WBEZ News

The Englewood Jazz Festival kicks off today, and it’s celebrating its 25th anniversary. 
 
 Legendary saxophonist Ernest Dawkins is the festival’s founder and director. 
 
 He sat down with WBEZ Rundown podcast host Erin Allen to discuss what attendees can expect to see – including his jazz-poetry tribute to Paul Robeson that will be performed at the festival. 
 HOST: DIXON

A deteriorating, 100-year-old state prison near Joliet is finally closing.
 
 Stateville Correctional Center is in such bad shape that a state-commissioned study declared it nearly inoperable.
 
 But it’s also become a hub for prison programming and education in Illinois.
 
 There are plans to eventually build new facilities at the same site…
 
 But first, WBEZ asked four people who were incarcerated at Stateville over the last half century to share their thoughts on its demolition.
 HOST: LARA

Chicago’s contract for the gunshot detection system known as ShotSpotter is due to expire on Sunday.
 
 That would fulfill a campaign promise by Mayor Brandon Johnson to pull the plug.
 
 Some City Council members today are trying to compel his administration to extend the ShotSpotter contract.
 
 They’ve sided with a former CPD superintendent and the company that provides ShotSpotter.
 
 They all say the technology saves lives by getting cops to shooting scenes faster.
 
 But an economist at the Social Science Research Council has co-authored a study that found unintended consequences.
 
 His name is Michael Topper.
 
 He spoke with WBEZ’s Chip Mitchell.
 HOST: DIXON

The play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child premiered in London and had a successful run in New York.
 
 Now, the show's national tour is kicking off with over five months of shows in Chicago at the James M. Nederlander Theatre.
 
 WBEZ’s Mike Davis takes us behind the scenes. HOST: DIXON

Last year was an exceedingly difficult one for navigating college admissions. 
 
 A monumental breakdown in the financial aid process ground down students, parents – and even the most dedicated high school counselors.
 
 WBEZ’s Lisa Kurian Philip shadowed one as he faced the year from hell.
 HOST: DIXON

Nearly half of all Chicago public schools have only one opening for an arts teacher and some of those are not filled yet.
 
 Leaders from the school district and Chicago Teachers Union are calling for more robust arts education.
 
 But there’s a debate about what is enough and how much CPS can afford.
 
 WBEZ’s Sarah Karp takes us to a theater class at one northwest side elementary school where students spent the spring sharing their stories on the big stage.
 HOST: DIXON

Immigration is a central issue in this year’s presidential election. 
 
 And anti-immigrant rhetoric and misinformation is exacerbating long-standing tensions over scarce city services and job opportunities.
 
 But some groups are trying to change that through community dialogues, particularly among Black and Latino residents. 
 
 WBEZ’s Adriana Cardona Maguigad went to a recent event aimed at bridging these divides. HOST: DIXON

For the first time in over a decade Chicagoans can celebrate Mexican Independence Day at a sanctioned downtown event. 
 
 El Grito Chicago is a two-day festival taking place in Grant Park Saturday and Sunday.
 
 WBEZ’s Araceli Gomez-Aldana spoke to event organizer Korina Sanchez ahead of the celebration. 
 
 HOST: DIXON

Chicago’s historic Music Box Theatre is cherished by film lovers. 
 
 It just reopened after a renovation — with the Noir City: Chicago film festival.
 
 WBEZ contributor Robert Loerzel paid a visit to see the fancy new flourishes.
 HOST: DIXON

Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events has seen a staff turnover of about 18% in the six months since Mayor Brandon Johnson appointed Clinee Hedspeth as commissioner. 
 
 Some city cultural advisors are concerned about the impact on the department responsible for major events like Taste of Chicago and the Chicago Jazz Festival. 
 
 WBEZ reporter Courtney Kueppers has been following the story. HOST: DIXON

Monday’s quadruple homicide on a Chicago Transit Authority train has increased fear and anxiety among riders.
 
 WBEZ reporters dove into data from both that agency and the police department.
 
 And they reached a stark finding:
 
 Violent crimes per CTA rider trip are more than triple this year compared to 2015.
 
 WBEZ’s Chip Mitchell worked on the reporting and joins us now.
 HOST: LARA

With the calendar turning to September comes the end of meteorological summer – and it was certainly one to remember. 
 
 Here to help recap some of what we saw is Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford.
 
 HOST: LARA

An exhibit on the Near South Side focuses on South Asian artists who have come through and thrived in Chicago.
 
 It’s called “What is Seen and Unseen: Mapping South Asian American Art in Chicago.”
 
 WBEZ Rundown podcast host Erin Allen spoke with the curator, Shelly Bahl about her inspirations behind the exhibit.
 
 That was Shelly Bahl speaking with WBEZ Rundown podcast host Erin Allen. HOST: DIXON

The holiday creep comes earlier and earlier each year. Already consumers are seeing fall- and Halloween-themed items on the shelves and menus. Illinois-based Portillo’s is jumping on that trend with its first new cake flavor in two decades. WBEZ’s Esther Yoon-Ji Kang sits down with Garrett Kern, the head of culinary at the popular fast-casual chain known for Chicago-style hot dogs. HOST: LARA

But storms from earlier this week could create dangerous swimming and boating conditions. 
 
 The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project tracks the number of drowning fatalities in the Great Lakes. 
 
 So far their data shows there have been 44 drowning deaths in Lake Michigan in 2024.
 
 Reporter: Araceli Gomez HOST: GOMEZ-ALDANA

Chicago has a new sculpture … of playwright, journalist, and activist Lorraine Hansberry. After a two-year tour of Los Angeles and New York, the artwork has made it to its permanent home — Navy Pier. The sculpture, designed by artist Alison Saar, is titled, To Sit Awhile. Chicago unveiled it at an event featuring Hansberry’s family, local writers and city officials. Reporter: Mike Davis
 HOST: DIXON

Leaders with the Greater Chicago Food Depository say food insecurity is still prevalent in Cook County, after they saw an increase in people relying on food pantries this summer.
 
 WBEZ’s Araceli Gomez-Aldana checked in with one non-profit trying to provide nutritious food for students year-round. HOST: LARA

Millions of Illinois voters had their home addresses exposed this year by an election conspiracy peddler who operates Right-leaning websites that purport to be impartial local news outlets.
 
 Those websites published allegedly restricted voter roll information and are now subject to a state lawsuit. 
 
 A new WBEZ investigation has found the websites revealed where scores of state and federal judges live – even though judges’ addresses are legally protected.
 
 WBEZ’s Dave McKinney has more.
 This story was co-reported by WBEZ data journalist Matt Kiefer. HOST: DIXON

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration is predicting a nearly $1 billion dollar shortfall for next year’s city budget [2025].
 
 But first – the city will also have to close a nearly $223 million dollar deficit before the end of this year [2024].
 
 Budget officials are warning difficult choices will have to be made in the months ahead.
 
 WBEZ’s Tessa Weinberg joins me now to break down the annual budget forecast.
 
 HOST: LARA

Lifeline Theatre on Chicago’s North Side has staged award-winning performances for more than four decades. 
 
 But like many arts organizations nationwide, the midsized Rogers Park theater has struggled after the COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
 Lifeline has recently launched a funding campaign to help close a large budget gap and keep the house lights on. 
 
 WBEZ theater reporter Mike Davis joins me with more. 
 HOST: DIXON

A walk-up soft-serve ice cream window on Chicago’s North Side is attracting long lines of customers. And that’s primarily due to one unique quirk.
 
 WBEZ Rundown podcast host Erin Allen went to the Irving Park neighborhood to check it out.
 HOST: DIXON

If they protest peacefully, the media often ignore them.
 
 There can be a lot of news coverage if they’re militant or violent
 
 But that attention tends to be negative, and may spark a public backlash.
 
 WBEZ’s Chip Mitchell reports how these dynamics played out during last week’s Democratic National Convention here in Chicago. HOST: DIXON

Talk of abortion seemed to be everywhere during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago last week.
 
 Illinois was celebrated for welcoming thousands of women needing the procedure. 
 
 But abortions funds that help women travel here for care are running out of money. 
 
 WBEZ’s Kristen Schorsch has more. 
 HOST: DIXON

This summer, three student jazz musicians from Illinois won a big audition to play in a national band. 
 
 Hailed as musical diplomats, the group just wrapped a tour of South Africa. 
 
 WBEZ contributor Hannah Edgar connected with one of the players to learn what it takes to reach jazz music’s most elite stages. HOST: DIXON

Chicago is in the midst of its biggest heatwave of the year – tomorrow (TUES) we could see heat indices as high as 110 degrees.
 
 And it comes right as Chicago Public Schools students are headed back to the classroom.
 
 Here with me now to discuss the implications of this heat is Chicago allergist and immunologist Doctor Juanita Mora.
 
 HOST: LARA

Another Chicago Democratic National Convention is in the bag.
 
 Delegates, journalists, and demonstrators from around the world are heading back home as the city’s officials are celebrating their handling of the major event.
 
 WBEZ’s Mariah Woelfel joins me now to take a look at how the city did with it all.
 
 HOST: LABUZ

Chicago played host to the Democratic National Convention this week. It had been nearly 30 years since the DNC last came to town. 
 
 It was a week full of speeches, street protests and some emotional moments. In the end Kamala Harris and Tim Waltz accepted their party’s nomination. 
 
 Many of the sounds in Chicago this week were unforgettable. Let's take a moment to listen back to the Chicago DNC …. REPORTER: Araceli Gomez
 HOST: GOMEZ-ALDANA

Today is the first day of a new Chicago Public School year — and it promises to be a doozy.
 
 After a period of relative calm, CPS faces some rough waters ahead. 
 
 There are potential leadership changes, labor tension and financial troubles. 
 
 But there’s also plenty to look forward to.
 
 I spoke with WBEZ education reporter Sarah Karp about what parents and kids can expect when they roll up to their schools this morning. 
 HOST: DIXON

The Democratic National Convention brought more than just politicians and party bigwigs into town this week. 
 
 The event and all those afterparties also brought big name musicians, who took over stages all across Chicago. 
 
 WBEZ’s Mike Davis has more on the musical soundtrack that was DNC week.
 
 HOST: LABUZ

Well some Illinois politicians are already looking to the NEXT DNC.
 
 They say Chicago should do it all over again in four years — and host the next Democratic convention in 2028.
 
 WBEZ’s Tessa Weinberg caught up with Illinois delegates and Chicago City Council members to see if the city is up for it.
 HOST: LABUZ

This week of the Democratic National Convention was also a week of protests and demonstrations.
 
 Mostly focused on the ongoing war in Gaza.
 
 Protesters came from around the country – and from all around Chicago - to join in the marches.
 
 As WBEZ’s Michael Puente reports, demonstrators say the trip was well worth it, and the protests were a success.
 HOST: LANE

He’s a Republican without a party.
 
 And, as WBEZ’s Dave McKinney reports from the United Center, former Illinois Congressman Adam Kinzinger got a primetime role at the Democratic National Convention, and Illinois Democrats were quite happy about it.
 HOST: DIXON

Chicagoans gathered at watch parties across the city last night as Vice President Kamala Harris accepted the Democratic party’s nomination for president.
 
 Our reporters dropped by two of them … including one hosted by members of a local chapter of Harris’ sorority.
 
 We start with Alex Degman, who joined a few thousand people for a viewing party at Soldier Field.
 HOST: DIXON

There are growing calls to allow a pro-Palestinian voice on the DNC stage at the United Center tonight (THURS).
 
 Some of those calls are now coming from high-ranking Illinois delegates and public officials - including Chicago’s mayor.
 
 WBEZ’s Tessa Weinberg has more as we head into the last evening of the DNC. 
 WBEZ’s Mariah Woelfel contributed to this report. HOST: LARA

The final day of the Democratic National Convention has arrived, and the political focus now moves toward what’s next. 
 
 With 10 weeks left before the November elections, Illinois Democrats are saying it’s time to get down to the grassroots. 
 
 WBEZ’s Mawa Iqbal has more.
 HOST: LARA

A jubilant crowd of Illinois delegates hugged, snatched up DNC swag and navigated a sea of fallen balloons after a rousing speech from Kamala Harris last night.
 
 WBEZ’s Mariah Woelfel was there and spoke to Illinois Democrats about their takeaways. 
 HOST: DIXON

Much has been made of the prospect of Vice President Kamala Harris becoming the first Black and South Asian woman to hold the office of President of the United States. 
 
 Harris’ rise to presidential nominee is the latest chapter in the long history of Black women’s participation in American politics. 
 
 Professor Sally Nuamah teaches political science at Northwestern University. 
 
 Her current research focuses on the civic engagement of Black women in the political process. 
 Reporter: Cianna Greaves
 HOST: DIXON

The Democratic National Convention is more than halfway done. 
 
 And long nights of lavish after-parties, coupled with 8 A-M rallies over breakfast every morning, has Illinois delegates bleary-eyed.
 
 But the speakers at today’s [WED] morning event brought the energy – and the saltiness.
 
 WBEZ’s Mawa was there. 
 HOST: LARA

Kendrick Lamar’s hit single “Not Like Us” is a diss toward fellow rap star Drake and his inner circle.
 
 But one Illinois politician is taking the song to a whole new civic level — using the phrase to try to highlight the contrast between Democrats and Republicans this election. 
 
 WBEZ’s Mariah Woelfel reports the state’s attorney general – Kwame Raoul – is making a habit of churning political metaphors out of Lamar’s lyrics. 
 HOST: LARA

The Democratic National Convention has been a boon for T-shirt makers. 
 
 Sellers have traveled to Chicago from across the country to sell their unofficial merch. Shirts featuring Vice President Kamala Harris’ face, along with funny quips and slogans are suddenly a common sight on Chicago’s streets.
 
 WBEZ’s Courtney Kueppers talked to some sellers this week about what makes for a good shirt. HOST: DIXON

Organized labor is taking center stage at this year’s Democratic National Convention. 
 
 National leaders from large unions last night [MON] rallied for protecting workers’ rights and bringing manufacturing jobs back to the U-S. 
 
 And, it’s been a topic of discussion for many Illinois delegates and elected officials, who are looking to use unions as a way to attract swing voters in surrounding states. 
 
 WBEZ’s Mawa Iqbal joins me now from the United Center to talk through what the labor movement means for this DNC. 
 HOST: LARA

Now indulge us, will you, as we turn to fashion at the DNC.
 
 While some are making headlines for their designer suits and dresses — one Illinois politician says conventions are no place for satin or chiffon. 
 
 Instead — Comptroller Susana Mendoza is making a splash with her casual, Chicago pride t-shirts, straight from a souvenir shop on Michigan Avenue. 
 
 She gave WBEZ’s Mariah Woelfel a tour of her closet.
 HOST: DIXON

Political theater is on display at the United Center. 
 
 
 And several shows about politics are playing at local theaters. A coincidence? Maybe not. WBEZ theater reporter Mike Davis joined Morning Edition host Mary Dixon to sort through the drama.

Illinois’ governor delivered a primetime address at last night’s (TUES) Democratic National Convention at the United Center.
 
 JB Pritzker’s speech painted Illinois’ values in contrast to Donald Trump.
 
 He worked in plenty of jabs against the Republican nominee. 
 
 Even as Pritzker was on the offense, he says it’s kindness that Democrats lift up.
 
 WBEZ’s Tessa Weinberg and Mawa Iqbal have more from the United Center arena.
 
 Tessa Weinberg starts us off.
 HOST: DIXON

Planned Parenthood Great Rivers from downstate Illinois offered something unique this week during the Democratic National Convention: free vasectomies and medication abortion … from a parking lot.
 
 Illinois has become a destination for abortions. Access has vanished across much of the South and Midwest.
 
 WBEZ’s Kristen Schorsch was there in the West Loop. 
 HOST: LARA

For two years, the city of Chicago has operated nearly 30 shelters for thousands of migrants.
 
 Most of these shelters are run by A private company that has faced strong criticism for its management style. Plus, critics also say the shelters don’t offer enough long-term support for families.
 
 So, one local humanitarian organization has stepped in to run its own shelter.
 
 WBEZ’s Adriana Cardona Maguigad takes us there. HOST: LARA

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson used his roughly 4 minutes of spotlight at the Democratic National Convention yesterday to highlight the lineage of Black leadership in Chicago.
 
 As is customary, the host city’s mayor gave a welcome speech at the event attended by tens of thousands of delegates and politicians from across the country.
 
 WBEZ’s Mariah Woelfel was there. HOST: DIXON

It’s Day One of the Democratic National Convention and Illinois delegates kicked off the festivities with….
 
 fiery speeches, surprise guests and some cat puns.
 
 Each morning Illinois Democrats are gathering in downtown Chicago to rally before each day’s events.
 
 WBEZ’s Alex Degman and Tessa Weinberg have more from the first breakfast of the week.
 
 Alex starts things off.
 HOST: LARA

Meanwhile there was more out of this morning’s (MON) breakfast event from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, who’s giving hints about his own political plans – and whether he should run for a third term.
 
 WBEZ’s Dave McKinney reports.
 HOST: LARA

Some Chicago residents have created an online ad campaign that pushes back against anti-immigrant narratives in the city.
 
 They timed it to coincide with this week’s Democratic National Convention.
 
 WBEZ’s Adriana Cardona Maguigad has more. 
 HOST: DIXON