WBEZ News

LaToya Baines was at her lowest when she was in prison. But a woman she met there helped her survive almost a decade behind bars. Now, LaToya is helping others at their lowest points … through her work at a violence prevention agency. She calls it the job of her dreams. WBEZ’s Anna Savchenko brings us her story. HOST: DIXON

Typically, you can find Chicago baritone Will Liverman on opera stages across the country. But this summer, Liverman did something different. He released a double album of art songs inspired by two 20th Century Black poets Paul Dunbar and his wife, Alice. WBEZ contributor Hannah Edgar has more. HOST: DIXON

There were spirited anti-Trump protests around the U.S. Monday. Some of the loudest voices were in Chicago where the president has threatened to deploy National Guard troops.

Chicago’s biggest EDM event happens this weekend. The ARC Music Festival celebrates Chicago as the home of house music. On the lineup is Chicago DJ Hiroko Yamamura. She’s one of the few local DJs who has claimed a spot every year. Yamamura recently sat down with Vocalo host Nudia Hernandez to discuss her approach to a festival set. HOST: DEGMAN

There are many unanswered questions about President Trump’s threat to send the National Guard to Chicago, leaving Mayor Brandon Johnson, Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling and other leaders frustrated at the lack of information from the feds. HOST: DIXON

It’s no secret Chicago has a lead pipe problem: It’s got the most lead service lines of any city in the country. And those pipes can leach toxic lead into our drinking water. But there hasn’t been a way for people to see if their home has a lead pipe, which neighborhoods have the most, and who’s most affected. Until now. We mapped it ALL out. WBEZ’s Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco has more. HOST: DIXON

Today…is gonna be the day…that Oasis plays in Chicago. It’s the 20th stop on a sold-out tour that has been the talk of rock music all year. And the reunion hits especially close to home for one of Oasis’ biggest fans…who just happens to live here. Camila Trimberger-Ruiz takes us to Chicago’s Roscoe Village neighborhood. HOST: LARA

What does the law say about President Donald Trump’s threats to send troops to the city of Chicago? Trump has been talking up the possibility for more than a week now to purportedly help with crime. Jon Seidel has been digging into whether doing that would be constitutional. HOST: MELBA

The Illinois film industry is booming and it’s bringing big bucks to the local prop industry, with Chicago antique shops and prop houses supplying items seen on hit TV shows. HOST: DIXON

The Chicago band Rise Against started in the city’s gritty punk scene in the 1990s. The band has gone from small clubs to major labels, grown up, had families. But its members still make music that is politically and socially conscious. HOST: MELBA

People working to reduce violence in Chicago are decrying President Donald Trump’s continuous threats to send the military to the city. Former Education Secretary Arne Duncan runs the anti-violence organization Chicago CRED. HOST: MELBA

In Illinois and across the country, schools, hospitals and community organizations depend on social workers to function. But there are never enough social workers to go around. It’s one of those jobs that doesn’t pay well – and in most cases requires a master’s degree. Now, President Donald Trump and Republicans are piling on yet another deterrent to becoming one: Limits on how much in federal deb...

As famine is declared in Gaza, Chicago area doctors are meeting with Illinois lawmakers to share their experiences and prompt action to end the war in Gaza. HOST: DIXON

There’s a small medical facility on Chicago’s Far South Side that calls itself ‘the little hospital that could.’ But the chief medical officer at Roseland Community Hospital is not sure it can weather what’s coming next. HOST: MELBA

Alongside the Chicago Sun-Times, we’re gathering your questions about all things money and finances. Then each week, we get your questions answered by the people who know best. This week, we got this question. “I’m Kylie Jones, I’m 24, and I’m from Evanston, Illinois, and I was wondering, given the state of Social Security, that may not be a possibility for me in the future. Are there any extra st...

Chicago’s new police oversight chief has been wiping out or dramatically scaling back recommendations to fire officers who investigators say have committed serious misconduct. These reversals are undoing months and years of investigative work and they’re coming at the request of the city’s top cop. HOST: DIXON

Decades after the Union Stock Yards closed, Chicago continues to be a steak destination. Steakhouses open regularly, but this year brings an especially large crop of newcomers. Between the fresh faces and the old guard — is Chicago teetering on steakhouse saturation? HOST: DIXON

Chicago’s love for Korean skincare might be facing a setback. A new trade deal between the U.S. and South Korea includes a 15 percent tariff on Korean goods. That means beauty products may get pricier or harder to find. HOST: DIXON

Everybody knows Wisconsin as the land of cheese. But in Chicago, one industry expert wants the local cheese scene to ripen. Chicagoan Alisha Norris Jones, is a part of a new wave of cheesemonger who want to make goudas and cheddars more approachable. She’s even got a cameo in a new documentary. WBEZ’s Courtney Kueppers has more. HOST: DIXON

It’s back to class on Monday for most Chicago public school students. And that means a lot of kids are taking care of one of the most important things: picking their first day outfits. WBEZ’s Araceli Gomez-Aldana checked in with some high schoolers to find out what they’ll be wearing, what’s trending and to hear their advice for teens still sorting out what to wear. HOST: DEGMAN

Chicago students begin classes today in the city’s public schools. Students can expect some changes as Chicago Public Schools grapple with a massive budget deficit. Fewer lunchroom workers, crossing guards and custodians. Some start and dismissal times have also been shifted earlier. But CPS officials say they have done their best to keep cuts away from the classroom. HOST: GOMEZ-ALDANA

Alongside the Chicago Sun-Times, we’re gathering your questions about all things money and finances. Then each week, we get your questions answered by the people who know best. This week, we heard from Morgan from Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood. She says: “I hear a lot of things about inflation and tariffs, so I want to know a good way to budget and prepare for any changes in my spending habits." H...

Each fall, more than 15-hundred freshmen start class at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. HALF of them are the first in their family to attend college. That’s a big milestone for a group that faces challenges not only in applying to college — but in adjusting to it and graduating.

Each fall, more than 15-hundred freshmen start class at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. HALF of them are the first in their family to attend college. That’s a big milestone for a group that faces challenges not only in applying to college — but in adjusting to it and graduating.

"Stone Yard Devotional" isn't your typical beach read, but it's a novel that will stay with you. That's why local author Christina Henriquez thinks you should pick it up this summer. HOST: DIXON