Podcast appearances and mentions of becky vevea

It's the last day of class for Chicago Public Schools. But while most students and faculty are excited for summer break, the school board and district officials will be hammering out the budget, working with a new interim CEO, and lobbying the city for more funding. City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran sits down with Chalkbeat Chicago's bureau chief Becky Vevea and reporter Samantha Smylie to discuss the biggest CPS stories heading into the summer. Good News: Open Stage Festival Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Mike Stephen learns about recruiting candidates for local office through the 100K Project with lead organizer and steering committee member Tom Tresser and then gets an update on some local education issues with Chalkbeat Chicago bureau chief Becky Vevea.

Chicago's new partially elected school board has its second full meeting on Thursday. While the new members are still settling in, the board has big issues coming their way like approving a new contract with the teachers union and finding a new CPS CEO. Chalkbeat Chicago editor Becky Vevea talks with host Jacoby Cochran about the political lines forming and how this board is approaching their new jobs. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773-780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this February 24th episode: Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Steppenwolf Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

After eight months of contentious talks that cost CEO Pedro Martinez his job, Chicago Public Schools teacher contract negotiations are entering a decisive phase. Chalkbeat Chicago's Becky Vevea explains. Host - Jon HansenReporter - Becky VeveaRead More Here Want to donate to our non-profit newsroom? CLICK HEREWho we areBlock Club Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization dedicated to delivering reliable, relevant and nonpartisan coverage of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods. We believe all neighborhoods deserve to be covered in a meaningful way.We amplify positive stories, cover development and local school council meetings and serve as watchdogs in neighborhoods often ostracized by traditional news media.Ground-level coverageOur neighborhood-based reporters don't parachute in once to cover a story. They are in the neighborhoods they cover every day building relationships over time with neighbors. We believe this ground-level approach not only builds community but leads to a more accurate portrayal of a neighborhood.Stories that matter to you — every daySince our launch five years ago, we've published more than 25,000 stories from the neighborhoods, covered hundreds of community meetings and send daily and neighborhood newsletters to more than 130,000 Chicagoans. We've built this loyalty by proving to folks we are not only covering their neighborhoods, we are a part of them. Some of us have internalized the national media's narrative of a broken Chicago. We aim to change that by celebrating our neighborhoods and chronicling the resilience of the people who fight every day to make Chicago a better place for all.

Chicago's City Council finally passed the 2025 budget. Meanwhile, the Chicago School Board called a special meeting Friday night to discuss the possible firing of schools CEO Pedro Martinez. Reset breaks down those stories and much more with Chalkbeat Chicago bureau chief Becky Vevea, Better Government Association president David Greising and Chicago Sun-Times reporter Mitch Armentrout. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

This week's At Issue tackles school board elections among the on-going tensions between Chicago Public Schools CEO, Pedro Martinez, and Mayor Brandon Johnson. Our guest this week is Becky Vevea, the Bureau Chief for Chalkbeat Chicago, a nonprofit news organization covering education.

Chicago is about to vote for the first time in school board elections. Chalkbeat Chicago editor Becky Vevea tells host Jacoby Cochran which districts have the most candidates running, the issues that divide them, and what you need to know before heading to the polls.  Our fall campaign is happening now! It takes a lot to keep City Cast Chicago and Hey Chicago running strong. Your membership helps us cover the cost of bringing you the local stories you care about. If you believe in what we do, become a member of City Cast Chicago today. Every member makes a difference! Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 21 episode: Paramount Theatre – use code CITYCAST for $5 off Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago Board of Election Commissioners Mubi Beer & Ballots Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Attorneys for former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan request evidence be thrown out ahead of his upcoming corruption trial. Demolition begins on local landmark to make way for Chicago's riverfront casino. Local radio host resigns from high school coaching duties after controversial comments. Reset goes behind those headlines and more with a panel of local journalists that includes Natalie Moore, WBEZ race, class and communities editor, Becky Vevea, bureau chief of Chalkbeat Chicago and Mitchell Armentrout, Chicago Sun-Times reporter covering government and politics. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Mike Stephen learns about Chicago City Council action regarding additional dwelling units from Cityscape Chicago founder and CEO Steven Vance, discusses the money flowing through the upcoming Chicago School Board election with Chalkbeat Chicago bureau chief Becky Vevea, and chats with La Case Norte executive director Jose Munoz about Hope for Homes Day: a day of giving to help end homelessness.

In November, Chicagoans will go to the polls to elect members of the Chicago School Board for the first time. Filing week is over, and now we know a total of 47 candidates will be on the ballot across 10 districts. Chalkbeat Chicago's Becky Vevea and WTTW's Heather Cherone are in the building with everything we need to know before voting. Plus, we discuss former Ald. Ed Burke's two-year prison sentence, City Council's new revenue subcommittee, and first thoughts on ‘The Bear' season 3.   Good News: New Restaurant ‘Feld' Now Open in West Town & Stop The Violence Celebrity Basketball Game Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this June 28 episode: Ravinia Festival Babbel Chicago Association of Realtors Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

Mike Stephen discusses the possibility of paying Chicago school board members with Becky Vevea, bureau chief of Chalkbeat Chicago, learns about the important work of HelloBaby on the South Side from founder and executive director Debbie Frisch, and chats with local musician Mark Lofgren about his new album.

It has been over a week since the polls closed in the Illinois primary, but there's still no official winner in the Democratic primary for Cook County State's Attorney. The race between Eileen O'Neill Burke and Clayton Harris III is separated by less than 1700 votes. Election officials have until April 2 to finish counting mail-in ballots. WTTW's Heather Cherone and Chalkbeat Chicago's Becky Vevea tell host Jacoby Cochran why this race highlights a new election normal. Plus, we are talking about the elected school board, tensions between police chief and COPA, and Uncle Julio's sudden closure in Lincoln Park. Spots we never want to see go: Spinning J, The Bagel, and Dan's Hot Dogs. Good news: BreadHead Bakery and Shedd's New Otter Pup Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thursday is the deadline to apply to run for your local school council. The councils help drive big decisions across Chicago's schools like approving how funds are allocated and evaluating and selecting principals. They're also one of the main ways students, parents, and neighbors can get involved. That's why we're revisiting our conversation from the fall with Chalkbeat Chicago editor Becky Vevea to learn about why having robust LSCs is important. Some Good News: Apply to be a Chicago Public Library maker-in-residence Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Between a resolution suggesting Chicago could move away from school choice and reports indicating police officers could be removed from schools next fall, the school board seems to be gearing up for big moves in 2024. Chalkbeat Chicago's Becky Vevea and Block Club Chicago's Maxwell Evans discuss that along with a bike path coming to the far South Side, schools with “Exemplary” designations, and how postal problems could affect internet service in South Shore. Plus, a couple of good news stories about students and Strugglebeard Bakery. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsor(s) of this show: Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chicago Public School students are heading back to the classroom, with thousands still unclear how they're getting there. President Biden issues a disaster declaration for Cook County and a man is sentenced for setting fire to a Peoria Planned Parenthood. Reset goes behind those headlines and more with Monica Eng, Chicago reporter for AXIOS; Becky Vevea, bureau chief for Chalkbeat Chicago; and Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune state government reporter on the Weekly News Recap.

Pediatrician Dr. Allison Arwady led the Chicago Department of Public Health through the COVID-19 pandemic. A Lightfoot appointee, Arwady's leadership has been scrutinized by progressives and ultimately led to her dismissal by Mayor Brandon Johnson. We spoke with Becky Vevea, Bureau Chief for Chalkbeat who has followed Arwady's career.

It's summer blockbuster season! Northwestern University's Arionne Nettles and Chalkbeat Chicago's Becky Vevea stop by to get excited about the opening week of both ‘Barbie' and ‘Oppenheimer.' We also chat about this year's Emmy nominations and what in the world “girl dinner” is. Then, Simon Pegg reflects on an extremely nerdy career, his role in the latest ‘Mission Impossible' movie, and whether he's jealous of Tom Cruise's absolutely deranged stunt skills.Plus, we have a book club announcement! August's Book Club pick is ‘The Country of the Blind' by Andrew Leland. It's a memoir about the author's transition from sightedness to blindness. You can send us a voice memo about it or July's book ‘Loot' at NerdettePodcast@gmail.com.]]>

Mike Stephen gets an update on the impact of the latest election on the future of education in Chicago from Becky Vevea of Chalkbeat Chicago, celebrates the return of the International Pop Overthrow music fest to Chicago, and learns about Logical Fleadh's new album from band leader Ethan Sellers.

Ahead of the April 4th runoff, mayoral candidates Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson have made education a major part of their platforms. Johnson is a former public school teacher and organizer with the Chicago Teachers Union. Vallas is a former head of Chicago Public Schools. So it makes sense they're dipping into those roles as they make the pitch to lead the 4th largest school district in the U.S. at a time when enrollments are dropping and achievement gaps are widening. Longtime education reporters Sarah Karp from WBEZ and Becky Vevea from Chalkbeat join host Jacoby Cochran to break down the candidates' records on the most pressing issues. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Each week leading up to the municipal election on Feb. 28, City Cast Chicago is digging into where mayoral and aldermanic candidates stand on the city's most pressing issues. This week, we look at their plans (or lack thereof) for education in the country's fourth largest school district. Chalkbeat Chicago recently posed questions to the nine mayoral candidates about declining enrollment, the district's problems running special education, the city's relationship with the teachers' union, and more. Chalkbeat Chicago bureau chief Becky Vevea joins lead producer Carrie Shepherd and host Jacoby Cochran.  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Students hold a walkout after shooting at a high school in Pilsen; COVID cases rise as holidays approach; Frigid temps hit Chicago; and a new round of marijuana licenses is announced. Reset goes behind those headlines and with Amy Guth, host of Crain's Chicago Business podcast, “Daily Gist”, David Greising, president, CEO Better Government Association, and Becky Vevea, bureau chief, Chalkbeat Chicago, on the Weekly News Recap

Mike Stephen discusses this year's education funding for Chicago Public Schools with Becky Vevea, bureau chief of Chalkbeat Chicago, gets a preview of the 2022 Bourbon County Stout line with Chicago Tribune reporter Josh Noel, and discovers the Secret History of funky jazz dudes Young-Holt Unlimited.

Across the U.S., big cities, including Chicago, are facing a small schools crisis as enrollment drops. Chalkbeat is out with a new story. ICE is finding new ways to target undocumented immigrants in Chicago. A new report from Block Club Chicago and Injustice Watch finds that Chicago police stop thousands more Black drivers in traffic stops than they report. Host Jacoby Cochran chats with Becky Vevea, bureau chief of Chalkbeat Chicago, and Alma Campos, immigration editor for South Side Weekly, about all that, plus some good news from a sales tax holiday to South Side Weekly's literature issue.  Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm Call or Text Us: (773) 780-0246 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chicago's City Council unanimously confirmed Nicole Lee as the new alderman of the 11th Ward at its Monday meeting. Reset gets an update on this and more from WBEZ reporters Becky Vevea and Mariah Woelfel. Guests: Becky Vevea, WBEZ political reporter, Mariah Woelfel, WBEZ reporter city government reporter Producer: Brenda Ruiz, Andrew Meriwether
Host: Sasha-Ann Simons

Wednesday's Chicago City Council meeting abruptly ended without a vote on the renaming of Lake Shore Drive in honor of Jean Baptiste Point DuSable, the first non-Native resident in Chicago. WBEZ's Becky Vevea joins Reset to break down what happened during the meeting.

About one-third of Chicago’s population is now fully vaccinated against the novel coronavirus. Mayor Lightfoot is looking to fully reopen the city for the summer, anticipating more vaccinations and less COVID deaths. WBEZ’s Becky Vevea breaks down the city’s reopening plans. GUEST: Becky Vevea, WBEZ city politics reporter

Illinois and Chicago plan to ease outdoor mask restrictions for vaccinated people in response to new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Plus, the city wants you to “Vax and Relax.” Reset checks in with WBEZ’s Becky Vevea for the latest.

Chicago sees a “quantum leap” in coronavirus cases. Wrigley Field welcomes fans back to the stadium. A mother seeks answers after her 13-year-old son is shot and killed by Chicago Police. Plus, former officer Derek Chauvin stands trial for George Floyd’s death. Reset breaks down the week’s top stories in our Weekly News Recap with guest host Becky Vevea.

WBEZ’s Weekly News Roundup takes you inside the biggest local and state stories of the past 7 days. This week on the roundup we’re joined by WTTW’s Brandis Friedman, and WBEZ’s Becky Vevea

WBEZ’s Weekly News Roundup takes you inside the biggest local and state stories of the past 7 days. This week on the roundup we’re joined by WTTW’s Brandis Friedman, and WBEZ’s Becky VeveaFor more Reset interviews, please subscribe to this podcast and leave us a rating. That helps other listeners find us.For more about the program, head to the WBEZ website or follow us on Twitter at @WBEZreset.

Illinois public health officials on Thursday reported 11,101 cases of the coronavirus and 196 additional deaths. Reset checks in with WBEZ’s Becky Vevea and Kristen Schorsch for the details.

The U.K. began administering coronavirus vaccinations on Tuesday. So, what stands in the way of vaccine distribution in America? WBEZ’s Kristen Schorsch and Becky Vevea join Reset to talk about it.

Millions travel for the holiday against the advice of medical experts and local leaders trying to flatten the surge of coronavirus. Meanwhile, Mayor Lightfoot gets her 2021 budget, and Mike Madigan tries to hang on to his speakership in the Illinois House. WTTW’s Heather Cherone and WBEZ’s Becky Vevea take on all the big local and state stories in our Weekly News Roundup.For more Reset interviews, please subscribe to this podcast and leave us a rating. That helps other listeners find us. For more about the program, you can head over to the WBEZ website or follow us on Twitter at @WBEZreset.

Reset checks in with WBEZ’s Becky Vevea and City Hall for an update on Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s $12.8 billion spending plan for 2021. Aldermen voted to approve the budget Tuesday.

The Chicago City Council is expected to vote on Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s $12.8 billion budget proposal this week. Reset brings on WBEZ’s Becky Vevea for the latest.

With Chicago already facing difficult pension problems, the COVID-19 crisis has dealt an even bigger blow to the city’s economy. WBEZ city politics reporter Becky Vevea and two Chicago aldermen break down and react to Mayor Lightfoot’s budget address as she tries to navigate some very choppy fiscal waters for 2021.

Reset checks in with WBEZ’s Becky Vevea for the latest on Chicago’s response to COVID-19 and the state of the city’s finances. Mayor Lightfoot is preparing to release a new budget Wednesday.

Reset breaks down the biggest news of the week in our Friday News Roundup with WBEZ’s Becky Vevea.

Contract negotiations continue between the Chicago Police union and members of the Lightfoot administration. Governor JB Pritzker warns of statewide budget cuts if Congress fails to act on coronavirus relief. Plus, a former state senator pleads guilty to federal tax evasion. We break down the biggest news of the week in our Weekly News Roundup, this week with host Becky Vevea of WBEZ.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced Monday a projected $1.2 billion budget gap for 2021. This comes on top of an $800 million budget deficit for the rest of this year. Reset checks in with WBEZ’s Becky Vevea for the latest on the city’s budget forecast and with Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa for reaction from City Hall.

WBEZ's Becky Vevea shares what lies ahead for taxpayers as the city grapples with its finances. Reset also hears from Laurence Msall, president of the Civic Federation. Producer: Meha Ahmad, Stephanie Kim

WBEZ political reporter Becky Vevea gives context and analysis of the Lightfoot administration’s latest moves

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced a series of police reforms Tuesday night, following another wave of citywide protests. Reset checks in with WBEZ’s Becky Vevea for the details. Producer: Nereida Moreno

Illinois is preparing to move on into Phase III of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s five-step reopening plan. Reset talks with WBEZ’s Becky Vevea on what to expect from the coming week. Producer: Bianca Martin

Becky Vevea, WBEZ city politics reporter, joins Reset with an update on the latest efforts by local and state officials to combat the spread of COVID-19 in Illinois. Producer: Meha Ahmad

Heather Cherone, political reporter for WTTW News, gives an update on the latest efforts by local and state officials to combat the spread of COVID-19 in Illinois. Becky Vevea sits in as host for Jenn White.

Illinois lawmakers reconvene for an emergency session. Plus, Mayor Lori Lightfoot celebrates one year in office. Reset breaks down the biggest local and state news of the week in our Friday News Roundup with WBEZ’s Becky Vevea.

WBEZ politics reporter Becky Vevea takes a deeper dive into the havoc the pandemic has had on Chicago, and what it will take to get back in shape.

Reset breaks down the biggest news of the week in WBEZ’s Friday News Roundup with host Jenn White.GUESTS: Paris Schutz, WTTW political correspondent and hostBecky Vevea, WBEZ government and politics reporter

Much has moved over the weekend in terms of our knowledge on the ongoing coronavirus crisis in Chicago and across the state. Reset sits down with WBEZ's Becky Vevea for the latest.

Ever wondered exactly how delegates work in Illinois and across the country? WBEZ’s Becky Vevea joins Reset to explain.

WBEZ city politics reporter Becky Vevea talks city budget and how it will impact Chicagoans.

What the heck just happened, Chicago? Lori Lightfoot won the mayor’s race by a gargantuan margin. City Council veterans got the boot. Here’s what Tuesday’s results might mean for the future of the city.Reporting by Becky Vevea, Claudia Morell and Dan Mihalopoulos. Editing by Al Keefe. Production by Justin Bull and Becky Vevea.Each week at On Background, WBEZ’s team of political reporters brings you the backstory on the week's big story. Host Becky Vevea and guests take you inside the back rooms of Chicago and Illinois government to better understand the people, places and forces shaping today’s politics.

There are a lot of ways people describe Toni Preckwinkle. Progressive pioneer. Party boss. Prickly county board president. But the image of her in the race to become Chicago’s next mayor doesn’t tell the entire story of her long career. WBEZ’s Becky Vevea digs into Preckwinkle’s life and just a few of the moments that tell voters something more about the kind of mayor Preckwinkle might be. An update has been made to this podcast.

It was an election for the history books. With no incumbent on the ballot and 14 candidates for mayor, just a third of all registered voters in Chicago cast ballots this week and the results are in. WBEZ’s Becky Vevea, Dan Mihalopoulos, Claudia Morell break down what it all means for the city and what’s next.

Chicago's municipal elections are tomorrow, February 26. Most Chicagoans are still undecided, and a crowded pool of candidates give voters a range of choices from connected establishment folks to progressive newcomers. All 50 aldermanic seats will be on the ballot, as well as the races for city treasurer and clerk. WBEZ politics reporter Becky Vevea joins us on The Morning AMp for an update on what voters need to know about the races that affect them, and break down some of the races that are heating up.​ This comprehensive crash course on the municipal elections is a must-listen before you hit the polls tomorrow.

A second alderman is in the crosshairs of federal authorities. Last week, Ald. Danny Solis (25th) was revealed to be wearing a wire in the case against powerful Alderman Ed Burke (14th). This week, a series of stories from the Chicago Sun-Times explains why Solis’ has been cooperating with the FBI. Turns out, the feds built a case against him in 2014, involving Viagra, a massage parlor, and a party at Oprah’s former farm, as well as lots of personal spending from campaign accounts. The 120-page affidavit obtained by the Sun Times also outlined a meeting Solis arranged between a Chinese hotel developer and Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Jon Seidel, reporter with the Chicago Sun-Times, joins host Becky Vevea with the latest.

One alderman charged with federal crimes. Another under investigation, and wearing a wire on the first one. Major construction projects flying through hurdles as residents beg for a more thoughtful approach. Mayoral candidates sniping at each other.These stories could have major ramifications for Chicago’s municipal election, which is just about a month away. Joining us to talk about it all are WBEZ city politics reporter Becky Vevea, Danny Ecker from Crains, and NBC 5’s Carol Marin

There are hundreds of neighborhoods in the city of Chicago and 15 candidates vying to represent all of them. Many communities have been left behind in the city's economic growth and dozens of prominent neighborhood activist groups want that to end. This week, many of those organizations are pushing the candidates to break from the horse race and the mudslinging to talk about the issues most important to their communities. Learn about some of the top issues facing Chicagoans at the street-level. Reporting by Linda Lutton and Becky Vevea. Editing by Alex Keefe and Cate Cahan. Production by Becky Vevea and Justin Bull.  Each week at On Background, WBEZ’s team of political reporters brings you the backstory on the week's big story. Host Becky Vevea and guests take you inside the back rooms of Chicago and Illinois government to better understand the people, places and forces shaping today’s politics.

A handful of the races for alderman this February are especially hot races. That's in part because they touch on issues deeply important to Chicago right now. Issues like the Obama Presidential Center (20th Ward), rapid gentrification (25th Ward), big money in politics (47th Ward), and old guard Chicago politics versus new guard Chicago politics (40th Ward).  WBEZ’s Becky Vevea talks with A.D Quig from The Daily Line about why these wards will be so interesting to watch this spring.  Editing by Cate Cahan and Alex Keefe. Production by Justin Bull.

Federal authorities have charged Chicago’s longest-serving alderman with a single count of attempted extortion. The charge comes a month after the FBI raided Ald. Edward Burke’s City Hall and neighborhood offices. The WBEZ politics team takes a closer look at what the feds say Burke did and what it all means for Chicago politics. Reporting for this episode comes from Dan Mihalopoulos, Kristen Schorsch, Claudia Morell, Alex Keefe, and Becky Vevea. Editing by Alex Keefe. Production by Justin Bull. Each week at On Background, WBEZ’s team of political reporters brings you the backstory on the week's big story. Host Becky Vevea and guests take you inside the back rooms of Chicago and Illinois government to better understand the people, places and forces shaping today’s politics.

This week, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel put forward a road map for his successor to fix the city’s beleaguered pensions. The directions include: legalizing pot, opening a casino in Chicago, borrowing money, and changing the state constitution. WBEZ’s Al Keefe, Claudia Morell and host Becky Vevea explain what pensions are, how Chicago’s pensions got so messed up, why the solutions are so difficult, and why you should give a s*** about it right now. Editing by Al Keefe. Production by Justin Bull. Each week at On Background, WBEZ’s team of political reporters brings you the backstory on the week's big story. Host Becky Vevea and guests take you inside the back rooms of Chicago and Illinois government to better understand the people, places and forces shaping today’s politics.

In the time it has taken for a child to grow up in Chicago, city leaders have either closed or re-staffed some 200 public schools — nearly a third of the entire district. A new WBEZ investigation looks at the 70,000 children - 90 percent of them black - affected by the tactic of closing and opening schools as a way to improve education. On this episode of On Background, we get the backstory of how a generation of school closings has changed Chicago politics. Reporting for this episode comes from Adriana Cardona-Maguigad, Sarah Karp, Linda Lutton, Kate McGee, and Becky Vevea. Editing by Kate Grossman and Al Keefe. Production by Justin Bull.

The counties surrounding Chicago have been reliably Republican for most of the last century. But that could be shifting as demographics change and political boundaries move. WBEZ’s Becky Vevea talks with reporters Carrie Shepherd and Dave McKinney to understand what is happening in some key suburban areas and why it matters for the future of politics in the region.  Each week at On Background, WBEZ’s team of political reporters brings you the backstory on the week's big story. Host Becky Vevea and guests take you inside the back rooms of Chicago and Illinois government to better understand the people, places and forces shaping today’s politics.

The WBEZ politics team hosted a live version of On Background at the Chicago Cultural Center on Tuesday, and today we’re bringing you the best parts of that program. The show featured a sharp panel of reporters, a packed house, and lively discussions about what life might look like in 2019 for the (new?) governor of Illinois. We also asked what type of role Illinois voters will play in determining who takes the U.S. House of Representatives this November (“A big role,” says one of our panelists).Join host Becky Vevea, WBEZ state politics reporters Dave McKinney and Tony Arnold, WGN political reporter Tahman Bradley, Univision reporter Mariano Gielis, and political reporter Mary Ann Ahern from NBC 5 Chicago.Music:Daniel Caesar - Best Part (feat. H.E.R.)Jamila Woods - LSDEach week at On Background, WBEZ’s team of political reporters brings you the backstory on the week's big story. Host Becky Vevea and guests take you inside the back rooms of Chicago and Illinois government to better understand the people, places and forces shaping today’s politics.

On November 6th, Illinoisans will decide on a number of offices including who will be the state's next Comptroller, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Governor and more. WBEZ Politics reporter Becky Vevea joins the Amp to tell us about the candidates and their respective campaigns. She'll also touch on On Background, WBEZ's weekly political podcast and their event On Background: Everything You Wanted to Know About the 2018 Elections.

The week started with a bombshell announcement from Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. On Tuesday, joined by his wife Amy Rule, the two-term mayor announced he will not seek a third term in February. In this episode you’ll hear a one-on-one interview with Emanuel and WBEZ City Politics reporter Becky Vevea. They talk about his biggest regrets, where he’s headed, and what it was like holding the seat once held for nearly half a century by the Daleys.  What brought us to this game-changing moment in political history? WBEZ investigative reporter Dan Mihalopoulos explains the context: how Emanuel went from the chosen successor of the Daley dynasty in 2011 to the first mayoral candidate to be pushed into a runoff in 2015. From Laquan McDonald and police reform, to broke pension funds and record tax hikes, he explains how Emanuel would have had the hardest election of his life.  City political reporter Claudia Morell digs into the history of what it takes to win a mayoral race in Chicago.  Each week at On Background, WBEZ’s team of political reporters brings you the backstory on the week's big story. Host Becky Vevea and guests take you inside the back rooms of Chicago and Illinois government to better understand the people, places and forces shaping today’s politics.

The announcement by Mayor Rahm Emanuel to not seek re-election sent shock waves through the city and cracked February's election wide open. There are the questions of "What's next for the exiting mayor?", "Will there be even more names on the ballot than the eleven already there?", and "Is there more to this decision that meets the eye?" WBEZ Politics Reporters Becky Vevea and Tony Arnold joined Jill Hopkins on The Morning AMp to discuss what the announcement means for the upcoming elections.

WBEZ’s Kristen Schorsch tells the story of Esperanza Villalobos and many more like her who rely on public hospitals in Cook County for critical health care. New data show that public hospitals are providing more and more free health care, while other private hospitals are providing less. Schorsch talks with host Becky Vevea about why that is and what the consequences are when the safety net starts fraying. Each week at On Background, WBEZ’s team of political reporters brings you the backstory on the week's big story. Host Becky Vevea and guests take you inside the back rooms of Chicago and Illinois government to better understand the people, places and forces shaping today’s politics.

The Illinois State Fair is a heavy dose of Americana that draws hundreds of thousands of people each summer. It’s also become a required stop for Illinois politicians from Abraham Lincoln to current Gov. Bruce Rauner. WBEZ state politics reporters Tony Arnold and Dave McKinney join host Becky Vevea to explain how politics ended up alongside hog calling, and how this year’s state fair is setting the stage for the upcoming election season.

Just when you think Illinois politics can’t get any weirder … it does.This week, WBEZ’s politics team digs into the heated primary race between U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski and challenger Marie Newman that could be a bellwether for where the Democratic Party is headed. The team also breaks down the flurry of campaign donations made by Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker — and why they’re causing a dustup.And last but not least, WBEZ’s Dave McKinney walks listeners through what happened after a state hearing on the deadly Legionnaires’ outbreak, when he tried to get answers from officials in Gov. Bruce Rauner’s administration.Here are some highlights for this week’s Illinois Elections 2018 podcast, which also includes host Becky Vevea and WBEZ’s Mariah Woelfel and Tony Arnold. You can get the podcast delivered to you every week by subscribing here.

March 20 primary is less than three weeks away, and the daily news cycle is bursting with election-related news. But don’t worry: WBEZ’s Government & Politics desk has your back:The six Democrats running for Illinois governor shared the same stage Thursday night at a forum sponsored by WBEZ, Politico, and the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics. WBEZ’s Tony Arnold and Dave McKinney were two of the event’s panelists and they share their takeaways.During the forum, the candidates played The Price is Right, sorta. Each candidate got quizzed on the price of everyday goods and services. Some answers were spot-on. Others? Not so much. WBEZ’s Dave McKinney shares the answers for listeners who were playing at home.Somehow, some way, the Democratic primary race for Cook County assessor has taken another surprising turn: If you vote early next week and cast a ballot for Andrea Raila, “very simply, that vote will not count,” says WBEZ’s Becky Vevea. She explains why.WBEZ obtained 1,400 internal emails involving Gov. Bruce Rauner’s administration regarding the 2015 outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease at a state-run veterans home. Some of the emails discuss how to spin the deadly outbreak to the public. We take a look at campaigns’ reaction to the report.WBEZ’s politics team broke all of that down during our weekly Illinois Elections 2018 podcast.

In this audio excerpt from the 5/4/17 edition of Chicago Newsroom, Chicago education reporters Lauren FitzPatrick, Sarah Karp, and Becky Vevea talk with host Ken Davis about the workings and possible impact of Chicago Public Schools' new application process for high schools citywide. Length 5.7 minutes.

Ken Davis is joined by three Chicago education reporters: Lauren FitzPatrick of the Sun-Times and WBEZ reporters Sarah Karp and Becky Vevea. They discuss Mayor Emanuel’s efforts to find money to keep the Chicago Public Schools open until the end of the school year, the new CPS high school application process, the likelihood that Education Secretary Betsy DeVos will be able to institute school vouchers in Illinois and Chicago, and the sentencing of former CPS CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett. This program was produced by Chicago Access Network Television (CAN TV).

Ken Davis is joined by WBEZ’s Sarah Karp and Becky Vevea to discuss the details of their recent reporting on how capital development funds are being spent at CPS. Of the nearly 600 million spent or budgeted, 2/3 has been allocated to schools with at least 25% white enrollment, and additions are being built at schools less than a mile from under-enrolled schools. This program was produced by Chicago Access Network Television (CAN TV).

The evolution of language is something linguistics professor slash word nerd Anne Curzan thinks about a lot. She wrote an article about the newest use of the slash (it's not just punctuation anymore). Then, third-generation word nerd Becky Vevea checks in with her eighth-grade English teacher mother and grandmother about what a hashtag is. And, of course, we have to talk about 50 years of Doctor Who!