News Roundup: State Budget, Supreme Court, and Project 2025

In this edition of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, guest host Darrious Hilmon leads a roundtable discussion with Juatise Gathings, Dr. Gwendolyn Oglesby-Odom, Kelwin Harris, and Christa Hamilton to reflect on the year in review. The conversation covers the most significant events and developments that have shaped the city’s landscape. Additionally, Darrious speaks with 4th Ward Alderman Lamont Robinson about Chicago’s newly approved budget and sits down with Mike Shaver, CEO of Brightpoint, to discuss the organization’s ongoing work and impact on the community.

In this episode of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, host Andy Zopp continues the discussion on Chicago’s ongoing budget turmoil with regulars Morgan Malone, Robin Robinson, and Ashley Munson. The roundtable provides a deeper analysis of the city’s financial challenges and the potential impact on local communities. Additionally, Andy sits down with Courtney Sakai and Michael Takada from the Japanese American Service Committee to discuss the organization’s future plans and how they are supporting the Japanese American community in Chicago.

In this episode of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, host Andy Zopp is joined by roundtable regulars Hugo Balta, Francia Garcia Hernandez, and Morgan Malone to discuss the ongoing turmoil surrounding the city’s budget and other key challenges facing City Hall. The conversation dives into the political and economic complexities impacting the city’s leadership. Additionally, Andy sits down for a one-on-one conversation with 36th Ward Alderman Gilbert Villegas, offering insights into his role in the city’s legislative process and the challenges he faces in addressing the budget crisis.

In this episode of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, host Andy Zopp is joined by journalists Hugo Balta and Francia Garcia Hernandez, along with City Bureau’s Executive Director, Morgan Malone, to discuss the city’s ongoing budget turmoil and other challenges facing City Hall. The roundtable offers insights into the complex political and economic landscape of Chicago. Additionally, Andy sits down for a one-on-one conversation with Heather Ireland Robinson, Executive Director of the Jazz Institute of Chicago, to discuss the institute’s impact on the city’s cultural scene.

In this episode of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, host Andy Zopp engages in a comprehensive discussion with journalists Robin Robinson, Hugo Balta, and Francia Garcia Hernandez about the current challenges facing Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and the mayor’s office. The conversation delves into the ongoing turmoil at CPS and the potential conflicts between CPS CEO Pedro Martinez and Mayor Brandon Johnson. Additionally, one-on-one interviews with Inspector General Deborah Witzburg and Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance President and CEO Jennifer Van Valkenburg provide further insights into these issues. The episode concludes with the CAN TV Special Report: “Democracy Dismantled - Inside Project 2025,” offering an in-depth analysis of the potential threats to democratic institutions posed by Project 2025.

In this episode of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, guest host Darrious Hilmon presents “Lessons in Leadership: A Conversation with Crain’s 2024 Notable Black Leaders.” Darrious engages in one-on-one interviews with Madeleine Féquière, Consul General of Canada, and James Durant, Deputy Department Head at the U.S. Air Force Academy, exploring their unique leadership journeys and contributions. The episode also features a dynamic roundtable discussion with Kimberley Rudd (Rudd Resources), Juatise Gathings (Just Act Partners), Dr. Gwendolyn Oglesby-Odom (Advocate Health), and Kelwin Harris (Cook County Assessor’s Office), who share valuable insights on leadership and their impact on the community.

In this episode of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, host Andy Zopp convenes a roundtable discussion featuring Francia Garcia Hernandez, Robin Robinson, Hal Woods, and Heather Y. Anichini to address the ongoing turmoil at Chicago Public Schools (CPS). The group explores the complexities of the situation, considering various perspectives on how it affects students, teachers, and the community. Additionally, the episode includes one-on-one interviews with Joli Robinson, the new CEO of the Center on Halsted, and Ydalmi Noriega, Vice President of Programs and Engagement at the Poetry Foundation, shedding light on their initiatives and contributions to the community.

In this episode of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, host Andy Zopp engages in a crucial conversation about the heightened stress and anxiety many are feeling during this particularly divisive election season. Joined by psychologists Candice Norcott and Nneka Onyezia, along with teacher Emily Johanson, the discussion explores the psychological impacts of political tensions on individuals and communities. Additionally, the episode features one-on-one interviews with Carol Sharp, CEO of The Night Ministry, and Adrian Soto, Executive Director of the Greater Southwest Development Corporation, providing insights into their work and the broader implications of the current political climate.

In this episode of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, host Andy Zopp leads a panel discussion on Project 2025 with experts Tracie D. Hall, Mike Nellis, Ron Holmes, and Daniel Ash. The episode includes in-depth roundtable discussions and one-on-one interviews with notable figures such as Chicago Public Library Commissioner Chris Brown and UCAN President and CEO Christa Hamilton, exploring the impacts and future of Project 2025.

In this episode of “Chicago Newsroom 2.0,” host Andy Zopp engages in a powerful conversation with Hugo Balta and Dr. Dominica McBride, diving into key issues such as the recent Democratic National Convention, Chicago’s looming budget crisis, and the growing tensions between CPS CEO, Mayor Brandon Johnson, and the Chicago Teachers Union. Plus, don’t miss a one-on-one interview with Cherita Ellens, CEO of Women Employed, as she shares the vital work her organization is doing to support and empower women and girls.