WBEZ News

Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose shot makes up less than 5% of the COVID-19 vaccines shipped to Chicago and Illinois, but today’s pause by federal regulators is still causing disruption to the overall vaccine rollout. Host: Melba Lara; Guest: Dr. Allison Arwady

A group of “Mathletes” at Stevenson High School in north suburban Lincolnshire are finalists in a national competition that uses mathematics to solve real-world problems. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Linda Lutton

Four decades ago, Chris Huston put her daughter, Meighen Lovelace, up for adoption. Last year, they reunited at the StoryCorps booth in Chicago. Host: Melba Lara; Producer: Billy Healy

Chicago’s Commissioner of Public Health Dr. Allison Arwady says the virus will continue circulating among people who are not vaccinated. Find all our coverage at WBEZ.org/VaccineFAQ

Despite the economic downturn, some hyper-local entrepreneurs are trying to fill the void by developing new businesses from their kitchens and living rooms. Host: Lisa Labuz; Reporter: Adriana Cardona Maguigad

A new quarterly poll of Chicago and suburban residents from Crain's Chicago Business and The Daily Line found most Chicago voters think the city is on the wrong trajectory. Host: Melba Lara; Guest: Greg Hinz

The Chicago White Sox will welcome fans back Thursday, at Guaranteed Rate Field. VP of Sales & Marketing Brooks Boyer talks about what fans can expect as MLB navigates playing ball during a pandemic. Host: Mary Dixon; Producer: Cianna Greaves

The city of Chicago is expected to release video from the fatal police shooting of 13-year-old Adam Toledo in the coming days. At a recent press conference Mayor Lori Lightfoot spent a lot of time talking about how someone had put a gun in Toledo’s hand. Host: Lisa Labuz; Reporter: Patrick Smith

School districts say they’re in a much better position to plan for next school year as the pandemic continues, despite a bumpy transition to in-person learning. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Susie An

One way to get involved is to help people book vaccine appointments, or if you're a former nurse or healthcare worker you can volunteer for understaffed healthcare organizations. Find all our coverage at WBEZ.org/VaccineFAQ.

The Chicago Department of Public Health is shipping lots of vaccine doses to some providers in certain ZIP codes, while others get smaller amounts, or none at all. Dr. Allison Arwady who heads the department, stresses that where a dose is shipped isn’t necessarily where it’s given. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Becky Vevea, Kristen Schorsch

According to a recent survey, Chicago parents are reporting increases in mental or behavioral health problems in their young kids during the pandemic. Psychologist Colleen Cicchetti with Lurie Children’s Hospital, shares more about these findings. Host: Greta Johnsen; Producer: Lauren Frost

There is a lot to look forward to in Chicago right now. Baseball season, consistent sunshine – and the COVID-19 vaccine. But public health officials and doctors are shouting that we are not out of the pandemic woods just yet. Host: Araceli Gomez-Aldana; Reporter: Mariah Woelfel

This Easter, a Catholic parish on Chicago’s South side is celebrating without their spiritual leader. Father Michael Pfleger has been accused of sexual abuse, but much of his congregation say they remain fiercely loyal in his absence. Host: Araceli Gomez-Aldana; Reporter: Michael Puente

The initial rule was to get your second Pfizer shot 21 days after your first, or your second Moderna shot 28 days after your first,. That guidance has now shifted, according to infectious disease specialist Dr. Mia Taormina. Producer: Mariah Woelfel

In an emotional press conference the mother of Adam Toledo said her son still loved legos and hotwheels. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Adriana Cardona-Maguigad, Linda Lutton

Chicago’s Public Health Commissioner, Dr. Allison Arwady says if people are fully vaccinated, two weeks post your final vaccine dose you do not need to abide by quarantine travel restrictions. Find all our coverage at WBEZ.org/VaccineFAQ.

Big changes and smaller crowds at Wrigley Field Wednesday, as the Cubs welcome fans back to the ballpark for their home opener. Cubs President of Baseball Operations Crane Kenney explains what fans can expect. Host: Mary Dixon; Producer: Cianna Greaves

One year after the pandemic hit, the city’s Black neighborhoods remain the hardest hit by job loss and its fallout. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Esther Yoon-Ji Kang

So far, the school district has only confirmed that about 20% of the 6,600 staff on leave or working remotely will be back in person when attendance doubles next month. Host: Becky Vevea; Reporter: Sarah Karp

Emergency Medicine Specialist Dr. Halleh Akbarnia says, for the most part, all Illinois residents who are eligible can be seen at any state vaccine location. Find all our coverage at WBEZ.org/VaccineFAQ

Hunger in Illinois has reached shocking levels during the past year of the pandemic, particularly for Black and Hispanic families with kids. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Odette Yousef

Two weeks ago, Illinois' COVID-19 positivity rates were trending at record lows. Today, state health officials are urging caution as cases and hospitalizations climb. Illinois Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike provides an update. Host: Mary Dixon; Producer: Cianna Greaves

Just one out of every 10 applicants received help last year, but the city is gearing up to provide another $80 million in rental assistance. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Natalie Moore

Chicago’s public health commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady says if your family and friends are vaccinated, you could have a pretty normal wedding. Find all our coverage at WBEZ.org/VaccineFAQ