WBEZ News

We hear how the pandemic changed everything for four local 2022 college grads. Host: Melba Lara; Host: Anna Savchenko

The data that could help illuminate disparities has never been public here. After a WBEZ inquiry, the state is evaluating whether that should change. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Kristen Schorsch

An Illinois fifth grade teacher shares how she’s navigating the shooting in Texas with her students. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Susie An

Some teens at Waubonsie Valley High are so into the project that teachers have to prod them to leave the prairie and go to their other classes. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Susie An

The mayor’s push to amend the city’s curfew comes after a 16 year old was fatally shot in Millennium Park. Lightfoot’s amendment would change the current citywide curfew for teens to 10 p.m., seven days a week. The plan is scheduled for a vote in committee today and would still need full council approval. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Mariah Woelfel

A complete re-design of the Field Museum’s former Native North America Hall opens today. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Lauren Frost

After an investigation found that students at small, majority Black and Latino high schools were steered toward JROTC, CPS pledged to make changes. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Alex Ruppenthal

“It’s like my soul left my body,” said Chanell Holliday during a visit with classmates of her son. He was fatally shot on Saturday near The Bean. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Susie An

North Lawndale College Prep's drama therapy class helps students express themselves and process their emotions through poetry. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Sarah Karp

In 2019, WBEZ asked Lightfoot her thoughts on everything from the environment to crime. Three years later, we took a look at her progress. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Becky Vevea

Shermann 'Dilla' Thomas provides a lesson on lesser known history in Chicago, discussing the Jones brothers. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Lisa Labuz

Co-founder of Chicago Environmentalists, Katherine Tellock, speaks about the group's online guides to green and sustainable businesses in Chicago. Host: Melba Lara

Data from a new sensor network shows the highest rates of pollution in Little Village, Austin, Englewood, Irving Park and other neighborhoods. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: María Inés Zamudio

Alexandra Antoine has been creating community-informed art for years. Now she’s digging into the Garfield Park neighborhood and welcoming its residents to create alongside her. Reporter: Araceli Gomez-Aldana

State Rep. Delia Ramirez and Chicago Ald. Gilbert Villegas have name recognition on their side in the heated, four-candidate race for the newly created district. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Mariah Woelfel

In a May 20 Chicago Teachers Union leadership election, teachers will choose whether to focus more on classic concerns such as pay, prep time and pensions. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Sarah Karp

Census Bureau director Robert Santos tells WBEZ how the agency is rebuilding public trust after 2020. Reporter: Esther Yoon-Ji Kang

Tens of thousands more people may seek abortions in Illinois. Hospitals and clinics worry they won’t have enough staff to treat them. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Kristen Schorsch

Chicago's alderman have been at odds for months on remapping the city's 50 wards. WBEZ's Mariah Woelfel breaks down their 11-hour deal and what it means for voters. Host: Melba Lara; Producer: Lauren Frost

Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford talks about this week’s hot temperatures and why they should be a cause for caution. Host: Melba Lara, Araceli Gómez-Aldana; Producer: Lauren Frost

The Archdiocese of Chicago’s "Renew My Church" reorganization wraps up later this month. Catholics in the area are feeling hope and despair as the project proceeds. Host: Lisa Labuz; Reporter: Adora Namigadde

Northwestern University sociologist Andrew Papachristos details a new analysis of public data about CPD members. The study finds that their misconduct, often portrayed as a matter of “bad apples,” is a group phenomenon and inflicts outsized harm in minority communities. Host: Lisa Labuz; Reporter: Chip Mitchell

A new racial equity study underscores frustration among students and staff, and the ways in which school leaders have failed to tackle these issues. Host: Lisa Labuz; Reporter: Sarah Karp; Producer: Lauren Frost

Illinois has long been an oasis for those seeking abortions, as neighboring states have restricted access. Kristen Schorsch explains what's ahead for the state if the U.S. Supreme Court finalizes a recently leaked draft decision. Host: Melba Lara; Producer: Lauren Frost

Chicago historian Shermann Dilla Thomas talks about Chinatown’s history of appointing an unofficial Mayor to represent their community. Host: Mary Dixon, Lisa Labuz; Producer: Cianna Greaves