on "Chicago Tonight: Black Voices" on July 30, 2025. (WTTW News) One of the country’s oldest civil rights organizations is urging people across the U.S. to resist the Trump administration. The National Urban League’s new report accuses the federal government of harming Black and underserved communities with federal spending cuts and diversity rollbacks. Read more >

Black Voices

Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, June 25, 2025 - Full Show

Brandis Friedman hosts the June 25, 2025, episode of "Chicago Tonight: Black Voices." (WTTW News) A new documentary aims to redefine how we look at nature. And local author Luvvie Ajayi Jones wants kids to speak up and make positive change. 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

‘Like Lightning Struck’: Community Marks 60 Years Since the First Division Street Riot, Puerto Rican Rebellion

(Courtesy of the Chicago History Museum) While events for the community are planned for the entire weekend to celebrate Puerto Rican pride and culture, this year also honors the history of Chicago’s Boricua community — marking the 60-year anniversary of the first Division Street riot. Read more >

Black Voices

UChicago Trauma Center Reduced Travel Time for Shooting Victims, Saving Lives: Study

(WTTW News) A new study found that after the University of Chicago Level 1 Trauma Center opened, transportation time following firearm injuries dropped by nearly 10 minutes. Importantly, this translated to an estimated 79 lives saved for every 2,000 firearm injuries. Read more >

Latino Voices

As Mexico City Prepares to Host World Cup, Residents Say Construction Is Taking a Toll

(Medill School of Journalism) Residents said the rapid construction is destroying local infrastructure, severing the very pipelines that communities depend on for daily life. For many, the disruptions have come with little warning and even less explanation. Read more >

Black Voices

South Side Residents Voice Gentrification Concerns Ahead of Obama Presidential Center Opening

The Women’s Garden at the Obama Presidential Center Museum in Chicago on Thursday, May 14, 2026. (The Obama Foundation) Despite years of organizing and city ordinances being put in place, rising housing costs and investor activity continue to threaten gentrification in neighborhoods surrounding the Obama Presidential Center. Read more >

 

Black Voices

New Columbia College President on Her Vision for the School’s Future

Shantay Bolton appears on “Chicago Tonight” on June 2, 2026. (WTTW News) Shantay Bolton was appointed the 11th president and CEO of Columbia College Chicago at what she calls a “pivotal moment” for the school. Bolton, who is the first woman of color to lead the minority-serving institution, inherits a campus that has seen enrollment steadily decline over the last decade. Read more >

Latino Voices

From Dancehall to Reggaeton, Exhibit Explores the Power of Music as Protest

Matthew McCarthy and Maxine Walters, “The Most High–a serious t’ing,” 2026. Installation view, “Dancing the Revolution: From Dancehall to Reggaetón,” MCA Chicago, April 14-Sept. 20, 2026. (Michael Tropea / MCA Chicago) The Museum of Contemporary Art is showcasing a new exhibition tracing the visual, political and spiritual origins of popular Caribbean music. Art installations are designed to immerse visitors in sound and movement. Read more >