Best Uchicago Podcasts (2023)

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UChicago Economics Events and Conversations

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Social Media Algorithms: How You’re Curating a Biased News Feed 28:56

6h ago28:56

28:56

Social media behaviors, moving at an ever faster pace, may not reflect what users really want, according to new research from economists Sendhil Mullainathan (Chicago Booth) and Amanda Agan (Rutgers University). They join The Pie to discuss how algorithms feed off our lizard brains to magnify biases.…

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WBEZ Features

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Russian UChicago professor reflects on the war and what may lie ahead 4:16

21d ago4:16

4:16

One year on from the start of the war in Ukraine, we’ll hear from a Chicago professor and Russian national, who says Moscow's state media don't reflect how the people really feel. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Cianna GreavesBy Chicago Public Media

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The Pie

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Social Media Algorithms: How You’re Curating a Biased News Feed 28:56

6h ago28:56

28:56

Social media behaviors, moving at an ever faster pace, may not reflect what users really want, according to new research from economists Sendhil Mullainathan (Chicago Booth) and Amanda Agan (Rutgers University). They join The Pie to discuss how algorithms feed off our lizard brains to magnify biases.…

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WBEZ Features

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Chicago and Northwest Indiana made The Guardian’s list of air pollution hotspots 4:05

5h ago4:05

4:05

Chicago and Northwest Indiana rank high on a list of places with the worst air pollution in the U-S. We talk to a reporter from The Guardian U-S who worked on the ranking. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Lauren FrostBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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FBI Recording: McClain calls Rep. Lang, suggests to 'move on' | ComEd Trial 9:12

2h ago9:12

9:12

Michael McClain was speaking as an ‘agent’ of Michael Madigan. Recommends to Lou Lang to resign from the Illinois General Assembly.By Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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Hear what ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan said when the feds were secretly listening 4:11

1h ago4:11

4:11

Federal prosecutors are giving jurors a lesson in Illinois politics, as they make their case against four former Commonwealth Edison executives and lobbyists. Host: Melba Lara; Reporters: Lauren Frost and Dave McKinneyBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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Biofuel plant proposed for Gary, Indiana draws mixed reviews 6:34

1h ago6:34

6:34

Some residents have raised concerns about a proposed biofuel plant in Northwest Indiana. Host: Clare Lane; Reporter: Michael PuenteBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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Challenges await Illinois' new superintendent of education 4:10

1h ago4:10

4:10

Supt. Tony Sanders sees an “ever-widening gap between the left and the right … I think public education is squarely in the middle of that fight.” Host: Clare Lane; Reporter: Susie AnBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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A former Illinois prison guard gets 20 year sentence for fatal beating 3:50

1h ago3:50

3:50

In pleading for leniency Alex Banta said he took a job as a prison guard at 23 and had no idea how it would change him. Host: Melba Lara; Reporters: Shannon Heffernan and Lauren FrostBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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Former Neo-Nazi turned peace activist teaches tolerance 0:52

2h ago0:52

0:52

For 25 years, Jeff Schoep recruited young people for one of the most active hate groups in the U.S. Now, he’s discussing forgiveness and tolerance at Clemente High School. Host: Clare Lane; Reporter: Nereida MorenoBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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Illinois high-impact tutoring for pandemic learning loss 3:58

1h ago3:58

3:58

One educator compared the learning disruption caused by the pandemic to water freezing in cracked pavement, deepening the divide. Host: Clare Lane; Reporter: Susie AnBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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Jollof rice is having its moment 4:41

5d ago4:41

4:41

Jollof rice is an iconic West African rice dish, filled with meat, vegetables, and intense spice. It’s gone from relative obscurity to global superstardom in the past 10 years. Host: Clare Lane; Reporter: Cianna GreavesBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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Chicago homeless CTA public transit outreach increases 3:47

5d ago3:47

3:47

Outreach workers say fewer shelter beds and Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s recent crackdown on people sleeping at O’Hare has forced more unhoused people onto trains and buses. Host: Clare Lane; Reporter: Anna SavchenkoBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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Teens smoking pot: How bad is it for brain development? 3:49

6d ago3:49

3:49

By dosing teenage lab rats with THC, Kuei Tseng can see the impact of weed on brain development. The bottom line: There’s more the public needs to know. Host: Lisa Labuz: Reporters: Cianna Greaves, Zachary NauthBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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How Paul Vallas, Brandon Johnson differ on taxes 4:10

7d ago4:10

4:10

From property taxes to paying the pensions, the two candidates for Chicago mayor are approaching finances in two completely different ways. Host: Susie An; Reporter: Tessa Weinberg, Mariah WoelfelBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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Jury selection starts in case against ex-ComEd officials accused of Madigan bribery 4:07

2h ago4:07

4:07

A big political corruption trial begins Tuesday. The case involves former Commonwealth Edison officials accused of bribing former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. Host: Lisa Labuz; Reporter: Dave McKinneyBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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What does low ice cover on the Great Lakes mean for ecosystems? 3:57

4h ago3:57

3:57

Ice is usually a common winter sight on the Great Lakes. But this season, ice cover on the lakes has been distinctly low. Host: Clare Lane; Guest: Andrea Vander WoudeBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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South Side Irish Parade covers Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood in a sea of green 3:27

1h ago3:27

3:27

Several thousand people lined Western Avenue in Beverly for the South Side Irish Parade on Sunday. The parade featured floats, traditional Irish dancers, and bagpipes. The parade began in 1979 and is considered the largest community-based St. Patrick’s Day parade outside of Dublin. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Michael Puente…

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WBEZ Features

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Matthew Brewer: Shepherding 'grasshoppers' through Illinois cannabis industry 3:49

2h ago3:49

3:49

Illinois’ first Black independently owned cannabis dispensary wants to change the way you think about weed. Host: Clare Lane; Reporter: Alex DegmanBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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History of affirmative action in U.S. college admissions 4:07

22h ago4:07

4:07

A Northwestern professor is writing a book about the history of the policy in higher education and spoke with WBEZ about his findings. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Lisa PhilipBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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Illinois' lifeline for suicidal kids can be bridge to nowhere 21:05

7d ago21:05

21:05

A WBEZ investigation finds that the state’s solution is buckling under the demand among low-income children for urgent mental health services. Reporters: Sarah Karp and Kristen SchorschBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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The scramble to find mental health services for low-income kids 7:14

1d ago7:14

7:14

SASS is state program that is supposed to connect low-income children experiencing a mental health crisis with treatment. One mother explains why mental health services are so hard to get. Host: Lisa Labuz; Reporters: Kristen Schorsch and Sarah KarpBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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Why kids in Illinois are competing for mental health resources 7:04

2d ago7:04

7:04

This week WBEZ is bringing you an investigation into a state program that is meant to link Illinois’ most vulnerable children with treatment during a mental health crisis. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Kristen SchorschBy Chicago Public Media

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The Pie

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Evaluating US Healthcare 3 Years after Lockdown 25:06

14d ago25:06

25:06

At the third anniversary of COVID-19 lockdowns, this episode takes a look at ongoing healthcare market failures and the pandemic’s role in making them plain. Katherine Baicker, healthcare economist and newly appointed Provost of the University of Chicago, joins to take stock of the US healthcare system and discuss the challenges that remain.…

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UChicago Economics Events and Conversations

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Evaluating US Healthcare 3 Years after Lockdown 25:06

7d ago25:06

25:06

At the third anniversary of COVID-19 lockdowns, this episode takes a look at ongoing healthcare market failures and the pandemic’s role in making them plain. Katherine Baicker, healthcare economist and newly appointed Provost of the University of Chicago, joins to take stock of the US healthcare system and discuss the challenges that remain.…

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WBEZ Features

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How climate change affects the IL Department of Natural Resources 4:04

3d ago4:04

4:04

The new Acting Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Natalie Phelps Finnie, tells us how climate change intersects with her work. Host: Lisa Labuz; Reporter: Lauren Frost, Melba LauraBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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Illinois’ safety net for suicidal kids is riddled with holes 6:38

13d ago6:38

6:38

A new WBEZ investigation finds Illinois’ safety net for suicidal kids is riddled with holes. Host: Clare Lane; Reporter: Sarah KarpBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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Illinois craft cannabis industry still on unsure footing despite deadline extension 4:05

7d ago4:05

4:05

Despite a critical deadline extension, Illinois craft cannabis businesses are still worried they’ll fail before getting a chance to even start. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Alex DegmanBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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Pilsen gallery owner on the front lines of helping asylum-seekers 4:10

15d ago4:10

4:10

We’ll hear how a gallery-owner in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood is helping newly arrived asylum-seekers find necessities they can’t get from the city. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Char DastonBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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It’s lights out for Lightfoot, as Vallas and Johnson advance 6:36

16d ago6:36

6:36

Lori Lightfoot, the city’s first Black woman and openly gay mayor is now the first in four decades not to get a second term. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Mariah WoelfelBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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United Center concession workers are ready to strike for health care and wages 3:41

21d ago3:41

3:41

The people who sell Chicago-style hot dogs, beer and nachos at the United Center are prepared to go on strike any day now. Host: Lisa Labuz; Reporter: Esther Yoon-Ji KangBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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One year later, Chicagoans reflect on the Russian invasion of Ukraine 6:52

10d ago6:52

6:52

WBEZ checks in with Aleksey and Vera Graboviy, who we met at the Ukrainian gift shop Delta on February 24th, 2022, to hear how life has changed in the past year. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Lauren FrostBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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Chicago to route more 911 calls to mental health responders 4:34

10d ago4:34

4:34

The city’s first crisis response teams together have handled fewer than two calls a day. New 911 protocols are expected to lift that number. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporters: Shannon Heffernan, Cianna GreavesBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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Sister Jean’s Memoir Spans 103 Years of Life Lessons 3:28

10d ago3:28

3:28

The first book from the Loyola basketball team’s beloved chaplain is fittingly called “Waking Up With a Purpose! What I’ve Learned in My First Hundred Years.“ Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Adora NamigaddeBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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A federal judge in Chicago has sentenced R. Kelly to an additional year in prison 4:11

15d ago4:11

4:11

The sentence came five months after a federal jury found Kelly guilty of three counts of producing child pornography and three counts of enticing a minor into criminal sexual activity. Host: Melba Lara; Reporters: Lauren Frost and Robert WildeboerBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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Chicago Police Union sets up counseling center to curb officer suicides 4:41

16d ago4:41

4:41

Since 2018, the Chicago Police Department has lost at least 22 officers to suicide. In response, the Fraternal Order of Police has turned the second floor of its Chicago facility into a wellness center. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Chip MitchellBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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Voters in Chicago’s 43rd Ward have a rare abundance of choice 6:50

23d ago6:50

6:50

Voters along the north lakefront in Chicago's 43rd Ward, one of the whitest wealthiest and most politically active wards in the city, have a wide field of candidates to choose from for the first time in a decade. Host: Clare Lane; Reporter: Claudia MorellBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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How will mayoral candidates improve the CTA? 1:31

18d ago1:31

1:31

We’re answering questions you asked in our People’s Agenda survey about what problems you want Chicago’s next mayor to tackle. Today, a question on how to improve the CTA. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Mariah WoelfelBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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Meet 9-year-old Juanito, a South American migrant new to Chicago 4:26

18d ago4:26

4:26

Some Chicago public schools are struggling to serve the recent influx of migrant students from Central and South America. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Nereida MorenoBy Chicago Public Media

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The Pie

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Scavenging for Answers: The Human Toll of Vulture Population Collapse 27:58

28d ago27:58

27:58

What can vultures and economics tell us about the cost of losing a keystone species? New research from environmental economist Eyal Frank of the Harris School of Public Policy explores the social and economic cost in India, where a plummeting population of vultures may serve as a warning for the future.…

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UChicago Economics Events and Conversations

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Scavenging for Answers: The Human Toll of Vulture Population Collapse 27:58

17d ago27:58

27:58

What can vultures and economics tell us about the cost of losing a keystone species? New research from environmental economist Eyal Frank of the Harris School of Public Policy explores the social and economic cost in India, where a plummeting population of vultures may serve as a warning for the future.…

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WBEZ Features

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The maple syrup season is changing 4:16

18d ago4:16

4:16

Nan Buckardt, the Director of Education for the Lake County Forest Preserves, explains the impact climate change could have on the maple syrup industry. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Lauren FrostBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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A Chicago girl missing since 1930 may have been found through DNA testing 6:18

21d ago6:18

6:18

A new investigation into the kidnapping of Mary Agnes Moroney led her family to conclude she grew up as Jeanette Burchard, became a nurse and had three children, and died in Florida 20 years ago. Reporter: Lauren Frost; Host: Melba LaraBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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How will candidates improve access to mental health care? 1:32

28d ago1:32

1:32

This election season, we asked Chicagoans to contribute to the People's Agenda with questions and comments they want the next mayor to address. Here's one on improving access to mental health care. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Tessa WeinbergBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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How corrupt ex-Illinois lawmakers keep their pensions 4:31

28d ago4:31

4:31

Illinois has paid out millions in pension payments to ex-lawmakers who have admitted criminal wrongdoing or are awaiting trial. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Dave McKinneyBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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Billions are spent on fighting Chicago crime. What does it do? 1:31

29d ago1:31

1:31

This election season, we asked Chicagoans to contribute to the People's Agenda with questions and comments they want the next mayor to address. Here's one on the money spent to fight Chicago crime. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Chip MitchellBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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Prtizker outlines new early childhood investments in a $49.6 billion budget proposal 6:47

30d ago6:47

6:47

Pritzker has outlined a nearly 50 billion dollar spending plan for the fiscal year that starts this July. WBEZ’s Alex Degman takes a look at the proposals and what others in Springfield are saying about them. Host: Melba Lara; Reporter: Alex DegmanBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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CPS chess team prepares for the state finals 0:51

30d ago0:51

0:51

Fourteen Chicago public schools are competing in the state chess tournament in Peoria. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Nereida MorenoBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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CPS enrollment is down, yet the budget is up. Why? 1:32

1M ago1:32

1:32

WBEZ has gotten hundreds of questions from our People’s Agenda survey about economic issues Chicagoans want to see the next mayor address. Today, a question about education funding. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Sarah KarpBy Chicago Public Media

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WBEZ Features

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Taylor Swift heartbreak bar pops up in Chicago 4:05

1M ago4:05

4:05

Do you have some ‘Bad Blood’ with Valentine’s Day? This Taylor Swift pop-up is perfect for you. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Indira KheraBy Chicago Public Media

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