Press "Enter" to skip to content

Posts published in “Latest News”

How Scientists Predict Earth’s Climate Future

Doctor Scott Collis, an atmospheric scientist at Argonne National Laboratory, explains how we know what’s ahead for the Earth’s climate and what role the Chicago area plays into those discoveries. Host: Melba Lara; Producer: Lauren Frost

Chicago’s Far South Side Gets New Community Art Gallery

Chicago’s Far South Side has a new community art gallery. The “Block House” Gallery held a grand opening in the historic Pullman neighborhood over the weekend. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Linda Lutton

Chicago Tribune Has New Owner: Alden Global Capital

The Chicago Tribune has a new owner. Tim Franklin of Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism talks with WBEZ about the how the controversial sale will impact local journalism. Host: Melba Lara, Lisa Labuz; Producer: Cianna Greaves

How Chicago’s Pandemic Response Could Help Us Fix Health Care

Community organizations became true partners with government and big hospitals to fight the pandemic. Now they’re hoping that approach could help solve the city’s long standing health inequities. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Kristen Schorsch

StoryCorps Chicago: ‘We Will Never Know’

Fifteen-year-old Stephon Watts was shot and killed by police during a house call gone horribly wrong in Chicago’s south suburbs. His sister Renee Watts questioned his mom, Danelene Dickens-Powell about his life. Producer: Bill Healy

Will Chicago Get An Elected School Board?

As the Illinois legislative session comes to a close, we take a look at where the fight over an elected school board for Chicago stands, and who’s on each side. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Sarah Karp

Do Chicago’s Police Transparency Efforts Go Far Enough?

Chicago’s Inspector General’s Office is blasting Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s proposal to create a database of complaints against Chicago police officers. Deputy Inspector General Deborah Witzburg pushed for the database to be created. Host: Mary Dixon; Repo...

Protect Chicago Plus Ends, But Did Vaccine Pop-Ups Work?

A WBEZ analysis of COVID-19 vaccination data found that Chicago’s efforts to target neighborhoods hit hardest by the pandemic improved vaccination rates for Black and Latino residents. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Becky Vevea

Four Ideas For A Pandemic Recovery For Women Workers

Women’s participation in the workforce is at its lowest level since 1988. But some women leaders in Chicago are optimistic about the future. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Odette Yousef

Could A Major Tornado Be Seen Here In Chicago?

It’s the peak time for tornadoes in Illinois. State Climatologist, Doctor Trent Ford, shares what impact a major twister could have on the city of Chicago. Host: Odette Yousef; Producer: Lauren Frost

Seniors End The Year In Style At Soldier Field Prom

Two thousand students from Chicago’s Noble Network of Charter Schools were donning their finest gowns or suits (plus masks) for a pandemic-safe prom. Host: Araceli Gomez Aldana; Reporter: Linda Lutton

How Do I Know Maskless People Got Vaccinated Or Not?

Mask mandates do remain in effect in a lot of public spaces, so even vaccinated people might want to carry their masks with them when they go out. Find all our coverage at WBEZ.org/VaccineFAQ

Rep. Bobby Rush Takes Aim At FBI’s COINTELPRO

The bill would require the release of all records related to COINTELPRO, which targeted numerous civil rights leaders and organizations. Jeffrey Haas, a lawyer who defended the panthers, shares more on how bill that would open up secret FBI files to th...

Hacked Chicago Gov. Emails Raise Ethical Questions

Tens of thousands of emails from Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s staff were posted online. Experts weigh in on what should happen next. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Mariah Woelfel