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

After Devastating Crash, Co-Founder of Cooperative Distiller Still Working to Bring Caribbean-Style Rum and Aspirational Practices to Chicago

Daniel Regueira, Chicago Cane Cooperative co-founder, is pictured in May 2023. (Erica Gunderson / WTTW News) A recent accident gave local rum distillery Chicago Cane Cooperative a big challenge just months after starting. But the owners of the business are moving forward with their big plans. Read more >

Latino Voices

Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices, Dec. 14, 2023 - Full Show

City Council rejects an effort to ask voters whether Chicago should stay a sanctuary city. And a new plan for community safety. Read more >

Latino Voices

Drawing Foot Traffic to Chicago Small Businesses Through ‘Holiday Activations’

2021 Holiday Posada in Little Village. (Courtesy of Little Village Chamber of Commerce) According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, when you spend $100 at a small business, $48 stays in the community versus when you spend the same $100 at a big-box store or national retailer, only $14 stays. Read more >

Latino Voices

Chicago Tonight: Latino Voices, Dec. 7, 2023 - Full Show

Tackling a huge drop in public transit funding. Reflecting on the work of Juanita Irizarry as she steps away from Friends of the Parks. And how a new initiative is driving holiday foot traffic to commercial corridors. Read more >

Black Voices

Led by Director Phylicia Rashad, Steppenwolf Cast Explores Family Politics and Identities in New Play ‘Purpose’

(left to right) Harry Lennix, ensemble members Alana Arenas, Glenn Davis and Jon Michael Hill with Tamara Tunie and Ayanna Bria Bakari in rehearsal for Steppenwolf Theatre’s world premiere of “Purpose.” (Joel Moorman) The play about a Black political Illinois family is brand new — so new that cast members didn’t even have a complete script when WTTW News sat down with them. Read more >

Black Voices

Bring Chicago Home Referendum Still Too Close to Call as Mail-In Ballots Counted

People speak out in support of Bring Chicago Home at a rally on March 15, 2024. (WTTW News) The ballot measure would give Chicago City Council the power to hike the Real Estate Transfer Tax on property sales over $1 million to help fight homelessness. The close race could point to some disagreement among Chicagoans over how to support the city’s unhoused. Read more >

Black Voices

Chicago Tonight: Black Voices, March 13, 2024 - Full Show

The mayor’s new plans to address violence. What being named a cultural district could mean for two historic Black communities. And a new study shows Chicagoans are dying from cardiac arrests at a younger age. Read more >

Black Voices

Chicagoans Are Dying From Cardiac Arrest at Younger Ages: UIC Study

File photo of an emergency room sign. (WTTW News) While researchers haven’t yet pinpointed the cause for the decreasing age, they caution it indicates a need for awareness from both patients and responders. 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

Chicago’s ‘Snap Curfew’ and How the Approved Ordinance Could Affect Teens

A view of Chicago looking west. (AndresGarciaM / iStock) The Chicago City Council on Wednesday passed the "snap curfew" ordinance by a vote of 27-22. Mayor Brandon Johnson has pledged to veto it. 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 >