WBEZ News

After Russia invaded Ukraine, Vladimir Putin’s government made it illegal to criticize the war. But one Russian family couldn’t hold back their outrage. That led to persecution … … and a frantic effort to seek asylum in the U.S. — a country with a long history of protecting Russian dissidents. Instead of being welcomed, some of the family has been in detention for almost nine months. The rest of t...

Illinois is legally required to provide health care to people locked up in state prisons. But it’s been a year since the state backed out of a massive contract with the private company charged with providing that care. HOST: MELBA

Chicago has the largest known inventory of lead pipes of any city in the country. It’s got more than 400, 000 lines. HOST: MELBA

Is Chicago suddenly a bagel town? The heated rivalry between indie shops and Big Bagel. HOST: LANE

The hit, Chicago-based NPR quiz show “Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me” sounds a little different these days. Former panelist Alzo (AL-zo) Slade is replacing scorekeeper Bill Kurtis, who retired after 12 years on the show. WBEZ’s Mike Davis takes us behind the scenes at the Studebaker Theater to meet the newest cast member.

After months of planning, America’s 250th birthday is here. As celebrations look back across our nation’s history, one prominent work memorializes the words of the 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. Composer Aaron Copland captured Lincoln’s enduring wisdom in his 19-42 work, “Lincoln Portrait.” HOST: LANE

Chicago is now home to the largest cafe IN THE WORLD dedicated to Hello Kitty. The iconic white cat with a red bow. Fans lined up around the block just to get a chance to sip and snack alongside each other. WBEZ producer Micah Yason got a chance to connect with fellow Sanrio lovers. HOST: LARA

Over the last two decades, Chicago’s Far Southeast Side has seen steep growth in same-sex households. That's according to an analysis of Census data by WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times. HOST: LANE

Literature provides a space for authors and readers alike to explore different worlds and perspectives. For queer people, that space can be an important window into identity and community. Violet Miller is a reporter with the Sun-Times. For pride month she sat down with queer authors to talk about their work. HOST: LANE

The hit Chicago-set TV show “The Bear” returns tonight [THURS] for its final season. HOST: LANE

The epic family drama “Leopoldstadt” was the last script penned by legendary playwright Tom Stoppard before his death in 2025. The Broadway version of the show boasted a cast of 38 actors. Writers Theatre in Glencoe is staging a slightly slimmed down version, directed by Stoppard's frequent collaborator Carey Perloff. HOST: LANE

A tropical plant from Southeast Asia has taken root in Chicago. Pandan is the new go-to ingredient for local chefs. It adds a vibrant green color and a floral taste to things like cookies, cocktails, and coffees. HOST: LANE

Being a journalist requires conversational skills. You have to be able to talk to strangers or people who may be upset. Chicago Sun-Times arts reporter Ambar Colón is familiar with the qualifications. She’s been a journalist for a decade. But growing up, Ambar struggled to speak to anyone outside of her household. She was diagnosed with selective mutism at the age of five. Her journey is now being...

The Supreme Court is set to decide whether birthright citizenship will continue. That’s been the law for more than 150 years. It’s unclear how the court will rule. But the uncertainty has left many immigrant moms fearful about their baby’s future. HOST: LANE

The head of Chicago Public Schools was thrust onto the national stage this week [wed]. The U.S. House Education Committee forced her to testify. Superintendent Macquline King faced tough questions about the school district’s policies on trans students. WBEZ’s Sarah Karp was there. HOST: LARA

Securing safe and affordable housing has long been a challenge for some of Chicago’s Black residents. Since the 1980s, Lawndale Christian Community Church also known as LCDC has made strides to help local residents become homeowners and rent quality apartments without breaking the bank. In part 3 of WBEZ’s Faith in Action series, Nicole Jeanine Johnson shares how the church has maintained this com...

The annual James Beard Awards return to Chicago on Monday. Known as “the Oscars of the food world,” the awards turn Chicago into the culinary capital each year. HOST: LANE

C-P-S C-E-O Macquline [Mack-UH-lynne] King was testifying at a contentious U-S House education committee hearing. At one point King had an exchange with Republican Congressman Tim Walberg [WALL-berg]. He pointed to a lawsuit filed by Chicago’s Moody Bible Institute alleging discrimination after Moody students were initially not allowed to train in the C-P-S system. HOST: MELBA

Four months ago, the organization behind the Obama Presidential Center held a workshop to teach South Side homeowners how to rent out their places on Airbnb. Research has shown that Airbnbs contribute to higher rents and housing shortages. Woodlawn, the neighborhood around the center, has long been considered an affordable area. But now, housing advocates say longtime residents are being priced ou...

When you go to an art museum, the seating isn’t typically top of mind… especially when you’re surrounded by masterpieces. But in the Obama Presidential Center Museum, the exhibit benches themselves are works of art. Renowned Chicago designer Norman Teague was commissioned to create the benches. They draw inspiration from his south side roots. HOST: LANE

Pokemon Go fest *fully* returns to Chicago this weekend for the first time in seven years. Attendees from all around the world are convening in Grant Park for three days… to try to catch ‘em all. HOST: PUENTE

It looks like the Bears may have finally landed on a location for a new stadium, and it’s Hammond, Indiana. The team’s board of directors voted Thursday to officially move forward with plans to build their stadium in the Hoosier State. WBEZ’s Lisa Labuz spoke with our sports contributor Cheryl Raye-Stout to discuss what this moment means for the Bears. HOST: LARA

The Chicago Blues Festival kicks off tonight [THURS]. The fest is celebrating 55 years of Chicago’s own Alligator Records. Some of the label’s biggest stars will join forces in a headlining set on Friday night in Millennium Park. HOST: LANE

Sometimes a star is born on a high school stage. For others, the stage is a safe place where creativity and courage can blossom. But at a Chicago high school best known for its sports and trades programs, it's been a long time since students got the chance to be in a big play. HOST: LANE

A lot of teens in Chicago take public transit to school. Now, some are opting for e-scooters. Teens say they’re cool, convenient. But they’re also dangerous. HOST: LANE