City Cast Chicago

The teachers union has reached a deal with Chicago Public Schools for high schoolers to return to class Monday. It comes after tense negotiations this week. Meanwhile, the debate over creating an elected Chicago school board is heating up in Springfield, with competing proposals emerging. Jacoby breaks down the politics with two education reporters.Guests: Sarah Karp, Education Reporter, WBEZ (@SSKedreporter)Samantha Smylie, State Education Reporter, Chalkbeat Chicago (@sammie_smylie)Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

How can Chicagoans actually hold police accountable? That’s the question two coalitions are trying to tackle in their proposed “People’s Ordinance.” It would create a new civilian oversight body with broad policy-making powers. Frank Chapman has been working on this issue for decades. He tells Jacoby how this proposal is a step toward a more just policing system.Guest: Frank Chapman, Field Organizer, Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (@CAARPRNOW)What you can do: At 10 a.m. Saturday, CAARPR will be hosting virtual briefing on the ordinance. You can find more information on their Facebook page. Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

Donald Lassere started this week as the new head of the Chicago History Museum. It's a homecoming for the native South Sider, who most recently led the Muhammed Ali Center in Louisville. Lassere reflects on his youth in Chicago, including being run out of Marquette Park because he was Black, and what he's excited to return to in Chicago (hint: Harold's). Lassere also tells Jacoby he wants to make sure the 165-year-old museum tells the stories of all of Chicago’s neighborhoods.Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

High school students in Chicago Public Schools are supposed to go back to in-person learning next week. The wave also includes the return of another group of K-8 students. Last week, we heard from a mom who’s choosing to keep her young kids in remote learning. Today, Jacoby talks to a dad who was eager to get his son back in the classroom about how in-person learning is going so far.Guest: Ryan Griffin, CPS ParentFollow us on twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

After Adam Toledo was shot and killed by Chicago Police, some city officials painted a picture of the 13 year old as lost, alone, and drawn to gang life out of desperation. Toledo’s mother pushed backed on that narrative, saying Adam lived with his family and was not alone. But the police shooting has created a narrow view of Toledo's Southwest Side neighborhood. We visit Little Village with Katya Nuques, executive director of Enlace Chicago, to learn more about the neighborhood’s history and discuss how the community is responding to the shooting.Guest: Katya Nuques, Executive Director, Enlace Chicago (@EnlaceChicago)Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

***We have a new segment, and we need your help! Read after the description for more details.***Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Gov. JB Pritzker seem to be at odds lately. The two Democrats are going in different directions on reopening bars and restaurants. They’re clashing over education. They couldn’t even decide on a joint press conference location when the vice president was in town this week. Is this all just political theater or are there real tensions here? Jacoby breaks it down with two journalists: one watching Springfield and the other watching City Hall.Guests: Amanda Vinicky, Correspondent, WTTW Channel 11 (@AmandaVinicky)Alex Nitkin, Editor and City Hall reporter, The Daily Line (@AlexNitkin)Now, for something new. We want to hear your Weak-Ass Takes!At the end of the episode, the City Cast Chicago team shares some of their unpopular opinions, and we want to hear yours. Record your take via voice memo and send to chicago@citycast.fm. Be sure to say your name and your neighborhood. Others may hear it on an upcoming episode! (Don't be shy...some of us don't like Marvel movies, either.)Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

It’s been about a month since K-8 students in Chicago Public Schools began returning to in-person learning on hybrid schedules. As CPS and the Chicago Teachers Union spar over the impending return of high schoolers, Jacoby talks with with one mom about why she’s keeping her young kids home, even though she has the option to send them back to the classroom.Guest: Anastasia Chapital, CPS ParentFollow us on twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

A judge’s decision is expected any day now to determine the future of a metal scrapping facility on the Southeast Side. Neighborhood activists say it will increase pollution in an area already laden with industry. They’re asking the city to deny a final permit, calling it an example of environmental racism. To see what that really means, Jacoby walks the neighborhood with Gina Ramirez, a lifetime Southeast Sider trying to stop the metal shredder.Guest: Gina Ramirez, Midwest Outreach Manager, National Resources Defense Council (@GinaRamirez311)Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

Chicago is entering a third surge of coronavirus cases. But things had been looking up, with more businesses reopening and more people getting vaccinated. A year into a pandemic, and with what can feel like conflicting information, how do you help people make good public health decisions? Jacoby talks with nurse Katherine Buaron, who’s been fielding questions from patients.Guest: Katherine Buaron, Community Health Nurse, Rush University Medical CenterFollow us on twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago

Chicago’s public monuments have been a flashpoint in the fight against systemic racism. Last July, protesters tried to topple a statue of Christopher Columbus in Grant Park. Mayor Lori Lightfoot responded by unceremoniously removing the statue in the middle of the night. The city also created a committee to review the Columbus statue and 40 other Chicago monuments. Though it was formed months ago, the committee has its first public meeting on Wednesday. Jennifer Scott is a co-chair of the the Chicago Monuments Project. She talks with Jacoby about their work so far.Guest: Jennifer Scott, Co-Chair, Chicago Monuments ProjectHow to participate:  A link to the livestream will be posted here: bit.ly/3sUZndm To send a written comment or sign up to make live comments email ChicagoMonuments@cityofchicago.org. Written comments are due by 10 a.m. Monday. Follow us on twitter: @CityCastChicagoSign up for our newsletter: citycast.fm/chicago