The State of Education in Chicago

In this episode of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, host Andy Zopp and guest co-host Darrious Hilmon unpack major headlines from City Hall, CPS, Springfield, and the White House with roundtable regulars Sufyan Sohel, Juatise Gathings, and Swathi Staley. The episode features one-on-one conversations with Tina Horn of CHICAT and Tawanna Streater of UNCF, both stepping into impactful new leadership roles. Plus, the debut of Education First, a new segment led by CAN TV’s Chief Education Correspondent Adrian Segura.

In this episode of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, host Andy Zopp is joined by roundtable guests Deborah Witzburg, David Greising, and Brian Boyle, to discuss why independent oversight matters now more than ever—and what’s at stake if it’s lost. Guest co-host Darrious Hilmon sits with roundtable regulars Hugo Balta and Sufyan Sohel to break down the latest from City Hall and examine the ongoing federal targeting of immigrants. Plus, a special one-on-one conversation with Tod Lending, the director of the powerful documentary The Principal Story.

In this episode of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, guest host Darrious Hilmon examines City Hall's deepening budget crisis as staff departures mount. Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller discusses the county's groundbreaking Doula program supporting new mothers. Dr. Paul Yonover provides insights on men's health and erectile dysfunction. Plus, Bridget Rundquist explains how the Dolly Parton Imagination Library is fostering literacy among Chicago's youngest readers.

In this episode of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, host Andrea Zopp and special co-host Darrious Hilmon tackle some of the most pressing issues facing Chicago and the nation. They explore the implications of Chicago’s teen curfew, growing concerns over ICE raids, and the controversy surrounding the U.S. missile strike against Iran. The episode also offers thoughtful reflections on Pride Month and the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

On this edition of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, host Andrea Zopp sits in conversation with Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. From the Birth Equity Initiative to her broader commitment to health and equity, Stratton shares her vision—and what’s next as she considers a run for the U.S. Senate.

On this edition of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, guest host Adrian Segura leads a timely conversation on the search for a new CPS superintendent with ALL Chicago Executive Director Bridget Lee and CPS School Board members Dr. Che “Rhymefest” Smith and Carlos A. Rivas, Jr. In a one-on-one segment, Kids First Chicago CEO Daniel Anello offers insights on education policy and student outcomes. The episode wraps with a roundtable featuring local educators Keishonda Simms, Dara Miller, Layla Truehaft-Ali, and Daniel Jackson, who discuss the impact and implications of the recently ratified CTU contract.

In this episode of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, host Andrea Zopp is joined by Sufyan Sohel, Juatise Gathings, and Adrian Segura to explore the growing list of contenders for Senator Dick Durbin’s seat, Governor Pritzker’s upcoming Washington visit, and the challenges mounting for Mayor Brandon Johnson. Andrea also sits down with James Parker, founder of the new co-working space 1921, and the team behind Xchange Chicago, a tech-focused workforce initiative. The episode concludes with a powerful discussion on the newly released report Breaking the Chains: Reclaiming Wealth, Power, and Dignity for Black Men featuring Richard Wallace and Dr. Clinton Jr.

In this episode of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, host Andy Zopp leads a vital conversation focused on the race to replace Senator Dick Durbin and the city's 2026 budget preparations with roundtable regulars Sufyan Sohel, Francia Garcia Hernandez, and Adrian Segura. Chicago Public Library Commissioner Chris Brown, and American Library Association’s Deborah Caldwell-Stone join the conversation to amplify the Trump administration’s latest efforts to undermine public libraries and museums. Plus, conversations with Injustice Watch reporter Kelly Garcia and authors Veronica Appleton, James Morris, Jr., and Kaylin Searles.

In this special hour-long edition of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, host Andy Zopp takes a comprehensive look at youth safety and engagement across Chicago. The episode opens with one-on-one conversations featuring Women Employed’s Cherita Ellens and Mary Kay Divine on their upcoming Working Lunch event, followed by A Better Chicago CEO Beth Swanson discussing the findings from the State of Our Youth report. In the first roundtable, leaders from BUILD, Inc., Erie Neighborhood House, Together Chicago, and Youth Guidance share the impactful work their organizations are doing to support youth on the ground. In the final roundtable, former CPS Chief of Safety and Security Jadine Chou and Justice Advisory Council Executive Director Avik Das discuss how government and community partners can better coordinate to scale and sustain resources for young people citywide.