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Chicago’s Faith Ringgold exhibit: jarring and still relevant after 60 years Nov 29, 2023

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One of the most jarring political pieces on display at the new exhibit, “Faith Ringgold: American People,” depicts the stars of the American flag reading the word “DIE” and the stripes reading the n-word. Titled “Flag For The Moon,” the piece briefly got the artist arrested for flag desecration when she displayed it in 1970.

“She felt the American government – what they were communicating to Black people – [was] that they could put a flag on the moon but disregard Black lives back in the United States,” said Jamillah James, the curator of the exhibit, which is open through Feb. 25 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.

Ringgold is known for a variety of artforms, including quilts, paintings, soft sculptures, autobiographical work and children's books. In this episode, host Erin Allen talks with James about the political nature of Ringgold’s art and how it serves as a bridge to the work of young Black artists today.

“She’s really a living legend,” said James. “And so influential, you can see the scale of her influence in so many younger artists that are exploring crafting, autobiography, narrative, et cetera in their work, and doing so unapologetically.”

Morning News: November 29, 2023 Nov 29, 2023

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Construction of a Brighton Park base camp for migrants is underway despite an environmental study’s findings not made public. Former Chicago Alderman – turned government mole – Danny Solis’ voice played throughout a federal courtroom as Ed Burke’s trial continues. It’s been unseasonably cold outside the past few days, but climate experts say the Chicago area may be in for a milder winter than average.

Afternoon News: Tuesday November 28, 2023 Nov 28, 2023

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Construction may begin on a Brighton Park base camp to shelter migrants as soon as tomorrow. The federal corruption trial of former Alderman Ed Burke continues. A Chicago Sun-Times investigation finds used car dealers across the country are selling vehicles that have unaddressed safety recalls.

Why director Andrew Davis loves to film in Chicago Nov 28, 2023

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Director Andrew Davis has made films set in deserts and at sea. But when he directs movies based in cities, he always tries to bring them to Chicago. “I understood the city,” he said. “And I understood the fabric of how to get something to look tough, or look slick, or look classy.” Davis grew up in Chicago. You may know him for “The Fugitive,” but he started his career with a different Chicago-based movie. In this episode, host Erin Allen talks to Davis about his career and the 45th anniversary of his first film “Stony Island.”

Morning News: November 28, 2023 Nov 28, 2023

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Causes behind the recent surge of train accidents in Chicago. Incumbents in Illinois’ congressional delegation are facing challenges from within their own parties after campaign season opened yesterday. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker is commending Chicago for handling what he calls an “unmanageable” influx of asylum seekers.

Afternoon News: Monday November 27, 2023 Nov 27, 2023

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Chicago’s controversial plan to build a tent city to shelter migrants in the Brighton Park neighborhood is on hold until a final environmental impact report is done. Just one person has filed to run to replace Kim Foxx as Cook County’s top prosecutor. The Bears take on the Vikings tonight on Monday Night Football following last week’s late collapse against the Detroit Lions.

How two nearby cities are thinking about Chicago’s migrant crisis Nov 27, 2023

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The village of Oak Park has taken in about 160 migrants that were living in Chicago. A nonprofit in St. Louis wants to resettle hundreds if not thousands more. “There’s a tremendous need for employees,” said Jerry Schlichter, a civic leader and attorney in St. Louis. “If you look around the country at cities that are growing, it’s primarily from immigrants and children of immigrants. That’s what we’re trying to build here — to increase our population, make a more vibrant St. Louis and a more diverse St. Louis, which is a benefit for everyone.” In this episode, WBEZ reporter Esther Yoon-Ji Kang explains how and why these two communities are moving to take in hundreds of migrants living in Chicago and how local residents are reacting.

Morning News: November 27, 2023 Nov 27, 2023

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The November 2024 elections are still a year away, but the political season leading up to that vote officially gets underway today. Some City Council members want to see a pilot guaranteed basic income program become permanent. And officials are encouraging Chicagoans to buy local this holiday season.

Afternoon News: Wednesday November 22, 2023 Nov 22, 2023

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The co-owner of Calumet Fisheries on Chicago’s Southeast Side says they intend to rebuild after a fire earlier this week. Members of the Chicago Bears served traditional Venezuelan fare to nearly 200 asylum-seeking Venezuelan migrants ahead of Thanksgiving. The city of Chicago plans to open its warming centers this week when temperatures drop to 32 degrees or below.

A Chicago city guide that suggests an adventure Nov 22, 2023

Show notes

Lauren Viera’s new city guide to Chicago doesn’t read like a typical guidebook – no 72-hour itineraries or explanatory advice on how to ride the CTA.

“The 500 Hidden Secrets of Chicago” is mostly just lists of unique places. Five dance clubs, five farmers markets, five nature outings, five small museums, five high-end cocktail bars, five city myths – totalling up to 500.

“I'm not a fiction writer,” Viera said. “I'm very bad at making stuff up. So this is really just in my mind reporting times 500.”

In this episode, Viera explains her favorite “hidden secrets,” how she chose the places she chose to include and how she welcomes feedback from Chicagoans ready to argue about what should be inside.

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