Peruvian Percussionist Makes Modern Music with Traditional Drum
Juan Pastor plays a traditional instrument in a modern jazz setting. How many drummers do you see who actually play the seat they’re sitting on? We meet the Chicago-based musician to learn how he imports South American rhythms to the Northern Hemisphere.
Taxi Industry Hopeful for Post-Pandemic Recovery
Uber and Lyft say they’ve added thousands of drivers in recent weeks to address long wait times and surge pricing. But many passengers are still unhappy and some are turning to taxis — an industry hit hard by the popularity of ride-share services and by COVID-19.
CPS Says Equity, Student Supports at Center of $9.3B Budget Proposal
The school district on Tuesday released its budget proposal for the 2022 fiscal year, which includes $672 million for priority facility investments throughout the city and more than $1 billion in federal funding for student supports.
GOP State Voting Restrictions ‘Un-American,’ Biden Declares
President Joe Biden declared preserving voting rights an urgent national “test of our time” on Tuesday but offered few concrete proposals to meet it. Texas Democrats took their own dramatic action to stymie Republican efforts to tighten ballot restrictions in their state.
July 13, 2021 - Full Show
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin talks voting rights, gun violence and more. How Chicago Public Schools is spending its money next year. Are taxis making a return? And redrawing Chicago’s ward map.
Illinois Becomes First State to Require Asian American History to be Taught in Public Schools
In the midst of a right-wing attack on creating a more inclusive education in the U.S., Illinois just became the first state to require Asian American history to be taught in public schools.
FDA Adds Warning About Rare Reaction to J&J COVID-19 Vaccine
U.S. regulators on Monday added a new warning to Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine about links to a rare and potentially dangerous neurological reaction, but said it’s not entirely clear the shot caused the problem.
At El Paseo Community Garden, ‘The Sky’s The Limit’ for Programming, Opportunities
Marcella Torres, an artist-in-residence at the Pilsen garden described as an “outdoor community center,” tells us about the new project she’s creating for the space with a little help from volunteers.
Climate Change vs. Chicago: NYT Article Shows City’s Vulnerabilities
Because Chicago is situated in the middle of the country it would, at first glance, appear to be insulated from the worst effects of climate change. But a much-talked about report from environmental journalist Dan Egan pours cold water on that myth. He joins us with details.
Flamboyant Billionaire Branson Reaches the Edge of Space
Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson on Sunday became the first billionaire to ride his own rocket ship to space. But beyond being the ultimate joyride for billionaires, will commercial space travel take off as an industry accessible to the rest of us?
Crain’s Headlines: City Shuts Down Condo Parking Garage
Long in need of repairs, the eight-story garage on Chestnut Street is being shut down for repairs. Crain’s Chicago Business reporter Danny Ecker has details on that story and more.
Biden Balances Fighting Rising Crime, Reforming Police
Facing rising fears of summer violence, President Joe Biden is embarking on a political high-wire act, trying to balance his strong backing for law enforcement with the police reform movement championed by many of his supporters.
July 12, 2021 - Full Show
Chicago’s top cop meets with Biden on violence. How climate change could present problems for Chicago’s water infrastructure. Teaching Asian American history in Illinois. And billionaires in space.
Woodworker Uses Art Background to Create Custom Furniture
When a Chicago artist decided to strengthen his craft creating sculptures, he took on an unlikely job to help him refine the lines. Nearly a decade later, he's using the skills he picked up as a mill worker to create custom wooden furniture.
Police Hiring Process Leads to ‘Disproportionately High Attrition’ for Black Candidates: City Watchdog
Chicago’s Office of Inspector General found that while Black candidates make up 37% of the initial officer applicant pool, they comprised just 18% of the candidates who were ultimately invited to the CPD’s Police Academy.