Belmont Cragin School Adapts Services During COVID-19
The Northwest Side neighborhood has emerged as a COVID-19 hot spot, reporting the second highest number of cases in Illinois. We learn how Christopher House is serving the community during the pandemic.
A Preview of New PBS Documentary ‘Asian Americans’
From stories of Chinese railroad workers to the success of politicians and activists, the new five-part series highlights the stories of people from India and Turkey as well as China, Japan, Korea and the Philippines.
State Lawmakers at Odds Over Gov. Pritzker’s Recovery Plan
Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s recently unveiled five-phase plan to gradually reopen the state is already getting pushback. Joining us to share their views are state Reps. Deanne Mazzochi, a Republican, and Mike Zalewski, a Democrat.
From Newsroom to Writer’s Room: Sylvia L. Jones Talks ‘Clark Sisters’ Film
In the midst of uncertainties brought on by the pandemic, Chicago screenwriter Sylvia L. Jones is celebrating one of her biggest achievements yet: her first feature film.
COVID-19 Policy: Ald. Maldonado on Pandemic Response in Humboldt Park
As new numbers show COVID-19 rates among Chicago Latinos have surged in recent weeks, 26th Ward Ald. Roberto Maldonado is pushing for more testing in the community. But that’s not the only problem residents are facing.
COVID-19 Across Chicago: Humboldt Park
Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Gov. J.B. Pritzker recently highlighted the high rate of COVID-19 in Latino communities. As part of our reporting series, we spent the day in a predominantly Latino neighborhood on the city’s Near West Side.
Illinois’ Comptroller on How COVID-19 is Affecting the State Budget
Illinois has spent more than $238 million on resources related to the pandemic, even entering into occasional bidding wars with other states for supplies. We ask Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza about state spending — and budget shortfalls.
Ask Geoffrey: Historical Markers That Don’t Quite Hit the Mark
History buffs are big fans of historical markers, those often-overlooked plaques that tell the tales of site-specific events from years past. Geoffrey Baer tells us about some unusual historical markers around Chicago.
Food Forager Thinks COVID-19 Will Teach People to ‘Provide for Themselves’
Dave Odd, a professional forager in Chicago, says the COVID-19 pandemic is shaking up how we obtain food and will perhaps force people to pick their own. We go for a look at edible plants in Gompers Park.
Chicago’s Puerto Rican Community Emphasizes Solidarity in COVID-19 Fight
The number of COVID-19 cases in Chicago’s Latino communities has skyrocketed in recent weeks, according to city data. Cristina Pacione-Zayas of the Puerto Rican Agenda of Chicago says the pandemic has caused a “huge scare” in Humboldt Park.
Meet Margaret Storey, Illinois’ Mother of the Year
Many moms have been feeling the brunt of the pandemic, managing child care and home-schooling on top of full-time jobs. One local mom’s ability to care for her daughter while helping families across the state has gotten special notice.
More Public Space? Pay Attention to Communities of Color, Advocates Say
Since the city shut down lakefront parks and other public spaces in March, there have been calls for more open spaces. But some advocates say that push overlooks the priorities of communities of color, which have been hardest hit by the coronavirus.
Restaurants Warn of Mass Closures Under Pritzker’s Plan to Reopen
Illinois restaurants and bars have been closed since mid-March to dine-in customers, and the governor’s newly unveiled reopening plan means they won’t be permitted to reopen any time soon.