Latino Voices
Latino Voices
Spanish Is Fading Across Generations. These Latino Parents Are Working to Keep It Alive
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.
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Grassroots Effort Grows Into Queer-Led Community Hub in Gage Park
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
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
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.
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Chicago Health Advocates on How to Combat the Recent Rise of HIV Cases in Young Latino Men
Latinos account for the largest share of new HIV diagnoses and infections among men who have sex with men — more than any other ethnic and racial demographic, according to an analysis from KFF News-Associated Press. There are over 22,000 people living with HIV in Chicago and the city saw 700 new HIV diagnoses in 2022.
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New ‘Chicago Stories’ Documentary Traces History of The Young Lords of Lincoln Park Through ‘60s Gentrification Fight to Modern Activism
The Young Lords of Lincoln Park went from a street gang to revolutionaries focused on supporting their community. A new documentary chronicles that journey.
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Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices, Oct. 10, 2024 - Full Show
Outrage and confusion over potential charter school closures. And we’re one on one with Johnson’s chief of staff on funding for Chicago Public Schools.
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‘He Continues to Give’: Chicago Family, Local Nonprofit Urge People to Become Organ Donors
The Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network is urging people to become organ donors. According to the nonprofit, while 95% of people in the U.S. support donation, fewer than 60% are registered organ and tissue donors.
Read more >Black Voices
Trump Administration’s Anti-DEI Efforts Now Aimed at College Campuses, Including in Illinois
UChicago is among nearly 50 institutions under investigation for alleged racial discrimination related to DEI programs. Namely, the college’s partnership with the PhD Project, a nonprofit that aims to increase diversity in the business world.
Read more >Black Voices
What Comes Next for Police Reform Efforts in Chicago Amid COPA Leadership Changes
Andrea Kersten recently resigned as chief administrator of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, known as COPA. The move happened after the city’s police oversight board issued a letter to Kersten saying it was planning to take a vote of no confidence in her leadership.
Read more >Black Voices
Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, March 12, 2025 - Full Show
How major cuts to the Department of Education could impact local schools. And Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton on Illinois’ push against the Trump administration.
Read more >Black Voices
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton on the Trump Administration, Cuts to the Department of Education
Illinois is facing challenges in the still early days of President Donald Trump’s second term, and the state is pushing back. Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton joined “Chicago Tonight: Black Voices” to talk more about the state’s response.
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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
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
Black History Month Short Film Series Spotlight Directors Shaping Chicago’s Film Scene
In celebration of Black History Month, Chicago filmmakers will be showing their short films at Music Box Theater and Facets.
Read more >Latino Voices
Grassroots Effort Grows Into Queer-Led Community Hub in Gage Park
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
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
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
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.
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