WBEZ News

Chicago Tribune reporter Dan Hinkel co-authored a recent report on the more than ten million dollars in campaign funding Bill Conway got from his father, William Conway Jr. Host: Melba Lara Interviewee: Dan Hinkel

Next Tuesday, two veteran congressmen from Chicago are up against a crowd of young candidates who say it’s time for new blood in Washington. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Claudia Morell

Illinois officials are ramping up Coronavirus prevention efforts as there are now 11 confirmed cases in the Chicago region. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Mariah Woelfel

Chicago announced two additional cases of coronavirus over the weekend. One involves a school employee who had been traveling. In the other case, it is unknown how the victim contracted the virus. Host: Lisa Labuz Reporter: Sarah Karp

After the recent slayings of two men in Chicago's Chinatown, long-simmering racial tensions in the neighborhood have gotten worse between Chinese and black community members. Host: Lisa Labuz Reporter: Esther Yoon-Ji Kang

Twenty four Chicago charter campuses went on strike for the first time last winter. A year later, schools are adjusting to a new reality. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Adriana Cardona-Maguigad

In less than two weeks, Illinois voters will influence what’s now shaping up as a two candidate race between former Vice President Joe Biden and U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders. Host: Melba Lara Reporter: Dave McKinney

A political battle in Chicago’s backyard has become one of the most watched Congressional primaries. Democratic Congressman Dan Lipinski is in a fierce rematch with progressive challenger Marie Newman in Illinois’ Third District. Reporter: Mariah Woelfel

Northwestern University has the first program in Illinois to offer a full liberal arts curriculum to the incarcerated. The prison education program is ready to expand now with a $1 million grant from the Mellon Foundation. Reporter: Natalie Moore

An international fashion designer whose clothes have been worn by Michelle Obama and Oprah is showing his love for Chicago in a new art exhibit. Host: Kate McGee Reporter: Carrie Shepherd

A Chicago community kitchens program held its graduation last week. It trains people who have a hard time finding work in the food industry. Host: Kate McGee Reporter: Natalie Moore

In her reelection campaign, Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx remains under attack for her handling of TV actor Jussie Smollett. But that celebrity case is not having a big impact on her main base of support. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Chip Mitchell

When Finnie Rosner was a teenager, she moved to Chicago with her parents to escape the persecution of Jews in her homeland of Austria. In December, she sat down with Jonathan Schwartz as part of our StoryCorps series.

Our Picks: Health officials are warning more cases of the coronavirus will likely begin appearing soon in the U-S. but how are public health experts rolling out information to the public. Host: Lisa Labuz Speaker: Bruce Lambert

School without letter grades is often associated with private schools, but more public schools are trying this progressive style of grading. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Susie An

Illinois' largest community college system, which serves 71,000 students, has few other places to turn to generate new revenue. Host: Melba Lara Reporter: Kate McGee

A new report questions the wisdom of the city's $5 million-per-year investment, saying the youth program lacks transparency and accountability. Host: Melba Lara Interviewee: Joe Ferguson

Local immigrant rights groups are suing the Trump Administration over raids in Chicago two years ago, just as the administration prepares to step up immigration enforcement efforts in the city. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Maria Ines Zamudio

Reproductive justice advocates in Illinois work to protect abortion access, fight stigma and change the narrative on abortion rights. Host: Melba Lara Reporter: Natalie Moore

CPS’ Inspector General found unusual patterns among thousands of test results, prompting CPS to significantly upgrade testing security. Host: Melba Lara Reporter: Sarah Karp

WBEZ has obtained more than a thousand pages of emails that show just how close Commonwealth Edison was with Illinois’ most powerful politician, House Speaker Michael Madigan. Host: Melba Lara Reporter: Tony Arnold

In a series of raids across Illinois in recent months, federal agents have taken aim at local corruption. A factory owner shares that he felt strong pressure to give campaign cash to a politician under federal investigation.

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is calling on the city’s Police Board to explain a disciplinary decision after a WBEZ investigation raised questions about it. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Chip Mitchell

Ex-Governor Rod Blagojevich spoke to a crush of reporters outside his Chicago home Wednesday morning. He had high praise for the president, and harsh words for the justice system. Host: Melba Lara Reporter: Dave McKinney

Illinois Republicans are lashing out against President Trump's decision to let Rod Blagojevich out of prison early. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Tony Arnold