WBEZ News

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson was flanked by his administration’s heavyweights today (TUES) as he declared a “full force of government” response to the Trump Administration’s deportation efforts. 
 
 The press conference with his police chief, budget director and top attorney was Johnson’s first since Trump took office. 
 
 It comes amid a flurry of immigration news in recent days.
 
 WBEZ’s Mariah Woelfel was there and joins us now for more. 
 HOST: LARA

The new play Jaja's African Hair Braiding comes to Chicago after a Tony-winning Broadway run.
 
 One of those awards recognized the play's standout wig design.
 
 WBEZ's Mike Davis went backstage at Chicago Shakespeare to file this report.
 HOST: LANE

Many residents are living in fear – some afraid to take their kids to school or go out for a bite to eat.
 
 WBEZ’s Michael Puente went to Chicago’s East Side neighborhood - where nearly 80 percent of residents are Mexican. HOST: LANE

It’s been a week since President Donald Trump took office. 
 
 And his administration’s new immigration policies and threats of mass raids have had much of Chicago’s immigrant community on edge.
 
 “Enhanced” immigration enforcement started yesterday (SUN) in the city.
 
 ICE agents, along with border czar Tom Homan and acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove were on the ground.
 
 WBEZ’s Adriana Cardona-Maguidad reports on immigration and joins me now with the latest information, as well as some context. HOST: LANE

President Donald Trump’s threat of mass deportations in Chicago and across the U.S. is raising questions and fears … especially in schools that serve a lot of immigrants. 
 
 In Chicago, the school district and community organizations are spreading the word that immigrants still have rights. 
 
 They hope it will help parents and students to feel empowered. 
 
 WBEZ’s Sarah Karp reports. HOST: DIXON

President Trump is threatening so-called sanctuary cities and states, like Chicago and Illinois, that bar their employees from helping federal immigration enforcement.
 
 He’s ordered a cutoff of federal funds and directed the Justice Department to prosecute officials of cities and states that don’t help U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the agency known as ICE.
 
 Trump has also stoked fears of a migrant-fueled crime wave.
 
 So we wanted to find out: Would ending sanctuary policies or carrying out mass deportations make us safer?
 
 San Diego State University political scientist Benjamin Gonzalez O’Brien spoke with WBEZ’s Chip Mitchell.
 HOST: DIXON

It started with a handful of incarcerated men having huddled conversations about writing inside the Dixon Correctional Center in northern Illinois. 
 
 Over the past few years, that’s grown into the Mud Theatre Project in Chicago. 
 
 Many of its founders have since made their way out of prison…and on to one of the most prestigious stages in the city. 
 
 WBEZ’s Mike Davis takes us behind the scenes of the new play Searching for Justice. 
 
 HOST: LABUZ

The Chicago Bears are reportedly hiring Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to be the team’s new head coach.
 
 WBEZ producer Noah Jennings spoke with sports contributor Cheryl Raye-Stout to learn what Johnson will bring to Chicago.

The Art Institute is making history with its latest exhibition, a sprawling showcase that focuses on the art of the Pan-African movement. 
 
 WBEZ producer Cianna Greaves reports.
 host: dixon

Residents across neighborhoods are getting ready by putting their deportation defense infrastructure to the test. Reporter: Adriana Cardona-Maguigad; Host: Mary Dixon

After years of warm relations with the Biden White House, a new, grim reality sets in for Illinois when Donald Trump is inaugurated Monday. Reporter: Michael Puente

Faculty advisors can make or break a students’ chance of getting a PhD. 
 
 But often these professors have little to no training in teaching or mentorship.
 
 That can lead to disastrous consequences for students.
 
 And it hamstrings efforts to get more Black and Brown students into science. 
 
 W-B-E-Z’s Lisa Kurian Philip tells the story of a University of Chicago student who found this out the hard way.
 HOST: LARA

When Donald Trump returns to the presidency, he’s promised the biggest domestic deportation effort in U.S. history.
 
 His first administration separated thousands of children from their parents at the Mexican border and transferred them to shelters across the U.S.
 
 Now many immigrants fear Trump will take kids from families in the nation’s interior.
 
 More than 4 million U.S.-born children live with an undocumented parent.
 
 On Chicago’s North Side, WBEZ’s Chip Mitchell got to know one of these families.
 
 HOST: DIXON

A West Side non-profit is helping Chicago teens learn the art of filmmaking by putting them in charge of producing their own movies. 
 
 WBEZ’s Anna Savchenko dropped by a West Loop pizza parlor to check out one of their recent film shoots. HOST: DIXON

In recent years, artists in Chicago have received about $1 million dollars a year for projects from the city. 
 
 Those come from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, also known as DCASE.
 
 But COVID relief dollars are dwindling and a second Donald Trump presidency is about to start. 
 
 There are questions nationally, and locally, about how much funding will be available for the arts.
 
 WBEZ arts reporter Courtney Kueppers joined our colleague Clare Lane to break down what’s on the table.
 
 HOST: DIXON

President-elect Donald Trump’s plans to execute mass deportations could start in Chicago.
 
 With only a few days before his inauguration, local advocates are making plans on how to protect immigrants who could be targeted. 
 
 WBEZ’s immigration reporter Adriana Cardona Maguigad spoke with advocates who are working on deportation response plans. 
 HOST: DIXON

Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan’s high-stakes legal gambit to testify in his federal corruption trial is now over.
 
 Generally, criminal defendants are dissuaded from testifying in their own trial, but Madigan defied that conventional legal wisdom.
 
 WBEZ’s Dave McKinney has been at this trial since October, and he joins me to break down Madigan’s four days on the witness stand. 
 HOST: LARA

Many families that have children with disabilities worry about - what they call quote - “the day the bus stops coming.” That’s the day their kids age out of school. 
 
 These families face many barriers … as they figure out how to help their young adults find work and be productive in the next phase of their lives.
 
 WBEZ ’s Esther Yoon-Ji Kang has their story. 
 HOST: DIXON

If you were wondering who was that vocalist who stunned Bulls fans by singing the national anthem on Derrick Rose night? that was Chicago Rnb singer Khaliyah X. 
 
 The artist released her debut album in 2024, earning local praise. 
 
 She joined WBEZ sister station Vocalo and producer Morgan Ciocca in studio for the latest installment of our Getting Dressed series. HOST: DIXON

Members of the public have submitted nearly 5,000 designs to the state flag commission…
 
 ranging from stars and stripes, to Abraham Lincoln shooting lasers out of his eyes. 
 
 The commission – made up of 21 artists, educators, historians and Illinois fans – has whittled the pool down to their top *10* picks. 
 
 WBEZ’s Mawa Iqbal sat down with commissioner Will Stephens to learn more. 
 
 HOST: DIXON

There's been a lot of talk about steel production over the past week with President Biden blocking the purchase of US steel by a Japanese company.
 
 Steel making has always been the bread and butter industry in Northwest Indiana.
 
 It's what attracted thousands of immigrants to the city of East Chicago.
 
 A new book details the city's rough and tumble history and what made it a beacon for those coming near and far, by Joseph S. Pete. HOST: PUENTE

The founder of the Young Lords Organization died last week (FRI).
 
 José “Cha Cha” Jiménez led the street gang turned political organization in the 1960s and 70s when it fought displacement of Chicago's Puerto Rican community in Lincoln Park. 
 
 Jiménez and the Young Lords also joined with the Black Panther Party and Young Patriots to form the first Rainbow Coalition.
 
 Jiménez talked to WBEZ's Jerome McDonnell in 20-18 about how his time in jail inspired him to move the Young Lords in a political direction.
 
 Here's an edited version of that conversation.
 HOST: DIXON

The Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools have been bargaining over a new contract since last April. 
 
 In the meantime, the entire Chicago School Board resigned and was replaced, and the school's CEO was fired. A new, partly elected school board will be sworn in next week.
 
 WBEZ education reporter Sarah Karp joined host Clare Lane for an update on where things stand with the contract talks.
 HOST: DIXON

It’s a new year and a new arts season, and Chicagoans this year have a lot to choose from. 
 
 WBEZ theater reporter Mike Davis and arts reporter Courtney Kueppers joined host Lisa Labuz with their picks for 2025’s hottest tickets.
 HOST: LABUZ

It’s time to swear in a new group of Illinois lawmakers.
 
 Six newly elected state representatives and three state senators will take their oaths of office for the first time today (WEDS).
 
 Before they do, they had a lot to learn about logistics and working with each other. 
 
 WBEZ’s Alex Degman introduces us to a couple of new lawmakers – and tells us about the training they went through.
 HOST: LABUZ

Ex-lllinois House Speaker Michael Madigan wielded power for decades, but very little was known about his private life.
 
 His federal corruption trial is changing that.
 
 WBEZ’s Dave McKinney reports.
 HOST: LABUZ

After its final show this past weekend, the iconic Blue Man Group is saying goodbye to Chicago and moving to Florida.
 
 But not before a funeral procession.
 
 WBEZ’s Mike Davis has more. HOST: LABUZ

For people who want to dance, Chicago has many great places to offer, but most of them don’t ramp up until the later evening hours.
 
 
 That’s why high school best friends Laura Baginski and Susie Lee formed the Early Birds Club – a dance party for women that starts early and ends early.
 
 
 Less than a year after their first event, they’ve expanded to hold more parties in Chicago, as well as California and New York.
 
 
 Baginski and Lee sat down with WBEZ’s Erin Allen on the Rundown podcast last year to discuss the club’s origins.
 HOST: LABUZ

Since it’s early January … the Indiana Dunes National Park probably isn’t top of mind for a lot of people right now. 
 
 But many leaders in Northwest Indiana are trying to enhance the experience for visitors in the coming months and years. 
 
 A 20-million-dollar grant will help them do just that. 
 
 I recently sat down with Kelly Anoe, president of the Legacy Foundation of Northwest Indiana, in her office, to talk about the grant. 
 HOST: PUENTE

Chicago rapper Lil Durk is being held in federal custody in Los Angeles on charges he orchestrated a 2022 plot to kill a rival. 
 
 Federal prosecutors are using lyrics by the Grammy award-winning rapper–whose real name is Durk Devontay Banks–to prove their case. 
 
 However, some industry leaders and civil libertarians say using song lyrics as evidence in court is dangerous and unconstitutional. 
 
 Chicago Sun-Times criminal justice editor Tom Schuba spoke with Morning Edition host Mary Dixon. HOST: LANE

The Chicago Bears ended a losing season on a winning note, beating the Green Bay Packers 24 to 22. 
 
 The 5 and 12 Bears beat the Packers for the first time since 20-18, ending an 11-game losing streak in the rivalry. 
 
 Quarterback Caleb Williams says he was glad to end the season with a win..
 HOST: LANE

2024 was a busy year, but when it comes to Chicago sports, it was certainly one to forget.
 
 WBEZ’s Noah Jennings sat down with our sports contributor Cheryl Raye Stout to recap the highs and lows of the year – with a big emphasis on the latter.
 HOST: GOMEZ-ALDANA

For many, Chicago winters can be difficult … especially after the holiday season. 
 
 We have long winter months with the dark evenings, blustery cold days, and a lack of outdoor activities…. it can all lead to the winter blues. 
 
 For some tips on how to make it through WBEZ’s Araceli Gomez-Aldana spoke to Kristen Larson about the Danish expression of Hygge.
 
 Larson works at Chicago’s Swedish American Museum and she’s ancestrally Danish. 
 HOST: DIXON

A few months ago Chicago Sun Times investigative reporter Lauren FitzPatrick found the holiday record at a thrift store, bought it for a buck and took it home. 
 
 She wondered about the story behind the album and teamed up with WBEZ’s Araceli Gomez-Aldana to discover the decades-old story of one South-Side high school acapella choir. 
 HOST: LANE

Christmas time is when people celebrate their cultures and traditions – especially with food.
 
 Here in Chicago, recently arrived Venezuelan immigrants are trying to duplicate the flavors from back home during the holidays.
 
 WBEZ’s Adriana Cardona Maguigad visited a Venezuelan cook who is on a mission to share the recipes she learned from her mother and aunts growing up.
 HOST: LANE

As the new year approaches, we’re looking back at some of our favorite Chicago albums of 20-24. 
 
 From hip-hop and jazz to indie rock, the arts and culture teams at WBEZ and sister station Vocalo, have created a list of their top 13 albums of the year. 
 
 Nudia Hernandez and Morgan Ciocca cover music for Vocalo. 
 HOST: DIXON

The City of Chicago will soon meet a long-time climate goal. Starting January First, Chicago municipal buildings…. will source their electricity from 100 percent renewable energy.. It’s part of a years-long effort to wean the city off fossil fuels. 
 
 WBEZ’s Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco has the story
 HOST: DIXON

This year's indie nonfiction book of the year, according to the Chicago Writers Association, was a book from a Northwest Indiana author about hospital overcrowding.
 
 The book is Hospital Heal Thyself.
 
 
 It's written by veteran Chicago area health care journalist Mark Taylor.
 
 
 Taylor found that fixing overcrowding would improve patient care and potentially save struggling hospitals.
 
 Thank you for joining us today, Mark. HOST: PUENTE

The federal criminal trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and co-defendant Michael McClain took an important turn this week.
 
 Prosecutors rested their case, the defense began presenting witnesses, and this historic trial seems headed toward the homestretch.
 
 Here this afternoon is WBEZ’s Dave McKinney to tell us the latest on where things stand with this case.
 HOST: LARA

The Chicago Board of Education fired CEO Pedro Martinez last night, but a provision in his contract allows him to stay on for six months. 
 
 WBEZ’s Sarah Karp tells us how this all played out.
 HOST: PUENTE

A high school on Chicago’s Southeast side has helped feed the members of its community for years. 
 
 Now, the school is turning its food distribution efforts into a permanent pantry — that will be run by STUDENTS. 
 
 WBEZ’s Anna Savchenko brings us this story from the hallways of St. Francis De Sales. HOST: DIXON

With the swirl of holiday chaos upon us … from shopping … to family get-togethers … it can be a stressful time of year. So, we decided … we really needed a laugh. 
 
 WBEZ’s arts and culture team has this story about holidays gone wrong. Here’s reporter Courtney Kueppers.
 HOST: DIXON

In Chicago and throughout the U-S, Black men born from 1951 through 1970 are dying of opioid poisoning at a greater rate than any other segment of society.
 
 That’s according to a data analysis by the Baltimore Banner, which collaborated with the Sun-Times and other news organizations.
 
 We’re joined now by Sun-Times reporters Elvia Malagon and Frank Main to break down this startling trend…
 HOST: LABUZ

Chicago has many holiday activities and traditions. 
 
 Morning Edition producer Cianna Greaves is new to the city, and instead of going back East for the holidays, this year, she’s doing Christmas - Chicago style. 
 
 She hit the pavement and asked folks about their favorite holiday traditions.
 
 HOST: DIXON

Concert ticket prices keep going up – especially to see the big stars like Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish – and fans keep buying.
 
 A report from Pollstar finds that the average concert ticket now costs $127 dollars.
 
 But this trend of big arena shows upping their prices ends up negatively impacting Chicago’s smaller indie venues.
 
 WBEZ’s Sofie Hernandez-Simeonidis joins us now to discuss. 
 HOST: LARA

For this story… we’re going to take you inside a prison.
 
 For months, WBEZ has been collaborating with incarcerated journalists at the Kewanee Life Skills Re-entry Center in northwest Illinois.
 
 It’s focused on preparing returning citizens for their lives outside.
 
 That means… investment classes. An art studio. A barbershop for learning to cut hair. 
 
 Last week, we passed the mic to one of the journalists there.
 
 Now, he’s gonna take us on a tour to meet some of the folks incarcerated at Kewanee… and along the way, record some holiday greetings for their loved ones on the outside.
 HOST: DIXON

One of the city’s more flamboyant holiday experiences is unfolding in a circus tent tucked atop a Loop hotel.
 
 WBEZ’s Mike Davis takes us behind the scenes of Teatro Zinzanni.
 HOST: DIXOn

A Northwestern musicologist helped unearth a trove of Latin American holiday music from 400 years ago. 
 
 Chicago-based early music ensemble - The Newberryury Consort– recently performed the music for audiences for the first time. 
 
 I’m joined by WBEZ Arts and Culture contributor Hannah Edgar, who spoke with the pioneers behind the project. 
 
 HOST: DIXON

Winter is here, and for many people, that means more days to relax and snuggle indoors with a book. 
 
 For recommendations, WBEZ’s arts desk asked our staff for their favorite reads of 2024. 
 HOST: DIXON

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson passed his $17-billion dollar budget in a narrow 27 to 23 vote yesterday (mon). 
 
 That’s after a drawn out process that many say has caused fractures in the City Council.
 
 The final budget avoids a property tax increase, but relies on cuts to some progressive programs. It increases taxes and fees on plastic bags and streaming services.
 
 Johnson had to make significant changes to his original proposal amid stiff pushback. 
 
 WBEZ’s Mariah Woelfel sat down with the mayor after the budget vote.
 HOST: DIXON