He’s considered one of the country’s most visible intellectuals, noted for the way he expresses his views on racism, politics and even pop culture. A conversation with author and professor Cornel West.
Stories by Brandis Friedman
Remembering Longtime Newsman Warner Saunders
As Chicago mourns the loss of the Emmy Award-winning journalist, we revisit his memorable interview with John Callaway in 1980.
‘Uneventful’ First Weekend in Jail for Jason Van Dyke
Cook County Jail officials say the Chicago cop recently convicted of second-degree murder is being housed in a single cell and closely monitored for his safety and security.
Chicago-Area Universities Commit to Closing College Graduation Gaps
A local education nonprofit unveils an ambitious plan to get first-generation and low-income college students to graduation day.
Olympic Legend Jackie Joyner-Kersee Talks Perseverance, Women’s Sports
She won back-to-back Olympic medals in the seven-event heptathlon and still holds the world record of 7,291 points in the event. We talk sexism in women’s sports and more with Jackie Joyner-Kersee.
Van Dyke Case: Judge Bumps Up Bail Following Media Interviews
Former Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke will not spend more time in jail for giving interviews with local media.
New Teacher Finds Affirmation on First Day of School
As a new school year gets underway at Chicago Public Schools, we visit a first-year teacher who has her own share of first-day jitters – and excitement for what lies ahead.
CPS Touts Increased Graduation Rate, Acknowledges Work Ahead
More Chicago Public Schools students are earning diplomas than ever before, reaching a record-high graduation rate of 78.2 percent, according to new figures from the district.
New CTU Leader Jesse Sharkey Talks CPS Issues, Teacher Contract
As he takes the helm of the Chicago Teachers Union, Jesse Sharkey discusses school cleanliness and the potential impact of Janus v. AFSCME on union membership.
Karen Lewis Pens Letter to Teachers as She Exits Top CTU Job
As Chicago Public Schools teachers return to the classroom this week, many will have a new leader at the top of their union.
Researchers Evaluate New GoCPS Application Program
The high school class of 2022 will be starting ninth grade in just a few weeks. And for the first time, students at Chicago Public Schools were able to pick their high schools using a new common application called GoCPS.
Lockers for Homeless Youth Meet Critical Needs
How a simple storage system is proving to be so much more for homeless youth trying to unlock a brighter future.
Archaeological Dig at Gray-Cloud Home Attracts Neighbors, History Buffs
Archaeologists are nearing the end of a monthlong dig in the city’s Old Irving Park neighborhood. What they’re looking for – and what they’ve turned up.
Local School Councils: What They Do, What Challenges They Face
Chicago Public Schools implemented local school councils almost 30 years ago with hundreds of thousands of participants. Times have changed.
Critics Say CPS Budget Promotes Inequality Across District
Some are questioning the way Chicago Public Schools is spending its biggest budget in the last five years.
Chicago’s Minimum Wage is Rising, But is it Enough to Live On?
Despite an increase this week to the city’s minimum wage, many Chicagoans still aren’t earning what some researchers call a “living wage.”
State Names Independent Monitor to Oversee CPS Special Education
Parents of Chicago’s special education students say they have concerns about the state's choice of an independent monitor to oversee the district's special education program.
New CPS Office to Investigate, Prevent Sexual Harassment Among Students
The office will be responsible for overseeing investigations into allegations of student-on-student abuse, ensuring students involved in any allegation are paired with an advocate.
Teacher Shortage Downstate Looks Different From Chicago Shortage
Statewide, school districts reported more than 2,000 unfilled positions last school year, with 43 percent of those in Chicago Public Schools alone.
Ogden, Jenner Elementary Schools Prepare to Merge as School Year Ends
From neighbors to roommates: How two Chicago schools are getting ready to merge as summer break begins.
In Wake of Scandal, CPS Watchdog to Investigate Sexual Abuse Complaints
Chicago Public Schools says it’s taking a crucial step to protect students from sexual abuse by teachers and staff.
CPS Chief Responds to Scathing Investigation into Student Sexual Abuse
Chicago Public Schools says that by August it expects to have the results of a top-to-bottom review of its practices for handling cases of sexual misconduct. More from CPS CEO Janice Jackson.
Mayor Expands Early Learning, But Critics Are Skeptical
Chicago parents should have more early learning options for their 4-year-olds starting next year.
State Board Approves Special Education Monitor, Reforms for CPS
What the state says is needed to correct violations in Chicago Public Schools’ special education program.
The Economic Costs of Segregation – And Recommendations to Address It
A new report from the Metropolitan Planning Council makes more than two dozen recommendations to reduce the economic costs of segregation.
