WBEZ News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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