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Latest Episodes
Why Kids Can’t Just “Shake Off” Depression
Episode Description: Teachers have had to adapt in so many ways during the pandemic. Remote learning created new challenges for students’ academic success, but it’s also meant a new level of anxiety and isolation. Teachers-- really all adults-- have to be
Giving Birth While Black in Chicago
Black women in Illinois are three times more likely than white women to die from pregnancy-related conditions, according to a recent report from the state health department. This disparity has persisted for decades. It’s one reason a mother-daughter team
A Love Letter to Our Pandemic Refuge: The Parks
The pandemic has forced us to get creative in how we can socialize. That means: go outside. The Chicago Park District has more than 600 parks across the city with playgrounds, swimming pools, tennis courts, soccer fields and indoor activities at field hou
The Legacy of Helmut Jahn's Thompson Center
Less than one week after Gov. JB Pritzker announced the James R. Thompson Center was for sale, its architect was tragically killed in a biking accident. Helmut Jahn’s most famous building in Chicago has also been a source of controversy. It’s been derided
A Tour of Pill Hill and a Teacher Surprise
We’ve been hearing all week from our guests about their favorite teachers. Today, host Jacoby Cochran introduces us to Dr. Denise Spells, principal at St. Ethelreda in Auburn Gresham, whom Jacoby calls “a second mom.” Plus, a tour of the Pill Hill neighbo
First Year, Worst Year? Becoming a Teacher in a Pandemic
Being a new teacher is already a tough job. It gets even tougher when you’re starting out during a pandemic. That’s one reason the Illinois State Board of Education teamed up with state teachers unions in the fall to create a mentorship program for first-
A First for Asian American History in Illinois
The Teaching Equitable Asian American Community History (TEAACH) Act would require public schools to include lessons about Asian American history, including the wrongful incarceration of Japanese Americans and the heroic service of Asian American military
Another CPS Chief Resigns. Why?
Janice Jackson is resigning as CEO of Chicago Public Schools, effective June 30. She's been in the job nearly four years. Jackson joins other top CPS officials in leaving after a tumultuous year for the school district. WBEZ education reporter Sarah Karp
How Should Journalists Cover Police Shootings?
It’s been over a month since Chicago Police shot and killed 13-year-old Adam Toledo. And Chicagoans are contending with yet another video of police shooting 22-year-old Anthony Alverez. The recent shootings are prompting journalists to re-think how they c
Indoor Dining is Back: How’s That Going?
Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Thursday that Chicago is easing more pandemic restrictions and increasing capacity for indoor venues. Chicago’s restaurants have been in Phase 4, which means indoor tables up to six people and outdoor seating up to 10 people