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Posts published in “Latest News”

Illinois doesn’t know who’s getting COVID-19 treatments.

The Illinois Department of Public Health controls the state's supply of virus therapeutics, but officials are not tracking how the coveted treatments are being dispersed. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Kristen Schorsch

How Chicago’s food equity council has progressed on agenda

Ruby Ferguson, food equity policy lead at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, shares an update on the city's progress around food pantries, nutrition benefits and other food equity priorities. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Natalie Moore

Researchers sample Great Lakes in ‘winter grab’ to study climate

Researchers are out grabbing samples from all over the Great Lakes, to better understand the lakes in winter. Geo-sciences Professor Maureen Coleman from the University of Chicago is a part of the "Winter Grab" effort. Host: Melba Lara; Producer: Laure...

Inside the sexual misconduct scandal at Evanston beaches

In text messages to a manager, a teenage female lifeguard alleged sexist workplace behavior was common and “f**** up people for a long time.” Host: Lisa Labuz; Reporter: Dan Mihalopoulos

HIV continues to disproportionately impact Black residents

The number of new HIV diagnoses in Chicago is at its lowest mark in more than 30 years, but Black residents – especially Black men – continue to contract the virus at higher rates. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Esther Yoon-Ji Kang

Chicago-area college students struggle during pandemic

College students are struggling academically and socially like never before as they grapple with the ongoing effects of the pandemic. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Anna Savchenko

Mayor Lightfoot blames carjacking spike on remote learning

Mayor Lori Lightfoot blamed remote learning for a spike in carjackings around Chicago in a press conference on Monday. Tom Schuba of the Chicago Sun-Times helps fact check the mayor's claims. Host: Mary Dixon; Producer: Cianna Greaves

Former Chicago Red Stars coach accused of misconduct

There are more allegations of misconduct about the former coach of the Chicago Red Stars, this time from his days as a local youth soccer coach. Host: Melba Lara; Producer: Lauren Frost

Blacks make up only 15% of Chicago Fire Department’s ranks

Blacks make up only 15 percent of the Chicago Fire Department. Engine Company 21 in the Washington Park neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side is trying to boost those ranks. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Michael Puente

CPS finalizes $9M settlement for laid off Black teachers

Chicago Public Schools and the teachers union are finalizing a multi-million dollar settlement for a group of laid off Black teachers, marking the end of a decade-long fight against school reforms. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Sarah Karp

TikTok Historian ‘Dilla’ Thomas on Chicago’s Chinatown

Lunar New Year officially began last week, and to celebrate WBEZ’s Lisa Labuz talked with historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas about the history of Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood. Producer: Cianna Greaves

Across the U.S., winter cold snaps are getting shorter

Doctor Andrew Pershing, Director of Climate Science for Climate Central, explains why winter cold snaps are getting shorter across Illinois and the United States. Host: Lisa Labuz; Producer: Lauren Frost

Chicago street vendors battle omicron and inflation

One community group continues to provide small grants, but says more resources are needed to help food-cart operators. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Esther Yoon-Ji Kang