WBEZ News

As America’s largest newspaper chain continues closing small newspaper offices around the country, a startup in western Illinois is filling the void. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Alex Degman

We hear from new mother Kristal Acuña Pitts. She shared her experience with an intimate audio diary that begins with an early morning feeding. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Araceli Gomez

Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson pledged to reopen mental health clinics. But now that approach is “yet to be determined.” Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Tessa Weinberg

In a new series, we talk to some of the city’s unsung heroes: people who make schools run. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Nereida Moreno

After a tumultuous and historic four years in office, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot is bidding farewell to residents. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Cianna Greaves and Mariah Woelfel

The National Weather Service office in suburban Romeoville issued its first-ever dust storm warnings. The State Climatologist joins us to explain. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Lauren Frost

The data analyst spoke at length about deliberations in the high-profile trial and how she perceives the once-powerful former House speaker. Host: Araceli Gomez-Aldana; Reporter: Dave McKinney

Illinois lawmakers are debating a measure to reimburse benefits skimmed from people who need financial help buying food. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Kristen Schorsch

Texas Governor Gregg Abbott continues to send asylum-seekers crossing the border, many from Venezuela, by bus or plane to Chicago. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Michael Puente

Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson today named his selection to head the Chicago Police Department as the city searches for a permanent leader. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Chip Mitchel

The convictions could impact the bribery trial next year of one-time House Speaker Michael Madigan, but could also ignite new ethics reforms and questions about how politicians are lobbied. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Dave McKinney

Professors at Chicago State University striked for two weeks last month to fight for fair salaries and workloads. Many students supported their professors. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Lisa Philip

Four former executives and lobbyists at ComEd were convicted on every count they faced related to a wide-ranging bribery scheme. WBEZ’s Dave McKinney recaps the scene. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Dave McKinney

In an Oct. 25 scuffle, a sergeant claimed that a detainee in a wheelchair tried to break his wrist using handcuffs. Body cam videos don’t back that up. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Patrick Smith

Chicago pays tribute to Jerry Springer, the former daytime talk show king whose controversial and dramatic program aired from NBC Tower in the 1990s. WBEZ's Natalie Moore offers reflections on his legacy beyond weekday afternoons. Host: Mary Dixon

Efforts include more janitors, more powerwashing and two dozen station upgrades, part of a bigger effort to boost public confidence in public transit. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Samantha Callender

In a new book, Wesley G. Skogan says stop-and-frisk helped cops seize guns but damaged community trust — and efforts to solve shootings. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Chip Mitchell

Some existing lessons on Native American history are incomplete and possibly inaccurate, according to many Indigenous people. Host: Lisa Labuz; Reporter: Susie An

Fermilab in the western suburbs of Batavia, Illinois hosts the DUNE project, researching the elusive neutrino particle. This undertaking includes underground caverns and a high energy beam being shot from Illinois to South Dakota. Sam Zeller, a senior scientist, and deputy director of the project, spoke with WBEZ's Indi Khera.

As Cook County State’s Attorney, Foxx has faced intense scrutiny. WBEZ's Patrick Smith analyzes her decision to step down. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Patrick Smith and Lauren Frost

As Illinois’ legal pot industry and the demand for educated workers grow, schools and companies are collaborating on marijuana classes. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Alex Degman

What happens after my compostable waste gets picked up off my front porch? WBEZ's Courtney Kueppers hopped on an electric van to find out. Host: Araceli Gomez-Aldana; Reporter: Courtney Kueppers

Financial aid letters are notoriously hard to understand. With college decisions due soon, we offer a guide for making sense of your letters. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Lisa Philip

The federal bribery trial of four former Commonwealth Edison executives and lobbyists is expected to go to the jury next week. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Dave McKinney

Hiring more teens is part of Johnson’s immediate plan to stem crime. A study shows Chicago’s teen employment lags the national rate. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Mariah Woelfel