WBEZ 91.5 Chicago

On Thursday's Morning Shift, we talk about the CPD budget, discuss gun violence, look at fair housing, and explore the life of jazz composer Billy Strayhorn.

As a kid, Billy Strayhorn became very interested in music and by the time he was in high school, not only was he an exceptional pianist with a classical music pedigree, but he’d become quite a composer. Everything changed in 1938.

On Wednesday's Morning Shift, we discuss the Palos Hills heroin summit, talk about the future of Taste of Chicago, look at taxing property to pay for services at a local level, and explore some of Chicago's best Halloween theater.

On Tuesday's Morning Shift, we react to the presidential debate, talk about Jesse Jackson Jr., and look at why young voters have lost the spark they had in 2008. Danny Black will also be performing in studio.

On Monday's Morning Shift, we pay tribute to George McGovern, talk about Amtrak high-speed rail, look at how the office of the first lady has evolved, and enjoy the music of Musikanto.

Resident history blogger John Schmidt is out Monday and so in his stead, we rounded up WBEZ theatre critic Jonathan Abarbanel, who has a love of history. He’s put together today’s brain-stumper about First Ladies.

On Friday's Morning Shift, we take a look at the Cook County budget, talk women's sports with United States Women's National Soccer Team defender Rachel Buehler, examine the week in news, and chat with Stew and The Negro Problem about the intersection of music, race, and fine art.