Esther Yoon-Ji Kang
Reporter, Race, Class and Communities
Prior to arriving at WBEZ, she was a breaking news producer at the Tribune Company and an editor at Chicago magazine. Esther has also covered education and juvenile court, and did a stint in communications at the Institute of Politics at the University of Chicago before returning to journalism.
Esther graduated from Northwestern University and has taught undergraduate and graduate courses at the journalism school. She has won numerous national and local awards, including a Sigma Delta Chi award from the Society of Professional Journalists and an Edward R. Murrow Award. Her work has also been recognized by the Asian American Journalists Association and the National Association of Black Journalists.
Born in South Korea, Esther grew up in Paraguay and the Washington, D.C., area. She lives in Chicago with her family.
Stories by Esther Yoon-Ji Kang
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Heartland Alliance workers fight for higher wages
“It just seems incongruous … I’m having to fight for the basics of life when this organization wants to help people rise out of poverty,” said one employee.
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How the Kroger-Albertson’s merger could affect its workers
Labor researcher Alison Dickson dives into how the Kroger-Albertsons merger could hurt local grocery store workers.
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Chicago voters who need language help at the polls will have less of it on Election Day
A new state law that reduced the number of voting precincts means fewer bilingual ballots and election judges across six languages.
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Formerly incarcerated people in Illinois would get help finding jobs if a proposed bill passes
The national unemployment rate for this population stands at about 27%. State lawmakers want to help — and say small businesses and communities would benefit, too.
Psychologists work to combat racism in their field
A team of professionals in the field has created a training model to combat racism.
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Chicago-area hospital workers call for more staff and higher wages
SEIU Healthcare Illinois workers “marched on the boss” at eight hospitals, where they say overworked, underpaid staff are fleeing.
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A church in Urbana-Champaign reverses on promises to address abuse allegations
Former members say Covenant Fellowship Church has reneged on its vows to investigate allegations of sexual and spiritual abuse.
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Chicago agencies and local groups tell migrants, ‘We’re so glad you’re here’
Asylum seekers bused from Texas are met with cheers and applause as Mayor Lori Lightfoot slams Gov. Greg Abbott’s “cheap political stunt”
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Chicago becomes the latest sanctuary city to receive migrants bused from Texas
City agencies and nonprofits are providing temporary shelter and other services to about 60 migrants who arrived by bus Wednesday night.
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Illinois workers would see boost in wages if a proposed constitutional amendment passes, study finds
Study says guaranteeing Illinois workers the “fundamental right” to collectively bargain would boost wages and improve working conditions.
