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Posts published in “Latest News”

New Energy Plan Surfaces In Illinois

A new House plan Friday would require coal-fired power plants to cut carbon emissions by 2035 and eliminate them entirely by 2045. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Tony Arnold

Remembering Chicago Folk Singer Jesus ‘Chuy’ Negrete

The troubadour of the city’s barrios and soundtrack to the Chicano rights movement will be honored this weekend at the National Museum of Mexican Art. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Linda Lutton

Why Shootings Have Increased On Chicago-Area Expressways

This year there have already been 167 shootings on the Chicago area’s expressways. Illinois State Police Director, Brendan Kelly, talks more about what's behind these shootings. Host: Melba Lara; Producer: Lauren Frost

Pandemic-Era Unemployment Benefits End In Illinois

Expanded federal unemployment benefits are set to expire this weekend. WBEZ's Esther Yoon-Ji Kang talked with Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership Executive Director, Karin Norington-Reaves, about the current job market and what's at stake. Host: Mary Di...

Looking Back at 9/11 through Books

As we approach the 20th anniversary of 9/11, the University of Chicago Press has curated a list of books that reflect on the tragedy of that event, as well as the many political, cultural, and literary aftershocks that have followed in the two decades since. It is an event that has

The post Looking Back at 9/11 through Books appeared first on The Chicago Blog.

What Does Texas’ New Abortion Law Mean For Illinois?

Texas now has the strictest laws against abortion rights in the United States. For a local reaction, WBEZ’s Natalie Moore spoke with Jennifer Welch, the CEO of Planned Parenthood Illinois. Host: Melba Lara; Producer: Lauren Frost

Navigating The Scientific Uncertainty Of COVID-19

Public officials have struggled to effectively communicate scientific understanding around COVID-19 during the pandemic. CNN Medical Analyst, Dr. Leana Wen shares tips on navigating life with the ever-changing novel coronavirus. Host: Melba Lara; Produ...

Chicago’s Remapping Process Explained

Every 10 years, officials convene to craft Chicago's ward boundaries. But how, when and where will this all shake out? We broke it down. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Mariah Woelfel

The Divine 9: Chicago’s Black Greek Life Explained

Tik Tok historian Sherman Dilla Thomas talks about the Divine Nine - and the many prominent Chicagoans who've been part of these historically Black fraternities and sororities. Host: Mary Dixon, Lisa Labuz; Producer: Cianna Greaves

So Long, Summer. Back To Class For Chicago Public Schools

Nearly all of CPS' 340,000 students were due back in-person for the first time since March 2020 as questions circulate about the district's readiness. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Sarah Karp

Five Questions with Adeline Mueller, author of “Mozart and the Mediation of Childhood”

The composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791) is often remembered as a musical prodigy. While his precocity is taken for granted, he influenced far more than the history of classical music. In Mozart and the Mediation of Childhood, Adeline Mueller shows how Mozart’s music and persona led to a social and

The post Five Questions with Adeline Mueller, author of “Mozart and the Mediation of Childhood” appeared first on The Chicago Blog.

Has Summer In Illinois Felt Especially Hot?

We’ve had a lot of scorching days in the Chicago area this summer. Illinois State Climatologist, Doctor Trent Ford helps explain why. Host: Melba Lara; Producer: Lauren Frost

Activists Push For A Majority Asian Ward In Chicago

There are about 35,000 Asian Americans living in greater Chinatown — more than enough for a majority in a single Chicago ward. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Esther Yoon-Ji Kang

Chicago Public Schools Welcomes Students On First Day

Chicago Public Schools students are due back in classrooms on Monday. Teachers are focusing on making up for the drawbacks of virtual learning. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Adriana Cardona-Maguigad

Mental Health Crisis Rises Among Chicago Students

Schools say they’re prepping to support students but some teens worry they could be penalized if they’re not ready emotionally to go back to “normal.” Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Susie An