WBEZ News

With the Democratic National Convention coming to town, we are highlighting some of what makes our city so special.
 
 Chef Diana Davilia opened her Logan Square restaurant, Mi Tocaya which means, my namesake … back in 2017.
 
 Davila’s cooking has earned nominations from the James Beard Foundation and Mi Tocaya was on the New York Times’s “best restaurant list” in 2021. 
 
 But for the chef, everything comes back to the neighborhood where she lives, works and is raising her family. 
 
 So she met up with WBEZ’s Courtney Kueppers in Logan Square and they walked to the Illinois Centennial Monument, marked by a stone eagle perched about 70 feet above the neighborhood. 
 HOST: GOMEZ-ALDANA

The Democratic National Convention has been years in the making — and it begins today.
 
 Roughly 50,000 political insiders are HERE in Chicago for panels, forums and, come Thursday, the nomination acceptance speech from Vice President Kamala Harris. 
 
 So what does it look and sound like around the convention center’s core as the festivities ramp up? 
 
 WBEZ’s Mariah Woelfel and Mawa Iqbal surveyed the scene and bring us this dispatch - Mawa starts us off at the hotel where delegates were checking in. 
 HOST: DIXON

The Democratic National Convention begins tomorrow right here in Chicago.
 
 This is the first time the DNC is being held in the city since 19-96, making this a new experience for many Chicago residents.
 
 WBEZ’s Alex Degman covered the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last month and will be at the United Center this week.
 
 HOST: PUENTE

The Democratic National Convention kicks off in Chicago in three just a few days.
 
 Local and federal officials say they’ve been preparing for a year to keep the city safe during the event.
 
 Demonstrators have been preparing for months, too.
 
 They say they’re committed to keeping each other safe – and to making sure their message is heard.
 
 WBEZ’s Michael Puente reports. HOST: DIXON

Next up in our “This Is Chicago” series, alderperson Nick Sposato meets us at an Italian beef spot. He says Chicagoans demonstrate their generosity through food. Reporter: Dan Mihalopoulos,
 HOST: DIXON

Doctor, comic book artist, and drummer Alex Thomas met up with WBEZ’s Lisa Kurian Philip at Fort Knox studios in Albany Park.
 HOST: DIXON

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office is laying the groundwork to push out Pedro Martinez, the head of the city public school system. 
 
 That’s what sources are telling WBEZ and the Chicago Sun Times. 
 
 Our education reporter Sarah Karp and political reporter Mariah Woelfel have the scoop. They’re here to tell us what is going on. 
 HOST: LARA

Ahead of next week’s Democratic National Convention, the Chicago Police Department says it’s ready for street protests.
 
 The department says it won’t be caught off guard, like during 20-20 unrest after George Floyd’s murder.
 
 To see if police are succeeding, WBEZ’s Chip Mitchell says to keep an eye on four things.
 HOST: DIXON

During the contentious 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, thousands of young people gathered to protest.
 
 Many were also there to document the events with cameras. Today, their footage allows a window into what that week was like on the ground. 
 
 As Chicago prepares to again host the DNC, WBEZ’s Courtney Kueppers took a look back at key moments from ‘68 with some people who were there. 
 HOST: LARA

Next week’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago will be a glitzy, four-day affair that will generate news stories and headlines around the world.
 
 But the event can be expensive for newsrooms to cover.
 
 It can cost media outlets hundreds or thousands of dollars to reserve a table, chair, and internet near the United Center.
 
 For some smaller, hyperlocal outlets in Chicago – that’s out of their price range.
 
 And they worry it means their readers could miss out, too.
 
 WBEZ’s Tessa Weinberg has more.
 HOST: DIXON

Next up in our “This Is Chicago” series, Adeeb Borden traces his steps back to the Gary Comer Youth Center, where he started his journey as a teenage entrepreneur. Reporter: Anna Savchenko; HOST: DIXON

You’ve probably heard about young people who feel disaffected or disconnected from politics. 
 
 But when the Democratic National Convention comes to Chicago next week a lot of local Gen Zers are going to be involved in one way or another.
 
 WBEZ’s higher education reporter Lisa Kurian Philip talked with a trio of them about their very different roles at the convention. All three want to empower other young people to get engaged.
 
 HOST: LARA

With the Democratic National Convention coming to town, we’re talking with Chicagoans about what they love about the city, and its people. First up in our ‘This is Chicago’ series. Writer Jonathan Eig tells us what Chicago means to him. Reporter: Anna Savchenko, HOST: DIXON

Television writer Eli Bauman spent the summer of 2008 canvassing door to door in Nevada to campaign for Barack Obama. 
 
 In 2016, he used that experience as inspiration for his first musical — 44: The Obama Musical.
 
 The show makes its Midwest premiere in Chicago this weekend and tells the story of Obama’s presidency.
 
 WBEZ’s Mike Davis spoke with Bauman at Epiphany Center for the Arts where the cast was rehearsing the show.
 HOST: LARA

Garbage is piling up in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood. 
 
 In the alleys… In the streets ... The litter is becoming unsustainable. 
 
 In fact, it has racked up more sanitation code violations than any other south side community.
 
 One block club is trying to clean up on its own because it’s running into obstacles with getting help from the city. 
 
 WBEZ’s Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco has the story.
 HOST: DIXON

The Chicago White Sox shocked no one earlier today (THURS) when they fired manager Pedro Grifol after less than two seasons in the position.
 
 He finishes his tenure with the worst win percentage for any manager in White Sox history.
 
 The team also announced that three assistants are getting canned, too.
 
 WBEZ sports contributor Cheryl Raye-Stout joins me now to discuss what’s next for the South Siders.
 HOST: LARA

You’re listening to WBEZ.
 
 The Chicago Bears are an old-school NFL team … but last night, they entered a new era. 
 HOST: LABUZ

It’s been nearly a year since Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson pitched the idea of city-owned grocery stores to address food access issues in South and West Side neighborhoods.
 
 A recent study found the idea “necessary, feasible, and implementable.” 
 
 Morning Edition host Mary Dixon spoke with Ameya Pawar, Senior Advisor at The Economic Security Project, a nonprofit working in partnership with the city to find a pathway to this goal. 
 HOST: LANE

A team of scientists spent the last two weeks launching weather balloons across Chicago. The goal? Figure out how extreme heat varies from neighborhood to neighborhood. 
 
 WBEZ’s Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco has the story.
 
 HOST: LARA

A march near the Democratic National Convention in Chicago will focus on Biden administration support for Israel in Gaza.
 
 Some Democrats are worried the protest could play into Donald Trump’s hands.
 
 WBEZ’s Chip Mitchell reports.
 
 HOST: DIXON

Massey was killed by former Sheriff’s Deputy Sean Grayson in her Springfield home.
 
 Massey’s family believes Grayson never should have been given a badge and a gun by the Sangamon County sheriff - and they say the tragedy exposed holes in current policy.
 
 But as WBEZ’s Mawa Iqbal reports, their push for a new state law is being met with some doubt.
 HOST: DIXON

Chicago is on the cusp of hosting the Democratic National Convention – the super bowl of Democratic politics.
 
 Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is in charge of welcoming all – from delegates to high-profile officials to protesters.
 
 WBEZ’s Tessa Weinberg reports on what this moment means for Chicago’s freshman mayor. HOST: DIXON

The last time Chicago hosted a Democratic National Convention, Dick Durbin found himself in the spotlight as a rising U.S. Senate candidate.
 
 Now, nearly 30 years later, Illinois’ senior senator once again will be a focus at the upcoming Democratic convention as he contemplates his future.
 
 WBEZ’s Dave McKinney has more.

Scholarship programs funded by private donors are sometimes the only ticket to college for low-income and first-generation students. 
 
 But what happens when the donors change their minds?
 
 WBEZ’s Lisa Kurian Philip reports on the abrupt end of a scholarship program that’s left hundreds of Chicago students in the lurch. HOST: LABUZ

People from all over the country travel to Illinois for abortions. 
 
 Access has disappeared across much of the South and Midwest. 
 
 That brings a bigger spotlight on Chicago and potential for tensions to simmer as the 
 city hosts the Democratic National Convention next month.
 
 Abortion providers and advocates are making sure clinics will be safe and that patients can get to their appointments in case traffic is a mess.
 
 WBEZ’s Kristen Schorsch has the story. 
 HOST: DIXON

Former President Donald Trump took a trip to Chicago yesterday for what became a confrontational interview at the annual convention of the National Association of Black Journalists. 
 
 Several NABJ members spoke out against hosting Trump — who’s known for spreading disinformation — and some say the end result proves it wasn’t the right move. 
 
 WBEZ’s Mariah Woelfel was there and brings us this report. 
 HOST: DIXON

The Chicago Police Department has been under scrutiny over the past several years for pulling hundreds of thousands drivers over for low-level traffic violations.
 
 Most were Black and Latino drivers.
 
 A WBEZ analysis finds CPD traffic stop data shows a significant decrease in the volume of stops this year, but questions remain.
 
 Here to dig into the numbers with us is WBEZ data reporter Amy Qin. HOST: DIXON

We’re heading into day 3 of the Olympic Games in Paris, France. 
 
 The games got off to a glorious start with the opening ceremonies on Friday and yesterday (SAT), and the first days of competition. 
 
 Joining us to talk about the games is Stacy St. Clair. 
 
 She’s covering the Olympics for the Chicago Tribune.

As the rate of diabetes rises in Chicago, one neighborhood stands out in particular: Belmont Cragin.
 
 But community health organizations in the Northwest Side neighborhood have a new partner in the battle against the disease – local restaurants.
 
 A new dining effort helps residents make sustainable lifestyle changes to reverse the impact of diabetes ... and it’s caught the attention of one local hospital. 
 
 WBEZ's Adora Namigadde has the dish. Host: Mary Dixon

Chicago is the first American city to stage J.R.R Tolkien’s epic adventure, The Lord of The Rings. But this version, now at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, is a musical. WBEZ’s Mike Davis has more on how the epic story was remade for the stage. The production runs through September 1.

From reminders of the hurdles they’ve had to overcome to confidence in Harris’ ability to lead, these delegates describe what the Vice President’s nomination means to them. WBEZ's Tessa Weinberg reports.
 Host: DIXON

The 2024 Olympics are getting underway today (WED) in Paris.
 
 Several of the athletes representing the U.S. are from right here in Illinois, including Tori Franklin. She is a triple jumper in the track and field event. This is her second Olympic experience.
 
 Franklin sat down with WBEZ’s Noah Jennings to discuss her early days in the Chicago suburbs and her goals in Paris.
 HOST: LARA

The National Weather Service has confirmed the Chicago and Rockford areas saw 27 tornadoes touch down last Monday alone.
 
 That brings the statewide total to over one hundred this year – already surpassing the annual average of 50. 
 
 Here now to discuss the implications of this staggering number is Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford.
 
 HOST: LARA

With President Biden’s decision to end his reelection campaign - Democratic Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s name is being discussed in a new light this morning.
 
 Many Democrats have already thrown their support behind Vice President Kamala Harris to be the party’s nominee.
 
 But Pritzker didn’t mention her in his statement yesterday.
 
 WBEZ State Politics reporter Dave McKinney joined Morning Edition host Mary Dixon to discuss where the Illinois governor fits into all of this.

The Pitchfork Music Festival is kicking off today in Chicago’s Union Park.
 
 One of the many performers at the three-day festival will be musician and former Chicago and National Youth Poet Laureate Kara Jackson. 
 
 Jackson sat down with Vocalo’s Nudia Hernandez to discuss her musical inspirations, and what she expects out of her Pitchfork debut.
 
 
 HOST: LARA

At 10 this morning, Sangamon County officials are supposed to release body camera footage of the night 36-year-old Sonya Massey was killed. 
 
 Sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson shot Massey earlier this month, after she had called 911 to her Springfield home to report a prowler. 
 
 Grayson, who has since been fired, now faces murder charges. 
 
 Meanwhile, Massey’s family and friends mourned the loss and cheered her memory at her funeral on Friday.
 
 WBEZ’s Mawa Iqbal was there. HOST: DIXON

Migrant children in Chicago are adjusting to their new lives. 
 
 Their parents know it’s been a long dangerous journey for them, sometimes crossing a treacherous jungle.
 
 A new soccer program is giving kids a chance to do what most 8 and 10 year olds are doing this summer— playing outside.
 
 WBEZ’s Adriana Cardona Maguigad takes us to a soccer field in the West Loop and has this audio postcard. HOST: LABUZ

The Illinois Republican Party has not held a statewide office since Bruce Rauner was governor.
 
 Just 3 of the state’s 17 U.S Representatives are Republican.
 
 Both U.S. Senators are Democrats.
 
 And Democrats hold supermajorities in Springfield. 
 
 As the Republican National Convention enters the home stretch – Illinois Republicans are taking advice and reflecting on how they can win more elections and gain more influence statewide.
 
 WBEZ’s Alex Degman reports.
 HOST: LABUZ

Republicans in Illinois headed to their party’s national convention with the state party in disarray.
 
 Party infighting prompted their chair to resign.
 
 But now that the delegation is in Milwaukee for the R-N-C – they’re finding something to unify them.
 
 Donald Trump.
 
 From Milwaukee - WBEZ’s Alex Degman reports.
 HOST: LABUZ

Some members of Illinois’ Republican delegation think the assassinaton attempt on former President Donald Trump is galvanizing his base and attracting new voters. Trump delegate Aaron Del Mar (del-MAR) thinks it will bring more Republicans who don’t like Trump into the fold. The Republican National Convention begins today [MON] in Milwaukee. The Illinois delegation will begin the day hearing from U.S. Representatives Mary Miller and Mike Bost at breakfast. 
 HOST: Labuz Reporter: Alex Degman

Calls are growing by the day for President Joe Biden to step aside from the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination.
 
 The scrutiny over Biden’s age comes weeks before the Democratic National Convention takes place in Chicago in August.
 
 But some of Illinois’ youngest delegates are sticking with Biden – while also hoping to push the Democratic Party in new directions.
 
 WBEZ’s Tessa Weinberg has more from three young delegates.
 HOST: LANE

Next month the Democratic National Convention comes to the United Center in Chicago.
 
 Tens of thousands of people … from elected officials to protesters … are expected to pack the arena and surrounding streets.
 
 Nearby hospitals are planning for the worst but hoping for the best. 
 
 WBEZ’s Kristen Schorsch brings us this story. 
 Host: LABUZ

The upcoming Republican and Democratic national conventions will likely confirm what we’ve known for quite some time – that Joe Biden and Donald Trump will battle for the presidency this fall, even as calls grow for President Biden to step aside.
 
 So far, the contest is sewn up.
 
 That was really the case by the time we voted in the Illinois primary in March. 
 
 And that’s probably one of the reasons that just 19-percent of eligible voters even bothered to participate… nearing the lowest in state history. 
 
 Some election watchers and experts say that our primary system is broken. 
 
 They’re calling for primaries that are more open, less partisan and for other changes aimed at getting more people to feel that their vote matters. 
 
 WBEZ contributor David Schaper examines the issue as part of our Democracy Solutions Project. Host: LANE

Three Democratic US Representatives from Illinois are now calling on Joe Biden to end his reelection campaign after a catastrophic debate performance.
 
 Mike Quigley, Eric Sorenson, and Brad Schneider all say the party’s best shot at winning in November is if Biden steps aside.
 
 WBEZ’s Dave McKinney spoke to Schneider about the growing discontent among some Illinois Democrats.
 Host: LABUZ

Nearly 40 million adults across the country have some college credit – but no degree.
 
 A unique program at Northeastern Illinois University helps people cross the finish line by giving them credit for life experience. 
 
 But financial challenges mean the program serves only a handful of students.
 
 WBEZ’s Lisa Kurian Philip reports.
 LABUZ

Breon Arzell has acted in HBO's South Side.
 
 This summer the Chicago actor plays the lead role in the Pulitzer Prize winning play Hot Wing King at Writers Theater. 
 
 The play explores the concepts of masculinity and Black queerness. 
 
 WBEZ theater reporter Mike Davis saw the play and spoke with Arzell. He brings us this audio postcard.
 
 Host: LARA

A cornerstone of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s crime prevention plan is to hire more young people for summer jobs.
 
 He has seen some success.
 
 The summer jobs program has slowly, but steadily, grown under Johnson after seeing a COVID-19 induced dip.
 
 That growth includes 100 new “peacekeeper” positions where kids learn conflict resolution and relationship building.
 
 WBEZ’s Mariah Woelfel has more. 
 LABUZ

Chicago is in the middle of a heated debate about the future of the city’s 11 test-in selective enrollment high schools.
 
 The mayor and the Board of Education say they wanted to prioritize neighborhood schools and move away from the existing system of school choice.
 
 This summer, the board is expected to propose changes to the admissions process for these selective schools.
 
 WBEZ education reporter Sarah Karp has been looking into their admissions practices and digging into their demographic data. Host: Mary Dixon

Illinois Republicans are preparing to head to Milwaukee for next week’s Republican National Convention where they’ll nominate Donald Trump to be the party’s official nominee for president.
 
 The state party now appears to be in lockstep with their presidential pick even though Trump has twice lost Illinois.
 
 And intense in-fighting recently cost the Illinois GOP’s leader his job.
 
 As WBEZ’s Alex Degman reports, the next week will likely feature some tough discussions on where the Illinois Republican Party hopes to go. HOST: LARA

Incoming freshmen are spending the summer thinking about their first day of high school.
 
 In Chicago, it comes after a stressful year as many eighth graders compete to get into the city’s top schools.
 
 The Board of Education this year kicked off a debate about test-in high schools, questioning who gets in and how that reflects on the district. 
 
 A new analysis by WBEZ’s Sarah Karp looks at the roots of the disparities.