Melba Lara
Host, All Things Considered
Melba has also produced news features for various NPR programs including Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Latino USA and APM’s Marketplace.
Besides her work at WBEZ, Melba was also an award-winning host at Wisconsin Public Radio in Madison, Wisconsin and worked for Michigan Radio as a Morning Edition host. Melba was recognized with a Lisagor award for her reporting on HIV and Youth and is part of the team at WBEZ which won the 2014 Murrow National Award for overall excellence, large market radio.
She is a graduate of the University of Michigan.
Stories by Melba Lara
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The Rundown: What migrants’ grievances tell us about Chicago shelters and staff
Many of Chicago’s new migrants came to the United States seeking refuge. But many are encountering dirty living conditions in shelters and sometimes hostile remarks.
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The Rundown: How a 6-year-old Afghan refugee found her voice
When 6-year-old Mahbuba showed up at a Chicago Public School in 2021, she wasn’t able to communicate. But she’s since been able to discover language and connection.
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Kennedy’s Debate D’oh And Rauner’s Back Porch
Chris Kennedy wouldn’t compliment J.B. Pritzker on the debate stage — and he regrets it. We analyze that story and the week in politics.
Obama Foundation Submits Formal Plans To City For Presidential Center Construction
Today the Obama Foundation submitted its formal plans to the city of Chicago for construction of the Obama Presidential Center
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BGA Investigator On Police Policy In Suburban Cook County
Better Government Association investigator Jared Rutecki spoke with WBEZ about how cops escape discipline for shootings in suburban Cook County.
‘All Things Considered’ Host Robert Seigel Step Away From The Microphone
After 30 years co-anchoring All Things Considered, Robert Seigel is about to step away from the microphone.
CPS CEO Defends Special Education Overhaul
Chicago Public Schools is defending its overhaul of the system’s special education program. This comes after a WBEZ investigation found that Chicago scaled back special education services last year after secretly instituting new rules. Spending was also cut by about 1.5 percent.In addition, WBEZ found that CPS relied on auditors without expertise in special education to help orchestrate this work. Chicago schools CEO Forrest Claypool argues the new rules are meant to give every child with special needs the chance to succeed.Claypool joins All Things Considered host Melba Lara and discusses why his administration decided to make changes to special education in the first place.
Evanston Township High School Investigates Decades-Old Allegations Of Misconduct Against Former Advisor
Evanston Township High School confirmed Wednesday it is investigating misconduct allegations against a former advisor in its theater department.
Cook County’s Controversial Sweetened-Beverage Tax Seems To Be On Its Way Out
A Cook County board committee voted overwhelmingly to repeal the so-called pop tax Tuesday afternoon.
Illinois Schools Won’t Get First Payment From The State
Public schools throughout Illinois usually receive their first payment from the state on Aug. 10 — but not this year.
