WBEZ News

The grocery delivery service Instacart more than doubled its labor force in the pandemic. What’s it like to be one of those workers? Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Esther Yoon-Ji Kang

So far, doctors expect immunity to last five months at the very least. It's possible we’ll need another booster, especially to protect against new COVID variants, or if scientists find that immunity wanes. Find all our coverage at WBEZ.org/VaccineFAQ

Reopening high schools is a more complicated process than restarting elementary schools, one that will likely come with more disagreements. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Susie An

Chicago’s Commissioner of Public Health, Dr. Allison Arwady, says you won't be picking your vaccine. That's because there are only two authorized, and most places administering only have one or the other. Find all our coverage at WBEZ.org/VaccineFAQ

Chicago Public School parents say they are losing faith in the city’s public school system after the recent reopening controversy. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Adriana Cardona Maguigad

COVID-19 vaccines haven't been authorized yet for children, because they haven't been fully tested in kids. Find all our coverage at WBEZ.org/VaccineFAQ

A deal has been made to get some kids back into Chicago Public Schools, and as the Chicago Teachers Union vote to reopen classrooms - bitter feelings still linger. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Sarah Karp

Lewis revitalized the Chicago Teachers Union and helped inspire unions and teachers across the country to fight for quality public schools. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Sarah Karp

Since the vaccine provides protection against COVID-19, waiting to get it, or choosing not to, leaves you vulnerable to getting sick. Find all our coverage at WBEZ.org/VaccineFAQ

Chicago Black Restaurant Week is beginning amid a devastating time for restaurants, and in the wake of a racial reckoning. Host: Marie Lane; Reporter: Odette Yousef

Three new publicly-funded trauma centers will provide counseling, case management and financial support for victims of violent crime. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Patrick Smith

The deal calls for a delay in the phased-in reopening of classes as some staff get vaccinated and establishes a school closing health metric. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Sarah Karp

“Our decision needs to be respected,” said one mother who wants to send her children back to school in-person. Host: Marie Lane; Reporter: Adriana Cardona-Maguigad

Some bars and taverns in Chicago will host smaller Super Bowl events this Sunday. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Michael Puente

Infectious disease doctor Sadiya Khan says while the vaccine protects you from getting sick, clinical trials are still underway to determine whether it stops you from spreading the virus. Find all our coverage at WBEZ.org/VaccineFAQ

A new project called the "Chicago Police Torture Archive" aims to make the city's history of police misconduct better known. It features videos and written profiles of torture survivors, some who spent decades in prison. Host: Melba Lara; Guest: Alison Flowers

As Chicago teachers try to find COVID-19 vaccination appointments on their own, they say finding one one feels like winning the lottery. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Adriana Cardona Maguigad

Chicago’s Commissioner of Public Health, Dr. Allison Arwady, says there is no cost ever for getting a COVID-19 vaccine in the city, though providers may charge a small fee to administer. Reporter: Becky Vevea

Ahmadou Drame, housing and community development manager for the Metropolitan Planning Council, discusses an executive order signed by President Biden and how it could affect racial segregation in Chicago. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Natalie Moore

Some families say a return to in-person learning could make a big difference in students’ emotional well-being. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Susie An

Black residents account for 15% of all vaccinated Chicagoans. Latinos account for 17%. City officials say they want to do better, focusing on 15 communities hit hard by COVID-19. Host: Marie Lane; Reporter: Becky Vevea

Reactions common across all age groups studied include fever, headache, fatigue, body aches and soreness. Find all our coverage at WBEZ.org/VaccineFAQ ; Reporter: Mariah Woelfel

Even as some activities in Illinois reopen, we’re still far from clear on what retail and restaurant life will look like once the pandemic is over. For Dry cleaners, COVID-19 is posing an existential threat. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Odette Yousef

The New Year is known for resolutions, new beginnings, reassessments. It’s usually a time people reflect on their life, career, goals and it’s also usually the time some people file for divorce. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Araceli Gomez-Aldana

Helen Beneker first met her adoptive mother, Lisa, six years ago. Now a senior in high school, she recently asked her some big questions. Producer: Bill Healy