Is it time for Guaranteed Basic Income in Chicago?
Mayor Lightfoot’s 2022 budget includes $31.5 million for a one-year cash assistance pilot. If approved next week, the city’s program would be the largest of its kind in the country.
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What it’s like to be on the front lines of the school board culture war
Karen Watkins ran for her local school board because she wanted to be involved in her children’s education. Since her election in 2020, she’s been yelled at, threatened and followed to her car.
Civil rights groups warn that a proposed Biden drug policy could widen racial disparities
A coalition of civil rights and criminal justice reform groups said a White House proposal for restricting synthetic drugs related to fentanyl will not curb the overdose epidemic.
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- TRACKING THE VIRUS
COVID-19 in Chicago and Illinois
WBEZ’s news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic focuses on equity, the vaccine rollout in Chicago and the state, and the impact on our daily lives.
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Tracking COVID-19 in schools: Your guide to the official data for Chicago and Illinois
WBEZ looked closely at the city and state dashboards monitoring cases and outbreaks. We explain what’s in them and what’s missing.
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The dreaded commute to work is even worse for Chicagoans of color
About 9% of white respondents said traveling to work was a challenge, compared to 18% among residents of color, according to the report.
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Chicago awards grants to spur development near transit in disinvested neighborhoods
The city selected 11 projects that range from a healthy corner store to senior housing to a food hall and walk-up ice cream window.
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Pfizer says its COVID-19 vaccine is more than 90% effective in kids
The shots for 5- to 11-year-olds could begin in early November — with some children fully protected by Christmas — if regulators give the go-ahead.
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Here’s what we know is in the scaled back Biden budget bill and what got cut
Arizona Sen. Sinema’s opposition to increasing taxes on corporations forced Democrats to rework how they pay for their spending bill.
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Pediatricians say the mental health crisis among kids has become a national emergency
Three leading pediatric health organizations are sounding the alarm about “soaring rates” of depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts among children and adolescents.
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Independent Black cinema got its start on Chicago’s South Side
William Foster was the first Black director to make a film with an all-Black cast. But most people have never heard of him. This is his story.
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Illinois Democrats face criticism, not just from the GOP, on the new district maps
The Democrats’ new map is intended to elect 14 Democrats and three Republicans. The Princeton Gerrymandering Project gave it an “F.”
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As Rahm Emanuel looks to become ambassador to Japan, his handling of Laquan McDonald’s death looms
Liberal lawmakers and activists say the former Chicago mayor’s handling of McDonald’s death should have disqualified him for consideration.
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Student loan forgiveness is a lot closer for some borrowers, and they are pumped
Thousands of teachers, nurses and other public servants are learning they could have some of their federal student loan debts erased months — and even years — earlier than expected.
Chicago celebrates the Sky’s first WNBA championship title
With celebrities and public officials in tow, celebrations kicked off Tuesday with a parade at Wintrust Arena and ended with a rally at Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park.
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How the toy shortage could affect your holidays
Shipping bottlenecks could make purchasing longed-for toys difficult this year, prompting parents to check out alternatives to the hottest toys.
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Most Chicago workers reported their vaccination status — but police and fire staff are lagging
The deadline for city workers to upload their vaccination status was Oct. 15, and those who won’t comply are being sent home.
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Chicago Ald. Jim Gardiner loses Democratic committee posts for ‘rude and vulgar’ behavior
The alderman has been accused of retaliating against constituents who opposed him and using demeaning and sexist language against colleagues.
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Chicago watchdog submits report on the city’s handling of the botched police raid of Anjanette Young’s home
The inspector general’s office says its investigation into the raid’s aftermath is complete, but may not be publicly released for months.
Teachers report a spike in acting out as students adjust to in-person class
Schools are seeing vandalized bathrooms, shoving and shouting while teachers say they lack enough support to help students.
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Georgia murder trial in killing of Ahmaud Arbery seen as test case for racial justice
Ahmaud Arbery was shot and killed as he jogged through a neighborhood near Brunswick, Ga. in 2020. On Monday, the murder trial is set to begin for the three men accused of killing him.
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What’s That Building? The Tenth Church of Christ, Scientist
A former church in Hyde Park commands attention. But despite its outward beauty, owners have struggled to redevelop the building.
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La Niña is coming. Here’s what that means for winter weather in the U.S.
For the second winter in a row, La Niña may bring drier, warmer weather to the southern U.S. and colder, wetter weather to the northern U.S.
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Chicago Police are investigating alleged sexual misconduct by at least two ex-lifeguards
Police interviewed a “person of interest” this week following accusations of sexual misconduct by an older employee against an underage lifeguard at Humboldt Park.
