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Here are some of the biggest stories WBEZ brought to light in 2024—some of which are big precisely because they’re so small. (Clockwise from top left: Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times, Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times, Manuel Martinez/WBEZ, Will Kleihege for WBEZ; collage by Esther Bergdahl/WBEZ)
No year is ever boring in Chicago, but 2024 was monumental. The Democratic National Convention dominated headlines for months leading up to its August arrival, as did the various protest movements aiming to disrupt the local, national, and international status quo. We witnessed acute events and their aftermath, such as the mass resignation of the Chicago school board in October and the death of unarmed Springfield resident Sonya Massey at the hands of a sheriff’s deputy. Other significant stories simmered in the background, like the rising cost of living forcing difficult decisions on renters and homeowners.
By December, many reflect on the year’s events. Presented chronologically, these are the local news stories that captivated WBEZ’s readership in 2024:
Great Lakes Surfing: A Winter Wonderland (By Zachary Nauth and Will Kleihege)
Winter storms create exhilarating waves on Lake Michigan, attracting a dedicated group of surfers who have braved the frigid waters for nearly 30 years. The cold temperatures even alter the lake’s buoyancy, making it behave more like saltwater.
The Hair Relaxer Controversy: Beauty, Risk, and the Black Female Experience (By Andy Grimm and Natalie Y. Moore)
For decades, chemical hair relaxers have been common among Black women. However, a rise in uterine cancer diagnoses has led many to question the potential link between relaxers and carcinogens. This story explores the science, social trends, and personal experiences behind this issue.
Chicago’s Actors: Surviving and Thriving in a Post-COVID World (By Mike Davis)
The article examines how Chicago actors and theater professionals are navigating the challenges of the post-COVID landscape, balancing gig work with day jobs and the financial strain on their creative pursuits.
Migration and the Journey to a New Life: A Colombian Perspective (By Chip Mitchell)
Reporter Chip Mitchell and Sun-Times photojournalist Anthony Vazquez traveled to Colombia to understand the immense effort and sacrifice involved in migrating to a new country and starting over, highlighting the experiences of individuals who have made this journey.
Free Speech on Campus: The Northwestern University Pro-Palestine Protest (By Lisa Kurian Philip)
Following the October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel, Northwestern University became a site of intense debate. This piece examines the free speech implications of charges brought against four university educators for allegedly obstructing police during a pro-Palestinian protest.
The Deaths of Dexter Reed and Sonya Massey: A Call for Mental Health Support (By Mawa Iqbal)
The deaths of Dexter Reed and Sonya Massey, both Black individuals killed by law enforcement, sparked outrage and calls for increased mental health support in crisis situations, rather than relying solely on armed responses.
The Collapse of the Schuler Scholars Program: Broken Promises and Lost Opportunities (By Lisa Kurian Philip)
The abrupt cancellation of the Schuler Scholars program, which provided crucial financial support to low-income and first-generation students, left many recipients devastated and questioning the responsibilities of those in positions of power.
The 2024 Democratic National Convention: A Surprisingly Smooth Operation (By Robert Loerzel)
Despite President Biden’s announcement that he wouldn’t seek reelection and concerns about echoing the tumultuous 1968 convention, the 2024 DNC in Chicago was largely considered a success.
The CTA Bus Roadeo: A Celebration of Skill and Professionalism (By Andrew Meriwether)
This story explores the annual CTA Bus Roadeo, a competition that celebrates the skills and dedication of CTA employees.
The Mass Resignation of the Chicago Board of Education: A Crisis in Leadership (By Nader Issa and Sarah Karp)
Following months of tension over school funding, the entire Chicago Board of Education resigned, leading to the appointment of replacements and highlighting the challenges facing the city’s public schools.
Humboldt Park’s Tent City: A Portrait of Resilience Amidst Displacement (By Chip Mitchell)
This piece profiles James Rios, a resident of Humboldt Park’s tent city, which was cleared by city officials despite promises of housing for all residents.
Soaring Property Taxes in Chicago’s Suburbs: A Burden on Communities of Color (By Adora Namiggade)
This report examines how rapidly increasing property taxes in Chicago’s south suburbs, without a corresponding rise in property values, disproportionately impact communities of color.
Also Notable: [Brief descriptions of other notable events].
(Esther Bergdahl is a digital producer at WBEZ.)
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