WBEZ News

WBEZ’s Mary Dixon speaks with "Horsegirl," a young Chicago band, about getting to perform on the same stage as their Punk rock idols. Producer: Cianna Greaves

Only eight districts submitted a remote program to the state. “Why go backwards and not have options for families?” one superintendent said. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Susie An

A new House plan Friday would require coal-fired power plants to cut carbon emissions by 2035 and eliminate them entirely by 2045. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Tony Arnold

The troubadour of the city’s barrios and soundtrack to the Chicano rights movement will be honored this weekend at the National Museum of Mexican Art. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Linda Lutton

This year there have already been 167 shootings on the Chicago area’s expressways. Illinois State Police Director, Brendan Kelly, talks more about what's behind these shootings. Host: Melba Lara; Producer: Lauren Frost

Expanded federal unemployment benefits are set to expire this weekend. WBEZ's Esther Yoon-Ji Kang talked with Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership Executive Director, Karin Norington-Reaves, about the current job market and what's at stake. Host: Mary Dixon; Producer: Cianna Greaves

Texas now has the strictest laws against abortion rights in the United States. For a local reaction, WBEZ’s Natalie Moore spoke with Jennifer Welch, the CEO of Planned Parenthood Illinois. Host: Melba Lara; Producer: Lauren Frost

Public officials have struggled to effectively communicate scientific understanding around COVID-19 during the pandemic. CNN Medical Analyst, Dr. Leana Wen shares tips on navigating life with the ever-changing novel coronavirus. Host: Melba Lara; Producer: Cianna Greaves

Every 10 years, officials convene to craft Chicago's ward boundaries. But how, when and where will this all shake out? We broke it down. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Mariah Woelfel

Tik Tok historian Sherman Dilla Thomas talks about the Divine Nine - and the many prominent Chicagoans who've been part of these historically Black fraternities and sororities. Host: Mary Dixon, Lisa Labuz; Producer: Cianna Greaves

Nearly all of CPS' 340,000 students were due back in-person for the first time since March 2020 as questions circulate about the district's readiness. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Sarah Karp

We’ve had a lot of scorching days in the Chicago area this summer. Illinois State Climatologist, Doctor Trent Ford helps explain why. Host: Melba Lara; Producer: Lauren Frost

There are about 35,000 Asian Americans living in greater Chinatown — more than enough for a majority in a single Chicago ward. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Esther Yoon-Ji Kang

Chicago Public Schools students are due back in classrooms on Monday. Teachers are focusing on making up for the drawbacks of virtual learning. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Adriana Cardona-Maguigad

Twenty years ago, Latanya Rutledge was a student at an alternative high school. Now she works there. Producer: Billy Healy

WBEZ has an update on the state of the district as its 341,000 students gear up for the first day of school on Monday. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Sarah Karp

Schools say they’re prepping to support students but some teens worry they could be penalized if they’re not ready emotionally to go back to “normal.” Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Susie An

New teams will consist of a cop, paramedic and mental-health clinician. Some advocates are concerned because the police will retain a role. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Chip Mitchell

“Greenwashing” is a term that describes when companies market their products as environmentally friendly. Xi Marquez helps us understand who’s greenwashing and who’s actually green. Host: Melba Lara; Producer: Lauren Frost

We spent the summer talking with Chicagoans working to reduce shootings. Here's what they say is driving violence — and is needed to stop it. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Patrick Smith

Top elections forecaster David Wasserman says Illinois Democrats' aim for a three-seat swing in congressional seats could have national implications. Host: Araceli Gómez-Aldana Reporter: Dave McKinney

The Park District's deputy inspector general says he was taken off the job in an attempt to “impede and obstruct” the investigation into alleged sexual misconduct at the city's public beaches and pools. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Dan Mihalopoulos

WBEZ conducted the survey after health experts have for months reiterated the important role local leaders can play in persuading people to get vaccinated. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Mariah Woelfel

WBEZ finds wealthier areas show much higher teen vaccination rates. With no immunization mandate, local districts face a season of uncertainty. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Sarah Karp, Susie An

Members of the anti-violence program Chicago CRED are graduating high school Thursday, a major moment in their path away from gun violence. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Patrick Smith