WBEZ News

Illinois has managed to stay ahead of a national teacher shortage, but a closer look as schools restart reveals a lot of churn and burnout. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Susie An

Different parts of the country have been experiencing fires, floods, and extreme heat. We find out how they’re all connected, in our weekly climate conversation. Host: Melba Lara; Guest: Dr. Scott Collis

We continue our conversations with about violence and possible solutions with residents of Police Beat 1112 on Chicago's west side. Host: Lisa Labuz; Reporter: Chip Mitchell

The Republican-controlled Senate approved its bill with three restrictions over the weekend, but just barely. As it moves to the more conservative Indiana House this week – it’s uncertain whether those restrictions will survive. Host: Lisa Labuz; Reporter: Michael Puente

Abortion providers from Wisconsin are making two-hour treks each way, hoping to help provide access in Illinois to patients from their home state. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Kristen Schorsch

According to data analysis by a climate science communication group called Climate Central, summer nights are warming faster than days in the United States. Dr. Andrew Pershing, Director of Climate Science there, helps us take a look at how hot it’s getting close to home. Host: Melba Lara; Producer: Lauren Frost

Historically Black colleges are a tradition in many families, but after the racial reckoning of 2020 more students are applying to these schools. Host: Claire Lane; Reporter: Anna Savchenko

Reporters talk to residents of a west side neighborhood about the city's violence and possible solutions. Host: Claire Lane; Reporter: Chip Mitchell

The ordinance aims to draw investment near transit on Chicago’s South and West sides and stave off gentrification on the North Side. Host: Melba Lara, Araceli Gómez-Aldana; Reporter: Natalie Moore

Chance the Rapper stopped by the Vocalo studios on June 30 to chat with on-air hosts Bekoe, Ayana Contreras and Nudia Hernandez. He lays out his reasons for purchasing The Chicagoist news website, possible future plans for it and discusses his civic education endeavors.

For generations, hip-hop music has been blamed for violence and other social ills. Rapper and scholar A.D. Carson give us a brief history of the scapegoating of rap music. Host: Mary Dixon, Bekoe; Producer: Cianna Greaves

A Chicago bakery had to throw away more than 2,000 croissants because an unusual dry season had changed the flour the bakery was using. Aimee Levitt reported on this incident for Eater Chicago, and about how climate change is making its way into bakeries. Host: Melba Lara; Producer: Lauren Frost

Johnny Pippins has already completed a master’s degree while in prison for murder. Now he’s seeking clemency so he can continue his education. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Charlotte West

The Illinois governor said he wouldn’t oppose President Joe Biden, and he lacks the name recognition of other potential candidates. But he’s hitting the national circuits. Host: Araceli Gomez-Aldana; Reporter: Dave McKinney

The $2 million paid out in June is the first down payment on a pledge to spend $250 million in federal funds on violence prevention. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Patrick Smith

Survivors and family members have a long recovery ahead following the shooting in Highland Park. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Susie An

The findings from the Webb telescope will help researchers understand the far-flung galaxies of our universe. Host: Lisa Labuz

The arrest brings relief to a family that couldn’t understand why police didn’t make an arrest quickly when the evidence was handed to them. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Patrick Smith

The future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program is once again being litigated in court. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: María Inés Zamudio

Historian and WBEZ contributor Shermann 'Dilla' Thomas discusses the history of Chicago hosting political conventions. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Cianna Greaves

Several parts of Illinois, including Will and Kankakee counties, are experiencing moderate drought right now. Host: Melba Lara; Guest: Dr. Trent Ford

As the city of Chicago continues to suffer from gun violence, we hear from a survivor of gun violence. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Patrick Smith

WBEZ is exploring the challenging questions young children ask. Today, a six-year-old wants to know how it all began. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Susie An

A ProPublica investigation estimates how much money Illinois’ ultra-wealthy residents saved when a proposed graduated state income tax failed. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Mick Dumke

Has a free college education changed how students think about next steps? For some students, the answer is yes. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Sarah Karp