Here We Go Again — Should CPS Students Return to Classrooms?
More than 300,000 public school kids in Chicago are expected back in the classroom today after winter break. Their return comes as the city averages nearly 4,000 COVID cases a day. Before the break, CPS sent testing kits home with about half of the district’s students. But the Chicago Teachers Union and some parents questioned the efficacy of that plan when this image was on the front page of the Chicago Tribune. The union held a virtual town hall Sunday night so members could share their concerns about teaching in person, but CPS CEO Pedro Martinez said last week he’s confident about students returning. Chicago Tribune education reporter Tracy Swartz has the latest on what the next week could look like in the country’s third largest school district.
Guest: Tracy Swartz—Reporter, Chicago Tribune
News:
New Illinois laws enacted in 2022
Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago
Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
City’s Street Vendor Crackdown, Mayoral Quiz, and Belugas at Shedd
Chicago is seeing a rise in enforcement against immigrant street vendors. Over the last few months the Street Vendors Association of Chic...

Is Chicago Still Broke? Plus, ICE Arrests Increasing
What have we learned in the last week about the city’s financial position, and what does that mean for the growing field of mayoral candi...

Mayor’s Transit and Public Health Picks. Plus, ‘Love Island’ Mania and Chicago’s Next Hit Show
Today we’re talking about some new appointments coming out of the Johnson administration, including a new Public Health Commissioner and...

Is Chuy Garcia Controlling Congressional Race? Plus, a Visit to Feld
U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (4th) has been accused of thumbing the political scales in favor of his chosen successor. In November, Garc...

Why Massage Parlors Are Getting Raided in the 12th Ward
Two illicit massage parlors on Archer Avenue were raided within weeks of each other — including one next door to 12th Ward Ald. Julia Ram...

Who Will Replace Retiring Police Chief? Plus, Chicago's New Gayborhood?
The Chicago Police Department will be without a permanent police superintendent starting July 15, as current superintendent Larry Snellin...

'Your City Could Be Better': The Ultimate USA Trivia Battle. How Much Do You Know? — Presented By City Cast Chicago
See if your Chicago knowledge serves you well! In the first-ever Your City Could Be Better trivia episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz goes...

What Is a Tenant Bill of Rights? Plus, Cold Treats For the Heat
This week, Mayor Brandon Johnson pitched the Protecting Renter’s Ordinance, which the city calls a “comprehensive modernization” of Chica...

Your Guide to July 2026 in Chicago
As summer really takes off, the food fests, fireworks shows, and WNBA All Star Weekend have us really excited for July. Here’s your guide...

Extreme Heat, Indiana Fireworks, and 'The Bear' Finale
Extreme heat warnings, corn sweat, and potential thunderstorms could make this the most volatile weather week of the summer so far. Execu...

