Earlier this fall, USA TODAY launched “This Is America,” our first newsletter focusing on issues of race and identity. The team of 10 journalists behind “This Is America” have a simple yet bold goal: taking an unflinching look into current events, popular culture, and key figures that define life in America today — all written from a Gen Z and Millennial perspective. We hope these discussions spark crucial conversations between Black, Indigenous people, people of color and their allies.

In this episode, USA TODAY breaking news fellow Jessica Flores joins host Claire Thornton to  talk about her “This Is America” newsletter, titled “Exploring family history and Salvadoran heritage,” in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Jessica and Claire also examine the term “Latinx,” the gender-neutral equivalent to Latino and Latina. According to a recent Pew Research Center study, only 23 percent of US adults who identify as Latino or Hispanic have heard of the term. Younger Americans, like members of Gen Z, are much more likely to know and use the term.

The “This Is America” newsletter comes out every Thursday. Sign up here. 

You can also read the latest newsletter from politics audience editor Mabinty Quarshie, where she writes about voter suppression tactics targeting Black, Latino, and Natvie communities.