Michael Puente
Michael covers news and issues primarily in Northwest Indiana, Chicago’s Southeast side and South Suburbs.
The first 13 years of Michael’s journalism career was in print. He’s worked for the Post-Tribune of Northwest Indiana (part of the Sun-Times Media Group) and the Daily Herald based in Arlington Heights, Ill. Michael got his start in radio as co-host of the Latin Lingo Show on WJOB AM 1230 in Hammond. He joined WBEZ in 2006.
The NWI Studio in Crown Point is WBEZ’s only studio outside the City of Chicago. He earned a B.A. in Communications from Calumet College of St. Joseph in Hammond, Indiana where he now teaches as an adjunct professor.
Michael’s stories on WBEZ have earned more than three dozen awards including from the Indiana and Illinois Associated Press broadcasters associations, Indiana Society of Professional Journalists, the Chicago Headline Club, and National Headliner Awards. Michael is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and a former board member of the Latino Council on the Media of Chicago.
Michael is an avid White Sox, Bulls, Blackhawks and Bears fan. He also acts on occasion in community theater in Northwest Indiana.
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For eight decades, a chocolate factory filled a Chicago neighborhood with a delicious aroma, and jobs. Now it's leaving town.
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Several Chicago suburbs have passed ordinances to restrict migrant bus drop-offs.
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Residents in Highland Park, Ill., honored those killed and wounded in the town's July 4th parade last year with a memorial ceremony and a day of events.
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For the first time in NASCAR's 75-year history, stock car drivers raced on a true street circuit. Sunday's race in Chicago, was part of the sport's efforts to find new audiences.
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The very large, very cold winter storm that's swept across the U.S. has snarled travel for many trying to get home for the holidays.
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At Chicago's Russian Senior Center, Russian-born immigrants gather to connect. Since the invasion, many say they're feeling isolated and a sort of PTSD as they cope with the war and it's implications.
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The Black Fire Brigade is an outside group whose mission is to boost the ranks of Black firefighters in Chicago. It recruits, trains and mentors men and women in minority communities.
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Sears will close its last remaining mall location in a Chicago suburb on Nov. 14. What does it mean to loyal customers to see such a once iconic and proud brand close up shop?
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A series of winter storms has dumped more than 40 inches of snow on the Chicago area. Roofs are collapsing under the weight of the snow and officials are now searching for places to put it all.
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For our series on off-kilter summer festivals, we go to the annual Pierogi Fest in Whiting, Ind. The festival includes beer halls, pierogi eating contests and even pierogi tossing contests.