Freedom of Speech and the Battle for Chicago’s Future

On the fall season finale of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, hosts Darrious Hilmon and Hugo Balta tackle the issues that matter most to Chicago. From hemp sales bans and teen curfews to the fight over Chicago Housing Authority leadership—our roundtable breaks it down. Plus, a groundbreaking blueprint for Black men's equity, Friend Health's new Back of the Yards facility, the latest Inside Oversight report, and Crain's notable Black leaders reflect on the year that was.

In this episode of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, guest hosts Hugo Balta and Dr. Suzet McKinney lead a wide-ranging conversation on the issues shaping Chicago right now. With Claude Robinson, Swathi Staley, and Sufyan Sohel, the panel breaks down the latest crises at CPS and City Hall. Immigration rights attorney Naiara F. Testai shares updates on her firm’s fight to protect immigrants detained by ICE, while Thresholds CEO Mark Ishaug and Sterling Haukom-Anderson address looming HUD policy changes and the importance of mental wellness. The episode also features a cultural spotlight with Sidney Jackson, the new CEO of Chicago Sinfonietta, who shares his vision for the organization’s future.

In this episode of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, hosts Darrious Hilmon and Sufyan Sohel break down ICE enforcement across Chicagoland, the brewing battles over Mayor Johnson’s 2026 budget, and the post-election blue wave reshaping political momentum. The conversation also turns to community care and health equity, examining how local leaders and organizations are responding to shifting needs across the city.

In this episode of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, hosts Andy Zopp and Hugo Balta break down the latest developments shaping life across Chicagoland. The roundtable examines ICE enforcement activity in local neighborhoods, Mayor Johnson’s proposed corporate head tax, and the state legislature’s newly approved $1.5 billion transit bailout. The episode also spotlights nonprofit organizations stepping in to support families struggling after cuts to SNAP benefits, offering a grounded look at the policies and pressures impacting Chicago communities.

In this episode of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, host Andy Zopp and guest co-host Shamil Clay unpack the fallout from the month-long government shutdown, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s campaign funding controversy, and growing community pushback against ICE. The episode also features insightful conversations with Xchange Chicago about job opportunities, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater’s 30th season, and the Chicago Public Library Foundation Awards—spotlighting the intersection of politics, culture, and civic engagement in the city.

In this episode of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, hosts Darrious Hilmon and Dr. Suzet McKinney take a deep dive into Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed 2026 budget, unpacking what it means for Chicago’s future. They break down the latest on the looming government shutdown, analyze immigration’s local impact, and confront critical community challenges — from special education funding to mental wellness and domestic violence awareness.

In this episode of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, host Andy Zopp and guest co-host Deborah Witzburg unpack the latest on the federal government shutdown and the controversial deployment of federal troops in Chicago. The conversation expands beyond politics to examine how art and activism intersect across comics, theater, and Chicago’s thriving creative economy—highlighting the city’s artists who are turning expression into civic engagement.

In this special live edition of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, Andy Zopp and guest co-host Hugo Balta are joined by Congresswoman and Senate candidate Robin Kelly, State Senator and Congressional candidate Mike Simmons, and The Civic Federation’s Joe Ferguson for an in-depth conversation on Chicago’s biggest political battles and what’s at stake for the city’s future. The panel breaks down key issues shaping the political landscape and their potential impact on Chicagoans.

In this episode of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, CAN TV Chief Education Correspondent Adrian Segura leads a 360-degree conversation on the challenges facing students, families, and communities across Chicago. Joining the discussion are State Representative Curtis Tarver, CPS Board member Ed Bannon, and community leaders Rev. Marvin G. Hunter, Danita Sanders, and John Scott, who share insights and solutions for the future of education in the city.

In this episode of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, host Andy Zopp and co-host Dr. Suzet McKinney lead a dynamic roundtable with Sufyan Sohel, Swathi Staley, and Hugo Balta. The panel unpacks a wide range of pressing headlines—from Toni Preckwinkle facing a new challenge and City Council’s bruising budget fight to Northwestern’s leadership shake-up and the ongoing decline in CPS enrollment. Together, they offer sharp analysis and insights into the stories shaping Chicago’s political, educational, and civic future.