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Posts published in “Latest News”

Illinois Caps Interest Rates On Payday Lenders

Advocates say the new state law would keep people out of cycles of debt, while opponents say it could significantly impact the financial makeup of Illinois and hurt communities of color. Host: Lisa Labuz; Reporter: Araceli Gomez-Aldana

Fighting COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy, One Skeptic At A Time

Public health officials are focusing more and more on combating vaccine hesitancy. Brittany Norment, a 33-year-old from Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood speaks with Dr. Rochelle Bello, director of infectious disease at St. Bernard Hospital. Host: Melba...

Family Of Chicagoans Killed By Police On Chauvin Verdict

For people in Chicago who have lost loved ones to police violence, the murder conviction of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the killing of George Floyd brings hope, but also pain and worry. Host: Mary Dixon; Guest: Arewa Karen Winters

The Muon Particle Is Changing The Physics Rulebook

A new discovery by a team of scientists at Fermilab in west suburban Batavia is challenging everything we thought we knew about Physics. Dr. Brendan Casey, head of the Muon Department, details their findings around a relative of the Electron with a li...

How Do We Know When Illinois Weather Is Climate Related?

Illinois State Climatologist, Dr. Trent Ford, clarifies the difference between climate and weather. If you have questions about our region’s climate, send an email to climate@wbez.org

Chicago High Schools Restart In-Person After A Year

As many as 26,000 public high schoolers were due back in schools beginning Monday. Teachers approved the reopening agreement this weekend. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Sarah Karp

Many Illinoisans Still Question COVID-19 Vaccine Safety

Stewart Casey is a 48-year-old man from rural Illinois, and like over one third of Americans, he's unsure about getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Zachary Rubin, an allergist and immunologist in the Chicago area, spoke with Stewart to talk through his con...

Every Illinoisan Is Now COVID-19 Vaccine Eligible

Illinois is about the middle of the pack, nationwide in COVID-19 vaccine administration — but Chicago lags. Starting Monday, eligibility expands to everyone 16 and older in the city. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Becky Vevea

Illinois Ethics Reforms Moving Slow After ComEd Scandal

One representative says it’s a shame the state must “babysit” utilities following the power company’s bribery scandal. But Democrats still haven’t agreed on a list of ethics reforms. Host: Araceli Gomez-Aldana; Reporter: Dave McKinney

Little Village Grapples With Adam Toledo Police Killing

Following the release of the police body cam footage of the shooting of a 13 year old boy, vigils and demonstrations were held around the city. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Linda Lutton

CPS High Schoolers To Start In-Person Classes On Monday

The Chicago Teachers Union voted in favor of a deal to reopen high schools, setting the stage to resume in-person learning in high schools on Monday for the first time in more than a year. Host: Lisa Labuz; Reporter: Sarah Karp

CTU Calls On CPS To Delay High School Reopening

As parents and students prepare to return to classrooms on April 19, the union is raising the alarm about rising COVID-19 cases. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Sarah Karp

What The Pause On J&J Vaccines Means For Chicago

The state public health department says the pause comes out of “an abundance of caution” as federal regulators investigate rare cases of people getting blood clots after receiving the shot. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Becky Vevea

Chicago Pauses Use Of Johnson & Johnson COVID Vaccine

Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose shot makes up less than 5% of the COVID-19 vaccines shipped to Chicago and Illinois, but today’s pause by federal regulators is still causing disruption to the overall vaccine rollout. Host: Melba Lara; Guest: Dr. Alliso...

Stevenson High School Mathletes Tackle The Digital Divide

A group of “Mathletes” at Stevenson High School in north suburban Lincolnshire are finalists in a national competition that uses mathematics to solve real-world problems. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Linda Lutton

‘Thank You For Placing My Well-Being Over Your Own’

Four decades ago, Chris Huston put her daughter, Meighen Lovelace, up for adoption. Last year, they reunited at the StoryCorps booth in Chicago. Host: Melba Lara; Producer: Billy Healy