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Chicago Newsroom 2.0
June 13, 2025
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.
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Chicago Newsroom 2.0
May 23, 2025
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.
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Chicago Newsroom 2.0
May 23, 2025
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.
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Chicago Newsroom 2.0
May 17, 2025
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.
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Chicago Newsroom 2.0
May 9, 2025
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.
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Chicago Newsroom 2.0
May 2, 2025
In this episode of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, host Andy Zopp leads a timely discussion on Chicago’s shifting political landscape and the rising threats to intellectual freedom. With Senator Dick Durbin’s seat up for grabs and the 2026 city budget taking shape, roundtable guests Sufyan Sohel, Francia Garcia Hernandez, and Adrian Segura weigh in on the political stakes. Chicago Public Library Commissioner Chris Brown and ALA’s Deborah Caldwell-Stone address growing federal attacks on libraries and museums, while Injustice Watch’s Kelly Garcia and children’s authors Veronica Appleton, James Morris Jr., and Kaylin Searles highlight the urgent need for inclusive storytelling and equal access to information.
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Chicago Newsroom 2.0
April 25, 2025
In this episode of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, guest host Darrious Hilmon sits down with Sufyan Sohel and Swathi Staley to discuss how nonprofits are preparing for increased scrutiny under the Trump administration. Notable leaders Christa Hamilton, Kelwin Harris, and Monica Woodson share how they are steering their organizations with intentionality through turbulent times. Plus, Darrious speaks one-on-one with Borderless Magazine’s Hillary Flores about the fight to bring U.S. citizen Abrego Garcia home and dives into organizational effectiveness with Christine Leung and Stephen McClain from reCentered Partners.
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Chicago Newsroom 2.0
April 21, 2025
In this episode of of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, guest host Darrious Hilmon leads a powerful conversation with local advocates Joli Robinson, Darius Caffey, Channyn Lynn Parker, Ella J. Jasso, and Dr. Travis Gayles. The panel addresses the surge in legislation targeting LGBTQ+ communities across the country, examining its impact and highlighting the urgent need for advocacy, solidarity, and community-led resistance.
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Chicago Newsroom 2.0
April 11, 2025
In this episode of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, host Andy Zopp is joined by roundtable regulars Sufyan Sohel, Juatise Gathings, Adrian Segura, and Francia Garcia Hernandez to unpack the growing rift between Mayor Brandon Johnson and City Council’s Progressive Caucus. The panel also addresses renewed concerns surrounding teen gatherings in downtown Chicago. Plus, Andy sits down with Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi to discuss property reform and with Family Focus President & CEO Dara Munson on strengthening family-centered community support.
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Chicago Newsroom 2.0
April 4, 2025
In this episode of Chicago Newsroom 2.0, host Andrea Zopp is joined by Sufyan Sohel, Juatise Gathings, and Adrian Segura for a roundtable discussion on the ongoing turmoil within Chicago Public Schools. The conversation explores leadership challenges, policy tensions, and the broader impact on students and families. Andrea also sits down one-on-one with executive coach Guy Summers and Thresholds’ Sterling Haukom-Anderson to discuss effective leadership during times of change and the importance of stress management.
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