How a tiny bee became a big problem for an Amazon-fueled expansion in Illinois

The Chicago Rockford International Airport wants to grow. Standing in its way is an odd slice of remnant prairie, home to the rusty patched bumblebee.

Manuel Martinez / WBEZ, file photo

Lightfoot called out Chicago media’s lack of diversity. A year later, journalists of color say access to her hasn’t improved.

In a surprise move, Lightfoot granted interviews only to reporters of color for a single day in 2021. But several local journalists say access to the mayor ended just as abruptly.

Courtney Kueppers / WBEZ

For Chicagoans looking to shop more sustainably, the options are growing

Zero-waste stores have started popping up around Chicago over the last two years. For residents looking to reduce their carbon footprint, it's about time.

Courtesy Access Living

In the 1980s, activists in Chicago fought to make public transportation more accessible

The battle in Chicago helped give momentum to a nationwide fight for legislation to protect people with disabilities.

Laura Vergara

Motive: No Justice in Politics

A man goes into prison with a 7 year sentence. But ends up getting 97 more years. How does that happen? And what do small town politics have to do with it?

Adrian Dunn’s Emancipation

On April 29, the world premiere of Adrian Dunn’s Emancipation comes to the Harris stage. Performed by The Adrian Dunn Singers and Rize Orchestra, Emancipation is the second installment in a trilogy of works by Dunn exploring Black life in America.

The Adrian Dunn Singers return on April 30 for a family matinee. Reserve your tickets today – buy now.

UPCOMING EVENTS

WBEZ

WBEZ Presents: Legally Stolen Live

Date: Thursday, April 28
Price: $20
Location: Kennedy King College

Legally Stolen Live is a podcast event hosted by Tiff Beatty of the National Public Housing Museum and Social Justice Artist Tonika Lewis Johnson as part of her project, Inequity for Sale. Featured guests will discuss reparations and redress for legalized theft from Black people and communities impacted by predatory real estate practices and art as a catalyst for change.

WBEZ

Mortified Live

Date: Saturday, May 28
Price: $30
Location: Thalia Hall

Join us for a night of humorous storytelling from everyday people in Chicago. We’ve all experienced some kind of embarrassment in our lifetime. Come out and commiserate over some cold beverages at the historic Thalia Hall. Witness “personal redemption through public humiliation” in a refreshing show that is equal parts comedic, cathartic and voyeuristic.

WBEZ

WBEZ Presents: Through the Lens

Date: Tuesday, May 31
Price: $15
Location: Columbia College Student Center

NEW DATE. Join us for an evening with WBEZ staff photographer, Manuel Martinez, and media archivist, Justine Tobiasz, as we recount some of the most powerful images of the past couple of years. Attendees will get a chance to hear a breakdown of the photojournalism process and be able to ask questions. This event is for photography students, artists, photo hobbyists, journalists and WBEZ/NPR members and listeners.