Vox Pop Maranda Bodas

In a press release Tuesday, CTA announced a 22 percent reduction in absenteeism since 2011

CTA President Forrest Claypool says this drop will save the organization more than $10 million

The agency-wide change aligns with CTA’s commitment to increased management standards and improved training. 

Claypool says absenteeism directly impacts taxpayers and their service. 

(Quote from Claypool) 

The $10 Million savings will help the agency cope with a potential $14 million state funding cut

Mayor Emanuel commends Claypool’s work but says that these changes are just the beginning. 

The two agree that more needs to be done to reduce the budget deficit and cope with lingering cuts citywide. 

Maranda Bodas – Medill 


CTA fights absenteeism

Eager fans file into the lobby of the Logan Theater, ready for the release of “Easy Abby.”

Tonight’s feature is part of the 31st Annual Reeling LGBT Film Festival, a two week event in the heart of Logan Square.  

INAUDIBLE CHATTER 

The film follows the life of Abby – an anxious lesbian who works odd jobs across Chicago and seduces women to calm her nerves. 

Lisa Cordileone who plays Abby is buzzing around the lobby, sipping whiskey on the rocks and hugging everybody she meets. 

“Season one is 14 episodes that were 5 to 7 minutes each that we pieced together,” Cordileone says. 

Tonight’s screening is a special one. 

“This one here in Chicago means a lot,” says Cordileone. “Because we shot it here and its based here.

“A lot of the sponsors are going to be here tonight and a lot of the musicians who played music, the cast and the crew,” she says. 

CHILD SCREAM

“That’s my friend’s kid Jasper,” she says with a laugh. 

It’s 6:15 p.m. and time for the show to begin. The anticipation is palpable as 170 people take their seats. 

 The crowd erupts when programming director Richard Knight takes the stage. 

“This is the 31st edition of the festival,” says Knight. “Which makes it the second oldest in the world.” 

APPLAUSE

Reeling Festival

On November 20, Governor Pat Quinn will sign the Religious Freedom and Marriage Equality Act, bringing same-sex marriage to Illinois. 

With the new legislation in site, Medill reporter Maranda Bodas looked into the ruling’s impact on same-sex couples’ right to adopt. 

Sitting down with a foster dad and an LGBT legal representative, Bodas found that the bill will not make the process any easier than it already is, but it could have a greater social impact.  

BARCUS:

Dan Barcus is a single gay dad. 

Over the past 10 years, Barcus has fostered three kids and on December 3 he will adopt two young brothers. 

He says that same sex marriage will make adoption easier on a psychological level. 

BARCUS:
	
Barcus says he is lucky to be part of a community that supports same sex adoption. 

BARCUS: 

But what does that mean for the rest of Cook County and the state of Illinois? 

In Chicago, same-sex adoption and heterosexual adoption follow a similar if not equal process. 

Attorney Alan Toback says that even though same sex adoption is commonplace in Chicago, marriage equality will have a larger impact statewide. 

TOBACK: 

The way Barcus sees it, the bill will just make adoption more accessible for everybody. 

BARCUS

Same sex adoption and marriage equality

Podcast produced by: 
Maranda Bodas
Natali Pacini
Elle Calderone 

Maranda Nichole 1