WBEZ News

Deanna Othman tells us how this Ramadan is different from years past but also a blessing; a chance to focus on the true meaning of this holy month. Host: Melba Lara Producer: Isabel Carter, Joe DeCeault

Fewer people are coming to the ER for heart attacks and strokes. Data shows they may be adding to the pandemic’s climbing death toll. Host: Melba Lara, Lisa Labuz Reporter: Kristen Schorsch

Two graduates concentrating in comedy writing at DePaul are looking to make their classmates laugh during their virtual graduation speech. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Kate McGee

Adam Hollingsworth, a 33-year-old father of four, just wants to bring a little happiness to people during the pandemic, one ride at a time. Host: Melba Lara Reporter: María Inés Zamudio

As the pandemic drags on, Illinois’ governor is taking a harder line against businesses who violate his stay-at-home order. Host: Melba Lara Reporter: Tony Arnold

The COVID-19 shutdown has led to budget cuts, threatens struggling universities and could exacerbate inequities at community colleges. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Kate McGee

Parents fear exposing their kids to COVID-19 or new mysterious illness. But not getting vaccinations on time is a bigger risk to kids’ health, doctors say. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Mariah Woelfel

As meat processing plants are required to stay open during the pandemic under an executive order by the Trump administration, some workers feel that their health is not a priority. Host: Melba Lara Reporter: Michael Puente

The coronavirus pandemic forced the Chicago Police Department to close its academy in March. It put a hold on trainings that are central to the department’s aspirations for reform. Host: Melba Lara Reporter: Patrick Smith

Researchers are sounding the alarm that the extended coronavirus school shutdown could devastate some students academically. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Sarah Karp

An outlier even in the Illinois GOP, this farmer and state legislator opposes government control but welcomes federal farm subsidies. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Dan Mihalopoulos

Martin G. Johnson is filming and live streaming whether people in the community are adhering to social distancing rules. Host: Melba Lara Producer: Chip Mitchell, Alexandra Salomon, Joe DeCeault

As healthcare workers continue to fight against all odds during the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health professionals are asking: how can doctors and nurses protect themselves? Host: Melba Lara Reporter: Mariah Woelfel

Patricia Rodriguez started feeling sick in mid-March just before the Illinois primary. She shares what it’s like to recover from COVID-19 by yourself. Host: Annie Russell Reporter: Kate McGee

The city will measure COVID-19 testing capacity, hospital bed availability and infection rates to decide when to fully reopen. Host: Greta Johnsen Reporter: Becky Vevea

Some camps have already canceled due to the COVID-19 outbreak, and others are rethinking their programs to ensure camper safety. Host: Greta Johnsen Reporter: Susie An

As WBEZ gathers personal dispatches from folks enduring the coronavirus pandemic, Tamara Frankel explains what it’s like to be an expectant mom right now. Host: Greta Johnsen Producer: Candace Mittel Kahn, Joe DeCeault

WBEZ is sharing stories from Chicago area teachers, parents and students. Today we hear a story from Eileen Limon, a high school valedictorian from Chicago’s Southwest Side. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Adriana Cardona-Maguigad

After Lightfoot homed in on the West Side, one teen said “black and brown youth aren’t going to listen … if she is only coming after them.” Host: Greta Johnsen Reporter: Adriana Cardona Maguigad

Could months without physical contact harm parents’ chances of reuniting with their children? Host: Greta Johnsen Reporter: Natalie Moore

In Cook County, the ZIP codes most impacted by the coronavirus are not among those receiving the highest rates of testing, a WBEZ analysis shows. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Maria Ines Zamudio

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker says he will take a more regionalized approach to opening the state’s economy. He unveiled a plan Tuesday that divides the state into four regions. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Tony Arnold

Some bartenders and customers talk about missing the community they’ve created at their neighborhood bars. Host: Melba Lara Reporter: Carrie Shepherd

Doctors warn that introducing new people to your household is risky, but it could be doable with strict rules. Host: Susie An Reporter: Monica Eng

Chicago adopts a tougher approach that’s sparking a debate about whether now is the time to worry if students are on track academically. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Susie An

Safia Rasheed runs 'Your Bountiful Harvest' on Chicago’s South Side. She shares what its been like trying to sustain community supported agriculture during the coronavirus pandemic. Host: Melba Lara Producer: Joe DeCeault

An easing of COVID-19 restrictions allowed garden centers and nurseries to reopen, just in time for warm weather and pent-up demand. Host: Melba Lara Reporter: Linda Lutton

Remote learning has been a struggle for Illinois due to COVID-19. In Chicago Public Schools, students who don’t speak English at home are among those who struggle most. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Adriana Cardona Maguigad

Governor J.B. Pritzker’s first stay at home order was expiring, and he put out a new one Friday. With the beautiful weekend Chicago’s City Hall was set on breaking up big parties. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Dan Mihalopoulos

A sixth generation farmer reflects on what it’s like to farm during the COVID-19 epidemic, amidst all the economic uncertainty right now.
 
 Host: Melba Lara
 Producer: Joe DeCeault
 Speaker: Kate Huffman

A few months ago, Monica Cortes tracked down Tita Mely, a woman who babysat for her in the 1980s. The sitter, who impacted her life in a big way, died earlier this week. Host: Melba Lara Producer: Bill Healy

Six weeks after schools shut down due to the coronavirus, Chicago Public Schools is finally telling students exactly how they will be graded during remote learning. Host: Melba Lara Reporter: Sarah Karp

DePaul University educators are creating protective face shields for health care workers, and we visit a meeting place for teens in about 25 cities across the U.S. and six countries. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Kate McGee, Adriana Cardona Maguigad

During this COVID-19 crisis, information is crucial for residents. But for many in the Chicago area and Illinois, language is a barrier to staying in the know. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Esther Yoon-Ji Kang

A WBEZ reporter tries to get answers by taking an antibody test, but it just leads to more questions.
 
 Host: Mary Dixon
 Reporter: Kate McGee

Workers and landlords now six weeks into Illinois’ stay at home order are facing a second month of rent due tomorrow, with even less money in the bank. Host: Melba Lara Reporter: Patrick Smith

The dramatic reduction of arrests in Chicago is by design - an effort to keep residents and police safe to prevent them from spreading the coronavirus. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Patrick Smith

As many college students in the Chicago area finish up the spring semester from home due to the COVID-19 shutdown, there’s a big question looming: What’s going to happen in the fall? Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Kate McGee

Funeral home employees are on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic. And the crisis is creating obstacles and mounting pressures for these essential workers. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Natalie Moore

Jennaire Lewars is spending his last year of medical school volunteering on Chicago’s South Side. This healthcare worker shares what it's like to be sent to the frontlines earlier than he could have imagined. Host: Mary Dixon Producer: Mariah Woelfel

A union contract for thousands of Illinois nursing home workers is about to expire. Talks to replace that contract have been taking place as COVID-19 deaths tied to nursing homes have been surging. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Chip Mitchell

Home visiting programs can help pregnant women and new moms support their babies, but COVID-19 has forced doulas to shift their approach. Host: Melba Lara Reporter: Susie An

Having trouble sleeping? You may not be alone. Here’s how to get a good night’s sleep, even during a pandemic Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Araceli Gómez-Aldana

Everything you need to know about the pandemic over the weekend. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Dan Mihalopoulos

Some parents and leaders at Chicago charter schools are scraping together money to buy devices and starting GoFundMe campaigns. Host: Melba Lara Reporter: Adriana Cardona Maguigad

With in person classes canceled, teachers are getting creative in finding ways to teach a range of subjects online, including gym, dance and even architecture. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Adriana Cardona Maguigad, Susie An

Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker is ordering residents to continue to stay-at-home through May 30th. Though he is adding a few restrictions while loosening some others starting May 1st. Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Tony Arnold

Divorce and co-parenting is stressful in any environment but what does it look like during a pandemic? Host: Mary Dixon Reporter: Carrie Shepherd

Chicago aldermen continue to push back on Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s request for emergency spending powers during the coronavirus pandemic. Host: Melba Lara Reporter: Becky Vevea

Nurse Margaret Hefferon switched from her job in orthopedic surgery to work in an intensive care unit at Northwestern Hospital. The ICU treats the most severe COVID-19 cases. Host: Mary Dixon Producer: Mariah Woelfel