WBEZ News

Students are taking Advanced Placement tests from home now. Can the same be done for the SAT college entrance exam? Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Susie An

Working parents are flummoxed about how they're supposed to go back to work if daycares are still closed. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Mariah Woelfel

For the first time ever, Chicago Public School students won’t be allowed to graduate without a plan for what they will do after high school. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Sarah Karp

How has the pandemic affected our stress levels and how does that translate into what hobbies or activities we partake in? Host: Mary Dixon Speaker: Amy Bohnert

More people could be asked to collect their own sample for COVID-19 tests... but are they accurate? Host: Melba Lara Reporter: Kate McGee

Chicago and Illinois restaurants offer ideas on how they can open more quickly as the city and state offer reopening plans. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Monica Eng

A group of Chicago teens lost out on a once-in-lifetime chance to perform with the Lyric Opera, but are still finding ways to connect and shine online. Host: Melba Lara Reporter: Adriana Cardona Maguigad

Flooding damage to the rare, natural communities at Illinois Beach State Park extends over hundreds of acres. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Jerome McDonnell

A small-business owner from southern Illinois says she notified officials about the “insane” disclosure of Social Security numbers and other personal data. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Dan Mihalopoulos

“Frida: 20-20” was billed as the Chicago area’s largest exhibit of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo’s work in more than 40 years. Then, the pandemic hit. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Carrie Shepherd

Deanna Othman tells us how this Ramadan is different from years past but also a blessing; a chance to focus on the true meaning of this holy month. Host: Melba Lara Producer: Isabel Carter, Joe DeCeault

Fewer people are coming to the ER for heart attacks and strokes. Data shows they may be adding to the pandemic’s climbing death toll. Host: Melba Lara, Lisa Labuz Reporter: Kristen Schorsch

Two graduates concentrating in comedy writing at DePaul are looking to make their classmates laugh during their virtual graduation speech. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Kate McGee

Adam Hollingsworth, a 33-year-old father of four, just wants to bring a little happiness to people during the pandemic, one ride at a time. Host: Melba Lara Reporter: María Inés Zamudio

As the pandemic drags on, Illinois’ governor is taking a harder line against businesses who violate his stay-at-home order. Host: Melba Lara Reporter: Tony Arnold

The COVID-19 shutdown has led to budget cuts, threatens struggling universities and could exacerbate inequities at community colleges. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Kate McGee

Parents fear exposing their kids to COVID-19 or new mysterious illness. But not getting vaccinations on time is a bigger risk to kids’ health, doctors say. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Mariah Woelfel

As meat processing plants are required to stay open during the pandemic under an executive order by the Trump administration, some workers feel that their health is not a priority. Host: Melba Lara Reporter: Michael Puente

The coronavirus pandemic forced the Chicago Police Department to close its academy in March. It put a hold on trainings that are central to the department’s aspirations for reform. Host: Melba Lara Reporter: Patrick Smith

Researchers are sounding the alarm that the extended coronavirus school shutdown could devastate some students academically. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Sarah Karp

An outlier even in the Illinois GOP, this farmer and state legislator opposes government control but welcomes federal farm subsidies. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Dan Mihalopoulos

Martin G. Johnson is filming and live streaming whether people in the community are adhering to social distancing rules. Host: Melba Lara Producer: Chip Mitchell, Alexandra Salomon, Joe DeCeault

As healthcare workers continue to fight against all odds during the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health professionals are asking: how can doctors and nurses protect themselves? Host: Melba Lara Reporter: Mariah Woelfel

Patricia Rodriguez started feeling sick in mid-March just before the Illinois primary. She shares what it’s like to recover from COVID-19 by yourself. Host: Annie Russell Reporter: Kate McGee

The city will measure COVID-19 testing capacity, hospital bed availability and infection rates to decide when to fully reopen. Host: Greta Johnsen Reporter: Becky Vevea