Podcast

Episode 1: Ilinois Election Security

With Election 2020 just two days away, UChi In The Loop wanted to take a closer look at how states are preparing for the election and specifically look at our home state, Illinois. This episode looks at the structures of the Illinois government in the context of election infrastructure and security. It also features our guest Darren Reisberg who is the Vice President of Programs and Strategy at the Joyce Foundation, which specializes in promoting public policy strategies that advance racial equality and economic mobility. In addition, their foundation has a focus on fair and free elections. He is also the chairman of the Illinois State Board of Education. He was previously the vice president for strategic initiatives and deputy provost here at the University of Chicago. He was also the director of the Institute of Politics.

Episode 2: Justice Reform Policy

During these past few months, we have seen the Black Lives Matter movement emphasize the murders and injustices that Black individuals have been facing since before our country was founded. In The Loop wanted to take a deeper dive into concrete steps and policies that activists, organizers and elected officials have been discussing to make real change, as well as, understand the importance that local and state government has in these reforms. Our guest, Michael Blake, is an Assemblymember from the 79th District in New York and the vice chair of the Democratic National Committee. During our interview, he  gives us an in depth look at the issues in criminal justice policy as he has been involved in New York State reforms. We hope that this episode will be a vehicle for understanding how city government works and how it controls the justice system, specifically looking at Chicago.

Episode 3: Congressional Legislation and the Future of the Republican Party

As the Trump Administration comes to a close, Former Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-VA-10) joins to discuss the future of the GOP and her work in the US House of Representatives.

Episode 4: Progressive Messaging

As the Biden administration begins, Nadya and Domenica dive deep into communications and messaging strategy with progressive pollster Anat Shenker-Osorio. Shenker-Osorio is a communications and messaging expert who has advised a myriad of Democratic clients including the Congressional Progressive Caucus. During the episode, Anat and our hosts reflect on President Biden’s inaugural address discuss the race/class narrative, and explore what message Democrats should project ahead of the 2022 midterms.

Episode 5: Illinois Court System

Nadya and Domenica turn their attention to Illinois to explore the state court system in our March episode. They are joined by Agnes Bugaj to discuss the Illinois Attorney General’s office, the court system, the differences between civil and criminal law, and more. Agnes Bugaj is an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Illinois, working in the Sexually Violent Persons Bureau. She’s previously worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney for St. Clair County, IL, after graduating from the University of Iowa College of Law. Bugaj graduated from the University of Chicago in 2010 where she studied Linguistics and Political Science.

Episode 6: Climate Change and Congress

As the 117th Congress begins to pass legislation, Nadya, Domenica, and Emily check in with Congressman Mike Quigley. They discuss the legislative process, environmental policy, and Chicago’s role in solving our climate crisis. Congressman Quigley represents Illinois’ 5th District, which includes much of Chicago’s north side. He’s held his seat in Congress since Rahm Emmanuel vacated the seat to join President Obama in the White House. Quigley is a graduate of The University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy.