WBEZ News

Chicago and Illinois move to Phase Five reopening on Friday. Dr. Burnett-Zeigler, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences with Northwestern University, details how to handle it all. Host: Araceli Gomez Aldana; Producer: Lauren Frost

Student athletes at Illinois colleges and universities may soon be able to sign endorsement deals. The Student Athlete Endorsement Act passed both the Illinois House and Senate and awaits Governor Pritzker's signature. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Cheryl Rae Stout

A year ago, Chicago activist Xavier Ramey talked to WBEZ about the civil unrest following George Floyd’s murder. Natalie Moore followed up with him to get his thoughts on racial progress, the future of the city and the increase of diversity trainings in the workplace. Host: Lisa Labuz; Producer: Lauren Frost

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot wants to make it easier for businesses to get storefront signs. Under a proposal submitted last month, a permit could be issued without a full City Council vote. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Becky Vevea

Over the weekend, some places in the midwest celebrated National Prairie Day. State Climatologist, Doctor Trent Ford explains the surprising ways Illinois’ grasslands can affect our lives for the better. Host: Lisa Labuz; Producer: Lauren Frost

Now that prom is back, many high schools in Chicago are getting creative and using their outdoor space to celebrate. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Adriana Cardona Maguigad

In 1958, Cleo Francine Wilson got a scholarship to spend the summer at a prestigious camp in Putney, Vermont. Host: Melba Lara; Producer: Bill Healy

The governor touted a stalled green-energy plan in an interview with WBEZ, and touched on an elected Chicago school board and his possible reelection. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Dave McKinney

As Chicago’s mayor condemns abuse tied to the late Commander Jon Burge, lawyers for her administration refuse to admit its existence. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Chip Mitchell

Morning host Bekoe with our sister station Vocalo shares his recommendations for music festival season. Host: Araceli Gomez Aldana; Producer: Lauren Frost

CPS bought 170,000 laptops and iPads in the last year. Elated school staff wonder if the tech focus can be sustained. Reporter: Sarah Karp

Doctor Scott Collis, an atmospheric scientist at Argonne National Laboratory, explains how we know what’s ahead for the Earth’s climate and what role the Chicago area plays into those discoveries. Host: Melba Lara; Producer: Lauren Frost

Chicago’s Far South Side has a new community art gallery. The “Block House” Gallery held a grand opening in the historic Pullman neighborhood over the weekend. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Linda Lutton

The Chicago Tribune has a new owner. Tim Franklin of Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism talks with WBEZ about the how the controversial sale will impact local journalism. Host: Melba Lara, Lisa Labuz; Producer: Cianna Greaves

Community organizations became true partners with government and big hospitals to fight the pandemic. Now they’re hoping that approach could help solve the city’s long standing health inequities. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Kristen Schorsch

Fifteen-year-old Stephon Watts was shot and killed by police during a house call gone horribly wrong in Chicago’s south suburbs. His sister Renee Watts questioned his mom, Danelene Dickens-Powell about his life. Producer: Bill Healy

With the spike in anti-Asian hate over the past year, advocates hope education will help combat violence and misinformation. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Susie An

As the Illinois legislative session comes to a close, we take a look at where the fight over an elected school board for Chicago stands, and who’s on each side. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Sarah Karp

Chicago’s Inspector General’s Office is blasting Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s proposal to create a database of complaints against Chicago police officers. Deputy Inspector General Deborah Witzburg pushed for the database to be created. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Patrick Smith

A WBEZ analysis of COVID-19 vaccination data found that Chicago’s efforts to target neighborhoods hit hardest by the pandemic improved vaccination rates for Black and Latino residents. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Becky Vevea

WBEZ investigates how race plays a role in how home appraisals. Black neighborhoods are historically undervalued. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Natalie Moore

Women’s participation in the workforce is at its lowest level since 1988. But some women leaders in Chicago are optimistic about the future. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Odette Yousef

It’s the peak time for tornadoes in Illinois. State Climatologist, Doctor Trent Ford, shares what impact a major twister could have on the city of Chicago. Host: Odette Yousef; Producer: Lauren Frost

A vote this week could see whether hedge fund Alden Global Capital takes complete control over Tribune Publishing. Host: Lisa Labuz; Guest: Greg Pratt

Two thousand students from Chicago’s Noble Network of Charter Schools were donning their finest gowns or suits (plus masks) for a pandemic-safe prom. Host: Araceli Gomez Aldana; Reporter: Linda Lutton