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Chicago proudly claims Florence Price as one of its own. After all, it was here that she became the first Black female composer to have a symphony performed by a major orchestra. HOST: LANE

Illinois Voters will start receiving their vote-by-mail ballots today (Thurs). In order to vote, you must be a U-S citizen – and you need to register. In Illinois, there are plenty of ways to do that…. You can register to vote by mailing in a form by February 17th. Or register online through March First. And you can always register in-person when you go to vote. HOST: LANE

The Winter Olympics are officially underway. And a number of the members of Team U-S-A come from right here in Illinois. HOST: DEGMAN

The Chicago suburbs used to be mostly white, middle-class enclaves. But over the last few decades, some have become incredibly diverse places. HOST: DEGMAN

Two teen brothers from West Chicago have been in Minneapolis since early January, documenting immigration raids. The boys are homeschooled, so they’ve taken their books with them on the road. But they’re struggling to keep up with their studies amid everything they’re witnessing. That includes the aftermath of Alex Pretti’s killing at the hands of federal agents. Yet they’re still continuing their mission. HOST: LANE

Chicago public schools plan to celebrate Black History Month with everything from a business fair to an assembly highlighting the Harlem Renaissance. But Chalmers Elementary on the west side kicked off the month in a pretty unusual way. Students got a meet and greet with the chickens that will live in their school's courtyard. HOST: LANE

It’s been four months since Marimar [MARE-i-mar] Martinez, was shot by a Border Patrol agent on Chicago’s Southwest Side. She survived. But two other U.S. citizens in Minnesota who were recently involved in similar shooting incidents did not. HOST: DEGMAN

90 miles west of Chicago sits the beautiful Starved Rock State Park. But lesser known is the nearby Matthiessen State Park. The smaller nature reserve also touts Sandstone canyons and waterfalls...plus a less crowded feel. HOST: LANE

On Northwestern University’s Evanston campus, there’s a big boulder known as “The Rock.” For decades students have painted and repainted it with slogans, symbols and announcements. Campus officials say they don’t police The Rock except in the case of threats and profanity. But a recent incident has students and faculty questioning what administrators view as threatening and whom they see as worthy of protection. HOST: LANE

Every January, the International Puppet Theater Festival descends upon our city. This year the Chicago group Manual Cinema is one of the hot tickets. Their production “The Fourth Witch” puts a twist on Macbeth. HOST: LANE

A new essay collection visits the places that shape Midwestern literature. Lingering Inland: A Literary Tour of the Midwest features prose about the neighborhoods and spots that inspired regional writers. HOST: LANE

Three Illinois Democrats vying to become the state’s next U.S. senator shared a stage in Chicago last night [MON]. It was the first face-to-face debate between U.S. Reps. Robin Kelly, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. The event co-hosted by WBEZ, the Chicago Sun-Times, the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics and International House started politely enough. But, as you might guess, plenty of sharpened political elbows got thrown. HOST: LANE

Spanish mix down

Deportation efforts since President Trump took office have torn apart thousands of families. For some of them, an immigration arrest follows other traumas. In a west suburban school district, an administrator heard that two of her former students were in crisis. So, she tried to help.

The Chicago Bears made it known this season they’ll be a contender for years to come. But it’s unlikely they’ll ever reach the heights of the most famous Bears squad. It was 40 years ago today (MON) that the Chicago Bears won their first and only Super Bowl, permanently cementing the legacy of the ’85 Bears. host: ALEX