WBEZ News

But researchers stress the drop could actually benefit the district’s remaining students by allowing CPS to spend more per student. Host: Lisa Labuz; Reporter: Sarah Karp

This summer, more kids were able to stay in early intervention programs and get ready for school. Thanks to a new state law, kids who turn 3 over the summer don’t need to be cut from an important early intervention program. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Susie An

A federal judge is holding the Illinois Department of Corrections in contempt for its failures to provide healthcare for incarcerated people. Alan Mills, an attorney involved in the lawsuit, explains the significance of the contempt order. Host: Melba Lara; Producer: Rob Wildeboer

You may have heard about the Great Resignation sweeping across the country right now as people reprioritize their lives following the COVID-19 pandemic. Well, the Chicago City Council isn’t immune to the trend. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Mariah Woelfel

Historian Shermann “Dilla” Thomas examines the late “Star Trek” actress' local roots. Host: Mary Dixon; Producer: Cianna Greaves

A group of teenage interns spent this summer learning about climate change and its sociological impact, as part of the Nature Conservancy’s Youth Environmental Thinkers program. Host: Melba Lara; Producer: Lauren Frost

There was still a crowd at Market Days despite rising monkeypox cases that are mainly affecting the queer community. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Sonal Sani

Experts say it’s important to be intentional in how we communicate about monkeypox, to avoid stigmatizing. Host: Melba Lara; Guest: Dr. Anu Hazra

According to organizers, Avondale residents say affordable housing is their top priority for the vacant, triangular-shaped lot. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Natalie Moore

Research shows that the number of ‘pharmacy deserts’ on Chicago’s South and West sides has increased in recent years. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Esther Yoon-Ji Kang

GOP heavyweights haven’t backed Bailey’s campaign directly since he won the nomination, and even his supporters worry about how he’ll secure statewide support. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Dave McKinney

Illinois has managed to stay ahead of a national teacher shortage, but a closer look as schools restart reveals a lot of churn and burnout. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Susie An

Different parts of the country have been experiencing fires, floods, and extreme heat. We find out how they’re all connected, in our weekly climate conversation. Host: Melba Lara; Guest: Dr. Scott Collis

We continue our conversations with about violence and possible solutions with residents of Police Beat 1112 on Chicago's west side. Host: Lisa Labuz; Reporter: Chip Mitchell

The Republican-controlled Senate approved its bill with three restrictions over the weekend, but just barely. As it moves to the more conservative Indiana House this week – it’s uncertain whether those restrictions will survive. Host: Lisa Labuz; Reporter: Michael Puente

Abortion providers from Wisconsin are making two-hour treks each way, hoping to help provide access in Illinois to patients from their home state. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Kristen Schorsch

According to data analysis by a climate science communication group called Climate Central, summer nights are warming faster than days in the United States. Dr. Andrew Pershing, Director of Climate Science there, helps us take a look at how hot it’s getting close to home. Host: Melba Lara; Producer: Lauren Frost

Historically Black colleges are a tradition in many families, but after the racial reckoning of 2020 more students are applying to these schools. Host: Claire Lane; Reporter: Anna Savchenko

Reporters talk to residents of a west side neighborhood about the city's violence and possible solutions. Host: Claire Lane; Reporter: Chip Mitchell

The ordinance aims to draw investment near transit on Chicago’s South and West sides and stave off gentrification on the North Side. Host: Melba Lara, Araceli Gómez-Aldana; Reporter: Natalie Moore

Chance the Rapper stopped by the Vocalo studios on June 30 to chat with on-air hosts Bekoe, Ayana Contreras and Nudia Hernandez. He lays out his reasons for purchasing The Chicagoist news website, possible future plans for it and discusses his civic education endeavors.

For generations, hip-hop music has been blamed for violence and other social ills. Rapper and scholar A.D. Carson give us a brief history of the scapegoating of rap music. Host: Mary Dixon, Bekoe; Producer: Cianna Greaves

A Chicago bakery had to throw away more than 2,000 croissants because an unusual dry season had changed the flour the bakery was using. Aimee Levitt reported on this incident for Eater Chicago, and about how climate change is making its way into bakeries. Host: Melba Lara; Producer: Lauren Frost

Johnny Pippins has already completed a master’s degree while in prison for murder. Now he’s seeking clemency so he can continue his education. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Charlotte West

The Illinois governor said he wouldn’t oppose President Joe Biden, and he lacks the name recognition of other potential candidates. But he’s hitting the national circuits. Host: Araceli Gomez-Aldana; Reporter: Dave McKinney

The $2 million paid out in June is the first down payment on a pledge to spend $250 million in federal funds on violence prevention. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Patrick Smith

Survivors and family members have a long recovery ahead following the shooting in Highland Park. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Susie An

The findings from the Webb telescope will help researchers understand the far-flung galaxies of our universe. Host: Lisa Labuz

The arrest brings relief to a family that couldn’t understand why police didn’t make an arrest quickly when the evidence was handed to them. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Patrick Smith

The future of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program is once again being litigated in court. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: María Inés Zamudio

Historian and WBEZ contributor Shermann 'Dilla' Thomas discusses the history of Chicago hosting political conventions. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Cianna Greaves

Several parts of Illinois, including Will and Kankakee counties, are experiencing moderate drought right now. Host: Melba Lara; Guest: Dr. Trent Ford

As the city of Chicago continues to suffer from gun violence, we hear from a survivor of gun violence. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Patrick Smith

WBEZ is exploring the challenging questions young children ask. Today, a six-year-old wants to know how it all began. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Susie An

A ProPublica investigation estimates how much money Illinois’ ultra-wealthy residents saved when a proposed graduated state income tax failed. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Mick Dumke

Has a free college education changed how students think about next steps? For some students, the answer is yes. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Sarah Karp

The high school in Highland Park is now serving a bleak new purpose: it is a resource center for those traumatized by the mass shooting that shook the town on Monday. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Mariah Woelfel

A library in neighboring Highwood is offering bilingual services to people impacted by the Highland Park shooting. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Susie An

Authorities say Robert Crimo III was responsible for killing seven people and wounding dozens more with a high-powered rifle. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Patrick Smith

The victims of the Highland Park mass shooting range in age from 35 to 88 years old. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Susie An

The latest update out of Highland Park, where a mass shooting Monday has left seven people dead and dozens injured. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Patrick Smith

We hear the latest update out of Highland Park, where a mass shooting Monday has left seven people dead and dozens injured. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Patrick Smith

Multiple people were killed and many others wounded when a gunman started shooting 10 minutes after the Highland Park Fourth of July parade kicked off Monday morning, authorities said. Host: Lisa Labuz; Reporter: Sarah Karp

Six people are confirmed dead and more than two dozen people have been taken to the hospital with injuries after today’s mass shooting at the 4th of July Parade in Highland Park. Host: Clare Lane; Reporter: Sarah Karp

This week, Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker signed new legislation protecting against hair-based discrimination. Host: Clare Lane; Guest: Senator Mike Simmons

Indiana is in line to impose bans on abortion. Democrats are vastly outnumbered so they are calling on Hoosiers – red or blue – to fight back. Reporter: Michael Puente

A WBEZ investigation finds one of the school district’s most high profile charter schools is in serious financial trouble. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Sarah Karp

Illinois’ Congressional races could take center stage this fall. Chicago Sun-Times Washington bureau Chief Lynn Sweet breaks it down for us. Host: Melba Lara

Darren Bailey wins the Republican nomination for governor, plus results in the race for Secretary of State and Attorney General. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Dave McKinney

Congresswoman Mary Miller handily defeats fellow incumbent Rodney Davis in downstate Illinois’ 15th congressional district. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Alex Degman