🏆 The city's top schools

The Biggest Questions This CPS School Year

As Chicago Public Schools return, major questions remain. How will leaders close the CPS budget gap? What protections are in place for immigrant students? And what’s up between Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the district? On today’s podcast, WBEZ education reporter Sarah Karp and freelance journalist Brandon Pope break down all those challenges. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Illinois Doctors Support COVID Shots For Kids

Against recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Illinois-based American Academy of Pediatrics still strongly recommends COVID-19 shots for kids between six months and two years old. It’s the first time in decades that the association is diverging from government guidance, and other local doctors are voicing support. [Sun-Times]

The Chicago High School Ranking Is in

Payton College Prep is the best high school in Illinois according to U.S. News and World Report, followed by Northside College Prep, Lane Tech, Whitney Young, and Jones College Prep. Payton, Northside, and Lane also cracked the top 100 high schools nationally. [FOX 32]

This Week’s Must-Read

Have you heard of the Mecca Flats? The lively Bronzeville apartment complex stood as a cornerstone of the Chicago Black Renaissance, inspiring poetry and jazz before its demolition in 1952. Now, an inflatable recreation stands tall in nearby Siegel Field, rendering scenes from the old apartments in black and white. No color photographs of Mecca Flats exist. [Reader]

School is back in session. But that's not the only big update from this week — have you been paying attention? Test your news knowledge!