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The story of the Chicago Public Library is the story of Chicago Aug 04, 2023

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The Chicago Public Library turns 150 this year. And it’s no coincidence that just a couple years ago, the city celebrated the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. “The period after the Great Fire in Chicago was a period of enormous development and innovation, and the library was definitely part of that story,” said Alison Cuddy, host of the podcast Library for the People: 150 years of Chicago Stories. The fire burned countless books in the city of Chicago, which did not have a public library at the time, but the system developed soon after. In this episode, we talk to Alison and CPL Commissioner Chris Brown about how the windy city got its public library system and its century-and-a-half of history since.

‘Whole Child’ bill, Union Station proposed upgrades, Lolla continues Aug 04, 2023

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Governor Pritzker signed a measure into law aimed at helping school-aged children cope with trauma. Local, state and federal leaders are looking to upgrade Union Station. Lollapalooza continues today by adding in a celebration of local food.

Dangerous conditions at Loretto Hospital, full-day kindergarten, Lolla begins Aug 03, 2023

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About 200 unionized staff at a hospital on the West Side have gone on strike over working conditions, primarily: their own safety. Every school district in Illinois will now be required to offer a full-day kindergarten program by fall 2027. Lollapalooza begins today, and if you’re venturing out, stay hydrated.

Barbie meets queer Chicago in new Gerber/Hart exhibit Aug 02, 2023

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The Gerber/Hart Library and Archives have been cataloging LGBTQ history in Chicago and the Midwest for more than 40 years. Now, the library’s newest display explores the intersection of play and queer identity. The exhibit, “A Dreamhouse of Our Own,” is not a Barbie-only affair, although it draws inspiration from Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie.”

In this episode, we talk about play, queer childhood and healing your inner child with Olivia De Keyser, the curator of “A Dreamhouse of Our Own,” and the exhibit photographer and supporting artist Wren Lively.

Indiana’s abortion law, Northwestern investigation, CTA Green Line money Aug 02, 2023

Show notes

Clinics in Indiana stopped performing abortions ahead of the state’s near-total abortion ban officially taking effect. Northwestern officials said they hired former U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch to review its athletic department. Federal lawmakers announced $780,000 in funding for the CTA to explore reopening an Englewood Green Line station with modernized accessibility standards.

Abortion care coordination, COVID cases uptick, back-to-school bash Aug 01, 2023

Show notes

The state is launching a program to better coordinate abortions at hospitals for high-risk patients. COVID-19 cases are on the rise in certain areas of the country. Chicago Public Schools is hosting a series of back-to-school bashes before students return to class later this month.

Chicago’s 311 shelter request system is bursting at the seams Jul 31, 2023

Show notes

People in Chicago call 311 for lots of reasons, including when they need temporary housing, whether due to homelessness, a domestic violence situation or any number of other reasons. But today, the number of shelter request calls coming through Chicago’s 311 phone line is way, way up, and that’s resulted in more and more people falling through the cracks. “This year an average of one in seven calls resulted in a successful placement,” said WBEZ data reporter Amy Qin, who investigated the overburdened 311 call system with WBEZ’s Anna Savchenko. “As for the six other folks? It’s actually really unclear what happens to them because of issues with their records and data.” Today, Amy and Anna explain their reporting, looking at what’s wrong, what’s needed and what’s next.

Reducing recidivism, unemployment benefits audit, Silver Room Block Party ends Jul 31, 2023

Show notes

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed a criminal justice reform bill aimed at reducing recidivism. A new state audit identified massive fraud and excessive overpayments of unemployment benefits totaling $5.2 billion during the pandemic. As the Silver Room Block Party tradition comes to an end, we hear how the first party started some 20 years ago.

Chicago’s Black theaters are thriving Jul 28, 2023

Show notes

Across the country—and here in Chicago—the theater industry is floundering. Ticket sales haven’t returned to pre-pandemic norms, the traditional funding model is cracking and major theaters nationwide are downsizing or closing altogether. As predominantly white institutions scramble to stay afloat, Chicago’s Black theaters are building solidarity rather than falling into competition with one another.

In this episode, we check in with the leaders of two such organizations, Congo Square Theatre and Black Ensemble Theater.

Crisis pregnancy centers crackdown, post-pandemic rebound, new migrant shelter Jul 28, 2023

Show notes

Illinois elected officials applaud a new law cracking down on crisis pregnancy centers. A new report suggests Chicago is slow to rebound from the pandemic in attracting new residents. The city of Chicago is moving forward with converting Broadway Armory Park into an emergency migrant shelter.

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