WBEZ News

As colleges and universities gear up to restart, faculty and staff are increasingly speaking out about concerns for their safety. So what will colleges look as they try to reopen? Host: Greta Johnsen Reporter: Kate McGee

Over the next few weeks, the Archdiocese of Chicago is opening its schools for in-person learning after shutting them down in March due to COVID-19. The reopening of Catholic schools has been welcomed by many working parents, but it’s also facing criticism from teachers. Host: Greta Johnsen Reporter: Adriana Cardona Maguigad

Almost all the city’s majority black schools voted this summer to keep police officers. The 15 of the 17 schools that will have them removed are mostly Latino or mixed. Host: Becky Vevea Reporter: Sarah Karp

We know who the presidential nominees will be. And this year is all virtual. But here’s three reasons why some Illinois politicos say we still need a national convention. Host: Susie An Reporter: Becky Vevea

Thompson was known as “Big Jim” during his long career, which eventually made him the state’s longest-serving chief executive. Host: Susie An Reporter: Dave McKinney

College freshmen already had a rough end to high school. Many are nervous and uncertain how their first semester of college will unfold. Host: Greta Johnsen Reporter: Kate McGee

WBEZ spoke with the relatives of 50 Chicago COVID-19 victims to understand the systemic conditions behind the pandemic’s disproportionate impact. All week we’ll bring stories from communities with the highest death rates. Host: Greta Johnsen Reporter: Natalie Moore

Even though they’re meeting remotely, Illinois Democrats are facing a lot of questions about the future of their leader due to a sprawling corruption investigation. Host: Greta Johnsen, Mary Dixon Reporter: Tony Arnold

Author and longtime Knox College Professor Robert Hellenga spoke from hospice to his former student, Joseph Lennon, about literature, death and grades. Producer: Bill Healy

All across Illinois, local election authorities have been mailing out applications for voters to request a mailed ballot. It’s part of a temporary vote by mail expansion in the state ahead of the November election. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Claudia Morell

Instead of Milwaukee sight-seeing, parties, and balloon drops, Illinois delegates to the DNC will be delegating from their couches. But these first-time delegates say they’ll still push for their platforms. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Tony Arnold

Englewood residents are still grappling with the aftermath of another police shooting of a Black man on Sunday. Some contradict the police version of events. They want authorities to release any video of the shooting. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Maria Ines Zamudio

Cabrini-Green came together following the shooting death of a child this summer, just as they did after a similar tragedy in the ‘90s. As the community grieves, residents share how they are coping and responding to turmoil. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Natalie Moore

Between COVID-19, social unrest, violence and burgeoning budget deficits, the first-term Chicago mayor has been tested like no other. Host: Melba Lara Reporter: Becky Vevea

As Harris is chosen as the first Black woman to be nominated vice president of a major party, Illinois Black women leaders say there’s more than one reason to celebrate. Host: Melba Lara Reporter: Mariah Woelfel

In Chicago many Black teens have been at the forefront of recent marches. They are part of a movement for social justice that began long before this summer’s wave of demonstrations. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Adriana Cardona Maguigad

Chicago resident Jeff Skrentny is spending 2020 listing insects, plants, birds and other natural things. Host: Becky Vevea Reporter: Jerome McDonnell

As COVID-19 cases climb in Illinois, some businesses are becoming virus trackers of sorts. They’re collecting information from customers that would normally be something public health officials would do. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Kristen Schorsch

Chicago rapper FBG Duck was fatally shot in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood Tuesday. On social media many are mourning his death, while rival rappers are celebrating and mocking his murder. Host: Becky Vevea Guest: Lance Williams

With COVID-19 cases rising and pressure building, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and CPS drop preliminary plans for both remote and in-person school. Host: Becky Vevea, Mariah Woelfel Reporter: Sarah Karp

Chicago’s first jury trial in months is underway at the federal courthouse downtown. It looks a lot different because of the pandemic. Jon Seidel covers the federal courts for the Chicago Sun-Times and shares what court proceedings look like in the time of the coronavirus. Host: Mary Dixon Producer: Mariah Woelfel

Some parents say in-person school isn’t realistic during a pandemic. Others say they can’t revisit poor e-learning plans. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Susie An

Experts say painless mouth and shallow nose swabs can be nearly as good as, or possibly better than, nasopharyngeal samples for detecting COVID-19. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Monica Eng

Visitors from hot-spot states are still coming to Chicago, saying they didn’t want to cancel their planned vacations or cross-state day trips. Host: Melba Lara Reporter: Mariah Woelfel

New data shows what CPS’ contract with police calls for: a full year's salary and benefits for 10 months of work. Host: Melba Lara Reporter: Sarah Karp