Illinois is one of 48 states that revokes the right to vote for people in prison convicted of a felony. But that hasn’t stopped some from learning – and teaching – about voting and political engagement to prepare for when they reenter society. Reset sits down with a Chicagoan who was wrongfully imprisoned for 35 years, and who taught civics education classes for incarcerated people.

There’s a movement in the works to restore voting rights to incarcerated people in Illinois. Advocates say it’s a racial justice issue and could reduce recidivism. Reset talks to associate professor of political science at DePaul University Cristina Rivers, formerly incarcerated person Jimmy Soto, and the policy manager at Chicago Votes Frederique Desrosiers. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

More than 54,000 incarcerated people, including more than 1,000 in Illinois, responded to a Marshall Project survey about their thoughts on the November election. Reset digs into what they had to say about the issues that matter to them and who they plan to vote for in the presidential race with Nicole Lewis and Jamiles Lartey of The Marshall Project. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Illinois is one of 48 states that revokes the right to vote for people in prison convicted of a felony. But that hasn’t stopped some from learning – and teaching – about voting and political engagement to prepare for when they reenter society. Reset sits down Brian Beals, a Chicagoan who was wrongfully imprisoned for 35 years and taught civics education classes to other incarcerated people. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Let’s be honest. There’s a lot to be stressed out about. And while there are umpteen tips and tricks for de-stressing, one route could be building emotional resilience. Research coming out of Northwestern University shows that positive emotions can help people cope and adapt to stressful situations. Reset sat down with Judith Moskowitz, Chief of Intervention Sciences in the Department of Medical Social Sciences at Northwestern University to learn more about the resilience challenge. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Cases of syphilis are on the rise in the United States. Chicago is also mirroring nationwide trends. The sexually transmitted infection was down to just over 30,000 cases in 2000, but that number rose to above 200,000 in 2022. To understand why, and how to slow this trend, we talked with Dr. Kimberly Stanford, associate professor of medicine at UChicago. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The U.S. Surgeon General says parents across the country are struggling with increased stress and declining mental health. Parents are juggling work, childcare, education, finances, time management, loneliness and much more. So we’re revisiting a recent conversation looking at the biggest challenges parents are facing in the U.S. today and how communities are coming together to support parents and children. Our guests are Rosalia Salgado, mother of two from Hermosa, and community healer with Community Organizing and Family Issues; and Teri McKean, parent and director of Crisis and Support Operations at NAMI Chicago. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

As early voting expands in Chicago and Cook County, voters will choose between a Democrat, Republican and Libertarian to replace Kim Foxx as the next Cook County State’s Attorney. The state’s attorney – the county’s top prosecutor – oversees an office of about 1,300 employees and sets the tone for how justice is meted out in Cook County. WBEZ’s Reset sat down with two of the candidates seeking to replace her. (Libertarian Andrew Charles Kopinski was not able to come to the station for an interview.) In this episode, we sit down with Democrat Eileen O’Neill Burke, who is a former appellate court judge, trial court judge, defense attorney and prosecutor with 33 years of experience in criminal justice. To hear our conversation with her opponent Republican Bob Fioretti, look back at our podcast feed. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

As early voting expands in Chicago and Cook County, voters will choose between a Democrat, Republican and Libertarian to replace Kim Foxx as the next Cook County State’s Attorney. The state’s attorney – the county’s top prosecutor – oversees an office of about 1,300 employees and sets the tone for how justice is meted out in Cook County. WBEZ’s Reset sat down with two of the candidates seeking to replace her. (Libertarian Andrew Charles Kopinski was not able to come to the station for an interview.) In this episode, we sit down with Republican Bob Fioretti is a private defense attorney and former Chicago alderman who previously ran unsuccessfully for Chicago mayor, Cook County Board president and Cook County State’s Attorney. A longtime Democrat, he switched his party affiliation in 2022. To hear our conversation with his opponent Democrat Eileen O’Neill Burke, look back at our podcast feed. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Typically, freelance musicians don’t have the benefits many 9-to-5 jobs offer, like retirement accounts or health benefits. But a new group called Golden Egg, in partnership with the Experimental Sound Studio, is trying to change that through a matching grant program funded through the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. It will select 16 artists to receive a share of $50,000 to put into a retirement fund. Reset learns more about the goals of the effort with Golden Egg’s project manager Deidre Huckabay and steering committee member Adrian Ruiz. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

This weekend, Chicagoans can catch a celebration of the WGN icon and red-haired jester Bozo the Clown. The event will be hosted by Chicago native and Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan and will feature actor David Arquette as Bozo himself. Ahead of the weekend celebration, Reset opens the phones to hear listeners share their Bozo Circus memories that run the gamut. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Former president Donald Trump makes a stop in Chicago, questions around the Chicago Board of Education, the city’s Greyhound station to stay and Open House Chicago. Reset dives into these stories and more with Block Club Chicago reporter Melody Mercado, WTTW news correspondent Nick Blumberg and WBEZ data projects editor Alden Loury. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Open House Chicago is back! The architecture festival will run from Oct. 19 to 20. You’ll be able to see more than 170 buildings for free. And this year, 25 new sites have been added to that list. Reset gets the latest from the Chicago Architecture Center’s Adam Rubin. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Scientists found the comet back in 2023. You can see it now for the next few days. It’s thought that the last time this comet was seen from Earth was 80,000 years ago. Reset checks in with Adler Planetarium astronomer Michael Zevin. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Half a century ago a dozen Chicago women working in a male-dominated profession launched, “Chicago Women in Architecture.” Among the issues the group discussed in those early years were lack of recognition for their part in what are often team projects, the challenge of working in a demanding profession while raising children and inequitable pay. The Chicago Architecture Center currently has an exhibit called “Disrupters,” that tells the story of women in architecture. Reset goes on a field trip with architecture guru and resident real estate journalist for Crain's Chicago Dennis Rodkins to explore the buildings downtown that were designed by women. Beginning at this exhibit they find along the way legendary Chicago architect Carol Ross Barney, an original member of Chicago Women in Architecture to discuss her experience and why women have a prominent place in architecture. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

When entering the voter booth, you may be more prepared to mark your choice for president. But the longest part of your ballot has to do with officials who are more likely to have a direct impact on your life: judges. They’re the ones presiding over your case whether you’re disputing a speeding ticket, getting a divorce, fighting for child custody, or suing for damages in a car accident. And a majority of those judges are elected. But who are these candidates asking for your vote, and what do you need to know about them? We dig into the main candidates to know and where to find out more with Alejandra Cancino, senior reporter at Injustice Watch and Sonni Williams, president Illinois State Bar Association. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Before you even get to the “President of the U.S.” part of your voter ballot, there may be an “advisory referendum” you’ll be asked to weigh in on. Then at some point, you’ll have the option to weigh in on pages and pages of judges. Then there’s that office of the county circuit clerk – but what does that person even do? And what even is the Water Reclamation District, and why are you being asked about it? Reset demystifies your Election Day ballot with Tony Arnold, WBEZ government and politics editor, and WBEZ education reporter Sarah Karp. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

From questions about how and where to vote to what to expect as the votes are counted, we turn to the experts. Reset checks in with election officials Matt Dietrich, public information officer Illinois State Board of Elections and Max Bever, Director of Public Information at the Chicago Board of Elections. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Nearly a century after the team played its first game, the Harlem Globetrotters continue to occupy a unique and entertaining niche in basketball and American sports writ large. A lot of what we see today is the realization of the vision of one man: Abe Saperstein. But his influence went far beyond the basketball court. Reset learns more about one of the more creative minds and interesting personalities to shape American sports in the 20th century with Mark Jacob, author of the book “Globetrotter: How Abe Saperstein Shook Up The World Of Sports.” For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Jury selection in the federal corruption trial of former Illinois House speaker Michael Madigan continues this week. Madigan was long known as the “velvet hammer” for his subtle but powerful grip on state politics. He was the longest-serving speaker in American history, a position he held for 36 years under seven Illinois governors. In March 2022, he was indicted on 22 counts of racketeering and bribery charges for “allegedly using his official position to corruptly solicit and receive personal financial rewards for himself and his associates,” according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois. Reset discusses with Chicago Sun-Times federal courts reporter Jon Seidel what you need to know to follow WBEZ and Sun-Times reporting on the trial as it unfolds. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

It’s Filipino American History Month, so we’re learning about how kamayan, the communal style of eating with hands, preserves Filipino culture. Plus, we discuss places in Chicago to sit down to a table covered in banana leaves and delicious Filipino dishes like lechon, longganisa and fish. Reset checks in with local restaurateurs Christine Ledesma, owner and co-founder of Kubo Chicago and Billy Dec, the CEO and founder of Sunda New Asian. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Siblings Olivia Hardy and Will Gao didn’t always know making music together was in the cards. “I feel like the process was pretty organic,” Hardy said. “There was never like a, ‘Today marks the beginning of everything.’” But even so, music has always been a big part of their lives. Gao recalls there always being music playing in their childhood whether it was on the CD player or the radio. The two have gone on to form the band Wasia Project. They’ve released a handful of singles and EPs and toured with the likes of Grammy-award winning jazz singer Laufey and artist Tom Odell. The duo dropped their latest EP ‘Isotope’ in August featuring tracks like ‘Is This What Love Is?’ and ‘Somebody Come Through.’ Hardy and Gao stopped by WBEZ’s studios ahead of their sold-out Chicago show at Lincoln Hall for an interview with Reset host Sasha-Ann Simons. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson replaced the entire Board of Education, the federal corruption trial of former Illinois House speaker Michael Madigan got underway and the Chicago Bears head to London. Reset dives into these and other top local stories with CW26 reporter and anchor Brandon Pope, WBEZ assistant managing editor Kate Grossman and Better Government Association president David Greising. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Forget the planet Krypton. Did you know Illinois is Superman’s home state? In 1972 the state legislature declared Metropolis as his home town, and the residents there have embraced the Man of Steel by painting Superman on their water tower, building a 15-foot statue of him in front of their courthouse and even dedicating a museum to him. Reset intern Jules Yaeger explores the Super Museum, a shrine to the Man of Steel himself. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago alderpeople are not up for reelection, but residents across the city are receiving mailers that either praise or criticize alders for their stance on a proposal to electrify new homes in Chicago. WTTW looked into who is sending the mailers, and why. Reset learns what’s going on with Heather Cherone,Chicago politics reporter at WTTW. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Filipinos made up 4% of all registered nurses in the U.S. in 2020, but they accounted for more than 30% of all nurse deaths from COVID and they’ve long been the unsung backbone of the American healthcare system. A new documentary called “Nurse Unseen” shines a light on their contributions and sacrifices during a time of uncertainty, isolation and rising anti-Asian racism and violence.Reset sits down with the filmmakers Michele Josue and Carlo Velayo to learn more. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The Chicago International Film Festival kicks off its 60th year later this month, and for the ambitious filmmaker, getting on the fest’s programming may be an important stop on the road to Hollywood’s Dolby Theater. Reset checks in with WBEZ arts and culture reporter Courtney Keuppers and Rebecca Fons, director of programming for the Gene Siskel Film Center, one of the theaters participating. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

It’s that time of year where you have to ask yourself: is that weird tickle in your throat a cold, the flu, RSV, or is it COVID? Reset gets the latest guidance on how to survive the viral season from Dr. Mia Taormina, infectious disease specialist with Duly Health and Care. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

It’s been one year since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack in Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people and the start of Israel’s ongoing military response that has killed nearly 42,000 Palestinians. Reset checks in with Jewish religious leaders, including one who wrote about the experiences of the last year in an op-ed in the Chicago Sun-Times. Our guests are Rabbi Michael Schwab of North Suburban Synagogue Beth El in Highland Park and Rabbi Aryeh Bernstein from Hyde Park. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

It’s been one year since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack in Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people and the start of Israel’s ongoing military response that has killed nearly 42,000 Palestinians. Reset checks in with Rami Nashashibi, executive director of the Inner-City Muslim Action Network. He was in the region when the Oct. 7 attack broke out and the start of the war in Gaza, and joined us on Reset in the aftermath. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The share of Americans living in intergenerational homes has quadrupled over the past half century, and Reset wanted to know: What’s it like to live with multiple generations under one roof? What are the challenges? And what works? Reset checks in with Mary from Irving Park, Dennis from West Ridge and Sol from Bronzeville about their experiences. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Universities in the Chicago area have put much more restrictive protest policies in place this year in response to encampments that sprang up on campuses in the spring. At the same time, Jewish and Palestinian students are conferring, organizing and working to create community from Northwestern to the University of Chicago to DePaul, Loyola and more. Reset learns more from WBEZ higher education reporter Lisa Kurian Philip. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Beekeepers are making honey all over Chicago. The kinds of plants, flowers and trees near the hives can influence the taste of the honey, creating distinct flavors neighborhood by neighborhood. Reset sits down with beekeeper and founder of Bikeabee Jana Kinsman. She operates 100 hives on Chicago’s South and West sides. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago blues guitarist and singer Ronnie Baker Brooks, the son of the late blues legend Lonnie Brooks, is dropping a new record on Oct. 11. It’s called ‘Blues In My DNA.’ Reset sits down with the Chicago-born blues guitarist to talk about the album, his rich relationship with his late father and carrying on the legacy of Chicago blues music. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

All seven members of the Chicago Board of Education announced Friday they will be resigning. Meanwhile, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has to figure out how to close a massive budget gap, and local colleges and universities have imposed more restrictions on protest on campus. Reset goes behind those headlines and more with Chicago Sun-Times education reporter Nader Issa and Axios Chicago reporter Carrie Shepherd. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

In 2017 Mandy Wilk felt sharp pains in her abdomen and found out she had stage 4 colorectal cancer. The cancer had spread to her liver and would eventually make its way to her lungs. Last summer, she received a first-of-its-kind double lung transplant at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, and she’s now cancer-free. Reset sits down with Mandy to learn about her journey fighting to be heard by doctors and how she’s made medical history. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Around 45,000 dockworkers from Maine to Texas remain on strike weeks after the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by half a point. So, what will these recent pieces of economic news mean for the economy and consumers in Chicago, the Midwest and beyond? Reset checks in with Austan Goolsbee, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The White Sox and the Bears are seeking public funds to build new stadiums. But real estate professionals have other ideas on how taxpayer money could be invested in Chicago. Crain’s Chicago Business commercial real estate reporter Danny Ecker sifts through the alternatives, which include more funding for police, a reimagining of the Loop as a cultural hub instead of a business center and much more. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Vice President Harris and former president Trump say they will work to revive American manufacturing. There’s a lot at stake in Chicago. WBEZ’s Alden Loury and Esther Yoon-Ji Kang dig into who could benefit locally. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is trying to buy time to close a budget gap of almost a billion dollars. “Everything is on the table,” says the city’s budget director. But what options are there? And which will most impact everyday Chicagoans? Reset gets the latest with WBEZ city government and politics reporters Tessa Weinberg and Mariah Woelfel. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

They’ve been trash talking on the campaign trail, but finally, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Ohio Sen. JD Vance will go head-to-head on primetime TV, Tuesday at 8 p.m. Central. Will the two be “Midwest nice” or go for the political jugular? Reset checks in with political expert Tabitha Bonilla, associate professor at Northwestern University, for her take on what to look out for at the vice presidential debate. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Reset received an email from a listener inquiring about the 700 block of Maxwell street, wondering about the story behind the historic 19th and 20th century facades. Reset’s architecture guru Dennis Rodkins explains how in the late 1990s, the University of Illinois Chicago redeveloped the area south of Roosevelt Road, the site of the Maxwell Street Market which led to the array of historic designs we see today. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Lake Michigan’s waters are the warmest they’ve ever been in documented history, and it's not just Lake Michigan either. The five great lakes are all seeing rising temperatures and this trend is not showing signs of slowing. Reset WBEZ’s environment reporter Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco breaks down what’s behind these rising temperatures and what they mean for wildlife and Chicago. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Since 1986, Chiu Quon Bakery has been a Chicago staple for traditional Chinese baked specialties. Featured in season three of FX’s The Bear, it’s the oldest Chinese bakery in Chicago, and it has two locations in the city. The bakeries have dozens of different kinds of sweets that are made by hand daily. The specialty treats they offer are part of a dying tradition that their bakery is making sure to keep alive and offer for generations to come. Reset speaks with one of the co-owners, Joyce Chiu, to learn about the bakery’s story. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Honestly, what’s better than some fall vibes and a good book? Because ’tis the season for spooky thrillers, horror, romance and mystery! For our Question Of The Week, we asked our listeners: What are you reading right now and what’s on your fall reading list? Reset talks books and fall reads with assistant commissioner of collections Lindsay Laren and editor-in-chief of the Chicago Review of Books Michael Welch. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The Chicago Sky’s coach is fired. Hundreds more people join a lawsuit saying they were abused at juvenile detention centers across Illinois. Mayor Brandon Johnson calls for the resignation of Chicago Public Schools CEO. Reset goes behind those headlines and more with a panel of local journalists on the Weekly News Recap. This week’s panel: Chalkbeat Chicago reporter Reema Amin, City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran, and Chicago Sun-Times reporter Mitchell Armentrout. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The WNBA broke its own records across all categories this year: ticket sales, attendance, viewership — even players’ stat lines were blowing up. And Chicago’s team did not miss out on the action, having its own moment in the spotlight before falling to injuries (and more mature teams) mid-season and failing to make the playoffs. But the Sky’s future looks bright. Reset sat down with Annie Costabile, Chicago Sky reporter for the Sun-Times, Maya Goldberg-Safir, who wrote about the Sky for South Side Weekly this season and Quita from the Quita Loves Sports channel on YouTube. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

A new report by the Greater Chicago Food Depository found that 1 in 3 families in the city can’t cover the basic costs of living. This includes the cost of eating every day. This data hasn’t changed much since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic — how is that possible? And what can be done? Reset talks with Jim Conwell, VP of marketing and communications at the Greater Chicago Food Depository. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The Chicago River has gone through a lot to shed its cesspool past and enter into its cleaner, shinier present. But has it gone far enough to make the average Chicagoan feel comfortable to take a dip in it? Reset learns about a unique approach to monitoring the health of the area's rivers from Alaina Harkness, ED of Current and Karen Weigert, director of Loyola University’s Chicago’s Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and what the data can tell us about how the rivers are constantly changing. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The University of Illinois at Chicago has published an in-depth report studying impact of Mexican Chicagoans, a group that has been historically overlooked as its own data set versus under the umbrella of Chicago Latinos as a whole. According to researchers’ findings, Mexicans are the largest population of Latinos in Chicago and subsequently play a pivotal role in Chicago’s economy. Reset sat down with Teresa Cordova and Juan Gonzalez, two of the scholars who wrote the report to break down their team’s findings and the importance Mexicans have on informing policies. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Residents of Humboldt Park, West Town, Logan Square, Avondale and Hermosa have faced rising housing prices due to gentrification for over a decade. A city ordinance passed last week aims to stem the tide of people forced to move because they can no longer afford to stay in their neighborhoods. Reset discusses with Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, 35th Ward, and housing organizer Gary Jimenez. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The Chicago Teachers Union took a no confidence vote in Pedro Martinez, the CEO of CPS, citing concern that the district might be considering closing or consolidating schools – which Martinez vehemently denies. And four sources tell the Chicago Sun-Times that Chicago’s mayor is now asking Martinez to resign. Reset gets the latest on how this could affect the district finances, and the school year ahead with education reporters Sarah Karp of WBEZ and Nader Issa of the Chicago Sun-Times. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

In Australia, due to the country’s system of mandatory voting, turnout for federal elections is around 90%, but in many remote Aboriginal communities, it’s far lower. As part of our Democracy Solutions Project, Reset executive producer Dan Tucker traveled to the town of Yuendumu in Australia’s vast Northern Territory to understand why voters stay away from the polls and what it says about political representation in the country. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Reset executive producer Dan Tucker shares his takeaways from a recent reporting trip to Australia. Unlike the U.S., the country has a rich history of changing its voting system to create a more representative government and a more democratic society. As a result, voting is mandatory in Australia, voters rank candidates from multiple parties, the Senate uses proportional representation and an independent commission administers federal elections. So, how do these systems work? And could they work in the U.S.? In this episode you’ll hear from: Judith Brett, author of “From Secret Ballot To Democracy Sausage: How Australia Got Compulsory Voting”; Samantha Ratnam, member of parliament in the state of Victoria for the Greens; Nick Minchin, former finance minister, former Liberal leader in the Senate; Shane Singh, professor of international affairs at the University of Georgia, author of the book “Beyond Turnout: How Compulsory Voting Shapes Citizens and Political Parties”; Tom Rogers, Australian Electoral Commissioner; and Bill Browne, director of the Democracy and Accountability program at the Australia Institute, an independent think tank in Canberra. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

As Earth continues to get hotter, local scientists are asking what this will look like in Chicago. This past July, scientists led by Argonne National Laboratory turned to balloons to find out. They launched balloons into the sky from four different Chicago neighborhoods as part of a research project to look into how infrastructure traps heat in different parts of the city and creates “micro-climates.” Reset learns more about heat in Chicago with WBEZ environment reporter Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Steve Slagg is no stranger to Chicago’s queer and DIY music scene. You can often find him playing the keys in local indie-rock band Mooner. But now, Slagg is taking the lead as the front person in his latest album I Don't Want to Get Adjusted to This World. In it, Slagg explores themes of queerness, spirituality and nature. He stops by Reset for more about his musical journey. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Illinois Republicans called on Democrats to “end dangerous rhetoric” after an apparent second Trump assassination attempt, while the Illinois Supreme Court heard challenges to the state’s assault weapons ban. Reset goes behind the headlines of those stories and much more in our Weekly News Recap with Chicago Tribune investigative reporter Ray Long, ABC7 News anchor Ravi Baichwal, and WBEZ city government and politics reporter Tessa Weinberg. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The Garrett mix, caramel and cheddar popcorn, has inspired many knockoffs, and has become known as the “Chicago Mix”. We’ll mark the anniversary of the legendary Chicago company. Reset talks with the owner Megan Chody about what keeps the iconic treat so tasty, and tries a new flavor ahead of its debut on September 23.

From sea-level rise to plastic pollution and environmental justice, young people around the world are making films that tackle environmental harms and offering calls to action. Out of 400 submissions, 10 films have won awards, and will be screened this weekend at the Gene Siskel Film Center, including two films made by Chicagoans. Reset hears what to expect from the screening this weekend and chats with one of the filmmakers who is attending Loyola University.

The Biden administration announced a program called Keeping Families Together in June that would allow some undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens to stay in the country while they go through the process of changing their immigration status. A judge in Texas issued an order to pause the program until Monday, Sept. 23. Reset checks in with Elvia Malagón, Chicago Sun-Times social justice, immigration and income inequality reporter to see how Chicago families are being impacted. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

White Sox fans, look away! The team is on pace to have the most losses in a single season in the history of the MLB. Where did things go wrong? Reset digs into the Sox season, what’s not working and what needs to happen to get this team to win a game.

Today marks one year since the Pretrial Fairness Act went into full effect, making Illinois the first state in the country to end cash bail. Many were opposed and believed ending cash bail would affect crime and jails for the worse. But what is the data actually saying? Reset spoke with a panel of guests to break down the effort that ensued in 2016 and what it took to get there, along with what were the blockages, and why. Then, we hear from the research on what we’ve seen in the past year.

The zoning committee oversees small scale renovations on people’s homes and also larger development projects. For months the chairmanship has been vacant, after political turmoil ensnared former chair Ald. Carlos Ramirez Rosa. Reset gets the latest on the political jockeying and drama that has surrounded the post, and how Ald. Burnett could steer the committee from WBEZ city government and politics reporters Tessa Weinberg and Mariah Woelfel.

Unhoused people who have been living in dozens of tents in Humboldt Park will move into apartments by December, according to city leaders and advocates. The news comes as the city prepares to merge shelter systems for homeless and migrant populations. For more, Reset sits down Carolyn Ross, president and CEO of All Chicago; and Carol Sharp, president and CEO of The Night Ministry. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Between January 2019 and June 2024, Chicago taxpayers have paid $200 million dollars to more than three dozen people who were wrongfully convicted. And dozens more lawsuits are expected. Reset hears why advocates Mark Clements, community organizer at the Chicago Torture Justice Center and Joey Mogul, counsel at People’s Law Office, say these payouts are still necessary in the midst of a budget shortfall and what could minimize the amount the city owes. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The League of Women Voters of Chicago is teaming up with the Gene Siskel Film Center to produce its inaugural “Democracy at Risk” film festival. From historical features to documentaries, the series takes you back in time to political stages full of controversy, conflict and fights for justice. Reset sits down with two people involved to discuss the series and what the films reflect about our political institutions. Jane Ruby is president of the League of Women Voters of Chicago and Jill Wine-Banks is an MSNBC legal analyst and a Watergate prosecutor. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Bring your picnic blankets, dancing shoes and some snacks because summer isn’t over yet! If you’re looking for one last free Chicago summer celebration before fall comes around the corner, take yourself and some friends to the Vocalo Summer Finale at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion on Friday, Sept. 20. The concert will feature performances by Chicago-bred and loved artists like DJ Lady D, KAINA, Pivot Gang and Marquis Hill. Reset checks in with Vocalo and Hill to learn more. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announces a hiring freeze to close a massive budget shortfall. The corruption trial of a former AT&T executive linked to Mike Madigan begins. Chicago’s City Council prepares to issue as much as $15 million in payouts for police misconduct. Plus, a new flag for Illinois? Reset dives into these and other top local stories in our Weekly News Recap with City Cast Chicago executive producer Simone Alicea, Block Club Chicago reporter Quinn Myers and WBEZ investigative reporter Dan Mihalopoulos. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

From hot sauce to chili oil to tomato sauce, the possibilities for recipes using end of summer produce are endless. Reset gets ideas and a few hacks from an award winning food writer and author of A Very Chinese Cookbook, and contributing writer for the New York Times food section Kevin Pang. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

More than 47,000 migrants have arrived in Chicago since August 2022, but numbers have decreased significantly in recent months after President Biden issued an executive order that limited who could cross the border. Nevertheless, many migrants already here still need long-term housing. Reset takes stock of the migrant crisis in our city and how it has evolved over time with WBEZ immigration reporter Adriana Cardona Maguidad and Mimi Guiracocha, Doctor of Nursing Practice specializing in public health and mutual aid volunteer with the 11th Ward Free Store. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Former president Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have very different plans for the economy. From taxes to tariffs and tax credits to immigration, Reset breaks down the two presidential candidates’ stances on the economy with the professor for the department of economics and director of undergraduate studies at Northwestern University Mark Witte. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez was born into a large family from Nicaragua and grew up surrounded by all kinds of women: Her matriarchal abuela, her prima perfecta, her tía called la loca by people around her and more. In her latest book Tías and Primas: On Knowing and Loving the Women Who Raise Us, Mojica Rodríguez explores 20 different female archetypes with the hopes of reclaiming these women from stereotypical depictions. Reset sits down with the author. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The freeze includes the police and fire departments, a sign of how grave a financial predicament the city faces. Reset gets the latest from WBEZ’s Mariah Woelfel and Tessa Weinberg. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump will go head-to-head for the first, and perhaps only, time Tuesday night. Reset sits down with Jason DeSanto, senior lecturer in the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law Democratic debate strategist, to dig into what each candidate needs to do to succeed. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Stateville Correctional Center must relocate the majority of its population by the end of September due to health and security concerns, and that’s a problem for prison education programs. Reset learns more with the Illinois Coalition for Higher Education in Prison’s Flor Esquivel, Alice Kim of the University of Chicago and Phyllis West from the Social Justice Initiative at Governors State University. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

As summer winds down, theater season kicks into full swing. From small storefront productions and family dramas to high-intensity wizarding spectacles, there’s something for everyone. Reset hears what Chicago’s theaters have in store as we get into fall from WBEZ’s Mike Davis. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Nnedi Okorafor has been pioneering African Futurism since she began writing, from her award-winning book ‘Who Fears Death’ to the critically-acclaimed Akata Witch series. ‘She Who Knows: Firespitter’ continues to weave science fiction with the African world, exploring what happens when a young girl is chosen for a journey reserved only for boys and men. Reset sat down with Okorafor to learn about the story and her world-building process. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Omar Apollo is on the road for his tour promoting his highly anticipated sophomore album “God Said No.” He says the title means “it is what it is” or “lo que será, será” and that it’s a response to all the songs on the album. Apollo stopped by the WBEZ studios ahead of his August Chicago show at the Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island. Reset sits down with the singer to talk more about creating his album, embracing his queer identity, hot sauce and heartbreak. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Four people were killed in a mass shooting on the Blue Line, a Palestinian coffee shop in Uptown was vandalized and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker spent Labor Day campaigning for Kamala Harris in New Hampshire. Reset breaks down those stories and much more with journalists Block Club investigative reporter Manny Ramos, Fox 32 political correspondent Paris Schutz and Chicago Sun-Times reporter and editor Tom Schuba. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The Insect Asylum began as a traveling exhibit in 2018, and its brick-and-mortar space opened in 2022. There are over 5,000 taxidermy specimens ranging from beetles and butterflies to a giraffe named Long John as well as over 40 live animals and insects. Reset producers Ari Mejia and Lynnea Domienik visited the Avondale museum and share how it acts as a haven for people with unconventional interests. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

How did a spirit that “tastes like bandaids” and has been the butt of many jokes survive generations and go from a lone bottle collecting dust in the back of bars to so closely linked with Chicago that bartenders and enthusiasts alike tattoo it on their bodies? Well, it has to do with a plucky businessman named George Brode and his secretary Pat Gabelick. Reset learns the history as laid out in a new book from a veteran food writer Josh Noel, author of Malört: The Redemption of a Revered and Reviled Spirit. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

For the first time in five years, the Chicago Abortion Fund is going to have to limit how much financial aid it provides to people seeking abortions in Illinois. This comes as people from 32 states seek abortion care in Illinois and national funding is drying up, putting more strain on local funding to cover the costs. Reset checks in with Kristen Schorsch, WBEZ public health and politics reporter. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Mary Mitchell, former columnist and director of culture and community engagement retired in 2019 but returned to the Sun-Times a year later. This time around, she says she’s leaving “for real.” Reset sits down with Mitchell to reflect on her career and what she’s learned about herself and Chicago in the process. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Reset wraps a summer “What’s That Building?” series about Chicago’s incredible music venues at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Lincoln Square. Sasha-Ann Simons and Dennis Rodkin explore this old library turned music school and venue and dive deep into the history of its exterior as well as what lives inside. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Long-term stress can have many negative outcomes for parents in the U.S., so much so that the U.S. surgeon general says it’s time to start treating parental stress as a public health issue. Reset discusses some of the biggest challenges parents face today and how communities are coming together to support parents and children with Rosalia Salgado, mother of two from Hermosa and a community healer with Community Organizing and Family Issues and Teri McKean, parent and director of Crisis and Support Operations at NAMI Chicago. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The Chicago Jazz Festival happens every year over Labor Day weekend. Reset gets the rundown with an organizer, Frayne Lewis, DCASE senior policy analyst, and two artists taking the stage this weekend: Lynne Jordan, jazz and blues singer and jazz pianist and composer Miguel de la Cerna. Click here to see the full schedule for the Chicago Jazz Festival. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Attorneys for former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan request evidence be thrown out ahead of his upcoming corruption trial. Demolition begins on local landmark to make way for Chicago's riverfront casino. Local radio host resigns from high school coaching duties after controversial comments. Reset goes behind those headlines and more with a panel of local journalists that includes Natalie Moore, WBEZ race, class and communities editor, Becky Vevea, bureau chief of Chalkbeat Chicago and Mitchell Armentrout, Chicago Sun-Times reporter covering government and politics. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

What do you think of when you hear the word design? Maybe fashion, photoshop or video games? What about urban planning, street art and choreography? The Design Museum of Chicago on the corner of Michigan and Randolph has thought a lot about this question – they hope to contextualize and humanize how design shapes our day-to-day lives. Reset host Sasha-Ann Simons and production intern Ellie Gilbert-Bair visited the museum. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Planning out the week’s meals, making a shopping list based on that plan, and then dedicating time to prepare veggies, starches and proteins can help avoid the dread of having to figure out what’s for dinner when you’re already hungry. Plus, it helps keep costs in check at the grocery store. Reset discusses the benefits of meal prepping and gets tips for keeping it interesting with Lisa Counts, executive chef at The Chopping Block and Jenny LeFlore, creator of Mama Fresh. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

With the two political conventions behind us, we take a look at the candidates' records on climate issues. From the three Supreme Court justices appointed by Trump affecting the court’s rulings on environmental cases to the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act under President Biden. Reset discusses what this could mean for the Chicago area and what to keep an eye out for moving forward with Karen Weigert, Reset sustainability contributor and director of Loyola University Chicago’s Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Until the 1980s, the former South Works site along Chicago’s lakefront on the South Side was home to steel mills. But soon it will house a quantum computing campus known as the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park. Reset talks with two Southeast Side residents. Clifton Muhammad is a local business owner and board member of the Alliance of the Southeast. Roman Villareal is an artist and lifelong resident of the Southeast Side. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Reset learns about efforts to bring resources to survivors and their families experiencing violence from Dr. Ted Corbin, professor and chairperson for the department of emergency medicine RUSH University Medical Center and Dr. John Rich, director of the RUSH BMO Institute for Health Equity. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Extreme heat is the most dangerous weather event in the country, according to the National Weather Service. The elderly, young children and people who work outside are the most vulnerable. Reset hears what’s up with the heat this week and how groups representing people who work outside are responding. Trent Ford, Illinois state climatologist, Miguel Alvelo Rivera, executive director of Latino Union and Gaby Gracia, deputy director of the Great Lakes Center for Farmworker Health and Wellbeing at the UIC School of Public Health join us in conversation to talk about the heat and its effects on Chicagoans. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

During the Democratic National Convention, some people repeated harmful narratives about crime, framing Chicago as a “combat zone.” Chicagoans don’t deny that gun violence is a real issue, but exaggerations can be dehumanizing – and they often ignore the people who are most affected by gun violence, as well as the efforts of locals working to solve this issue. Reset learn more about local efforts to reduce gun violence with Rita Oceguera, reporter for The Trace, Cedric Hawkins, strategic initiatives manager at Chicago CRED, LaQuay Boone, deputy head of programs with Chicago CRED and Dwayne Hunter, outreach supervisor for West Garfield Park for the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago Public Schools’ students returned to the classroom Monday for the first day of school. As students and educators get lessons underway, the district faces bus driver shortages, budget troubles and growing tension with the teachers union. Reset checks in with WBEZ education reporter Sarah Karp for the details. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Often called the king of daytime talk, Phil Donahue redefined what daytime television could look like — and what topics it could tackle. From gay rights to feminism to politics, the TV titan never shied away. Reset reflects on his legacy in American pop culture. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Hailing from Greensboro, North Carolina, Master Steve is making waves in Chicago with his groovy beats and expressive lyricism. Reset sits down with the musician to talk about his roots in gospel music, finding his inner self and ‘MASTERPEACE.’ For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago was the center of the political and media universe this week as it hosted the Democratic National Convention. Thousands of delegates rallied inside the convention, while thousands of protesters made their voices heard outside the United Center. Reset goes behind the headlines of those stories and much more with Lynn Sweet and Nader Issa from the Chicago Sun-Times and Mariah Woelfel from WBEZ. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Wisconsin and Michigan and two pivotal swing states in the presidential election, and organizing across the region is shaping the race in profound ways. Reset checks in with a panel about how political activism and labor organizing, long staples of the Midwest, are coming into play this election cycle. Our guests are Alex Han, executive director of In These Times magazine, Eman Abdelhadi, associate professor of sociology at the University of Chicago and Gabriel Winant, associate professor of history at the University of Chicago. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Vice President Kamala Harris will address the Democratic National Convention Thursday. A panel reflects on what this moment means and how Harris is being portrayed — and perceived — by the media and by politicians on the left and the right. Reset checks in with Moya Bailey and Nitasha Sharma of Northwestern University and Natalie Hopkinson of American University. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Reset sits down with a host, correspondent and producer who make the show about how they approach satire and how their jokes give voice to what a lot of people are thinking. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Kamala Harris will give her speech at the DNC this Thursday. What are voters looking to hear from her? So far we’re receiving a lot of words of inspiration versus plans and goals for her presidency. Reset speaks with Connie Mixon, Professor of Political Science and Director of the Urban Studies Program at Elmhurst University to discuss, and also reflect on the DNC thus far. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

For Reset’s “What’s That Building” series, architecture expert Dennis Rodkin and host Sasha-Ann Simons continue their summer run of visiting music venues across Chicagoland. Next up: Ravinia. We’ll learn more about how the venue that used to house a casino in the early 1900s eventually became a concert goer's dream just north of the city. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Across party lines, inflation is the most important election issue for young people, according to a new national poll by GenForward and the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics. Reset sits down with two experts to understand the results. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

As the Democratic National Convention starts, journalists are on the ground to cover the news, both inside and outside the convention. But along with fears that protestors’ rights will be violated, advocates say press freedom is at stake this week. This isn’t just an issue for reporters. This is an issue for the public, who rely on journalists to report on the DNC accurately. Reset sat down with an advocate and journalist to learn more. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Political conventions used to be the place where party faithfuls chose their nominee. But no longer. So why do we continue the tradition? And what purpose do they serve? Reset discusses as the Democratic National Convention kicks off in Chicago. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

A lot of assumptions get made about Gen Zers: they’re always on their phone, they’re disengaged, they’re Tik Tok-obsessed. But young Chicagoans are breaking those stereotypes, and working to get their voices heard in the 2024 election – including at the Democratic National Convention. WBEZ reporter Lisa Kurian Philip spoke with college students who plan to be at the DNC to report, protest, or support. We hear from UIC student and activist Angel Naranjo on why he wants to be there, and what this coming election season means for him and his generation. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

PACKS frontwoman Madeline Link felt blessed to write about love that made her “feel wonderful — not deranged,” like relationships in her past. The 2024 album Melt the Honey explores partnership and life with crunchy guitars and loose rhythm sections. She joins Reset to talk about her love of South America, live music, and paper mache. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

What happened this week, Chicago? Well, the city is making final preparations for the Democratic National Convention, a judge dealt a blow to protest organizers, Riot Fest does an about-face, and a former school official is sentenced to prison for stealing nearly $1.5 million in chicken wings. Reset goes behind the headlines of those stories and much more in our Weekly News Recap, with Julie Bosman, Chicago bureau chief for The New York Times; Carrie Shepherd, Chicago reporter with AXIOS; and WBEZ state politics reporter Dave McKinney. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

If you ever find yourself strolling down Armitage Avenue in Logan Square, you may encounter a friendly beaver on a three-foot wide baby blue button, greeting you with a simple “Hello!” The button marks the entrance to the Busy Beaver Button Company and Museum, a spot in Logan Square that has archived 60,000 pin-back buttons. They’ve got everything from a “pre-button” celebrating George Washington’s inauguration to a heart-shaped button of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Reset sent two team members to the museum to find out what's so special about buttons. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

From the deep-dish-versus-tavern-style debate to the fierceness of defending ketchup-less hot dogs, Chicagoans have feelings about food. Is it giardiniera that unites us? Reset hears the case for why the spicy pickled condiment is one thing Chicagoans can agree on. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

In 1971, a group of friends crowded around a dining room table in Chicago’s Kenwood neighborhood. They were putting together the first issue of the Chicago Reader, one of the first free alternative weekly newspapers in the country. With its origins beginning more than 50 years ago it would go on to become a model for alt-weeklies nationwide. Now, an effort is underway to create a coffee-table book showcasing this history. We sat down with Chris Haas, editor and designer of the upcoming book Free Chicago; Amber Nettles, associate publisher for the Chicago Reader; Kerry Reid, theatre editor for the Chicago Reader. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The busy summer travel season coincides with hurricane season, so travelers and airlines should brace for storm-related flight delays and cancellations. But that’s just one part of an almost never-ending chain reaction: more air travel (and its carbon emissions) contributes to severe weather, severe weather wreaks havoc on air travel, and so on and so on. Reset learns about this cycle, and what is being done to break it. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The CDC tracker shows coronavirus levels are much higher nationwide than they were this time last year. With infection levels on the rise, should folks get another COVID booster? Are tests effectively catching the latest strains? How long are we supposed to isolate again? To learn more, Reset checks in with UChicago Medicine’s infectious disease specialist Dr. Emily Landon. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

More than half of the average American adult’s diet consists of ultra processed foods. Foods like the frozen meal you grabbed for lunch, or your go-to morning granola bar or even your plant-based chicken nuggets. All of these foods can be ultra-processed. And eating these foods has been linked to overeating and higher risks of all kinds of diseases, from diabetes to cancer. Reset checks in with health coach Rochelle Trotter about how we got here, and how we get out. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

A Chicago hotline that normally serves as a simple way for people to join a waitlist for subsidized housing has been disconnected for more than a month, with no clear return date. Now, people in need of housing are redirected to call 211 and find their closest in-person office – there’s seven in the city. Advocates say that puts a burden on people who are already struggling. Reset sits down with Chicago Sun-Times reporter and assistant editor Brett Chase who looked into this issue. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The language that gave Chicago its name had not been spoken in more than 50 years – until recently. Chicagoans of Myaamia (or Miami) heritage have been reviving their native language, Myaamiaataweenki – and even creating new words for modern times. Reset speaks with Chicago Reader journalist Paul Dailing as well as George Strack and Brad Kasberg, two descendants of the Myaamiaki, about what it takes to revive a language no one spoke, and what this work means to them. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Summer is the most delicious time in the Midwest. So what techniques can we use to ensure that we have bites of delicious tomatoes, stone fruit, melons, sweet corn and summer squash all year long? Reset checks in with a chef and preservation expert. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

A panel of movie fans join Reset to talk about movies and their iconic scores and soundtracks. Plus, we discuss the new EP I Wake And Remember from local composer Ray Hou. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

What happened this week? Well, Kamala Harris tapped a Midwesterner to join the top of the Democratic ticket – and it wasn’t JB Pritzker. After breaking a long losing streak, the Chicago White Sox also lost manager Pedro Grifol. And on its 20th anniversary, we remember the Dave Matthews Band and “poopgate.” Reset digs into those stories and more in the Weekly News Recap. Our panel this week: Mitchell Armentrout, Chicago Sun-Times government and politics reporter, Kim Bellware, Washington Post national and breaking news reporter, and Michael Puente, WBEZ reporter and Sunday anchor. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago is at the center of industrial music – and a museum in the Bridgeport neighborhood tells that history. Outside, the brick building is nondescript. But inside, posters, T-shirts and cassette tapes overlap on the walls and cascade down to the floor. Today, Reset heads to the Museum of Post-Punk & Industrial Music as part of our series featuring museums off the beaten path. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Just in time for the Democratic National Convention, theatergoers can catch overtly political musicals, like 44, a tale about Obama told from Joe Biden’s perspective, a revival of Hair, and much more in Chicago’s theaters this August. Reset gets recommendations for shows to catch around town from WBEZ theater reporter, Mike Davis. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Sonya Massey was shot in her own home by former sheriff's deputy Sean Grayson after calling for help from a potential prowler. Now, Massey’s family is demanding a police reform bill that would prevent officers like Grayson, who bounced between six police departments in four years, from holding a badge and a gun. But some state senators, including Doris Turner, want to turn to existing legislation before exploring new ideas. Reset breaks this down with Mawa Iqbal, WBEZ statehouse reporter and Sharon Fairley, criminal justice reform expert to find out what Massey’s family is calling for, why some policymakers are pushing back, and what change is needed to ensure police officers are held accountable for misconduct. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Tree health in Illinois is on the decline. One major issue contributing to this is the widespread use of weedkillers on commercial farms, lawns and turf. Herbicide drift, or the movement of toxic chemicals found in common weedkillers to non-targeted plants and trees, is damaging leaves, branches and even fruit. Not only do these chemicals affect plant growth, it’s still unclear whether it has an impact on human health too. Reset learns how herbicide drift is hurting the long term health of natural biodiversity. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The mayor is racing to prepare the city to host the DNC. Plus, the convention is working with tourist arm Choose Chicago to promote diverse neighborhoods among convention attendees, but it’s unclear how effectively this will spread the benefits of the convention across the city. Reset learns the latest on the DNC. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Sorry, Josh Shapiro and JB Pritzker: Kamala Harris has tapped Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. The pair will kick off their campaign together touring battleground states – starting Tuesday in Pennsylvania. Plus: Harris gains support from Illinois Republican politicians. Reset gets the latest on Harris’ efforts to court the Midwest vote. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The rich stone edifice of Thalia Hall is a lot to take in. Now a concert venue, this Pilsen building has a history as a gathering place for ethnic communities, and theater for movies and Shakespeare plays. Reset’s Sasha-Ann Simons and architecture expert Dennis Rodkin head to the beloved music venue for the latest in our series “What’s That Building.” For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

After 11 years, The Onion is bringing back its print edition. Subscribers are now able to enjoy deeper layers of the most pressing (fake) stories on paper, not just on screens. Reset learns more about covering the “political circus,” the website’s evolution and The Onion’s path back to print in a conversation with the editor-in-chief, Chad Nackers. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

This year, breaking – aka breakdancing – is joining the Olympics. The dance sport joins a score of other recent additions, like surfing, skateboarding, and sports climbing. Reset spoke with a couple of local superfans of these sports for more on what they’re excited to see at the Olympics, and finds out more about what the local surfing and skateboarding scenes look like in Chicago. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Do you avoid the stove and the oven on hot summer days, or do you just sweat it out? Either way, we’ll get ideas for salads, cooking with appliances besides your stove and marinades for grilling. Reset gets recommendations for beating the heat and still eating deliciously. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

“To my community: feel it all. Don’t run from things that scare you. Use it. It is power. Let it guide you wherever it wants to take you with your creativity. You are valid,” says Yna. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Trump makes false statements about Kamala Harris’ race at a Black journalists’ convention in Chicago. Hundreds gather in Springfield and Chicago in response to Sonya Massey’s death. Lawyers for R&B singer R. Kelly appeal his conviction. Reset breaks down those stories and more in our Weekly News Recap. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Nestled along Lake Shore Drive in the Gold Coast sits an old mansion styled after a French chateau. But this isn’t Versailles. It’s Chicago’s International Museum of Surgical Science. Inside you’ll find some things maybe you’d expect: vintage surgical instruments, skeletons, and archival medical books. But then, it ventures into what feels and looks more like an art museum. Sculptures, murals, and rotating contemporary art exhibitions. And on the fourth floor: the future of surgery in space. The Reset team explores the museum and its “haunted vibes.” For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Do you love to sing in the shower? Are you a regular at your local karaoke bar? Well, get ready to sing your heart out in front of 5,000 Chicagoans! The Empty Bottle and Salt Shed Chicago are hoping to make it into the ranks of the Guinness Book of World Records for hosting what they’re calling World’s Largest Karaoke on Aug. 8. Expect to write your name and song of choice on a sheet of paper and drop it into a bucket day-of. If you’re lucky, you might just be selected to grace the Salt Shed stage. So get ready to dust off the old pipes and RSVP for free here, or just show up. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

TV and movies are streamed, our communication becomes data in the form of emails, texts and tweets, and AI appears in new parts of our lives. Our increasingly digitized economy is fueling the need for more places to store information. But large data centers use the same amount of water as small municipalities in the U.S. on a daily basis just to cool down their servers. Reset learns more about how data centers work and what needs to be done to reduce the environmental impact from Andrew Chien, professor computer science, University of Chicago, Chheng Lim, architect SNHA and Karen Weigert, Reset sustainability contributor and director of Loyola University Chicago’s Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Solidarity. Agency. Creativity. Those are just some of the words that describe Chicago’s disability arts scene. It’s Disability Pride Month, which honors the history and experiences of disability communities. But disabled artists are pushing the city’s creative scene forward on a year-round basis. Reset sat down with painter Riva Lehrer, media artist Andy Slater, and dancer Robby Lee Williams. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

One day, you or a loved one will likely need long-term care. Whether it’s living in a nursing home or receiving care from family members, it can be difficult to know what’s the best and most affordable option. And with the rising cost of long-term care, it’s becoming increasingly inaccessible for families across the country. Reset hears caregivers’ stories and learns about the challenges of navigating the long-term care system. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The National Association of Black Journalists’ annual convention kicks off tomorrow on Michigan Avenue. Every presidential election year, the NABJ extends an invite to both candidates to attend the convention. Trump took them up on the offer just last night, sparking a firestorm among some Black journalists and NABJ members on social media. Reset sits down with two Black journalists in Chicago to unpack the news. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The Board of Education has approved Chicago Public Schools’ proposed $9.9 billion dollar budget for the 2024-2025 school year, following pressure from the Chicago Teachers Union, Mayor Brandon Johnson, and even some board members. The budget excludes funding for upcoming union contracts, and Board of Education president Jinanan Shi called it “unfinished.” Reset learns what the budget is going to cover, and how it will impact CPS students and staff. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Athletes who caught the public eye but didn’t get a chance to compete in 2020, including gymnast Simone Biles and runner Sha-Carri Richardson, will do so this year. Several sports, including surfing, rock climbing and skateboarding will return to the Paris games for the second time and breakdancing makes its debut. Reset gets insight into who, and what, to watch. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

You can’t talk about Chicago blues without talking about Muddy Waters. His talent shaped the genre, and fostered a community of legends like John Lee Hooker, BB King and Chuck Berry. So for the latest in our "What's That Building?" series, architecture sleuth Dennis Rodkin takes us to Mojo Museum, the 19th century two-flat in Kenwood that was Muddy Waters' longtime home and rehearsal space. The sweet sounds of blues still ring throughout the area today during monthly backyard concerts. And we’ll hear from the family member keeping the blues great’s memory alive.

Megan Hammond came to Chicago in 2018 to study music at Columbia College. Since then, she’s released her own songs that highlight her powerful vocals, artful lyricism and genre-bending range. Now, she’ll be taking the stage at Lollapalooza as a part of the Chicago Made Music Showcase on Sunday, Aug. 4. Reset sits down with the singer to hear how she became the artist and musician she is today. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Illinois Democrats endorse Kamala Harris in her presidential bid. Plus, body-cam footage of a fatal police shooting in Springfield renews calls for police reform. Reset breaks down those stories and more in the Weekly News Recap. Our panel this week: Brandon Pope, reporter and anchor for CW 26; Leigh Giangreco, freelance journalist; and Jake Sheridan, City Hall reporter for Chicago Tribune. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

From jade pagodas and incense burners to mosaics, cameos and even dioramas, treasures abound in this suburban museum. Reset learns why this museum is a real hidden gem. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Charcuterie plates and wine are a classic cocktail hour snack. But 70% of the world is lactose intolerant, with more people limiting dairy because of environmental concerns. Luckily, there are tasty vegan cheese options that you can bring to your next party, and yes, you can still pair them with wine! Reset learns how the art of making vegan cheese has improved over the years, and best practices for pairing wine and dairy free cheese. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

When Illinois resident Sonya Massey called 911, she wanted help with a potential prowler. Instead, a police officer shot and killed her in her home. Illinois State Police released bodycam footage to the public this week, leading to renewed calls for police reform and accountability, as well as alternatives to police responses. A growing number of cities are redirecting some 9-1-1 calls to unarmed crisis workers, rather than police. One new program just launched in Evanston, and Chicago is continuing to pilot another approach. Reset checks in with a panel about these alternatives. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

llinois prosecutors are seeking first-degree murder charges against the police officer who shot and killed Sonya Massey in her home during a 911 response call. Reset digs into the state’s response and how the country is reacting. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

With Joe Biden’s bombshell decision to drop out of the 2024 race, he joins the small pool of former presidents who decided not to seek reelection when they were eligible. Presidents like Lyndon B. Johnson, Harry Truman and Theodore Roosevelt. But no presidential incumbent has ever dropped out this close to an election. Reset discusses how Biden’s decision fits into a wider history, as well as what this means for his legacy, with Will Howell, a professor of the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

A majority of delegates say they’re backing Vice President Kamala Harris, but the DNC Rules Committee will meet Wednesday to determine an official framework for how the party's nominee will be selected. Reset checks in with three delegates from Illinois to discuss their concerns with weeks to go before the national convention. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

After President Joe Biden announced the end of his reelection bid, he and other Democratic figures shared their support for Vice President Kamala Harris as the new nominee. We talk with Chicago Sun-Times Washington bureau chief Lynn Sweet about what’s next. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

As we get ready for a historic Democratic National Convention, we hear how Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the presidential race could affect the way Chicago plans to host tens of thousands of visitors in a few short weeks. We’re joined by Mayor Brandon Johnson. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Plastic Free July is a movement that sets out to address the skyrocketing rise of plastic waste in the city, suburbs, lakes — even in us. That’s right, even our bodies have microplastics in them. Reset sits down with sustainability advocates and the founder of a low-plastic start-up in Chicago to find out more ways we can ditch plastic, and what progress is being made on the state level. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Milwaukee hosts the Republican National Convention as Chicago prepares to host next month’s Democratic Convention. Meanwhile, a new poll shows nearly two-thirds of Democrats think President Biden should withdraw from the presidential race. Reset dives into these and other top local stories in the Weekly News Recap. Our panel this week: Alex Degman, statehouse reporter for WBEZ; Ray Long, Chicago Tribune investigative reporter; and Justin Laurence, government and politics reporter for Crain’s Chicago Business. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

On the Chicago Riverwalk, there’s a museum hidden inside a five-story limestone tower that rises from the DuSable bridge. The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum tells the story of the movable bridge and how the urban river has changed over time. Two Reset producers headed to check out the gears that move the bridge, the stunning views from inside the bridgehouse and learn the history of the river. It’s the first in a new series highlighting museums in the Chicago area that are off the beaten path. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Pitchfork music fest is back for its 18th year. With more mainstream headliners and new emerging artists, what should attendees expect? Reset gets a preview of the fest from a pair of in-the-know music folks. Plus, two local artists performing this weekend stop by to talk about their music and the pre-fest jitters. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) arts organizations have seen their funding from major donors nearly double over the past three years. Yet, the authors of a new report worry that this boost is temporary. Reset hears from a leader in anti-racist advocacy to learn why funding for BIPOC arts has been fluctuating, and what steps advocates may need to take to continue advancing racial equity in the arts. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

In the midst of the fear and frustration that came with the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our outlooks, our priorities, and even our habits changed. The pandemic’s impact was far reaching – whether it be in pop culture to how we shop. That’s the premise of a new book aiming to help readers frame the current moment and reconcile their pre- and post-COVID lives. Reset sits down with the author of The Time We Have: Essays on Pandemic Living to unpack the changes and lessons learned from the pandemic. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

A majority of young voters are worried that Biden is too old to effectively serve a second term in the White House. Yet, some of Illinois’ youngest delegates are sticking by his side. Reset hears why these delegates are concerned by Trump’s campaign, and why they think Biden should stay in the race. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Some areas of Illinois’ Lake Michigan shoreline are losing up to one hundred feet of shoreline per year. Others are so poorly protected from high water that entire neighborhoods are flooding. These are just some of the problems erosion poses. But how does erosion work? And how can we stop—or at least slow—it? Reset digs deeper with an advocate and a reporter. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Rush University Medical Center, Cook County’s Stroger Hospital and UI Health Stroger are preparing for the worst case scenario, be it a mass shooting, an explosion, or tear gas, but say they’re prepared for any contingency. Reset hears how the hospitals will ensure smooth service in the face of the expected traffic delays and in case of emergency. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Less than two days after an apparent assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump, the Republican National Convention kicked off in Milwaukee on July 15th. Reset checked in with a WBEZ reporter who is on the ground at the RNC to get a preview and hear how the news is affecting delegates. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Enjoy a summery vibe with instruments reminiscent of the funk and soul of the 1970s. The new album Roger That! is out now and pairs reflections on love and loss with a fun, upbeat sound. Zac Bron, front person of Smooth Rogers, joins Reset to discuss the new album and their musical inspirations. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Mayor Johnson calls for federal help after more than 100 people were shot over the Fourth of July weekend. Multiple U.S Congress members from Illinois call for President Biden to step aside. Reset breaks down those stories and more in the Weekly News Recap. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Fifty years ago, Mafat and Tulsi Patel opened their first grocery store off Damen and Devon avenues. Fast forward to 2024, and Patel Brothers is the nation’s largest Indian grocery chain with 52 stores across the country. Reset learns how the iconic grocer came to be and the impact of connecting the community with South Asian foods and ingredients with one of the partners, Swetal Patel. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

A student’s elementary school is a key predictor of who gets into an elite, test-in high school, WBEZ found. Students from mostly low-income and Black neighborhood schools rarely get into these high schools. New WBEZ data analysis demonstrates the barriers to enrollment at these elite schools. Reset gets the breakdown from a WBEZ education reporter. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Lauren Doyle played four sports in high school, and was on the cheer team—none of them were rugby. It wasn’t until she was in college at Eastern Illinois University that she was recruited onto the team. After a successful college career, she was quickly placed on the brand new Olympic team for the 2016 games—the first Olympics with rugby as a sport since the 1920s. After playing again in Tokyo, she and Team USA return to the world stage this month in Paris. Reset sits down with her to get the story. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Summer vacation doesn’t have to break the bank. If you’re low on PTO, strapped for cash, or just want to get out of dodge for a day, there are plenty of trips you can take within 3.5 hours of Chicago. Whether you’re looking for nature, swimming, antiquing, or small town charm, there’s a destination for you. Reset gets a roundup of must see destinations this summer from Lauren Viera, writer, author 500 Hidden Secrets of Chicago Chevon Linear and Kameron Stanton, founders of Black People Outside. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The Supreme Court recently struck down a decades-old precedent known as ‘Chevron,’ which instructed judges to defer to the expert advice of federal agencies in cases where laws are vague. Many of the agencies which are affected by the change deal with matters of public health, like the Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control, Environmental Protections Agency, or Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. Reset learns more about how this decision will affect the lives of everyday Americans. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Mayor Brandon Johnson said there will be “consequences” for this past weekend’s gun violence that killed 19 people and wounded over 100. Reset gets the latest about the weekend’s shootings, including what help the mayor is calling for from the federal government. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Is it a flower? Flames? No, it’s a music venue! When the Jay Pritzker Pavilion opened in Millennium Park, many people struggled to describe the venue. Despite the debate over the shape, you’ll rarely hear the structure described as a lousy place for a concert. Reset met up with our resident architecture sleuth, Dennis Rodkin, to understand how the open-air design still creates the sound of an indoor concert. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Dr. Anthony Fauci served under seven U.S. presidents. Before COVID-19, he fought the HIV/AIDS epidemic, Ebola, and Zika. Reset’s Sasha-Ann Simons sits down with Fauci to discuss his new memoir, his “nightmare” that came true, and what really went on behind the scenes between him and the Trump Administration.

Sports cars. Divorce. Loneliness after retirement. The 40’s, 50’s and 60’s have gotten a bad rap. But these decades don’t need to be a downer, they can instead be a time of blossoming. That’s an idea championed by Chip Conley, author of Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better With Age. Reset learns about this idea and ways of creating a vibrant, connected life. We sat down with Conley and Lowell Nelson, a local retiree and volunteer. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Two turtles and a flock of ducks swim along in a pond on the front porch of Stephen and Kim Benson's Old Town home. The couple wanted to make their home more animal-friendly, and to bring a bit of wonder to the block. So, bit by bit, the Benson family turned their Old Town front porch into a ‘mini-zoo’ in 2022. It’s been a neighborhood staple ever since. Reset sits down with the couple to hear their story. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Downtown traffic is snarled due to NASCAR street closures. New laws went into effect on July 1, including a gas tax hike and wages increases. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court declines hearing challenges to Illinois’ assault weapons ban. Reset sits down with a panel of journalists to go behind these headlines and more. Our panel today: Mariah Woelfel, WBEZ city politics reporter; Christian Farr, NBC-5 Chicago reporter; Daniel Knowles, Midwest correspondent for The Economist. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

There were 148 traffic deaths in Chicago in 2023. In the same year, there were over 2 million speeding violations caught on camera alone. In May, the City Council heard arguments in favor of reducing the citywide speed limit from 30 miles per hour to 25. But would that be enough to make Chicago drivers change their ways? Reset digs into the data with Alden Loury, WBEZ data projects senior editor. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The 5 year phase in for the minimum wage increase for tipped workers goes into effect. A new program offers driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants. Plus, alderpeople react to President Biden’s debate performance. Reset gets the latest from City Hall. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Feeling anxious or nervous is normal. It’s a feeling that is a part of being human. But for millions of Americans, that feeling is constant and can impact their daily lives. In fact, more people are feeling more anxious compared to 2023. People are particularly worried about the economy, gun violence, the presidential election and current events. Reset discusses how to recognize anxiety, navigate it and get anxiety under control. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Career oriented programs often target first-generation, low-income, and minority students for recruitment and leave them with tens of thousands of dollars in debt. But new federal regulations go into effect today that could take funding away from 60% of Illinois’ for-profit schools unless they’re able to improve performance. Reset sits down with Amy Qin, WBEZ data reporter, Esther Yoon-Ji Kang, WBEZ race, class, and communities desk and Lisa Kurian Philip, WBEZ higher education reporter who investigated these practices. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

In the age of social media, “family vloggers” have monetized the lives of their children, documenting milestones ranging from potty training to pimples. But when those kids grow up, there’s not much guarantee that they will get their share of the profits – much less their privacy back. Now, Illinois is the first state in the nation to ensure that child social media influencers receive compensation for their work. Reset spoke with an Illinois teen who inspired the law as well as a content creator about this issue – and what more regulations are needed. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

About a decade ago, 38,000 Chicago residents lived more than a mile from a supermarket or superstore. That number jumped to 102,000 residents by 2023, according to a WBEZ and Sun-Times analysis. A wave of grocery store closures on the South and West Sides last year prompted Mayor Brandon Johnson to propose a city-owned grocery store as one solution. And community members are building creative models to address this issue sooner rather than later. Reset sat down with three of the people working on bringing their visions of food justice in Chicago to life. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago’s dance and electronic music scene will be on full display this weekend at Grant Park. But much of this scene started underground in basements and boiler rooms. This event is part of the London-based Boiler Room platform which puts a spotlight on underground music, culture and DJs all around the world. Reset checks in with Janesita, a local DJ performing at Boiler Room Chicago on Saturday, to learn more about the event, Chicago’s underground music scene and how she brings her culture and heritage to the party. Reset also hears from artist and musician Rebecca Black ahead of her DJ set at the Boiler Room afterparty and learns more about her latest album. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Joe Biden and Donald Trump face off in a presidential debate, Chicago makes a deal with some protesters ahead of the Democratic National Convention, and NASCAR gets ready to shut down some Chicago streets. Reset goes behind these headlines and more in the Weekly News Recap. This week’s panel: Jon Seidel, federal courts reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times; David Greising, president of the Better Government Association; and Carrie Shepherd, Chicago reporter for Axios. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

June is Caribbean American Heritage Month and to commemorate we’re getting into the food traditions of the 33 Caribbean islands and continental countries in Central and South America. Reset talks Caribbean root veggies, herbs, and lesser known dishes, as well as fan faves with Urban Pilon’s Roberto Perez and D’s Roti and Trini Cuisine’s Dawn Lewis. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Article: There’s been a wave of bills making their way through state legislatures across the country – bills that directly impact trans youth by restricting bathroom access, name changes, healthcare, and participation in sports. So it was more important than ever for one Highland Park, Ill., family to find empowering and positive messages about trans youth – except they say they couldn’t find any. That’s when they created the GenderCool Project, which brings trans and non-binary youth together to tell their own stories and create community. Reset hears from two of the teens involved in GenderCool – Sky, a rising high school junior, and Chazzie, an incoming freshman at University of Arizona – and learns more about youth-led trans advocacy. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

After COVID-19 relief money runs out, Chicago Public Schools and the Regional Transit Authority, which oversees CTA, Metra, and Pace, are two of the agencies with the biggest projected shortfalls. Reset sits down with education and transportation reporters to learn more. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Families have been fleeing to Illinois to protect their transgender and non-binary children from anti-trans laws and enroll them in more inclusive schools. The Supreme Court agreed to review one law this week that restricts gender-affirming care. But many of the laws on the books directly relate to school policy. Across the nation, many educators are fighting back and confronting these school policies. A new book is hoping to give teachers a guide to create more inclusive classrooms – no matter the laws in their state. It’s called “The Advocate Educator’s Handbook.” To hear more, Reset sat down with the co-authors Rebecca Kling, a nationally known trans advocate based in Chicago, and Vanessa Ford, a former educator and a parent to a trans child. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Nearly half of Toronto’s 2.7 million population identifies as immigrants. As the United States doubles down on restrictive immigration policies, particularly around asylum, Canada is viewed as the friendlier neighbor where politicians describe immigrants as a possible solution to labor shortages. But Canada now faces immigration problems too — a housing crunch and a rising cost of living. The government has made policy changes aimed at reducing the influx of temporary foreign workers and international students. This spring, the Chicago Sun-Times traveled to Toronto to explore how the country’s approach to immigration differs from the U.S., where it is a highly debated and politicized issue. Reset sat down with Chicago Sun-Times reporter Elvia Malagón who made the trip. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Former 14th Ald. Ed Burke was Chicago’s longest serving councilman. Burke was charged with racketeering, bribery and attempted extortion while serving on city council. These corruption charges landed him two years in prison, $2 million in fines and one year of supervised release. Reset gets the details on the sentencing and other plans from the Mayor’s office from WBEZ’s city government and politics reporters Tessa Weinberg and Mariah Woelfel. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

A rise in small children accidentally overdosing and poisoning themselves from cannabis edibles is raising alarms for legislators and parents across Illinois. Reset learns about how to identify poisoning and overdosing symptoms in children, and what conversations legislators are having about reducing the risk to kids and teens. We sit down with the state Medical Cannabis Advisory Board’s Dr. Leslie Mendoza Temple and Chicago Sun-Times reporter Mitchell Armentrout. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Illinois borders three states with abortion bans, and two with gestational limits. Since the Supreme Court overturned a federal right to an abortion, providers, lawmakers and advocates have been working to ensure that Illinoisans, and people traveling to the state, can access the medical procedure. Reset learns about the current state of access to abortions in Illinois, legal challenges to reproductive rights, and what’s ahead. Our panel includes: Jennifer Welch, President and CEO, Planned Parenthood Illinois; Megan Jeyifo, executive director of the Chicago Abortion Fund; and Steven Schwinn, professor at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Looking for some fun things to do this summer? Alongside days at the beach or bike rides through a park, maybe check out some live music! Starting today, Reset is profiling a few of the music hot spots in Chicago for our "What’s That Building" series. First up? That warehouse with the iconic roof: The Salt Shed. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Nutritionists are raising the alarm that focusing on one diet as “the best” can make people feel like their own heritage foods aren’t adequate – or even healthy. This can affect mental and physical health. Reset learns more about how to value traditional foodways. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Mayor Johnson explores making reparations a reality. Cooling centers close for Juneteenth holiday during a record-breaking heat wave. Candidates for Chicago’s first-ever elected school board line up in the heat to get on the ballot. And Chicago City Council considers public financing of aldermanic campaigns. Reset dives into these top stories and more with a panel of local journalists. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Why are all your friends running a half-marathon? How come the park is swarmed with run clubs every weekend? Should you be waking up at the crack of dawn to get your miles in? Running surged in popularity as a solo sport during COVID, and has burst onto the public scene in the years since. For example, the Chicago Marathon neared 50,000 runners in 2023, a threshold it’s expected to break this year. Reset digs into Chicago’s rich running culture with three runners and organizers. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Dim Sum and Drag is a vibrant display of Asian American and Pacific Islander heritage and LGBTQ+ glamor in Chicago. You can check out Dim Sum and Drag’s latest installment on Saturday, June 22. Performers will be celebrating the event’s three-year anniversary. Reset sat down with a drag performer and DJ to hear more. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Do I have enough money saved? How will I spend my time once I’m no longer working? What if I have a medical emergency or accident? These are just some of the questions that we all face when thinking about retirement. It’s not an easy decision, and everyone thinks about it differently. Reset talks about retirement with Chicago Sun-Times columnist Mary Mitchell, Suburban Cook County Area Agency on Aging President Diane Slezak, and listeners. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

We’re not even officially in summer and it’s hot, hot, hot here in Chicagoland. So much so that Monday’s record-breaking temperature was the hottest it’s been in this area on that date (June 17) since 1887. Reset hears what’s ahead for the week, and the season. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

A new Injustice Watch investigation reveals that 18 detainees died at Cook County Jail, the highest number of people in almost a decade. A spokesperson for Sheriff Tom Dart points to an influx of fentanyl-laced paper smuggled into the jail as the “primary driver” for the spike. Advocates say there’s more need for oversight. Reset sits down with Injustice Watch reporter Carlos Ballesteros who followed this for over a year. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

While there are tens of thousands of migrants in Chicago, there are millions in Colombia. And the South American country takes an integration approach, providing healthcare and job opportunities to migrants. Reset discusses what Chicago and the U.S. can learn from these Colombian policies. This story is part of The Democracy Solutions Project, a collaboration between WBEZ, the Chicago Sun-Times and the University of Chicago’s Center for Effective Government, with funding support from the Pulitzer Center. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Summer is tied to childhood memories. Italian ice. Running through the backyard sprinkler. Hanging out at the beach. Sports are tied to that, too. Kicking a ball down the street. Catching a baseball game. Cannonballs off the diving board. To ring in the summery temperatures, we’re collecting stories about favorite sports memories. Whether it’s an embarrassing story or a moment of glory. Here’s a taste of what we’ve heard from listeners.

Toronto singer and songwriter Abigail Lapell is out with a new album, Anniversary, which features 11 intimate songs that explore youth, grief and eternal love. The multi-instrumentalist joined fellow Canadian group Great Lake Swimmers at the historic St. Mark’s Church in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario to record this latest project. Inspired by many milestones in her life – from turning 40 to the 15th anniversary of her father’s passing – Lapell showcases her vocals, guitar, piano and more on this new project. Reset checked in with the singer ahead of her Chicago show. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The news can be a lot to handle. On our Weekly News Recap, we give you the top stories from the week, and dive into their nuances. This week, Chicago’s City Council approved one of the largest ever police misconduct settlements, but deferred on an earlier teen curfew and ethics ordinance. Senate Republicans blocked Sen. Tammy Duckworth’s bill to protect in vitro fertilization. And Riot Fest departs the city for the suburbs. Reset dives into these and other major local news with Heather Cherone, WTTW Chicago politics reporter, Salem Collo Julin, Editor-in-Chief of the Chicago Reader and Greg Hinz, political columnist, Crain’s Chicago Business. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Lawmakers in Springfield want more federal oversight and regulations on a controversial technology that is at the center of meeting the Biden administration’s national climate goals. Reset finds out more about the “gold rush” carbon capture industry, and also gets an update on “Cicada Watch 2024.” For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Whether you’re poking around at farmer’s markets or tending a veggie garden, learning what’s ready to be harvested is a way to get in rhythm with the seasons in the Midwest. Plus, it often means eating produce at peak ripeness. Reset talks about what to cook and how to tend to a veggie garden with Eliza Fournier, urban farm center director, College of Lake County For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

We celebrate pride every June, but year-round, Chicagoans are carving out spaces to protect and center Black queer joy. And there’s a long history of Black queer Chicagoans creating these spaces across the city. The tradition of Black queer nightlife in this city is marked with a great deal of creativity, resilience and plenty of lessons to be learned across generations of organizers. To learn more about this history, Reset spoke to the Chicago Reader’s DMB, Executive Sweet Party’s Pat McCombs and Party Noire’s dr.nick alder. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Next time you’re on a walk, try leaving your phone and headphones at home and make what’s happening around you your next playlist. This is something called a soundwalk. People can be guided through a soundwalk to slow down, become more present and begin to notice and pay attention to the interplay of sounds happening around us. To learn more about this practice and how to try it this summer, Reset spoke to Midwest Society for Acoustic Ecology’s Eric Leonardson, Summer Soundwalk Series’ Paige Naylor and artist Hai-Wen Lin. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Six in ten. That’s how many people are projected to be impacted by cardiovascular disease by the year 2050, according to new studies from the American Heart Association. To learn more about these predictions and how this health problem could eventually affect more than half of the country’s population, Reset spoke with Dr. Mitchell Elkind of the AHA. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

An increase in Chicago’s homeless population. A proposed quiet zone around a West Loop women’s clinic. A $50 million settlement paid by the city to four men wrongly convicted of a murder as teenagers. And more. Reset spoke with WBEZ city government and politics reports Tessa Weinberg and Mariah Woelfel to unpack the news coming out of city hall this week. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Fouls on the basketball court are usually a dime a dozen, but Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter’s body check against WNBA rookie Caitlin Clark sparked nationwide conversations about what’s considered to be “too aggressive” during games. Conduct like that in a professional league is far from disorderly, so why did it cause such a stir? Reset hosts a roundtable discussion to break down the rhetoric and what the season’s coverage could look like going forward. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago loves its architecture tours – but this one is free! You can hit up the path along Lake Michigan — and keep your eyes peeled for architectural gems and important historical markers from the South Side to downtown. We check in with Dennis Rodkin for our “What’s That Building” series. And you can take the tour yourself by following the sites he highlights here. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Fibroids are the most common non-cancerous tumor that grows inside the uterus. According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, around 1 in 4 women of reproductive age have fibroids. While not everyone who has them experiences symptoms, it can cause pain that can impact a person’s daily life. Fibroids can cause heavy and painful menstrual cycles, cramping, bloating, lower back pain and frequent urination. Reset checks in with a doctor to learn more about these uterine growths and treatment. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

There’s a type of blues music that is native to Chicago. It can be characterized by its use of guitar, harmonica and rhythm sections. Between June 6-9, the largest free blues festival in the world is returning to Chicago. Legendary bluesman Buddy Guy will headline in one of his final performances. Reset checks in with three blues musicians to learn about the scene in Chicago and what to expect for the fest this year. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

So much news, so little time. From a proposed teen curfew downtown to DNC security updates to sex-crazed “zombie” cicadas, Reset dives into the top local stories in the Weekly News Recap. Our panel this week is: The Chicago Sun-Times Mitchell Armentrout, WTTW’s Brandis Friedman, and Block Club Chicago’s Melody Mercado. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Illinois’ Department of Children and Family Services has faced challenges and reports of dysfunction for years – from failing to report cases of abuse in schools to reports of improper use of funds. But the department has just come under new leadership, and could see its focus—and efficacy—change. Reset checks in with the new leader of the embattled DCFS for how she plans to right the ship. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Dining out can be a treat. But as a guest, interactions with hosts, servers and bartenders can sometimes make or break a meal. And behind the scenes, there are dozens of decisions and approaches for staff to consider. Reset hears from two hospitality leaders – Patricia Prosen, owner Que Rico Mexican restaurant, and Loren Agron, manager Ed Debevic’s – about how they approach service in Chicago. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chemicals like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are on the rise in Lake Michigan, according to a new study published by the American Chemical Society. To learn more about this issue, Reset sat down with Chicago Tribune environment reporter Michael Hawthorne and Erik Olson, senior strategic director for health at the Natural Resources Defense Council. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

A new executive order from President Biden temporarily suspends the entry of most asylum seekers attempting to cross the border without authorization. The restrictions will continue until two weeks after unauthorized border crossings dip to or below a seven-day average of 1,500 per day, according to the Biden administration. Reset discusses what this means for current and future asylum seekers in Chicago. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is aiming to make good on a campaign promise to expand mental health services. Six city-run mental health clinics were closed in 2016 under Chicago’s then-mayor Rahm Emanuel. A majority of the closed clinics were on the city’s south and west sides. Two administrations later, Johnson is sharing plans to reopen the first clinic in Roseland. We dig into the plan and other news out of Chicago’s City Hall, including a potential sidewalk plowing initiative, with WBEZ city politics reporter Tessa Weinberg. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

As school winds down and we head into summer, it’s a great chance to dip a toe into the world of science. All you need is an internet connection and a curious mind. The Zooniverse program at Chicago’s Adler Planetarium brings together more than 2 million volunteer scientists worldwide to join research teams in diverse fields from astronomy to ecology, to even the history of science itself. Reset learns more about how you can participate with Samantha Blickhan, director of Zooniverse at Adler Planetarium; and Karen Weigert, director of Loyola University Chicago’s Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

As the Democratic National Convention and inevitable protests approach, Chicago’s Inspector General is raising the alarm. The IG’s latest report suggests that Chicago police are unprepared for protests and mass gatherings, and warns that police tactics like pepper spray and "kettling" protestors can escalate tensions. Meanwhile, some experts expect a push of Russian propaganda around the DNC. We dig into what to know with Chicago Sun-Times reporter Tom Schuba. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

From street fests to must-see performances, WBEZ’s arts and culture team is highlighting a guide of summer events and excitement. Reset checks in with senior editor Cassie Walker Burke, theater reporter Mike Davis, and arts reporter Courtney Kueppers. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Thirty million people live with a rare disease in the United States. And for many of them, it often takes years to get a diagnosis. For one Chicago woman, those years were marked by uncertainty and doctors’ dismissal of her growing pain as she experienced lung collapse after lung collapse. She was eventually diagnosed with a rare form of endometriosis. Reset sits down with her to hear her story and to talk about how women navigate physical pain and the medical system. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Summer is on its way, and temperatures are rising. But if you’re planning to dive into the water, you need to make sure you’re careful, too. Reset breaks down some warning signs for drowning and tips to stay safe in the water. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Illinois politicians have partisan reactions to Trump’s guilty verdict. Milwaukee braces for the Republican National Convention in July. Democrats decide to nominate Joe Biden virtually ahead of August’s Chicago convention to meet an Ohio ballot deadline. Lawmakers in Illinois approve a $53 billion state budget. Reset dives into these and other top local stories in the Weekly News Recap with Simone Alicea, City Cast Chicago executive producer, Amanda Vinicky, WTTW political correspondent and Alex Degman, WBEZ statehouse reporter. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Major League Baseball is now incorporating statistics of Negro League players in their record books. Since this change, ball players like Josh Gibson have dethroned legends like Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth. Reset learns more about the history of the Negro Leagues and Black baseball stars with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum co-founder and author Larry Lester. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

There’s a shortage of mental health workers in Chicago, but the rate of suicide is increasing in certain communities. To address this, CDPH is implementing a new approach that trains city workers and people who live in areas with high suicide rates to help prevent suicide by connecting people in need to available resources. Reset learns about the gaps this city run program is aiming to fill. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

For Chicago teachers, a note from the principal detailing their assignment for the upcoming school year is a mere formality. Some return to the same grade level or subject as the year before. But for others, including veteran teacher Gregory Michie, the switch was a “sucker punch.” Michie was reassigned to teach media literacy to all grade levels, from kindergarten through eighth grade, a challenge he hadn’t encountered before. In a series of diary entries, he chronicles his experiences of his final year in Chicago Public Schools. Now readers can learn from Michie’s experience in his published book, “176 Days: A Teacher’s Diary of an Unexpected Year.” Reset sits down with Michie to learn more about the lessons he learned. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Live Nation, an events promoter and venue operator, alleging that the company has monopolized the ticket-selling marketplace after it merged with Ticketmaster back in 2010. Live Nation, as you might expect, disagrees. Reset checks in with an independent venue owner and Chicago musician to hear how this lawsuit could impact the local music scene. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The National Museum of Mexican Art plans to turn this long-vacant structure into the Yollocalli youth arts center. Located at 2358 S. Whipple St., the former Little Village firehouse will have performance and studio spaces, an indoor garden made from an old spiral staircase and disco balls. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Lawmakers technically have until June 30th to pass the budget – but their legislative session was supposed to end last week. Reset hears an update from a statehouse reporter in Springfield. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Asian carp is so bountiful in the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, and causes such a problem for the fishing industry here that the Illinois Department of Natural Resources rebranded it as the “copi” fish – short for copious to entice diners to eat it and help control the population. Reset learns more about how the rebrand has worked out for restaurants so far, why some diners are still resisting and what a local entrepreneur is doing to promote the fish. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chanel Beads is an experimental band that hails from the DIY scene of New York. They just released their debut album Your Day Will Come. It features an array of tracks full of electronic drums, droning violins and heavily-processed vocals. Reset chats with Chanel Beads front person Shane Lavers to learn more about the band and this newest release. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago City Council approves another $1.3 million to resolve two lawsuits involving police misconduct during 2020 protests. Northwestern University’s president testifies about pro-Palestinian protests before Congress. Reset goes behind the headlines of those stories and much more in our Weekly News Recap. The panelists today are ABC 7 anchor Ravi Baichwal, WBEZ city politics reporter Mariah Woelfel, and Alex Nitkin, reporter with the Illinois Answers Project. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Earlier this year, the city’s Board of Education unanimously voted to remove school resource officers, or SROs, from school buildings. Since then, Chicago Public Schools has come up with a new school safety plan without police officers, that instead explores alternatives that focus on mediation over punishment. Reset checks with Chalkbeat reporter Reema Amin to learn more about this new safety plan. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

There are nearly 9,000 migrant children attending CPS schools. This influx of students is shining a light on CPS’ lack of resources, particularly for Spanish-speaking children. Reset sits down with Chalkbeat reporter Reema Amina and Block Club Chicago reporter Mina Bloom about their latest work investigating how CPS is falling short in meeting the needs of all their students. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

When school lets out for the summer break, many students can lose access to consistent meals. But now, kids experiencing food insecurity will be eligible for a seasonal grocery benefit. Reset digs into why the Summer EBT program is a big deal — and what other resources families can use this summer. We talk with Man-Yee Lee, director of communications for the Greater Chicago Food Depository, and Carmen Moorer, youth services manager for the Chicago Heights Public Library. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

It’s not just the city of Chicago that’s losing population, it’s also neighboring suburbs in Cook County, according to new Census data. Meanwhile, some suburbs farther out from Chicago are gaining big time. Reset learns more about this trend, who is going where, and some of the factors at play. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Within the packed agenda before it, Chicago City Council is set to introduce ordinances that call upon Mayor Brandon Johnson to fire CTA President Dorval Carter, amidst calls for “new leadership” in the transit agency. Reset hears a preview of this week’s Chicago City Council meeting from WBEZ city government and politics reporters Mariah Woelfel and Tessa Weinberg. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

What does a bird think when it sees billions of cicadas flying around? Lunchtime. More than just a nuisance, periodical cicadas are an important player in the forest ecosystem. A 2023 study published in the journal Science, found that 80 species of birds started eating cicadas instead of caterpillars during the Brood X emergence, which had an effect on trees where the caterpillars live. Reset learns how the current eruption of cicadas affects the forest ecosystem, and the ripple effects we could be seeing for years to come. We talk to ecologist Zoe Getman-Pickering and Karen Weigert, director of Loyola University Chicago’s Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago tears down a lot of buildings — the city issued nearly a thousand demolition permits in 2023 alone. But it’s not always clear why or what exactly is being torn down in the city. One Chicago photographer has made it his mission to document these doomed buildings before they get razed. Reset sits down with Soren Spicknall to talk about his photo series “Leave the Seat Empty.” For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Here in Chicago and Illinois, we have a rich history of LGBTQ+ activism. Now, we can visit a traveling exhibit about the last 50 years of fighting for LGBTQ+ rights. The exhibit, called “Queer Justice,” is being featured at Chicago’s Center on Halsted. Reset checks in with Camilla Taylor, the deputy legal director for litigation at Lambda Legal, a national legal organization that focuses on LGBTQ+ rights and for those living with HIV. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Criticism of diversity, equity and inclusion programs across the country is on the rise in state legislatures, schools, and at some private companies. While DEI is intended to correct inequities within an organization, opponents of DEI programs argue it instead promotes division. Reset sits down with Alida Miranda-Wolff, Chicago DEI expert and author of The First-Time Manager: DEI to hear how to foster a safe, inclusive and productive workplace. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Co-founders of the folk-punk group AJJ join Reset to discuss their latest album Disposable Everything. The band has eight studio albums and twenty years of performing under their belts. Sean Bonnett and Ben Gallaty talk about the therapy of song-writing, collaborations, and advice for the newcomers. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

We look back on Brandon Johnson’s first year in office. Plus, money news! The IRS audit of Trump Chicago Tower could cost the former president $100 million, former West Side hospital executive charged with embezzlement, and lawmakers debate the state budget in Springfield as busloads of CPS teachers arrive at the Capitol to lobby legislators. Reset breaks down these stories and much more with David Greising, president of the Better Government Association, Nick Blumberg, a correspondent for WTTW News and Tessa Weinberg, city government and politics reporter for WBEZ. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The greenspace is a point of pride for many Chicagoans, and hosts many popular events throughout the year. But people were conflicted about it early on, especially about the unique art it holds. Reset digs into the archives, and hears from Loyola professor Timothy Gilfoyle to learn more about the history of the city’s famous park. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

WBEZ’s May highlights of productions feature a mix of works at storefront and big-name theaters.The mix of local and national talent on stage is a testament to Chicago’s place in the theater ecosystem. Reset gets the scoop from WBEZ’s theater reporter, Mike Davis. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

More and more Chicagoans are opting for bikes to get around the city. According to a new analysis, the number of cyclists have doubled in the last five years in Chicago. But with more folks biking, what needs to be done to keep them safe? Reset checks in with Active Transportation Alliance’s executive director Amy Rynell, and Lacey Cordero, volunteer, with Chicago Family Biking on current efforts to address biking safety in the city and what more needs to be done. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The watchdog group is out with a 62 page analysis of the state’s proposed FY20205 budget. It notes that Governor Pritzker’s $800 million in tax changes will help close the state’s budget deficit, but that any more could overwhelm taxpayers. If left unchecked, the report says the CTA, PACE and Metra face an over $700 million deficit as soon as 2026. Reset learns more about the impact this could have on Chicago area transit riders from Joe Ferguson, president of the Civic Federation. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Asian Americans are often perceived to be more adjusted, successful and thriving compared to other minority groups in the U.S. – largely due to stereotypes rooted in the model minority myth. But research suggests that Asian Americans experience higher rates of mental illness and fare worse with their mental health compared to non-Asian people. Reset digs into why with University of Chicago’s Yoonsun Choi, and Chicago writer Ada Cheng. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Some people incarcerated in Illinois prisons could be eligible for immediate release. That’s due to a new state law that would take time off prisoner’s sentences for taking part in work, educational, reentry or substance abuse programs. But the law isn’t being consistently applied to eligible prisoners. Reset learns more about why and how that can change from Open Campus’s Charlotte West, and the Illinois Prison Project’s Candace Chambliss. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

A charming four-story Queen Anne-style structure from 1892 near Ogden has seen better days. The city’s landmark commission announced its new status back in 2021 to save it from certain demolition but three years later, is its dilapidated state all there is to it now? Reset learns more about this city landmark from architecture sleuth, and Crain’s Chicago Business residential real estate reporter, Dennis Rodkin. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

You likely have a favorite food. Maybe it reminds you of someone, or some time in your life. But if you don’t have the recipe, or you make it and it doesn’t taste quite like what you remember, what do you do? Reset checks in with UChicago Neuroscience Professor Leslie Kay and Great American Baking Show winner Martin Sorge for tips on recreating dishes from memory. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Local indie band Red Scarves is out with their new album ‘Nice Try.’ It features nine tracks that navigate themes of failure, freedom and just doing your best. The four best friends came together during lockdown in the summer of 2020 to write the music for this latest project. Reset sits down with two of the four members of the group, Ayethaw Tun and Ryan Donlin, to learn more about how the band came together, their collaborative process of making music and the journey of releasing ‘Nice Try.’ For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

What a week in news! University of Chicago launched a pre-dawn raid on a pro-Palestinian encampment. President Biden comes to town. And 95 adults file a lawsuit alleging physical and sexual abuse at Illinois juvenile detention centers. Reset breaks down these stories and much more with Block Club Chicago’s Mick Dumke, Washington Post’s Kim Bellware, and Fox 32’s Paris Schutz. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Water scarcity and what the UN calls “water-related hazards” – like flooding and drought – are increasing around the globe. As water supplies dry up, eyes turn to water havens, like the Great Lakes region. So how does a city like Chicago meet the need and protect the water resources from those who would only profit from it? Multiple players are coming together to do this under the banner of the blue economy in Chicago. Reset learns more about these efforts from Reset sustainability contributor Karen Weigert, Tikal Industries Christian Guerrero, and Current’s Alaina Harkness. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

In the world of music recording, Chicagoan Steve Albini was an international legend, even a pioneer. Albini passed away from a heart attack this week at 61. But his impact on fellow engineers and the industry will not be soon forgotten. WBEZ engineer Dave Miska shares how and why Albini spoke to a generation of punk Gen X-ers. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The Fossil Lab is run by UChicago paleontologist Paul Sereno. It recently moved from the university campus to a space in Washington Park where visitors can see 3D renderings of dinosaurs and a wide variety of fossils. Reset sits down with Sereno to learn more about the community learning opportunities he’s planning for the lab. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Schantelle Alonzo is the daughter of Filipino immigrants and grew up in Chicago’s Albany Park. She was born deaf in her left ear and felt she didn’t see her story represented in animations she grew up seeing. Today, she creates short films to share stories of underrepresented communities like the deaf, Asian Americans and immigrants. Reset sits down with the animator to learn more about the impact she hopes to leave on people viewing her work. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Bodies Outside of Unjust Laws, a coalition for reproductive justice and LGBTQ+ liberation, filed a federal lawsuit against the city last Thursday. That suit alleges the city violated their first and fourteenth amendment rights by denying their request to protest by the Water Tower on Michigan Ave, where many Democratic National Convention delegates will be staying. Plus, Mayor Johnson scraps his plan to relocate a downtown migrant shelter to the 11th ward. Reset hears the latest in city politics from WBEZ’s Tessa Weinberg and Mariah Woelfel. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

A new report finds Illinois residents could see a rate increase in their gas bills of 50% over the next 10 years. That report, from the Building Decarbonization Coalition and Groundworks Data, shows the state’s continued investment in natural gas infrastructure. Reset talks through meaningful intervention options with WBEZ’s Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Nine out of ten people in the U.S. own a smartphone, according to the Pew Research Center. As our society becomes built around this technology, some people are nostalgic for a different time – when cell phones didn’t dominate and distract us. Reset discusses the topic with CPS principal Seth Lavin, who got rid of his smartphone, and TJ Driver, co-founder of Brick, a device that disables apps on your smartphone temporarily. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Student organizers from Northwestern, University of Chicago, DePaul and the School of the Art Institute have all set up pro-Palestinan encampments in recent weeks. Reset gets the latest on the protests from WBEZ’s Lisa Kurian Philip, The Depaulia’s Lilly Keller and The Daily Northwestern’s Jacob Wendler. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Quinn Chapel is an icon in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood that the community is in the process of restoring. The building sits on the corner of 24th and Wabash. It has a long history of Black activism and was once a station on the Underground Railroad, helping Black people escape enslavement. Reset learns more about this building and renovation project from architecture sleuth Dennis Rodkin. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

UTOPIA NOW! is the latest from the queer indie super star Rosie Tucker. The album explores the failings of the music industry, the dangers of fame, and reflections on identity. Rosie joins Reset to talk about new music and the artists that inspired their sound. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Protests continue on local university campuses. Lawmakers return to Springfield for spring session, where the Bears’ stadium plans are sidelined by the governor’s aides and other political leaders. Meanwhile, Mayor Johnson prepares to relaunch a guaranteed basic income program and the speed limit could be lowered in Chicago. Reset goes behind those headlines and more with Axios’ Monica Eng, Chicago Tribune’s Ray Long and WBEZ’s Mariah Woelfel. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

May is the time to get garden beds ready, and harden off your seedlings so you can get your veggies in the ground now for bountiful summer months. Reset gets tips for getting veggie gardens started and spring veggie recipes from cultural historian and chef Jordan Wimby and the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Chester Jankowski. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Producer: Jules Yaeger Editor: Meha AhmadIllinois’ biggest cicada season in over two centuries is beginning. Around a trillion cicadas will emerge from the ground all across the state—in urban, suburban, and rural areas alike. Reset checks in with Allen Lawrance with the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and Stephanie Adams with the Morton Arboretum about the impact of this insect on people and plants this summer. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset. Mixer: Brenda Ruiz

Last year, Calumet City cited a Daily Southtown reporter for seeking comment from public employees. That’s one out of at least 165 incidents that interfered with journalists seeking and conveying information to the public last year, according to the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker. But many violations of press freedom go unreported or under the radar. To mark World Press Freedom Day this week, Reset checked in with Seth Stern, director of advocacy at Freedom of the Press Foundation, to learn more. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

A report from the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, and other groups, says the state’s continued practice of solitary confinement violates international human rights. But change may be on the horizon. Illinois’ general assembly is considering legislation that would restrict solitary confinement, and hopefully create change in the system. Reset learns more from James Swansey with Restore Justice, and David Shapiro with the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

For this week’s update from City Hall, we learn about Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s plan to spend the remaining federal COVID-19 dollars before the funds expire at the end of the year. Plus, why the Mayor didn’t attend the funeral of a slain CPD officer, and how he’s defending support for the Chicago Bears $4.7 million stadium proposal. We get the latest from WBEZ’s Tessa Weinberg. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

A jazz icon to some, a breakout pop star to others, the Icelandic-Chinese singer Laufey has skyrocketed into popularity. Her debut album dropped in 2020, and just three years later she won a Grammy for her 2023 album ‘Bewiched’. Reset sat down with the 25-year-old for more on stardom and how her lyrics resonate with fans of all ages. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

From the recent death of an employee on the job raising concerns about driver safety, to a program meant to bolster employment that’s falling short of its goals, and a controversial appointment to the board, the Chicago Transit Authority continues to struggle. Reset talks through these issues, and some possible solutions, with Block Club Chicago’s Manny Ramos, Chicago Sun-Times’ Lauren FitzPatrick, and Commuters Take Action’s Morgan Madderom. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

In 1849, the U.S. government illegally auctioned off land owned by the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. Over the past two decades, the Tribal Nation has purchased some of their land back. This month, The U.S. Department of the Interior placed those 130 acres into a trust, formally recognizing the tribe’s ability to govern portions of their homelands. This is the first time this has happened in Illinois. Reset checks in with Joseph “Zeke” Rupnik, a chairman of the Prairie Band, on their efforts to regain sovereignty over the entire Shab-eh-ney Reservation. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The Chicago based non-profit, Openlands, brings trees to you! The organization’s program introduces the public to caring for the environment through teaching residents how to identify, care for, plant and advocate for trees. Reset talks with Openlands CEO, Michael Davidson and TreeKeeper #1905, Pablo Rodriguez. We also talk with Reset sustainability contributor Karen Weigert. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Duke Ellington was born April 29, 1899. Today, 125 years after his birth, a concert series celebrates the pianist and composer's monumental impact on music. Reset talks with Wynton Marsalis, Grammy award-winning jazz master, about Ellington’s enduring impact on music and how he continues to honor Ellington’s legacy. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The Chicago Bears revealed plans for a new domed lakefront stadium – and successfully drafted their quarterback pick. The family of Dexter Reed filed a civil rights lawsuit over his killing by police. Chicago campuses see anti-war protests, and specialty grocers Dom's Kitchen & Market and Foxtrot face class action lawsuits from now-former employees. Reset breaks down these stories and much more with NBC-5 Chicago’s Christian Farr, Chicago Sun-Times’s Mitchell Armentrout, and Chicago Tribune’s Dan Petrella. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Fifty years after the 1974 debut of the iconic “Good Times” sitcom, a new animated reboot of the show was launched on Netflix and fans of the original show are not having a good time. The sitcom depicted a Black family making ends meet in public housing in Chicago. Its co-creator, Chicagoan Eric Monte, quickly became known as the “Godfather of Sitcom,” as he was also the mastermind behind shows including “The Jeffersons” and “What’s Happening.” Reset checks in with Monte’s daughter Cynthia Crisp, WBEZ’s Natalie Moore, and journalism professor Arionne Nettles about the show’s legacy and remake. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Laurin Mack loves Chicago and loves beer. So maybe it was inevitable that she would go on to tap into her great-great-great grandfather’s brewing legacy, and share his story of the beers that “built Chicago.” She re-opened the Conrad Seipp Brewing Company in 2020, and began the process of excavating the recipe for his pre-Prohibition pale ale. Several years, and two styles of beer later, you can now purchase Seipp beer at select Binny’s and Jewel locations. Reset sat down with Mack to learn more about “the beer that built Chicago” and the process of re-creating the past for the present moment. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

his attempt at unification comes as the number of migrants staying in shelters has decreased from a peak of nearly 15,000 people in January to about 8,600 as of Wednesday. The city and state has shut down 11 shelters set up specifically for migrants. But combining Chicago’s shelter systems is still a major change – and will require a lot of coordination. Reset learns more about what this consolidation could mean for Chicago from Nell Salzman with the Chicago Tribune, and Jenn Torres, a volunteer helping with migrants. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Outfox Hospitality, the parent company of Foxtrot and Dom’s Kitchen & Market, is filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, according to food-and-beverage newsletter Snaxshot. The move comes five months after the two Chicago-based companies merged. Reset learns more about what is going on from Eater Chicago’s Ashok Selvam and attorney Connie A. Lahn. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Passengers traveling through O’Hare’s Terminal 3 could soon see wider concourses, renovated restrooms, revamped baggage claim area and more. However, budget concerns have halted the construction of a global terminal and satellite concourses, leading Mayor Johnson to propose a major change in the order of construction. Reset hears the latest from WBEZ’s Tessa Weinberg. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Migrants in Cook County suburbs still need housing and immigration support, but even with a pool of funds $20 million deep, few suburbs have applied for the assistance. The deadline closed this past Friday with only 4 out of about 100 suburbs sending in applications. Reset finds out more with WBEZ reporter Kristen Schorsch; Julie Solis, homeless prevention program manager from Respond Now, a non-profit in the south suburbs; and Alison Leipsiger, Evanston policy coordinator. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Attracting performances by Richard Pryor, Barbra Streisand and Ella Fitzgerald, Mister Kelly’s on Rush Street was a destination for audiences of all races in the 1950s and ’60s. Reset talks about the Newberry Library’s latest exhibit on the importance of the venue with the library’s Vince Firpo, David Marienthal who donated some of the archival material, and freelance audio producer and journalist Andrew Meriwether. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Legendy playwright August Wilson – considered one of the most important Black voices in theater – wrote the story of his life in the play How I Learned What I Learned. Today, that script is coming to life in a one-man show at the Broadway Playhouse in Water Tower Place. And Chicago-bred actor Harry Lennix (The Blacklist, Matrix Reloaded) is stepping into the role of August Wilson himself. How I Learned What I Learned is on a limited run until May 5, and Reset sits down with the actor for more on what audiences can expect. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Producer: Max Lubbers Editor: Meha AhmadWhile anyone can get scammed, older adults tend to face higher fraud losses. Victims over the age of 60 lose a collective $28.3 billion annually to scams or financial abuse, according to an AARP report. Still, people of any age can fall for these and other scams. Reset learns more about how to protect yourself and your loved ones with Chicago Sun-Times’s Stephanie Zimmerman, Wayne State University’s Peter Lichtenberg, and Chicago Fed’s Leslie McGranahan. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset. Mixer: Brenda Ruiz

This week marks the 100 year anniversary of the first radio broadcast of National Barn Dance in Chicago. That's a variety show that predates the Grand Ole Opry and is credited with popularizing country music. And it's high time that the genre writ large acknowledges the history and role of Black musicians and fans in shaping the genre, says Francesca Royster, author of "Black Country Music: Listening For Revolutions." We sat down with her to learn more about the history, the opportunity of this moment and of course, to dig into Beyoncé's latest album, "Cowboy Carter."

MIKE is on tour performing his latest album “Pinball,” produced in collaboration with Tony Seltzer. You can catch him at Metro next week. The 25-year-old artist tells Reset about keeping it real in his music, his friendship with the legendary Earl Sweatshirt and other friends out with new music. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Tensions rise between Chicago’s top cop and oversight agency. City Council delays vote on Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s bond plan. Protesters block the road to O'Hare to raise awareness on war in Gaza. Reset goes behind the headlines of those stories and many more in our Weekly News Recap with Brandon Pope of CW26, Alex Nitkin of the Illinois Answers Project for the Better Government Association, and Sam Charles of the Chicago Tribune. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

According to the USDA, about one third of food produced in the United States is never eaten and ends up in landfills, where it produces methane that contributes to climate change. Additionally, all of the fuel, water and resources that went into growing and transporting the food is wasted. Reset hears from local chef Devon Quinn and food writer Lisa Shames on their tips and tricks for creatively reusing ingredients rather than adding to a landfill. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Libraries are a haven of free access to books, movies, magazines, and even social supports. But those spaces have faced attacks and an unprecedented number of book bans – 4,349 instances of book bans across 23 states – in just the last half of 2023. Reset talks with Emily Drabinski, the head of the American Library Association, on why the county is divided between attacking and protecting libraries. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The first episode of the variety show Barn Dance aired on WLS on April 19, 1924. An event honoring this anniversary imagines what an episode of the show would sound like in 2024, with musicians, historical context and performances. It will be broadcast live on WFMT. Reset learns about the history of country music in Chicago, how the scene has evolved and what characterizes the sound today with Chicago historian Paul Durica, author Francesca Royster, Lawrence Peters of the Lawrence Peters Outfit, and musical director Jefferey Thomas. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago’s Office of Inspector General investigates misconduct on all levels of city government. And now it’s asking Chicago residents to weigh in on what’s important to them, and what governmental process or body they want to learn more about. It’s the office’s latest attempt to get public input on the inspector general’s priorities for the coming year. Reset sits down with Deborah Witzburg, the city’s inspector general, for more. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Hospitals and clinics that offer maternal healthcare have been closing on the South Side for years. And this puts mothers in those communities at risk. Reset sat down with UChicago Medicine’s inaugural Chief Obstetrical Transformation Officer, Dr. Sarosh Rana, and The South Side Healthy Community Organization’s chief operating officer, Sarah Janvier, to learn about what work needs to be done to create safer conditions for Black mothers. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago is more than just the place where Arionne Nettles grew up, she writes, it’s in her DNA. In her debut book, We Are The Culture: Black Chicago’s Influence on Everything, Nettles takes readers through the history of how Black Chicagoans have led pop culture in America for decades, and gives insight into the ways culture shapes our lives and spreads across borders. Reset sits down with Nettles to discuss the city’s Southern roots, its cultural contributions and her own Chicago upbringing. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Since 1989, LSCs have won funding for their schools, removed corrupt faculty, renamed schools and even opened new campuses. Ideally, an LSC is typically made up of a school’s principal, a couple of teachers, parents, community members, and even students. But that’s not always the case. Reset learns more about Local School Councils in Chicago from two council members, Chinella Robinson and JP Paulus, and Chalkbeat Chicago’s Reema Amin. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago has given the world many wonders: architecture, ketchup-less hot dogs, house music. But did you know about the influence the city has had on poetry? Slam poetry got its start in Chicago in the 1980’s, spawning worldwide competitions, including the largest youth poetry festival in the world, right here in Chicago. Reset sits down with three local artists, Haiku Fest founder Regina Harris Baiocchi, Chicago’s first-ever Poet Laureate avery r. Young, and Illinois’ fifth Poet Laureate Angela Jackson, to learn what makes Chicago’s poetry scene unique. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The smell of bread used to waft out of a five-story building in Washington Park. After years of vacancy, the factory is back on the market. So what’s that building? Architecture sleuth Dennis Rodkin stops by Reset to dig into the past and future of the Schulze Bakery. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Alvin Cobb, Jr. is an Atlanta-native who found his way to Chicago to play jazz. He’s worked alongside several musicians both in and out of the jazz world, like Chance the Rapper, Nola Adé and Marcus Printup. Reset sat down with the musician to hear more about his journey and on making his first album featuring fellow jazz artists Katie Ernst and Julius Tucker. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago’s Civilian Office of Police Accountability releases body cam footage from a deadly March traffic stop where officers fired nearly 100 shots in less than a minute. Plus, new legislation aims to close a race gap in teacher evaluations, and stargazers head downstate for a total solar eclipse. Reset goes behind the headlines of those stories and much more in our Weekly News Recap with Andy Grimm of the Chicago Sun-Times, Ravi Baichwal at ABC 7 News, and Leigh Giangreco with Crain’s Chicago Business. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Life wasn’t always easy for poet Nikki Pitan, who grew up with domestic violence, and fatphobia affecting her self esteem in her far South Side home. She tells Reset about how her new memoir outlines her lifelong journey of healing and breaking those generational cycles. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Spring is coming and going in Chicago so fast you might think you’re on a bit of a roller coaster. Reset turns to cultural historian and chef, Jordan Wimby (aka Melanin Martha), for more on cool-season crops to plant now and in-season veggies for your dinners this week. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Congress has yet to pass a Green New Deal, a set of policies that aims to reduce emissions and provide a just transition to green jobs. So, high schoolers and the Sunrise Movement are taking matters into their own hands. Evanston Township High School is the third high school in the U.S. to pass a Green New Deal of their own. Reset learns more about the effort with student Milo Slevin and Reset Sustainability Contributor Karen Weigert. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Dr. Tammy Abughnaim normally works as an emergency physician in Chicago. But in March, she spent two weeks living and working in Al-Aqsa Hospital, as part of a team under the World Health Organization. When it came time to leave, Dr. Abughnaim says she begged to stay longer. Reset host Sasha-Ann Simons sat down with Dr. Abughnaim to hear about her experience in Gaza. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Illinois could soon join 10 states in the nation which allow what advocates call “medical aid in dying.” A bill in Springfield would give terminally ill people with six months or less to live the option to end their lives by self-administering a drug provided by a physician. Illinois lawmakers are considering the future of this legislation during the spring session, so Reset spoke with the bill’s co-sponsor Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) to learn more about it. Plus, hears from opponents like Access Living’s Amber Smock and supporters like ACLU of Illinois’ Khadine Bennett. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Thousands of artists and nearly 200 galleries from around the world are showcasing their work here in Chicago. We check in with WBEZ's Courtney Kueppers. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The latest jobs report shows the U.S. economy is strong, but how consumers perceive and feel about it isn’t as positive. So, what’s really going on? Reset sits down with Austan Goolsbee, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, to find out how the economy is doing and to get a lesson on how the Fed works. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

In his new book, Chicago-area dentist Steven Potashnick digs into the surprising significance of the toothpick in Western culture. It features photos of his extensive collection of 1,500 toothpicks, which is believed to be the largest in the world. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago’s school board recently voted to prioritize neighborhood schools and de-emphasize selective enrollment schools, but board members are not ending school choice. Reset dives into the history of how selective schools came to be — from the space race to integration efforts. We talk with WBEZ education reporter Sarah Karp, who recently reported on this history for Curious City. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The self-described “breeze-pop” duo is out with their debut album. VV Lightbody and Daniel Villareal have paired up to explore a genre that is out of their comfort zone. The self-titled album is wall-to-wall dancy, dreamy, and inspired. VV and Daniel join Reset to talk about the new release and a show at Thalia Hall in June. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The Johnson administration has a new chief of staff, and Chicago has its first-ever chief homelessness officer. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra named its youngest-ever conductor and music director. Plus, swimming in the Chicago River? It’s happening. Reset dives into the top local news with Better Government Association president David Greising, Block Club Chicago reporter Quinn Myers and WTTW host and anchor Brandis Friedman. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

For many of us, a big part of traveling is dining and trying local specialties. Reset reminisces about the best dishes we’ve had while traveling and gets tips from pros like Reset’s Andrea Guthman, WBEZ’s Cianna Greaves and Eater Chicago’s Ashok Selvam on planning meals while on vacation. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Nine out of 10 Black women have used hair relaxing chemicals to straighten their thick curls. But lawsuits have been piling up in state and federal courts across the country for years claiming chemicals in hair relaxers are causing cancer. Reset hears from Traccye Love, one plaintiff in these cases, and learns more about an investigation by WBEZ’s Natalie Moore and the Chicago Sun-Times’ Andy Grimm. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Caring for yourself or a loved one after a sexual assault can be a harrowing experience, and an American Public Media investigation finds hospitals in Illinois have made it more challenging for victims. From delaying treatment, to throwing away rape kits and failing to notify child or adult protective services of the incident, Reset digs into how this can lead to a loss of evidence with American Public Media’s Kate Martin. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The Jasper family in “Purpose” has been a pillar of Black American politics for decades as civil rights leaders, pastors and congressmen. But like all families, there are secrets and lies beneath the surface. Reset sits down with the Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s Glenn Davis, for more on the rehearsal process and inspiration for this show. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Mayor Brandon Johnson appointed Sendy Soto to the position where she will be tasked with creating a five-year plan to address homelessness in Chicago. Reset learns more about this and other ongoing events in City Hall with WBEZ’s Tessa Weinberg. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Suburban Cook County confirmed its first measles case, bringing the total number of cases in the Chicago area to 53. City officials have vaccinated over 5,000 migrants since the first cases were reported at a migrant shelter in Pilsen. Reset checks in with RUSH University Medical Group’s Dr. David Ngyuen on best practices to protect yourself against these viruses. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

A new report from the ACLU of Illinois and the Women’s Justice Institute details the inadequate care pregnant women receive in jails across the state. Reset digs into those details with Women’s Justice Institute’s Alexis Mansfield, Alliyah Thomas who was pregnant while incarcerated, and the Marshall Project’s Shannon Heffernan. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Once considered “the Main Street of America,” Route 66 stretches from the Midwest in Chicago to the West Coast in Los Angeles. Today, there’s a campaign to preserve the untold stories of the 2,440-mile highway. Reset learns more about that effort from the National Trust of Historic Preservation’s Amy Webb. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Driving down Route 66, some 60 miles southwest of downtown Chicago, a massive astronaut statue, placed outside of a restaurant near Wilmington, Illinois used to be visible. But it’s no longer there. Reset learns more about the Gemini Giant, where it used to stand, and why it’s up for sale now. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago alders want to censure Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez over his attendance at a rally where a veteran burned the American flag in front of City Hall. Plus, a WBEZ analysis finds more Chicagoans lacked heat in January than any month since 2019. Reset dives into these and other top local stories with City Cast Chicago’s Jacoby Cochran, WBEZ statehouse reporter Alex Degman, and WTTW Chicago politics reporter Heather Cherone. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

With a new album out next month, Lizz Wright joins Reset to discuss “defining loves” in her life, the artistry she finds in cooking, and growing up steeped in gospel music. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago alders want to censure Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez over his attendance at a rally where a veteran burned the American flag in front of City Hall. Plus, a WBEZ analysis finds more Chicagoans lacked heat in January than any month since 2019. Reset dives into these and other top local stories with City Cast Chicago’s Jacoby Cochran, WBEZ statehouse reporter Alex Degman, and WTTW Chicago politics reporter Heather Cherone. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

A lot happened in 2020. Beyond a global pandemic, the year was also marked by a divisive presidential election, the spread of misinformation and mass protests, just to name a few. A new book by author and NYU sociologist Erik Klinenberg, titled 2020: One City, Seven People and the Year Everything Changed, charts the transformation of a nation. Reset learns more from the author himself on his process and on why it’s important to look back to learn. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

James reimagines the Mark Twain classic Adventures of Huckleberry Finn – this time telling it from the perspective of the enslaved character Jim. Everett has written 30 books, including Erasure, the 2001 novel adapted into the Oscar-winning film American Fiction. Reset talks with the author about what his new work can teach us about agency and art of balancing satire and irony while conveying the horrors of slavery. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ended its five-day quarantine recommendation for people who test positive for COVID-19, announcing that people can return to activities after symptoms improve for at least 24 hours. It’s a big change from the required 10-day quarantine period from four years ago when the World Health Organization first declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Reset reflects on the impact of four years of COVID-19 with Steven Thrasher, author of The Viral Underclass: The Human Toll When Inequality and Disease Collide, and Megan E. Doherty, co-leader of Care Not COVID, an advocacy group pushing for safer healthcare settings. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Rainforests are complex ecosystems that house over half of the world’s species, but they’re under threat from deforestation and climate change, and gathering data about the shifts in populations is difficult and unreliable. But AI could help. Reset hears from the Morton Arboretum’s Chuck Cannon, and Loyola University’s Karen Weigert on efforts to build accessible tools that can be used to monitor the species that call rainforests home. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

For the most part, Sarah McCammon followed the rules set by her Evangelical family. She was taught to obey God, not to question her faith, and that her eternal salvation was secured in heaven. She later left the church, but soon saw the power of evangelical Christian beliefs on the political right after covering the Trump campaign in 2016 for NPR. Reset learns more about McCammon’s journey and the power she sees in that conservative religious community. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

When it comes to talking about sex, taboos and stigma can – and do – lead to myths and misinformation – particularly for women. From disproportionately impacted by long-term effects of STDs to infertility to even just being prepared for changes in their menstrual cycle, many women – across age groups – say the sex education they were offered in school and social circles left them woefully unprepared. Reset sat down with DePaul student Tyesha Thomas, Northwestern’s Dr. Traci Kurtzer, and co-host of WBEZ’s When Magic Happens podcast Cheryle Jackson to discuss sexual health and how the knowledge gap seems to persist across generations. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago still has more lead service lines than anywhere else in the country, and it’s impacting more than two-thirds of Chicago children under 6 years old. The CDC says there are no known safe levels of lead in a child’s body, and that constant exposure can damage the brain and nervous system, lead to slow growth and development, including learning and behavioral problems. Reset talks through solutions and resources with Chakena Perry of the Natural Defense Council, Brenda Santoyo with the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization, and Michael Hawthorne with the Chicago Tribune. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Nearly a week after Illinois’ primary election, the race for Cook County State’s Attorney gets closer and closer as election officials tally up the remaining mail in and provisional ballots. Plus, the city announces plans to close temporary shelters housing migrants at 5 city parks, and transition the facilities back to their former use as a recreation destination for residents. Reset digs into this and more city politics happenings with WBEZ’s Tessa Weinberg. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Front person Luz Elena Mendoza Ramos sits down with Reset to talk language and identity in song writing. You can catch their show Sunday, March 24, at Metro. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Ramadan is a time for fasting, good deeds and charity for Muslims around the world and here in Chicago. But the holiday’s usual celebrations are more somber due to the war in Gaza. Reset sat down with a group of local Palestinian Americans to discuss how the holy month feels this year. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Delays to election results leave some holding their breath. Chicago sues Glock over its ability to turn its weapons semi-automatic. And the Bring Chicago Home referendum flounders during the primary election this week that saw a record-low voter turnout. Reset delves into these and other top local stories with WGN’s Tahman Bradley, the Chicago Tribune’s Ray Long, and WTTW’s Amanda Vinicky. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Local heir to the Walmart fortune, Lukas Walton, founded Builders Vision to address environmental challenges. And recently, the group won a Parkinson Award from Loyola University Chicago’s Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility for its work. Reset sits down with Matt Knott, president and chief operating officer of Builders Vision, and Karen Weigert, Reset sustainability contributor, to learn more. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

It’s hard to find a more iconic Chicago movie than “The Blues Brothers”, and the chance to learn something new about the 1980 film? Yes please! Reset sits down with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Daniel de Visé about the new stories he uncovered while researching the making of this cult favorite. Daniel’s book, “The Blues Brothers: An Epic Friendship, the Rise of Improv, and the Making of an American Film Classic” is available now wherever you buy books. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Mayor Brandon Johnson is recognizing the decades-long career of Rick Bayless and the impact he has had on the city’s restaurant scene and on making Chicago a food destination. The prolific chef owns several restaurants and brands, and he also supports small farmers and the arts in Chicagoland. Reset sits down with Bayless to reflect on his career and accomplishments. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump each won their primaries in Illinois on Tuesday. But a growing call for a protest vote among Dems and a never-Trump wing among Republicans could mean that both candidates have to shore up their support before the general election in November. Meanwhile, other items on the ballot remain too close to call, including the Bring Chicago Home ballot referendum. Reset digs into who won, who didn’t and which races are still too close to call with WBEZ state politics reporter Dave McKinney. For more on the latest results, go to WBEZ.org. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to Wbez.org/reset.

Long before there was Bush v. Gore and the “dimpled chad” fiasco in Florida, there were Penny Pullen and Rosemary Mulligan, two suburban Chicago Republicans vying for the same state house seat in a race so close, it was decided at points by a handful of votes, a coin toss and eventually the Illinois Supreme Court. Reset talk with author Patrick Wohl about his new book “Down Ballot: How A Local Campaign Became A National Referendum On Abortion” for more on the significance of that race and why every vote counts. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Microbes are everywhere, including in our stomachs, and they have a big influence on our overall health in a variety of ways. Reset explores the mind-gut connection with UChicago Medicine’s Alyse Bedell. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset

The latest in our series What’s That Building? takes us to the former Cabrini-Green neighborhood to visit a boarded up church that community members and preservationists are working hard to save. Reset checks in with our architecture sleuth Dennis Rodkin for the story. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Officials call the 37,000 migrants who have arrived in Chicago since August 2022 an “unprecedented” situation. But a WBEZ analysis showed that earlier waves from Europe, the South and Mexico rivaled the current situation in size and scope. Reset explores the connections between current migration to Chicago and what happened in the past with WBEZ data reporter Amy Qin and UIC history professor Lilia Fernández. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Tuesday, March 19, isn’t just Primary Day in Illinois — it’s also the best day to experience the phenomenon known as “Chicagohenge” when the sun aligns perfectly with Chicago’s grid. Reset checks in with Geza Gyuk, director of astronomy at the Adler Planetarium. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Music, theater, dance, art, opera, whatever your artistic bucket list includes this spring, we have something you’ll love. Reset sits down with WBEZ arts and culture senior editor Cassie Walker Burke to get the lowdown on some shows and events you may want to check out. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Southeast LA is a second home for artist and musician Neyva. The first, they say, is Saturn. “That’s my home planet,” Neyva says. Reset checks in with Neyva to hear more of their eclectic, otherworldly music ahead of their March 17 show at the Empty Bottle. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Migrants face an eviction deadline amid a measles outbreak. The State Capitol is placed in lockdown while lawmakers are in Springfield. The Illinois Supreme Court sides with the Johnson administration, denying an appeal to the “Bring Chicago Home” referendum. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears say they’re committed to keep Chicago as their home, pledging billions for a new lakefront stadium. Reset goes deeper into those top local stories and more in the Weekly News Recap with Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune state government reporter Dan Petrella, Chicago bureau chief of the New York Times Julie Bosman and WBEZ city politics reporter Mariah Woelfel. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Candidates for president, Congress and state senate might be familiar, but have you ever been at a loss when voting for judges? Reset sits down with Injustice Watch managing editor Jonah Newman to learn what you should know about judicial elections in Cook County before filling out your primary ballot. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

If cacio e pepe can get a makeover with chili crisp, what else is possible? Well, according to Dan Pashman, host of The Sporkful Podcast, “Anything’s Pastable.” We check in with Pashman to learn more about his forthcoming cookbook out March 19. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The City of Chicago shut down construction on a temporary shelter by the Orange Tent Project. You might recognize the group’s bright orange tents across the city. Today on the podcast, we discuss why that shelter was shut down with Chicago Sun-Times reporter Sophie Sherry. We also dig into a WBEZ analysis detailing how nearly half of Chicagoans are paying over 30% of their income on rent and utilities with WBEZ sata projects editor Alden Loury. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

A tattoo artist. Stay-at-home parents. A funeral director. A school custodian. Mark Larson talks to more than 100 people in a variety of professions for his new book “Working In The 21st Century: An Oral History of American Work in a Time of Social and Economic Transformation.” Reset checks in with the author. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago officials have confirmed five measles cases. Plus, the Chicago Bears say they want to stay in the city. Reset learns more about these and other stories from WBEZ city government and politics reporters Tessa Weinberg and Mariah Woelfel. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Your doctor says you need this treatment. But your insurance company says they don’t agree. Your pharmacist receives your prescription, but won’t fill it until your insurance provider greenlights it. This back-and-forth is called “prior authorization” and it’s how your health insurance company determines what medicines they will or will not cover. It also creates lengthy wait times for patients who need the medicine immediately – if they’re able to get it at all. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker recently announced he’ll introduce a bill to stop what he called “predatory insurance practices.” Reset learns more about how this impacts patients and health care providers from UChicago Harris School of Public Policy assistant professor Zarek Brot-Goldberg and Reset listener Jackie Covarrubias, who says her father’s chemotherapy medication often gets denied by his insurance. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

City records show that nearly 12,000 people are currently staying in migrant shelters. That’s down from a peak of nearly 15,000 in January, but that number could drop precipitously now that Chicago officials are preparing to enforce a 60-day shelter stay limit. The first wave of migrants is set to be moved out on March 16. Reset learns more about what this means for migrants. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

WBEZ got its start back in the 1940s. Reset kicks off a new bi-weekly series on Chicago history with a look inward with former WBEZ news director, program director and host Ken Davis. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

In the latest installment in our series What’s That Building, architecture sleuth Dennis Rodkin shares the story of the Robert Franks Memorial building in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood. Robert “Bobby” Franks was 14 years old back in 1924 when fellow teens Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb killed him and left his body outside of Chicago. The premeditated murder became known as the “crime of the century.” Afterward, Franks’ father put money toward a boys’ club that he thought would have made his son proud. Amazingly, the building still serves boys today with a variety of enrichment programs. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Cadien Lake James, aka lake j, is the latest member of the Chicago indie band Twin Peaks to release a solo album. It’s called Dizzy. Reset checks in with him about his creative process and his new music. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Illinois lawmakers return to Springfield. Former state Senator Terry Link is sentenced to probation for tax evasion. Plus, votes will count for the “Bring Chicago Home” referendum, and former president Donald Trump remains on the primary ballot. Reset goes behind those headlines and more with WTTW political correspondent Amanda Vinicky, WBEZ city government and politics reporter Tessa Weinberg and Crain’s Chicago Business government and politics reporter Leigh Giangreco. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Where can Midwesterners start if they want to eat seasonally? Getting a garden going can take a lot of planning, but each month on the podcast, we’ll drop a little inspiration to help you foster your green thumb and learn to eat with the seasons whether you’re gardening or just shopping for groceries. Reset check in with chef and cultural historian Jordan Wimby. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

What made Mike Davis fly all the way from Washington state to cover Chicago’s theater scene? Reset learns more about Davis and hears his recommendations for upcoming shows, including “Port of Entry” from the Albany Park Theater Project. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

A 2023 Supreme Court ruling removed decades-old protections for wetlands. Now, Illinois lawmakers are fighting back. Illinois lawmakers are hoping to pass protections for the state’s wetlands this spring. Reset checks in with Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco, environment reporter for WBEZ and Grist. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Four and a half minutes. That’s how long it will take for the moon to pass between the earth and the sun. Chicagoans won’t have to travel to catch a glimpse of the partial eclipse, but southern Illinois will experience “totality” for the second time in a decade. Reset learns more about how you can safely view this celestial phenomenon from: Geza Gyuk, director of astronomy at the Adler Planetarium; Ashley Walker, a third-year astronomy PhD student at Howard University and founder of Black in Astro; and Tom Auchter, a member Northwest Suburban Astronomers.

Chicago saw a wave of feminist bookstores opening in the 1970s, but how many are still open today? Women and Children First in Andersonville has stood the test of time for 45 years and find their work more relevant today than ever. Reset checks in with Linda Bubon, one of the store’s co-founders, and its current co-owners, Sarah Hollenbeck and Lynn Mooney, on the throughline to the bookstore’s success.

The Chicago Board of Elections is appealing last week’s decision by a Cook County judge rendering the “Bring Chicago Home” measure invalid. Real estate industry groups against the measure say it violates state law by combining both a tax hike and a tax cut in the same question. Reset catches up on the latest with WBEZ city politics reporters Mariah Woelfel and Tessa Weinberg. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

When you hear about “rare” diseases, it can be easy to think we’re talking about a one-in-a-million case. But actually, the “rare” is far more common than you think. About 1 in 10 Americans suffer from a rare disease. But because there are so many different kinds, getting diagnosed or even treated can be a nightmare of doctor appointments, long wait times on phone calls, and jumping through hoops. That was the case for young Charlie Sims. At just four years old, his parents noticed their son was exhibiting behavioral changes that compelled them to consult a doctor. Now seven years old, Charlie is the first and only person to receive therapy for his rare disease. Reset sits down with his parents, Matt and Leigh Sims, and RUSH pediatric neurologist Dr. Elizabeth Berry-Kravis to find out more about his story, and the importance of advocating for yourself and your family when seeking medical care. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Illinois is considering a bill that would allow residents to carry a digital version of their driver’s license or state ID, but privacy experts have some concerns. Reset learns more about the legislation from co-sponsor State Rep. Kam Buckner and Matthew Kugler, privacy expert and Northwestern University professor of law. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Project Unloaded aims to shift the narrative around gun ownership and how the presence of a gun can change how a story ends. Reset checks in with the group’s founder Nina Vinik, program manager Olivia Brown and member of its Youth Council, Edgar Vilchez. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Gov. JB Pritzker announced seven areas across Chicago as official cultural districts. This distinction will allow organizations located in those districts to apply for state funds to back efforts to preserve those communities. Reset hears from the leaders in two Chicago cultural districts and learns how state funding could support preservation efforts in Humboldt Park and Chinatown. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago has a vibrant electronic dance and house music scene. And one of the UK’s rising DJs, Barry Can’t Swim, made a stop in town during his When Will We Land? tour. Reset sat down with the artist ahead of his Chicago show to learn more about the album and his musical journey. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago sports teams are in a race for revenue for new stadium projects. CTA President Dorval Carter answers tough questions from alders and riders. Confusion remains over the Bring Chicago Home ballot referendum. Reset breaks down those stories and much more with a WTTW News correspondent Nick Blumberg, Chicago Sun-Times reporter Mitchell Armentrout and NBC-5 Chicago reporter Christian Farr. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf, who also owns the Chicago Bulls, recently traveled to Springfield to ask the state for public funding to back plans to move the team from 35th Street to the South Loop. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has expressed his reluctance to fund the move whereas Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has been more open to the idea. But as taxpayers, how is this investment going to benefit us? Reset sits down with public finance expert Justin Marlow of UChicago’s Harris School of Public Policy to talk about why and how our tax money goes toward funding sports stadiums. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Former president Donald Trump’s legal team on Thursday appealed an Illinois judge’s order to kick him off the state’s primary ballot. Cook County Judge Tracy Porter issued the ruling on Wednesday, though she put an immediate stay on her own order until Friday in anticipation of Trump’s appeal. The ruling comes as the nation’s highest court is set to rule on a similar effort to remove Trump from the ballot in Colorado. Reset digs into what to know — and what comes next — with WBEZ state politics reporter Dave McKinney. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

An Illinois task force is studying whether the state should adopt ranked choice voting or another system for the 2028 presidential primary. The state’s current system, plurality voting (also known as winner-take-all) is common around the country, but some critics say its too limiting. Reset hears from WBEZ statehouse reporter Mawa Iqbal on what’s ahead for ranked choice voting in Illinois. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset

The Federal Trade Commission – along with eight states, including Illinois, and the District of Columbia – are suing to block the biggest supermarket merger in history. The parent companies of Mariano’s and Jewel-Osco are looking to join forces but the FTC argues that the merger could eliminate competition and even mean higher prices for millions of customers. Additionally, there are concerns that the merger would affect worker’s ability to seek higher wages and better benefits. Reset hears from NPR business correspondent Alina Selyukh and Eater Chicago editor Ashok Selvam about how this lawsuit might affect the grocery shopping experience for Illinois shoppers. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Eating disorders impact nearly one in 10 people in the U.S., and these behavioral conditions can have serious health consequences. Reset sits down with Jennifer Wildes, UChicago Med associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience, and Kate Merkle, registered dietitian and psychotherapist and founder of Nourishment Works, to learn more about recognizing signs and symptoms of eating disorders. Plus, we check in with Debbie Heywood, a Nourishment Works patient, to learn about her recovery experience. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Temperatures in the 70s in February? Late winter feels like late spring in Chicago this week. Reset talks with Max Grover, atmospheric data scientist at the Argonne National Laboratory, to learn more about this mild winter weather and climate change. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

In 2019, Evanston became the first U.S. city to create a reparations program to address historical inequalities between Black and white residents. Today on the podcast, we talk about a project where students are recording the stories of some of those recipients. Reset hears from Laurice Bell, executive director of Shorefront Legacy Center, Elizabeth Cox, Evanston resident and recipient of reparations, and Maasai Gentle, a senior at Evanston Township High School. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

A Cook County judge ruled Friday that Mayor Brandon Johnson’s plan to alter the real estate transfer tax to raise up to $100 million a year to fight homelessness is invalid. Reset checks in with WBEZ city government and politics reporter Tessa Weinberg. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The Bayless Family Foundation is giving grants to Definition Theatre, TimeLine Theatre Company, the Chicago Children’s Theatre and the Remy Bumppo Theatre Company. The funding will go toward theater programming and operations. Reset sits down with TimeLine Theatre artistic director PJ Powers and Chicago Children’s Theatre co-founder and artistic director Jacqueline Russell. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago’s punk scene is fresher — and younger — than ever. Case in point: The teen band Uniflora just played Metro’s iconic stage. The high school sophomores discuss their new single “Hellgirl,” the new age of Chicago DIY music and how their parents shaped their musical sensibilities. Reset checks in with drummer Ruby O’Brien, bassist Theo Williams and guitarist and vocalist Quinn Dugan. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker delivers his budget address. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson unveils a major economic development plan. Chicago closes four migrant shelters. Early voting resumes after a temporary pause. Reset goes behind the headlines of those stories and much more with WBEZ state politics reporter Dave McKinney, Crain’s Chicago Business government and politics reporter Justin Laurence and Brandis Friedman, co-anchor of WTTW’s “Chicago Tonight” and host of “Chicago Tonight: Black Voices.” For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The sketch comedy and improv show “Black By Popular Demand” examines the Black experience in America, and no topic is off limits. The seriously funny performance is playing at The Second City in Chicago Fridays and Saturdays through March 25. Reset checks in with the show’s director Rob Wilson. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset. To sign up for our daily newsletter, go to wbez.org/resetnews.

In his annual budget address Wednesday, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced sweeping medical reforms to root out predatory healthcare practices, erase $4 billion in medical debt and invest in Black maternal health by opening birth centers. Reset gets the scoop from WBEZ public health and politics reporter Kristen Schorsch. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset. To sign up for our daily newsletter, go to wbez.org/resetnews.

The author of ‘The Power of Habit’ is out with a new book on the neuroscience and psychology of how we communicate with one another. It’s called Supercommunicators: How To Unlock The Secret Language Of Connection. Reset checks in with award-winning journalist and writer Charles Duhigg. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to WBEZ.org/reset.

Governor Pritzker delivered his annual budget address Wednesday. WBEZ state politics reporter Dave McKinney breaks down what you need to know about the state’s finances and future outlook. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to WBEZ.org/reset.

Governor Pritzker delivered his annual budget address Wednesday. Reset is providing his full speech for listeners of the podcast. You can also find an episode in our feed where WBEZ’s Dave McKinney provides context and analysis about the governor’s assessment of the state of Illinois’ finances and what lies ahead for Illinoisans. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to WBEZ.org/reset.

Rep. Danny Davis, a Democrat, has been representing parts of downtown Chicago and the West Side since 1997, but he faces a number of challengers in the March 19 primary election. Meanwhile, in the 4th Congressional district, Democrat Jesus “Chuy” Garcia also has a notable challenger who wants to take his seat. So, what factors could contribute to who wins in those races? And what do the races tell us about the way the political winds are blowing in the Democratic Party? Reset checks in with WBEZ city government and politics reporters Mariah Woelfel and Tessa Weinberg. For another dose of Reset — beyond the podcast — sign up for our daily newsletter at wbez.org/resetnews.

Billy Dee Williams got his start as an actor on Broadway when he was seven years old and later made sci-fi history as ‘Star Wars’ con man turned good guy Lando Calrissian. Reset chats with Williams about his new memoir ‘What Have We Here: Portraits Of A Life’ ahead of a WBEZ event on Thursday, Feb. 22. For a full archive of Reset conversations, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Imagine making a mid-career pivot and going on to raise $76 million to support climate-technology startups. That’s what Amy Francetic did when she helped found the women-led Chicago venture fund Buoyant Ventures. Reset meets Francetic and learns about how Buoyant is working to fight climate change by investing in young companies with big ideas. We’re also joined by Karen Weigert, Reset Sustainability contributor and director of Loyola University Chicago’s Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility.

Chicagoan Kevin Pang is a James-Beard award winning food writer. He and his dad have a cooking channel called the Hunger Pangs, where they cook traditional Cantonese recipes and Chinese-American classics, which they adapted into the New York Times 2023 Best Cookbooks List. A Very Chinese Cookbook. Reset hears from Kevin on the significance of Lunar New Year foods and the power of cooking with family to preserve memory.

Whether you’re a long time resident or new to the area, we have the latest on what you need to know to vote early in Illinois’ Primary election. Reset hears from Max Bever, Director of Public Information at the Chicago Board of Elections, on how to make the best out of your early voting experience.

Chicago folk singer Naomi Ashley’s new album Love Bug explores the different stages of love, from infatuation to obsession to heartbreak and beyond. Reset sits down with the artist for more on what it takes to turn heartbreak into a love song.

Residents on the South and West sides claim their 911 calls were ignored, as data shows the rapid response teams made traffic stops instead. Parts of Lurie Children’s Hospital’s system have been restored after a cyberattack forced it to shut down. And a Yelp list ranks a Chicago restaurant’s pizza as number one in the country. Reset hears more about those stories and more with Chicago Tribune state government reporter Dan Petrella, WBEZ criminal justice reporter Patrick Smith, and WBEZ city government and politics reporter Mariah Woelfel.

Chicago became the largest U.S. city to outlaw a lower minimum wage for tipped workers last year. Now, Democratic lawmakers in Springfield have introduced legislation that would get rid of the lower minimum wage for the state’s tipped workers, something advocates for higher pay call the “subminimum wage.” Reset hears two perspectives on the proposed legislation: Audra Wilson, president and CEO of the Shriver Center on Poverty Law, and Mario Ponce, owner of Takito Brands restaurants.

More than half of U.S. tenants can’t afford their rent. Here in Chicago, thousands — tens of thousands by one measure — are experiencing homelessness. To complicate matters, the city continues to struggle to find shelter for the more than 35,000 migrants who have arrived in Chicago since August 2022. Reset goes behind the scenes of Evicted, a new exhibition at the National Public Housing Museum in Chicago with its Executive Director, Lisa Yun Lee, to shine a light on national housing policies and tenants’ rights.

Chicago is severing ties with Shot Spotter – rebranded just last year as Sound Thinking – at the end of the summer. Supporters of the gunshot detection technology say this will slow response times to gunshot victims, but studies by the city and county officials find the tech system rarely produces documented evidence of a gun crime. Reset learns more from WBEZ criminal justice reporter Chip Mitchell.

There’s no perfect formula to love, but a set of good questions can get you far. Reset chats with dating coach and founder of Smart Dating Academy Bela Gandhi on her best advice for deepening relationships.

Bring Chicago Home is an initiative to create a dedicated funding stream in the city budget to support the city’s unhoused population. Reset chats with WBEZ’s city government and politics reporter Mariah Woelfel about how that referendum could impact not just the unhoused, but also renters and the real estate market.

Since August 2022, over 35,000 people have come to Chicago from the southern border, most sent here by plane or bus. Reset hears from a father of two about his journey to Chicago and when he hopes to be reunited with his family.

Firefighters are an important part of keeping a community safe. Not only do they literally put out fires, they also help clean up hazardous materials and in some cases, make sure our buildings are up to code. And Skokie Citizens Fire Academy teaches interested residents about all that goes into the job, plus some firefighting skills. Reset learns more about the program from Inspector Timothy Taylor and hears from its oldest graduate, Mort Feldberg.

Chicago officials have spent nearly 160 million dollars on the migrant crisis, from shelter and clothing, to food and funding for other services for the 13 thousand migrants in the city today. Reset hears from one migrant who may be subject to the city’s eviction notice for migrants staying in city run shelters on his journey of getting to Chicago and his hopes for the future.

Lil Hardin Armstrong, Mary Lou Williams and Nina Simone are notable singers of their time, but trumpeter, composer and director of the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic, Orbert Davis, wanted to highlight their songwriting skills. In a new composition for the Philharmonic, Davis confronts the gender inequalities in jazz. Reset learns more about why Davis wanted to highlight each of the singer-songwriters with his new composition debuting this weekend.

During the pandemic, saxophonist Mai Sugimoto, bassist Joshua Abrams and drummer Isaiah Spencer came together to perform and honor the life and legacy of Chicago saxophonist Fred Anderson. From that moment on, Sugimoto recognized the magic and chemistry of the trio leading to the creation of her latest album “Sunlight Filtering Through Leaves". Reset sits down with the Japanese-born, Chicago-based improvised jazz artist to learn about her journey in music.

A judge rules that an Illinois challenge to former President Donald Trump appearing on the ballot won’t be delayed. Meanwhile, Springfield takes up the so-called “subminimum wage” for tipped workers and Chicago’s elected school board. Reset goes behind those headlines and more in the Weekly News Recap, this week with Simone Alicea, executive producer of City Cast Chicago, Alex Nitkin, reporter with the Illinois Answers Project for the Better Government Association, and Amanda Vinicky, WTTW political correspondent.

The Environmental Protection Agency is strengthening air quality standards on industries like factories, power plants, and vehicles that emit soot. Those fine particulate particles have been found to collect in people's lungs, cause respiratory problems, and have even been linked to cancer. Reset learns more about this change from Chicago Tribune reporter Michael Hawthorne, and how the change could improve our health from Brian Urbaszewski, Director of Environmental Health Programs at the Respiratory Health Association.

Chicago Police have been found to have varied response times to emergency calls across the city, and now the City Council is requiring the department to conduct a workforce study to identify why. The city’s governing body also discussed a recent resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, as well as solutions to the migrant crisis. Reset learns the latest from WBEZ’s city government and politics reporter Mariah Woelfel.

Chicago’s expressways can be traced back to the 1908 Plan of Chicago that envisioned a road system of roads that connected the city center to distant neighborhoods. But in the process of constructing them, thousands of residents were displaced – more than half of whom were Black, despite being only 23% of the city’s total population. And the result was the entrenchment of segregation in Chicago. For a walk through this history, Reset turns to two reporters: Richard Cahan, journalist, author Lost In America: Photographing the Last Days of our Architectural Treasures, and Susy Shultz, freelance editor and journalist, looking into this legacy.

It’s a tragic story that’s all too common in the city: gun violence ending young lives too soon. But a new public-private effort headed up by gun violence prevention nonprofit Chicago CRED aims to reduce shootings by 50% in the next five years. Reset speaks to Arne Duncan, former U.S. Secretary of Education and Founder of Chicago CRED, on how he plans to improve safety among Chicago teens.

The Census Bureau's latest 5-year dataset was released in December, and WBEZ just crunched the numbers for Cook County tracts. But the gap between Cook County’s highest and lowest earning areas is among the highest in the nation. Reset learns more about what’s driving that change and which neighborhoods are being left behind from WBEZ’s Data Projects Editor Alden Loury.

As Chicago begins its transition to an elected school board in the fall, Local School Councils (LCSs) could become the place for candidates to prove themselves. LSCs are a unique and powerful feature of Chicago’s public school system, and the deadline to run for a seat is Feb. 8. Reset talks to Crystal Paul, a freelance journalist, and Karonda Locust and JP Paulus, LSC members, about the upcoming elections in spring.

Illinois’ primary election is March 19th, but early voting starts as early as next week. Do you know where you’re voting? Or how to vote by mail? Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the area, WBEZ’s primary guide’s got you covered. Reset learns more from WBEZ government and politics editor Tony Arnold.

City Council approves Gaza ceasefire resolution and Chicago becomes the largest city in the U.S. do so. Mayor Brandon Johnson gives migrants more time in shelters. And Chicago Tribune reporters go on strike for the first time in the paper's nearly 180-year history. Reset hears more about those stories and more with Chicago Tribune investigative reporter Ray Long, AXIOS Chicago reporter Monica Eng and WBEZ city government and politics reporter Mariah Woelfel.

With recent pushes by Chicago’s city council to go electric and move away from natural gas in new buildings, it makes us wonder, “Could our power grid even handle that?” Reset discusses this question and more with Reset’s sustainability contributor and director of Loyola University Chicago’s Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility Karen Weigert.

Chicago becomes the largest city in the U.S. to call for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. With a narrow vote of 23 against and 23 in favor, Mayor Brandon Johnson cast a tie-breaking vote to pass the resolution. Reset checks in with WBEZ city government and politics reporter Mariah Woelfel to understand how the city’s ceasefire resolution fits into the larger picture.

Thousands of parents rely on free preschool options which Chicago Public Schools has been able to expand thanks in part to COVID relief funding. But that money is set to run out in the next school year. So what will this mean for parents and the kids enrolled in these programs? Reset finds out from Reema Amin, reporter at Chalkbeat Chicago.

After a unanimous vote, the Illinois State Board of Elections decides to keep former president Donald Trump on the primary ballot. The Board decided the suit is out of their authority and jurisdiction. Reset checks in with WBEZ statehouse reporter Mawa Iqbal to get the latest update.

The 1,900 migrants who were set to be evicted from shelters Thursday will now be able to stay until at least mid-March. Reset learns the latest on the 60-day shelter limit, City Council’s upcoming vote on a Gaza cease-fire resolution and how polling staff shortages will impact the Illinois primary election from Tessa Weinberg, WBEZ city government and politics reporter.

As we continue to better understand systems of oppression in America, the question is: What can we do about them? That’s what writer Ijeoma Oluo tackles in Be A Revolution: How Everyday People Are Fighting Oppression and Changing the World — And How You Can, Too. Oluo documents her years spent shadowing movement workers across the country in areas including gender justice, disability justice, systemic racism and education. Reset sits down with Oluo to learn more about her call to action and how people can bring positive change to their own communities.

Since he was just 14 years old, meteorologist Tom Skilling has predicted the weather, and helped Illinoisians understand the science behind it. He’s guided residents through rain and shine, floods and droughts, blizzards and heat waves. He’s chased tornadoes — and been chased by them. Reset talked to the longtime meteorologist about his legendary career ahead of his retirement.

The Chicago rapper, activist and actor Common spills on the importance of staying grounded, setting boundaries and taking time for self. That’s advice from his new book “And Then We Rise: A Guide to Loving and Taking Care of Self.”

In 1987, Carlos Tortolero opened the National Museum of Mexican Art’s doors in Pilsen with the guiding principles that it should be free and accessible. Now, as the longtime leader takes a step back, the organization welcomes José Ochoa as its new leader. Reset learns more about José Ochoa’s plans for the museum.

Chicago shaped the early years of Pitchfork, a music review site that laid off half its staff last week. We caught up with the original Pitchfork crew: Ryan Schreiber, founder of Pitchfork, Chris Kaskie, co-founder of Pitchfork Music Festival and former co-owner of Pitchfork, and Amy Phillips, ex-executive editor of Pitchfork to hear the history of the pillar of music journalism. And talked about the future of music criticism with Alejandro Hernandez, freelance music journalist and Britt Julious, music critic for the Chicago Tribune.

Mayor Johnson wants Chicago to say goodbye to gas. Pritzker joins Democratic governors in asking the federal government for help with addressing the needs of migrants. A Chicago police officer is sentenced for participating in the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. Nearly a third of alders ask Mayor Johnson to scrap the 60-day shelter limit policy for migrants, while City Council debates cracking down on dollar stores. Reset goes behind the headlines of those stories and much more in our Weekly News Recap with Leigh Giangreco, government and politics reporter, Crain’s Chicago Business, Brandon Pope, reporter/anchor at CW 26 and Madison Savedra, Block Club Chicago reporter covering Pilsen, Little Village and Back of the Yards.

Art space and gallery Roman Susan in Rogers Park has a new landlord. Loyola University purchased the building it occupies along with other businesses and residential tenants. As Roman Susan’s lease comes to an end next year, the future of the community art space is uncertain. To learn more about it and its impact in Rogers Park, Reset spoke with Roman Susan executive director Kristin Abhalter Smith and managing director Nathan Abhalter Smith. Check out the rest of our interviews and conversations at wbez.org/reset.

As the U.S. population ages, many Americans are thinking about what they want their golden years to look like. And more and more are saying “no” to nursing homes and “yes” to staying put. Aging in place is the practice of seniors staying in their homes with care from friends, family, and/or paid staff, rather than living in a retirement facility. It’s been gaining popularity as a way for seniors to maintain independence. Reset learns more about how to effectively, and safely, age in place with Mary Mitchell, columnist at the Chicago Sun-Times, and Margaret Laraviere, executive director of the Area Agency on Aging. Check out the rest of our interviews and conversations at wbez.org/reset.

A new American Cancer Society report shows more adults under the age of 50 are being diagnosed with certain cancers. Some researchers point to changes in lifestyle, environment, ultra-processed foods, or something more unidentifiable. Reset learns more about this study and cancer outcomes from Dr. Adam DuVall, assistant professor of medicine at UChicago Medicine, and Dr. Christina Annunziata, senior vice president of extramural discovery science at the American Cancer Society.

Illinois lawmakers are looking to ban five ingredients listed to be banned in a proposed bill in Springfield have been connected to cancer, behavioral problems in children, and overall to poor health outcomes. Reset hears more about the legislation under consideration in the state Senate from Stephanie Zimmermann, consumer investigations reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times. We also learn about the long term health impact of these additives in our foods from Rochelle Trotter, entrepreneur, health coach, and founder & CEO of R’Culinare.

As Chicago delayed its 60-day shelter-stay limit due to weather, New York has been enforcing its limit on single adults for months — and in January, started removing families. But advocates in New York City warn of chaos and inhumane conditions as the city has cast migrants on to the street. Reset compares the two city’s responses to the migrant crisis with Michael Loria, a reporter with the Chicago Sun-Times, and Giulia McDonnell Nieto del Rio with the New York-based outlet, Documented.

An ordinance to be introduced Wednesday in Chicago’s City Council would raise emissions standards and require new buildings to go electric. That means stoves, water heaters and furnaces that run on gas would no longer be part of the architecture of most new buildings in Chicago if a new proposal passes in City Council. Reset talks with advocates for the legislation, Sarah Moskowitz of the Citizens Utility Board and 49th Ward Alderwoman Maria Hadden about the benefits of such a move, as well as the concerns that groups like Peoples Gas and the American Gas Association have about the proposed changes.

Under a major bus driver shortage, Chicago Public Schools isn’t providing busing to general education students for the rest of the school year. The district is in early talks with a ride-share service that provides students transportation in other districts across the nation, like Denver Public Schools in Colorado. Reset talks with Jewél Jackson, investigative education reporter for the Illinois Answers Project, and Ismael El-Amin, a parent of two Chicago Public Schools students, on the best way to bridge the gap.

Officials have touted the Unity Initiative, a donation-funded partnership between the city of Chicago and its faith community, as one reason the city is no longer relying on police stations as shelter. Reset checks back in with Jonathan de la O, pastor of Starting Point Community Church in Belmont Cragin, about participating in that program and what migrants need ahead of an impending stay limit being imposed at city-run shelters.

Four former employees in the mayor’s office say they were improperly placed on City Hall’s do-not-hire list. Reset talks with Leigh Giangreco, government and politics reporter for Crain’s Chicago Business and David Greising, president, Better Government Association about those stories and how the city’s do-not-hire list is supposed to work.

From overseeing the forest preserves’ centennial celebration to making a strategic conservation plan for the next century, Arnold Randall left an indelible mark during his 13 years as the general superintendent of Cook County’s forest preserves. Ahead of his departure from the district, Reset reflects with Randall on his legacy and conservation in Cook County over the past decade.

Continued freezing temperatures add another challenge to housing migrants. Car insurance rates are on the rise. And Illinois releases new assault weapons registration rules after only a fraction of eligible gun owners registered their weapons with the state. Reset breaks down these stories and more with Ravi Baichwal anchor at ABC 7 News, Stephanie Zimmermann, consumer investigations reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times and Paris Schutz, reporter and anchor, WTTW.

Museums like the Field are now federally required to get “free, prior and informed consent” from tribes or descendants before allowing display of cultural items or ancestral remains. The Field already does not display those remains, but it does hold one of the largest collections in the nation. Reset hears from Debra Yepa-Pappan, artist and former community engagement coordinator for the Native American exhibition renovation at the Field Museum, about the museum’s repatriation procedures and the changes following these rules.

Stern Pinball, based in suburban Elk Grove Village, created a new machine styled after Steven Spielberg’s classic summer blockbuster Jaws. Reset gets the scoop from Zach Sharpe of Stern Pinball and horror fan Moses Gibson of The Horror House Shop.

The Chicago Transit Authority and Chicago Department of Transportation released a plan in November that aims to create a more reliable bus service in the city. Reset learns more on what the plan includes from Jennifer Henry, CTA’s director of strategic planning. We then heard from public transit advocates Kyle Lucas of Better Streets Chicago and Julia Gerasimenko of Active Transportation Alliance about what improvements they’d like to see to the CTA bus system.

A bipartisan deal reached in the U.S. Senate could expand the child tax credit for lower income families, many of whom do not currently earn enough to qualify. Lawmakers are trying to pass the bill before the current filing deadline of Jan. 29, but it’s unclear if it can pass in the House. Additionally, there’s a bill in the Illinois House to create a permanent child tax credit. Reset learns about the proposed expansions from Deirdre Walsh, NPR Congressional correspondent and how this could benefit lower income families in Illinois from Audra Wilson, president and CEO, Shriver Center on Poverty Law and Mykela Collins, parent ambassador, Ada S. McKinley Community Services.

Around this time of the year, people are starting to work toward their New Year's resolutions. For many, their goals are to lose weight, work out more or eat healthier. But how can we embrace a more positive and less anxious relationship with our bodies, food and movement? Reset discusses with a panel of health and nutrition experts: Bethany Doerfler, a research specialist and clinical dietitian for Northwestern Medicine Digestive Health Center; Dana Buccheri, the owner and trainer of StrongWithDana; and Àngel Casas, a non-diet personal trainer.

With frigid temperatures, Chicago officials postponed kicking newly-arrived migrants out of city shelters. But the new deadline is still looming. Reset spoke with a panel of people who are connecting migrants with resources: Veronica Saldaña, a volunteer lead for the police station response team, Annie Gomberg, another lead volunteer, and Andre Gordillo, director of New Vecinos – or “New Neighbors” in English – at New Life Centers, a nonprofit that is partnering with the state to provide services.

Chicago Restaurant Week can be a fun opportunity to eat new dishes and set menus at a more affordable price — and this year 414 restaurants are participating. Reset hears from local foodies Monica Eng and Louisa Chu, co-hosts of the Chewing Podcast, on their picks and suggestions to make the most of the event.

Amtrak is getting $93 million in federal funds to renovate Union Station, which will include upgrades to the ventilation systems, expansion of platforms and changes to make the facility comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Amtrak is currently seeking public comment on proposed improvements to the station that the company says serves more than three million passengers annually. Reset finds out more about the renovation goals and how the public can weigh in with Mark Magliari, spokesperson for Amtrak Government Affairs; Sarah Freishtat, transportation reporter for the Chicago Tribune; and Mark Walbrun, a retired industry expert.

During his life and since his assassination, Martin Luther King Jr. was and has been the face of the Civil Rights movement, but how much do you know about the man behind the myth? King: A Life taps new material, including an unpublished memoir by King’s father and FBI surveillance tapes, to give a full, unflinching portrait of King. On MLK Day, Reset revisits a conversation with the Chicago-based author of the biography, Jonathan Eig.

Snowy owls are a rare and coveted sight for bird watchers in the Midwest, but if you know what to look for you might have a better chance at spotting them. Reset learns more about snowy owl irruptions — the term for the mysterious and unpredictable migration cycle for the arctic bird — from Stephanie Beilke, senior manager in conservation science at Audubon Society Great Lakes and Edward Warden, president of the Chicago Ornithological Society.

A winter storm hammers Chicago, migrants housed on CTA buses, and, as the weather worsens, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson delays a 60-day limit on how long migrants can stay in city shelters. Reset goes behind the headlines of those stories and much more in our Weekly News Recap with panelists Carrie Shepherd, reporter for Axios; Dave McKinney, WBEZ state politics reporter; and A.D. Quig, Cook County and Chicago government reporter for the Chicago Tribune.

Weather disasters are wreaking havoc across the country this week as Chicago prepares for a winter storm expected to hit today. Reset talks with atmospheric scientist Scott Collis with Argonne National Laboratory to learn more.

Ask any Midwestern surfer and they’ll tell you: the worse the weather, the better the waves. But beware of wading in those waters unless you know what you’re doing. As surfers navigate both environmental hazards and extreme weather, the difficulty and shared risk has built a tight-knit community on the Third Coast. Reset speaks with local surfers Mo McFadden and Rex Flodstrom and WBEZ freelance reporter Zachary Nauth to learn more about winter surfing on the Great Lakes.

Josh Long, Chicago Public Schools’ new chief of the Office of Diverse Learner Supports and Services, was the principal of Southside Occupational Academy High School for 14 years. Reset learns more about how the department's new leader plans to support special education students throughout the district.

Apartments at a building in south suburban Harvey got boarded up — while some residents say they were still inside. Videos of the situation went viral on TikTok. Reset gets the latest on the story and discusses tenants’ rights across Cook County with Daily Southtown reporter Hank Sanders and two organizers with the Metropolitan Tenants Organization: Philip DeVon and David Wilson.

A group of real estate and business groups are pushing back against the city’s proposed real estate transfer tax that’s meant to combat homelessness, also known as the Bring Chicago Home ordinance. Plus, Brandon Johnson is trying to move away from Tax Increment Financing. Reset learns more from WBEZ city government and politics reporters Tessa Weinberg and Mariah Woelfel.

What’s considered a normal blood pressure? How often should I get a Pap test? What am I at risk for at my age? Reset checks in about checkups and screenings with Dr. Sam Wainwright, a pediatrician and health services researcher at University of Illinois Chicago, and Dr. Steven Rothschild, a family medicine physician with RUSH University Medical Group.

Only a small fraction of migrants have been approved for the documents they need to start working legally, according to a CBS Chicago review of internal city data. But not everyone is eligible for work permits under Temporary Protected Status. Reset discusses who is left out and checks in on the permit process for new arrivals with Eréndira Rendón, vice president of immigrant justice at The Resurrection Project and Sabrina Franza, general assignment reporter, CBS 2.

Only a small fraction of migrants have been approved for the documents they need to start working legally, according to a CBS Chicago review of internal city data. But not everyone is eligible for work permits under Temporary Protected Status. Reset discusses who is left out and checks in on the permit process for new arrivals with Eréndira Rendón, vice president of immigrant justice at The Resurrection Project and Sabrina Franza, general assignment reporter, CBS 2.

A Northwestern law student is suing the Biden administration over what she says is its failure to evacuate her U.S. citizen family members from Gaza. Palestinian American Yasmeen Elagha has spent the last three months talking, negotiating and pleading with different U.S. agencies — and even different governments — for help to get her family in Gaza to safety. Reset sits down with Elagha for more on her story.

Move over hot dog bun, there’s a new carb in town. The pastry chef at Daisies, the Logan Square pasta emporium, joined forces with The Weiner Circle to bring a new twist to Chicago’s favorite dog and the Midwestern classic pigs in a blanket. Reset discusses the newest twist on a Windy City classic with WBEZ staffers Katie O'Connell, Cianna Greaves and Reset’s own Meha Ahmad.

Fans of David Bowie will know of his deep love of jazz. Though he never ventured into the genre in a literal sense, the inspiration is clear when you listen to his impressive body of work. The Metropolitan Jazz Octet, in partnership with Paul Marinaro, is reimagining some of Bowie’s classics with a new show titled “The Bowie Project.” Paul and MJO Co-founder Jim Gailloreto join Reset to discuss their love of the psychedelic space explorer, adapting Bowie's work in a new medium, and how the MJO came to be.

A group of Illinois residents have challenged Donald Trump’s candidacy. An undercount of people living in group quarters on the 2020 Census might mean Illinois isn’t losing population after all. Plus, there’s a slew of new laws you may have missed – like an e-cigarette ban in indoor public spaces. Reset breaks down those stories and more with Alex Nitkin, reporter with the Illinois Answers Project, Quinn Myers, Block Club Chicago reporter covering Wicker Park, West Town and Bucktown, and WBEZ education reporter Sarah Karp.

Reset learns the history of two schools, hotels and a warehouse that are currently being used to house migrants for our What’s That Building series with architecture sleuth Dennis Rodkin.

Want to get out of your comfort zone and try something new this winter? Reset sat down with Jenny LeFlore, creator of Mama Fresh, Alison Cuddy, cultural producer and freelance journalist, and Breezy Fasano, co-founder of Chicago Craft Club to get tips on how to stay active and connected this winter.

A new program for West Side families wants to help ease the burdens of parenthood during the first year of a baby’s life. Reset learns more about West Side Healthy Parents & Babies by speaking with Ayesha Jaco, executive director of West Side United, Katelyn Kanwischer, director of maternal and child health initiative at Lurie Children’s Hospital, and WBEZ public health and county government reporter Kristen Schorsch.

This year the city of Chicago is rolling out a violence-prevention strategy to bring resources and investment to four of its most crime-impacted neighborhoods: West Garfield Park, Little Village, Englewood and Austin. This comes after a drop in homicides and gun violence both locally and nationally in 2023. But Chicago did experience an unusual spike in robberies last year. Reset learns more about crime in Chicago and the steps being taken to reduce it by speaking with Chicago’s deputy mayor of community safety Garien Gatewood and Kim Smith, the director of programs at the University of Chicago Crime Lab.

The year ahead will be a big one for local politics. Former Illinois House speaker Mike Madigan goes on trial, Alderman Ed Burke will be sentenced after being convicted on 13 charges in his federal corruption trial, the Illinois primary is coming up on March 19, and the Democratic National Convention comes to town this summer. WBEZ government and politics reporters Tessa Weinberg and Mariah Woelfel give a preview of the stories that will shape Chicago politics in 2024.

Is 2024 the year some of us finally keep a New Year’s resolution? It can be easier said than done, but experts say if you follow the best practices unearthed through research, it’s doable. Reset turns to Katy Milkman, professor at The University of Pennsylvania, host of the Choiceology podcast and author of How To Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be for tips and tricks on how to actually make desired changes.

At a breezy 17 minutes, fawn – the 2023 EP from Chicago band OK Cool – explores big topics in a precise yet carefree way. Reset revisits a conversation with Haley Blomquist and Bridget Stiebris – creative partners behind OK Cool – about the duo’s stop-motion music videos, musical inspirations, and their collaborative writing process.

Angel Bat Dawid’s latest album explores the potential “death” of jazz, providing an Afrofuturist requiem to lay it to rest. Increasingly layered, the Chicago artist’s 2023 release also draws parallels to Mozart’s last work. In this April 2023 conversation, Angel Bat Dawid joined Reset to talk about her early days learning the clarinet, her goals for teaching Black children and the 1959 documentary that inspired her latest work.

As Reset wraps the year, we’re giving some of our favorite interviews with musical guests an encore presentation. Today, we take a look back at a conversation with DJ Mochi and DJ IGGY – the founders of Global Currency – and play some tunes from South America, Africa, and more.

Your upcoming holidays may be full of movie nights and good food. So, why not combine the best of both worlds? From Big Night to Tampopo, Reset digs into the films that inspire us to eat and cook delicious food with Monica Eng, Axios Chicago reporter and co-host of Chewing Podcast, and Jesse Dukes, co-host of Upper Middlebrow.

Former alderman Ed Burke is found guilty of racketeering, bribery and attempted extortion. A months-long strike of adjunct professors at Columbia College ends. Meanwhile, Texas Governor Greg Abbott sent migrants to Chicago this week by plane. Reset goes behind those headlines and more with David Greising, president and CEO of the Better Government Association, Amanda Vinicky, WTTW political correspondent, and Jon Seidel, federal courts reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times, on the Weekly News Recap.

Set in the 1930s, A Christmas Story takes place in the fictitious town of Hohman. Reset learns more about the real-life places in Hammond, Indiana that inspired the iconic holiday film from WBEZ architecture sleuth Dennis Rodkin.

Sorry Taylor Swift, but we’re doing our end of year albums the Reset way. We’re talking about the Best Albums of 2023 (Chicago’s Version) with the co-host of Sound Opinions, Greg Kot, music critic for the Chicago Tribune, Britt Julious, and host and producer at Vocalo, Nudia Hernandez.

New lawsuits against the Chicago Park District allege lifeguarding for teens was no day at the beach. Dan Mihalopoulos, WBEZ investigative reporter on government and politics who broke the story of the toxic workplace culture and sexual abuse in the city’s lifeguard program, shares details from the latest lawsuits.

The holidays can add extra pressure to drink. But a cup of good cheer doesn’t have to include alcohol — and a growing movement toward mocktails is motivating the creation and distribution of more fun, non-alcoholic beverages. Reset talks with WBEZ’s Courtney Keuppers and Mary Moss, owner of Beverly Dry Goods, who searched for Chicago’s most creative mocktails and found recommendations for sober folks in 12 Chicago neighborhoods all in time for the festive season.

According to new guidance released this week by the Vatican, “irregular” unions should not be denied the right to receive God’s blessing. Pope Francis’ guidance did not, however, amend church doctrine on marriage. Reset speaks with Steve Millies, associate professor of public theology and director of Bernardin Center at the Catholic Theological Union Mary Donnelley, board president at Dignity Chicago and Chris Pett, former national Dignity president to learn more.

Medical experts expect respiratory virus hospitalizations to continue to rise in Chicago. One reason? Only 11 percent of Chicagoans have gotten the most recent flu and COVID-19 vaccine. Reset chats with Dr. Mia Taormina, an infectious disease specialist with Duly Health and Care, about precautions to keep in mind this holiday season.

Producer: Landon Jones Editor: Brenda RuizIllinois has one of the greatest shortages of mental health care workers in the country, and new arrivals to Chicago face even greater barriers to access. This is because migrants may be disconnected from their families and support systems, lack a job or permanent address or have language or cultural barriers that keep them from seeing a therapist or social worker. Reset learns more about the need for mental health care in the city’s migrant shelters from Kristen Schorsch, WBEZ public health and county government reporter, Laura Pappa, director of behavioral health education at Northwestern Family Medicine, Veronica Armenta-Sanchez, licensed social worker and Aimee Hilado and Rebecca Ford-Paz from the Coalition for Immigrant Mental Health.

The Trace, a non-profit newsroom covering gun violence, created a Survivor Storytelling Network, with the aim of helping survivors tell their stories in essay form. The goal is to reach a broad audience to add nuance to the conversation about causes of violence and the fluctuating ideas of redemption and justice. Each essay offers a peek into the ways violence rearranges a life. Reset hears the stories of Aja Johnson, Marlon English, and Jaree Noel, who are survivors of gun violence in Chicago, and Justin Agrelo, Chicago Community Engagement Reporter for the Trace who led the project.

Fans of Johnny Cash, Television and the Beach Boys can sink their teeth into this new melting pot of classic genres. La Rosa Noir’s songs have changed over many years of performing, and listening to the polished and orchestrated studio album, Arellano, you can tell. Yeshi Regalado, frontwoman of La Rosa Noir, and Jannese Espino, her lead guitarist, join Reset to talk about their Chicano heritage, musical inspirations and the new album.

This week Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson touted a near end to the use of police stations to shelter migrants. But, there are still a lot of unanswered questions about how the new city-run shelters will be managed. Reset spoke with the city’s deputy chief of staff Cristina Pacione-Zayas about the city’s strategy to house migrants.

Voters won’t get to weigh in on Chicago’s welcoming ordinance. Chicago workers will have to wait until July for the new mandatory ten days of paid leave. The fate of Alderman Ed Burke is now in the hands of a jury. Reset goes behind those headlines and more in our Weekly News Recap with WBEZ criminal justice reporter Patrick Smith, editor and reporter for Block Club Chicago Mick Dumke and reporter and anchor at CW 26 Brandon Pope.

Months ago, footage of kids crawling under and over stopped train cars at a railroad crossing put the spotlight on Hammond, Indiana. Reset checks in back with Joce Sterman, a national investigative reporter for Investigate TV, for an update on what has changed since – especially as a new video reveals a stopped train car beginning to move forward as a young girl tried to walk across the tracks.

From Michelin stars to James Beard nominations, it’s been a year of culinary greatness for Chicago. Reset sits down with local food writers and foodies alike to highlight the city’s best new restaurants. If you enjoyed this conversation, check out our previous episode on the best movies of 2023.

A recent ProPublica investigation finds gun sellers face few repercussions for failing to prevent illegal gun sales. The investigation also finds that tens of thousands of guns sold in cities outside Illinois have been linked to crimes in Chicago. Reset checks in with Vernal Coleman, reporter for ProPublica’s Midwest newsroom, to learn more.

The late Laurence Msall, who previously led the Civic Federation, was a wizard of public finance, someone who knew the ins and outs of city and state budgeting and had a keen eye for cost-effective approaches to government. Joe Ferguson brings a different background and perspective as a former federal prosecutor and good government advocate who spent 12 years as a tenacious city watchdog for Chicago. Reset talks to Ferguson about his plans for the group.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. But, let’s face it, gift giving can be stressful. So how should you pass along goodwill and cheer to service and tipped workers — and what’s the standard? Reset speaks with culture and etiquette coach Akilah Siti Easter about how to properly tip this season.

Chicago lawmakers have scrapped plans to build a migrant camp in Morgan Park a week after the state stopped a potential camp in Brighton Park. Meanwhile, conservative Democrats on the council are asking for the resignation of seven officials from the Johnson Administration for greenlighting construction on toxic land in Brighton Park. Reset learns the latest about housing for migrants and other news from Chicago’s City Council from WBEZ city government and politics reporter Tessa Weinberg.

Tis the season of giving. And the season of scams. There are a lot of different ways scammers are scheming to take your money and information. Reset sits down with Tom Johnson of the Better Business Bureau to learn about the top scams to look out for this holiday season. Get info on the latest happenings in Chicago and dig deeper into Reset conversations with our newsletter. Sign up at wbez.org/resetnews.

Mahbuba, a refugee from Afghanistan, didn’t have a way to communicate for the first six years of her life. Expressing herself as a deaf child was difficult. With no access to education in rural Afghanistan as a deaf girl, she didn’t experience language education until coming to Chicago. Reset talks with author and freelance journalist Elly Fishman who covered Mahbuba’s story. If you want to hear more stories like this, check out our full catalog of interviews at wbez.org/reset.

Robberies in Chicago have increased more in the last five months than in any other consecutive five-month period since 2001. From July 1 to November 26, 2023, nearly 5,000 people filed reports of robbery with the Chicago Police Department. Reset speaks with the journalists behind the investigation, WBEZ data projects editor Alden Loury and Chicago Sun-Times staff reporter Sophie Sherry, to learn more.

Competing on a cooking show can be ruthless and cutthroat, but Chef Javauneeka Jacobs handles it with ease. Reset learns about the chef’s journey through the kitchen and into success — and her winning dish, Chef J’s Cassoulet Mexicano, which is being served at Rick Bayless’ Frontera Grill through December.

Governor Pritzker halts construction on a migrant tent camp in Brighton Park, while criticism grows over new protocols for seating the public at City Council meetings. Reset breaks down these stories and much more with executive producer of City Cast Chicago Simone Alicea, Block Club Chicago reporter Quinn Myers and WBEZ Politics & Government editor Angela Rozas O'Toole.

Chicago Public Schools graduates take longer to complete college than students nationally, according to a study from the University of Chicago. Reset checked in with two co-authors of the study, as well as CPS’s director of College Pathways Brian Harris to hear about this issue – and discuss what efforts are needed to solve it. For more conversations like this one, check out our full catalog of interviews at wbez.org/reset.

For those who often drive past the Leaning Tower of Niles, it might have lost its novelty. But for one Chicagoan the off kilter, domed, belltower structure was a new sight thanks to detours caused by construction on the Kennedy Expressway. So why is there a replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Illinois? We speak with Reset’s architecture sleuth Dennis Rodkin to find out. If you liked this conversation, you can find more interviews with Dennis Rodkin in WBEZ’s “What’s That Building?” series at wbez.org/reset.

City officials faced pushback on construction of a winterized migrant shelter in Brighton Park from the community and health advocates even before an environmental study showed unhealthy levels of mercury at the site. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker nailed the coffin shut on this project citing health concerns. Reset hears from Alderwoman Julia Ramirez, 12th Ward, on the move and on what comes next.

We go to the movies for magic. To laugh, to cry, to care… at least that’s what Nicole Kidman says in the preview that runs before films start. We chat about our favorite flicks (and those that missed the mark!) with Brandon Pope, anchor at CW-26 and host of Season 4 of WBEZ’s Making Podcast, Michi Trota, Hugo Award winning editor and culture critic, and Cody Dericks, seasonal manager at the Music Box Theater and film critic for the website Next Best Picture.

For many, a little extra cash each month could go a long way. So one local scholar and sociologist set out to understand what a no-strings-attached monthly stipend could do for Chicago residents. Reset sits down with Eve L. Ewing about her limited podcast series “Guaranteed,” which examines what $500 monthly cash payments are making possible for some residents.

Generally, seniors 65 and older – who are retired and no longer use employer-provided insurance – will need to choose between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. This can be a daunting choice, with tradeoffs to each. Reset learns about the different parts to Medicare and gets advice for thinking through the options with Mary Mitchell, columnist and director of culture and community engagement for the Chicago Sun-Times, and Tricia Neuman, executive director of KFF’s Program on Medicare Policy.

The reporters on the seven-part series from City Bureau and the Invisible Institute found that Chicago detectives repeatedly brushed off family members' concerns, mishandled evidence and recorded inaccurate data that made finding missing people harder. Reset learns more from the duo behind the investigation, Trina Reynolds-Tyler, data director at the Invisible Institute, and Sarah Conway, senior reporter at City Bureau.

It’s challenging to become a classically trained professional ballerina, and people of color say they face more significant financial and accessibility challenges than their white counterparts when breaking into the field. Reset talks with Tatiana Chen, Shania Cook, and Rozhan Shabahang about being leads in A & A Ballet’s production of the Nutcracker and what it’s like to be part of the growing diversity in ballet.

From lions and a zebra born at the Lincoln Park Zoo, to spottings of snapping turtles, bats, and rats throughout Chicago, the reminder that wildlife is here, not just on TV, is all around. Reset revisits some of the biggest animal stories from this year with Seth Magle and Dave Bernier of the Lincoln Park Zoo.

Since the start of the AIDS epidemic, what’s changed? The medicine. What’s continued? The stigma. Reset brings together two people living with HIV in a conversation crossing generations and speaks with Dr. Sadia Haider of RUSH University Medical Center about efforts to educate heterosexual women about HIV transmission.

The Illinois primary is 109 days away. The Ed Burke trial is heating up. And the city of Chicago teams up with churches to house migrants. We’ll break down those stories and more in WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap with panelists Monica Eng, reporter for Axios Chicago, Michael Loria, reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times, and Dave McKinney, WBEZ state politics reporter.

Federal investigators are taking aim at the role aldermanic prerogative has on the lack of affordable housing in Chicago. After a nearly five-year investigation, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development found that alderpersons’ ability to veto affordable housing proposals has been “instrumental in creating Chicago’s patterns of segregation.” Reset learns more from Roderick Wilson, executive director of Lugenia Burns Hope Center; and Monica Dillon, resident of the 41st ward and member of Neighbors for Affordable Housing. For more Reset news delivered straight to your inbox, visit wbez.org/resetnews.

As winter sets in, a new partnership between the city and local churches called the Unity Initiative will house newcomers on a temporary basis in an effort to address the migrant crisis in Chicago. Reset checks in with Chicago Sun-Times reporter Michael Loria and Rev. Jonathan de la O of Starting Point Community Church. For more conversations like this, check out our full catalog of interviews at wbez.org/reset.

All eighth graders in Illinois public schools need to take this test to graduate. Traditionally, it’s been a 15 true-false question quiz covering the U.S. and Illinois constitutions. Now, more school districts are moving away from that version and opting for short answer questions that require more critical thinking. Reset discusses how civic education these days is focusing less on dates and facts and stressing the important role students play in shaping democracy. Plus, we’ll see if a couple of our WBEZ colleagues can pass the test!

Sports writer Rick Telander started writing poetry when he was hospitalized with a serious illness and thought about what kids who were in his situation might be going through. Reset talks with Telander about seeing his longtime side project come to fruition with the publication of Sweet Dreams: Poems and Paintings for the Child Abed. If you liked this conversation, check out our full catalog of interviews with Chicago artists and newsmakers at wbez.org/reset.

Nearly 26,000 migrants and asylum seekers have arrived in Chicago since August 2022. The post-Thanksgiving cold snap has highlighted just how important it is to find housing for the thousands currently sleeping in police stations, tents and the city’s airports. Reset gets the latest on the Johnson administration’s plans for a tent camp in Brighton Park and hears about other efforts to house migrants and asylum seekers from WBEZ city government and politics reporter Tessa Weinberg. To explore our full catalog of interviews, head on over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago-based Foxtrot Market and Dom’s Kitchen and Market — both upscale supermarkets with food service — will join forces. Reset talks with Virginia Lee, a market research expert and Food Institute writer, about what the merger means. To explore our full catalog of interviews, head on over to wbez.org/reset.

After having often felt like the only Native or queer person in a room, River Ian Kerstetter set out to make her own space with TIES Poetry, a series of open mics and readings celebrating Indigenous queer, trans and Two-Spirit writers. Reset talks with Kerstetter about the group and their own artistic journey. For more conversations like this, check out our full catalog of interviews at wbez.org/reset.

Hospitalizations are nowhere near past years, but the virus is still here. Plus, two new vaccinations to protect babies against RSV were approved this year, but rollout has been spotty. Reset gets insight into the increase in cases and the state of vaccine access for COVID and RSV from infectious disease specialist Dr. Mia Taormina. For more conversations like this, check out our full catalog of interviews at wbez.org/reset.

The latest season of the docuseries High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America continues tracing the development of American food and food culture by examining more (relatively) recent history: Reconstruction and the Great Migration. Reset learns more about the history of Black cooking in Chicago with James Beard award-winning chef Erick Williams and Dario Durham, co-host of the history and food podcast 77 Flavors of Chicago. For more conversations like this, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The new book Our Secret Society: Mollie Moon and the Glamour, Money and Power Behind the Civil Rights Movement introduces readers to a figure whose story has largely been overshadowed– until now. Reset learns more about how Moon shaped the Civil Rights Movement from author and historian Tanisha Ford. For more conversations like this, check out our full catalog of interviews at wbez.org/reset.

Federal investigators are so far saying a “design issue” caused the Yellow Line crash, but a full investigation still needs to be conducted. Reset dives into what we know about the crash — and what it means for train safety with Sophie Sherry of the Chicago Sun-Times and DePaul University’s Joseph Schwieterman. For more conversations like this, check out our full catalog of interviews at wbez.org/reset.

Chicago politics can be complicated, but jury members in former and longtime alderman Ed Burke’s corruption trial had to quickly get up to speed. Reset gets the latest on the trial from WBEZ city government reporter Mariah Woelfel. For more conversations like this one, browse our full catalog of interviews at wbez.org/reset.

At least 26 trans or gender-nonconforming people have been killed in the U.S. this year, the majority of whom were Black trans women, according to the Human Rights Campaign. Transgender Day of Remembrance reminds us to pause and mourn these people’s lives — as well as celebrate the resilience of the trans community. Reset discusses the meaning of Transgender Day of Remembrance with Zahara Bassett, founder and CEO of Life Is Work, a West Side social service agency for trans and non-binary people. For more conversations like this, check out our full catalog of interviews at wbez.org/reset.

The city unveiled the next phase of its migrant response and resettlement efforts, which imposes limits on how long people can stay in city-run shelters based on when they arrived. The city says this is meant to free up shelter space and fast track resettlement efforts. Reset hears from volunteers Erika Villegas and Debra Michaud about how they’re preparing to help people navigate these limits. For more conversations like this, check out our entire catalog of interviews at wbez.org/reset.

One Evanston man searched high and low for green coffee beans since he moved to the city from Seattle. He wanted to find them because he likes to roast at home — a method preferred by some coffee lovers because it can be cheaper, tasty and provides more control over the brew. One of our producers lent a hand. Along the way, Reset learned about the joys of at-home roasting. Do you have a Chicago-area question Reset could help you find an answer to? Give us a call at 888-915-9945.

Jessie Montgomery, CSO’s Mead Composer-in-Residence, is nominated for “Best Contemporary Classical Composition.” CSO’s audio engineer Charlie Post has picked up a third nomination for “Best Engineered Album, Classical” with the CSO album Contemporary American Composers. Reset checks in with Montgomery and two CSO musicians to celebrate the honor and talk classical music in the modern day. To hear more conversations with Chicago’s 2024 Grammy nominees, head over to wbez.org/reset.

An earthquake rocks Illinois. Alders approve Mayor Brandon Johnson’s first city budget. More than 100 people are arrested for protesting outside the Israeli Consulate. Reset goes behind those headlines and more in our Weekly News Recap with Axios Chicago’s Carrie Shepherd, David Greising, president of the Better Government Association, and WBEZ investigative reporter Dan Mihalopoulos. For more on the week’s top stories, check out our catalog of interviews at wbez.org/reset.

Mayor Brandon Johnson lists reducing recidivism as part of his community safety plan. In that spirit, his office has launched a collaboration between the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services and community groups to fast track housing and jobs for people getting out of Cook County Jail and state prisons. Reset learns more about this collaboration and how it works. For more conversations about topics impacting Chicagoans, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Dom Flemons is a Grammy-award winning singer-songwriter and folklorist up for Best Folk Album at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards. Flemons sat down with WBEZ’s Jason Marck to talk about some of the big ideas that run through his work, like preserving and pushing forward Black musical traditions. Check out more of our conversations with Grammy-nominated Chicago talent at wbez.org/reset.

The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability, or CCPSA, recently voted to pass a policy that could ban Chicago police from actively participating in hate and extremist groups. Reset discusses the ban with CCPSA commissioner Remel Terry to understand how it will work and what this change could mean for the department. To hear more Reset interviews like this, go to wbez.org/reset.

Kurt Elling has been a jazz singer for nearly 30 years. He’s won two Grammys and been nominated for more than a dozen. And now he’s snagged another nomination in an all new category: Best Alternative Jazz Album. Reset chats with Kurt Elling about his latest album “SuperBlue: The Iridescent Spree” after working on it with fellow musicians Charlie Hunter, Corey Fonville and DJ Harrison during the COVID-19 lockdown. We spoke to Kurt as a part of our Chicago Grammy nomination week. To hear more of those interviews, go to wbez.org/reset.

According to AIDSVu, about 1 in 5 of all new HIV diagnoses in 2021 were among people ages 13 to 24, with Black youth disproportionately affected. And while HIV medication pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is safe for all ages, it’s mostly been geared towards adults. Reset learns about a new campaign to reach more teens and young adults in the 13 to 24 age group and explore how expanding information and health care options for teens can improve health outcomes with longtime AIDS advocate Jim Pickett, PrEP4Teens youth leader Ryder Kennedy, TaskForce’s Chris Balthazar and muralist and artist David Gauna. To hear more conversations like this, go to wbez.org/reset to check out our full catalog of interviews.

Chicago J. Ivy won the first Grammy Award in the Spoken Word category earlier this year, and now he’s up for another one. Reset catches up with J. Ivy to hear more about his recent project. Check out more of our conversations with Grammy-nominated Chicago talent, go to wbez.org/reset.

A recent study by the Collaborative for Community Wellness found several barriers that make it difficult to get mental health resources for Chicagoans, especially for folks who are uninsured or undocumented. Reset hears more about the study and what changes advocates want to make with WBEZ city government and politics reporter Mariah Woelfel. Listen to more Reset at wbez.org/reset.

The 2024 GRAMMY nominations are in and Chicago artists are getting some love. Reset talks with Chicago’s Third Coast Percussion about their latest nomination and learns more about the group with ensemble members David Skidmore and Robert Dillon. You can engage with Reset in so many ways! Along with our live show and podcast, you can also sign up for our newsletter at wbez.org/resetnews.

A $336 million loan will be used over five years to primarily fund the city’s program that replaces lead service lines when they break or leak. The Department of Water Management’s other programs to replace lead service lines at daycares and for low-income homeowners will continue. Reset learns about the scope of this effort and how this could help improve Chicagoans’ water from Reset sustainability contributor Karen Weigert and commissioner of the Department of Water Management Andrea Cheng. To check out our entire catalog of interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The strike is over. The negotiating committee for the actors’ union SAG-AFTRA won increases in minimum rates, greater access to health care and baseline protections against AI technology for its members. The union also conceded streaming residuals by agreeing to split among union actors an estimated $120 million bonus paid out by studios for streamed content deemed “successful” during the 3-year contract. Ahead of the member vote to ratify, Reset checks in with Charles Andrew Gardner, president of SAG-AFTRA Chicago, to learn more. Want to stay up to date with all things Reset? Sign up for our newsletter at wbez.org/resetnews.

One of Brandon Johnson’s top City Council allies resigns his leadership post; state legislators wrap up fall veto session; President Biden visits UAW workers at Belvidere auto plant and is met with protesters. Reset goes behind those headlines and more in our Weekly News Recap with Leigh Giangreco, government and politics reporter for Crain’s Chicago Business; Ravi Baichwal, anchor at ABC7; and Jon Seidel, federal courts reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times. If you want to check out more Reset conversations, go to wbez.org/reset.

A new federal program is launched Thursday in Chicago. Its goal is to help bring assistance to asylum seekers and new arrivals to apply for work permits. It’s a collaborative effort between the White House, Illinois, Chicago’s City Hall and Pilsen-based community organization The Resurrection Project. Reset gets more details about the program with Erendira Rendon, vice president of immigrant justice at The Resurrection Project, to learn how it will operate and how they plan on helping all new arrivals. To listen to more of our coverage on migrants and asylum seekers in Chicago, go to wbez.org/reset.

Each day Mohammed Abu Realh and his nephew, Mohammed AbuSafia, wait to hear from their remaining family in Gaza. In the last month, they’ve lost more than 30 relatives in airstrikes. Reset sits down with them to remember their family’s lives, and talk about the continued fear they’re facing. To hear more of Reset’s coverage on the local impact of the ensuing war, go to wbez.org/reset.

In March, Chicago voters will get to decide the future of the city’s Bring Chicago Home ordinance. The ordinance would raise the city’s tax rate on properties sold for over a million dollars and would lower tax rates on properties sold for less than that. According to Mayor Brandon Johnson’s camp, this referendum is a key part of his plans to address homelessness in Chicago. Reset hears from Bring Chicago Home organizers Kennedy Bartley of United Working Families and Electa Bey of Communities United. We also hear from Farzin Parang of the Building Owners and Managers Association to understand what those opposed are concerned about. If you want to listen to more Reset, you can check out our full catalog of interviews at wbez.org/reset.

The number of kids being diagnosed with myopia, or nearsightedness, is increasing. And if our tech habits continue, eye doctors predict that half of the world’s population will have myopia by 2050. Scary. Reset talks to Dr. Lisa Thompson, an attending physician of Pediatric Ophthalmology at Cook County Medical Center, and Dr. Noreen Shaikh, an optometrist at Lurie Children’s Hospital, to understand the way screen time is affecting children’s eyes. Stay up to date with Reset by signing up for our daily newsletter at wbez.org/resetnews.

On Monday, Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, 35th Ward, resigned from two key leadership positions at the urging of Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus after an interaction Ramirez-Rosa had last week with Ald. Emma Mitts, 37th Ward. Reset learns more.

The U.S. leads the world in mass incarceration, with nearly two million people behind bars. But what paths are there to rehabilitation and freedom? Reset speaks with Chicago-based journalist Ben Austen about his new book “Correction: Parole, Prison and the Possibility of Change.” If you want to listen to more conversations like this, check out wbez.org/reset.

On October 7, Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,400 people and kidnapping more than 240. Reset hears how two area rabbis are confronting the attack, the war and growing antisemitism as they help congregants deal with the grief, sadness and other emotions they’re facing. For Reset’s full coverage of the Israel-Hamas war and how it’s affecting the Chicago area, head over to wbez.org/reset.

In the last month, two Chicago-area Muslim schools have received violent threats, a six-year-old Palestinian American boy was fatally stabbed and a suburban man was charged with a hate crime for threatening to shoot two Muslim men. For some Arab and Muslim Chicagoans, these news stories take them back to their lives in the days and weeks after 9/11. Reset learns more about what the community is experiencing from Chicago Sun-Times reporter Nader Issa. For Reset’s full coverage of the Israel-Hamas war and how it’s affecting the Chicago area, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Next year, for the first time, Chicago voters can elect the members of the Chicago Board of Education. We check in with WBEZ education reporter Sarah Karp on one hurdle that’s standing in the way: the state legislature needs to agree on a voting map.

I don’t ONLY like to listen to one type of music,” says Resavoir frontman Will Miller. So, of course, his new work is a blend of genres. Resavoir started as a musician collective, but during the pandemic Miller embraced a more solitary style of making music. The hard work paid off, and the new album is out now. Reset talks with Will Miller, frontman of Resavoir and the man behind the project.

Chicago gets the season's first snowfall, fierce debate continues in City Council over where to house the more than 20,000 migrants, and Mayor Brandon Johnson heads to Washington D.C. with other mayors, looking for federal help. Reset goes behind those headlines and more with Paris Schutz, reporter and anchor with WTTW; Daniel Knowles, Midwest correspondent with The Economist; and Tina Sfondeles, chief political reporter of the Chicago Sun-Times.

For the second Halloween in a row, Chicago saw a mass shooting. Reset learns about the shooting that happened in North Lawndale over the weekend and what survivors need to heal from the physical and emotional trauma of gun violence. If you want to listen to more conversations exploring topics that impact Chicagoans, check out wbez.org/reset.

Disco is at the root of many of our favorite music genres today, but there’s more to its history than Saturday Night Fever, and you don’t have to look far to find it. Reset learns more about The War on Disco and the genre’s influence on popular music from Ayana Contreras, music and content director at our sister station Vocalo 91.1 FM. If you want to check out our entire catalog of interviews, go to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago Public Schools doesn’t track immigration status, but this year nearly 8,000 students are enrolled in the district as English-language learners, compared to a yearly average of around 3,000. Reset speaks with Chalkbeat Chicago reporter Reema Amin to learn more about a program at Brighton Park Elementary to support the unique needs of migrant students.

Chicago is juggling multiple housing crises at once. There’s a growing number of unhoused Chicagoans; more asylum seekers are arriving in the city; and there’s a lack of affordable housing overall. Reset discusses how Chicago’s housing system has evolved over the years and explores potential solutions.

Cook County property tax bills are due Dec. 1, and most homeowners will be paying more than last year. Reset explores why bills are rising with WBEZ Cook County and public health reporter Kristen Schorsch and Chicago Tribune county and city government reporter A.D. Quig.

Chef Sohla El-Waylly’s debut cookbook explains the hows and whys of cooking, introducing the fundamental skills any home cook needs to be confident in the kitchen. Reset speaks with the chef about her career and Start Here: Instructions for Becoming a Better Cook. If you want to check out our entire catalog of interviews, go to wbez.org/reset.

Do you have a morning ritual? For Chicago pianist Pat Leary, each day starts behind the keys improvising beautifully calming tunes. He recorded this practice and turned it into an album. And Reset chats with the musician to learn more. If you want to check out our entire catalog of interviews, go to wbez.org/reset.

Temperatures are dropping in the Chicago area and there are thousands of asylum seekers and unhoused without adequate shelter. The Johnson Administration recently announced sending warming buses to locations around the city, but what else is needed? Reset checks in with leaders and volunteers working directly to provide services to new arrivals and the existing homeless population in Chicago to talk about the current situation, how we should be talking about the needs of these two groups and future solutions. If you want to listen to previous conversations about this crisis in Chicago, check out wbez.org/reset.

Happy Friday! We’re back with our Weekly News Recap where we bring you the top stories this week and go behind the headlines with a panel of Chicago journalists. This week we were joined by CW 26 reporter and anchor Brandon Pope, Chicago Tribune state government reporter Dan Petrella and Block Club Chicago reporter Quinn Myers, covering Wicker Park, West Town and Bucktown. If you want to check out more Reset conversations like this, go to wbez.org/reset.

More people are starting to bring their climate anxiety, also known as eco-distress, to their therapists. And as more are starting to become aware of climate change, therapists and other professionals are starting to practice climate therapy. Reset explores what climate therapy looks like in practice and how we can turn that distress into action with Marilee Feldman of the Life Counseling Institute practice and Karen Weigert of Loyola University Chicago’s Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility. Sign up to receive our daily newsletter at wbez.org/resetnews.

If you’re an avid public radio listener, you’re probably familiar with the weekly educational program Science Friday. And if you’re a fan, you have a chance to catch host Ira Flatow and the rest of the SciFri team on Sunday, Oct. 29 for a special live event! Reset chats with journalist and host Ira Flatow to get to know him more and learn more about the Don’t Be A Stranger event. Check out our entire catalog of Reset interviews at wbez.org/reset.

According to an annual report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for 2022, 17 million households are food insecure. That’s up from 13.5 million households in 2021. This trend is reflected with what’s happening in Chicago where 1 in 5 American households are food insecure. Reset discusses what contributes to food insecurity and what could be done to address the problem with Sophie Milam of the Greater Chicago Food Depository. We host interviews like this every day and dive deeper into conversations in our daily newsletter. Sign up at wbez.org/resetnews.

Halloween is just around the corner and do you know what winged animal might be waiting there, too? Bats! There are swarms of bats making their ways through Chicago as they migrate to warmer places to get away from the cold. Reset talks with Liza Lehrer, assistant director of the Urban Wildlife Institute at Lincoln Park Zoo, to learn about our bat friends. Visit wbez.org/reset to hear more of our interviews like this.

The city of Chicago is eyeing a vacant lot in Brighton Park to serve as a winterized base camp to house migrants. Last week, Ald. Julia Ramirez of the 12th ward went to a protest outside of the site to hear residents’ concerns and it turned violent. Reset hears from Alderwoman Julia Ramirez about getting more feedback ahead of a community hearing tonight.

Craft cannabis growers in Illinois face systemic obstacles to gaining a foothold in the industry, so Illinois is investing millions in an effort to solve the problem. Reset learns more from Alex Nitkin, reporter with the Illinois Answers Project of the Better Government Association.

There are nine officers who were on a leaked membership list for the anti-government group the Oath Keepers currently serving in the Chicago Police Department. Reset learns about the investigation into the way these officers interacted with the public and what’s being done to address the extremism and racism within CPD with WBEZ investigative reporter Dan Mihalopoulos and Chicago Sun-Times criminal justice reporter Tom Schuba. For more interviews like this one, go to wbez.org/reset.

The new graphic novel ‘Monica’ bends genre and reality to confront the themes of belonging, family and home. Reset talks with the author about the novel.

Anti-hate group the Anti-Defamation League and the University of Chicago’s Chicago Project on Security and Threats surveyed 8,000 American adults to learn about the connections between antisemitic views, political violence and antidemocratic conspiracy theories. We talked through the results of the survey, how they connect to antisemitism we’ve seen since the start of the Israel-Hamas war and what the poll might tell us about the 2024 presidential election cycle in the U.S. Check out more conversations like this at wbez.org/reset.

Chicago DIY superstar Sen Morimoto says his forthcoming album “Diagnosis” is a commentary on capitalism, the music industry and more. Ahead of the November 3 album release, we had a listening party with Sen. Check out more conversations like this at wbez.org/reset.

The nation mourns the killing of six-year-old Wadea Al-Fayoume. Meanwhile, as the city attempts to set up housing for migrants ahead of winter, some residents are upset. We went behind these headlines and more with Block Club Chicago’s Melody Mercado, WTTW’s Heather Cherone and Axios Chicago reporter Monica Eng. Check out more conversations like this at wbez.org/reset.

Jewish Voice For Peace and If Not Now planned protests in cities across the country and in Washington D.C. at the White House and U.S. Congress. They’re calling for a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas. Reset hears from an organizer who went to D.C. and a local rabbi about why they support this movement.

After hundreds died in an explosion at al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City Tuesday night, international efforts to verify claims about who is responsible have been unsuccessful — and it’s overshadowed the loss of life and trauma inflicted on health care workers and civilians seeking safety. Reset speaks with a Dr. Zaher Sahloul, a local doctor who is president of MedGlobal — an NGO with doctors working in Gaza — to get an update on the needs of Gazans amid demands for an end to the blockade on international aid and war monitoring.

Cities like Chicago and New York have more migrants than they can handle. St. Louis says it would like more migrants to come to town. We get the story from Esther Yoon-Ji Kang, WBEZ race, class, communities reporter.

At Morton College in Cicero Thursday, you can visit a “human library.” No, we’re not kidding. It’s a library where you can “check out” a person — like you would a book — to listen to their life story. Each “reader” can ask questions that you might avoid in polite conversation. Reset spoke with Prairie Markussen, organizer of a “human library” event at Morton College, and Alejandro Joleanis, a human “book” participating in the library.

Lawmakers in City Council have until the end of the calendar year to approve the budget. Reset talks with WBEZ’s Mariah Woelfel and Tessa Weinberg about the process as well as steps the administration is taking to house migrants ahead of the cold winter months to come.

Nearly 200 people from more than 30 nations have not been seen since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Among them are an Evanston mother and daughter. Reset speaks with the family’s rabbi Meir Hecht of Chabad of Evanston about their kidnapping and how it’s impacting the Evanston community.

Last year, 60 people died from opioid-related overdoses on the CTA, according to an analysis by the Chicago Reader. Reset talked with impacted Chicagoans and the reporter who broke down those numbers.

A Palestinian American boy and his mother were stabbed by their landlord, in their home on Saturday, October 14. The boy died and the mother is in critical condition. The accused killer yelled anti-Muslim epithets and stabbed the child 26 times. Reset hears how media and political rhetoric of the Israel-Hamas war may have played into this attack. Ahmed Rehab, executive director of the Chicago office of CAIR, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, also explains what he hopes U.S. politicians and Chicagoans will learn from the tragic story.

Actor Brought a Vice is a new record from Chicago band Young Man in a Hurry. Frontman Matthew Baron joins Reset to talk about the new release. Check out more interviews like this one at wbez.org/reset.

Chicagoans on their way home from an interfaith trip in Jerusalem had to take shelter as rockets from Gaza struck Israel. Reset hears from three of them about their experiences, and the conversations they’re having with community members about radical empathy as the war in the Middle East continues. Check out more conversations like this at wbez.org/reset.

Residents voice opposition to new migrant shelters. Chicago Marathon winner breaks world record. Northwestern’s new stadium plan faces resistance. Reset goes behind those headlines and more in our Weekly News Recap. If you want to check out past News Recaps or other conversations, you can see our entire catalog at wbez.org/reset.

Mayor Brandon Johnson called housing an “essential focus” of his administration’s focus. The question is, will he be able to put the money where his mouth is? Reset sits down with stakeholders to hear what they want to see from the administration and what housing investment could look like under the mayor’s proposed budget plan. To hear more conversations like this one, check out our full archive at wbez.org/reset.

After three open heart surgeries, Donnie Seals Sr. knew he had to change his life, so he took up cycling. His son joined him in the pursuit, eventually proposing an epic bike ride from St. Louis to Chicago to celebrate his dad’s health — and they caught it all on film. Reset talks with the father-son duo about what this journey meant to them, and how it takes on health disparities in the Black community. Like the Reset podcast? Then you’re going to love our daily newsletter. Subscribe at wbez.org/resetnews.

The population of Illinois is becoming more educated, more foreign-born and higher paid, according to a report conducted by the Illinois Economic Policy Institute and the Project for Middle Class Renewal at the University of Illinois. Reset turns to a co-author of the report to learn more about the state’s shifting demographics and the fact that, contrary to popular belief, the state’s population is not on a steep decline. To hear more conversations like this one, check out our full archive at wbez.org/reset.

Johnson spoke Wednesday at City Council, laying out his plans for Chicago in the coming fiscal year. This is his full address.

Mayor Brandon Johnson presented City Council with his first city budget proposal Wednesday. From supporting migrants to a $538 million budget gap to investing into historically disinvested people in Chicago, there’s a lot to address. Reset breaks down some of the mayor’s plans with Mariah Woelfel, WBEZ city government and politics reporter, and Justin Marlowe, research professor at the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy. Like the Reset podcast? Then you’re going to love our daily newsletter. Subscribe at wbez.org/resetnews.

Many Chicagoans have connections to friends, family and loved ones in the Middle East. On Monday morning, Reset spoke with David Jacobson of Evanston whose son and daughter live in Israel as well as with Deanna Othman of Oak Lawn. She has family in Gaza. Stay up to date and listen to more from Reset at wbez.org/reset.

President Biden spoke to the nation Tuesday afternoon after a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This is his full address.

Evanston-based housing advocacy group Open Communities recently filed a federal lawsuit alleging companies using AI to discriminate against renters — specifically renters that would use housing vouchers. Reset spoke to WBEZ race, class, communities reporter Esther Yoon-Ji Kang about the story and learned how leasing companies use AI chatbots. You can listen to more of our interviews at wbez.org/reset.

When you think of postpartum depression, often you’ll think of mothers. But did you know fathers can also suffer from the condition? Reset spoke with Dr. Sam Wainwright of UI Health’s Two-Generation Clinic and his patient Lushon Lee about this effort to understand postpartum depression among new fathers. You can check more of our conversations at wbez.org/reset.

For many Native Americans, their families have lost their language and history because of years of Indigenous people forced to go to boarding schools where they had to assimilate to white culture. Reset spoke with president of the American Indian Association of Illinois, Dorene Wiese about preserving languages and oral history. To hear more conversations like this one, you can find an archive of our work at wbez.org/reset.

Average life expectancy in the U.S. decreased by just under three years because of the COVID pandemic. But, if you break it down further by racial and ethnic group, life expectancy for Black and Hispanic people declined about four years. There are a number of reasons for this disparity. Dr. Brian H. Williams is a trauma surgeon and author of the new book The Bodies Keep Coming: Dispatches from a Black Trauma Surgeon on Racism, Violence, and How We Heal joins Reset. We check in with him about his experiences in healthcare as a Black man and seeing how ongoing inequities in the system are impacting his non-white patients. Check out the rest of our catalog of interviews at wbez.org/reset.

Filipinos have been living in the Windy City since at least the early 1900s. From the first wave of men coming from the Philippines to the U.S. to forming a community in Chicago to the second wave of Filipino women arriving, there’s a rich history of Filipinos in the Windy City. Reset celebrates Filipino American History Month by talking about the history of Filipinos in the city and learning about an upcoming exhibit featuring the archived photos of the community from the mid 1900s with Ruben Salazar and Ashley Dequilla of the Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago. Check out more conversations like this at wbez.org/reset.

NASCAR is coming back to Chicago. Mayor Brandon Johnson is planning a visit to the southern border and has appointed the city’s first chief homelessness officer. Illinois Congressman Mike Quigley was the only Democrat to vote ‘no’ on a bill that helped avoid a government shutdown. Reset discusses these stories and more with a panel of Chicago journalists: Madison Savedra, Block Club Chicago reporter covering Pilsen, Little Village and Back of the Yards, Alex Nitkin, reporter with the Illinois Answers Project for the Better Government Association and Crain’s Chicago Business political columnist Greg Hinz. If you want to check out past News Recaps or other conversations, you can see our entire catalog at wbez.org/reset.

October is Filipino American History Month. It’s a time to reflect on the experiences of people that came before, connect with others in the community and build a stronger sense of identity being Filipino American. Starting October 6, an exhibition called “More Than Lumpia” will be held at the Catacombs Gallery at the Epiphany Center for the Arts until November 17. It aims to challenge stereotypes and narratives about Filipino Americans and shed light on the work of Filipino artists who are often underrepresented in the art space. We spoke with Cesar Conde, an artist and curator of the exhibition, to learn more about it and discussed with artists Abby Mendoza and Jimmy Bulosan about exploring their identity through art. For more conversations like this, check out our entire catalog of interviews at wbez.org/reset.

Ramon Diaz is a former Northwestern football player who played from 2005 to 2008. Now, he’s bringing a lawsuit against the school, alleging hazing and racist treatment. Reset gets the latest on the multiple allegations against Northwestern and what’s next. You can check out more of our conversations at wbez.org/reset.

Galleries, museums and theaters are still feeling the impact of the pandemic. According to a report on the health of arts and culture in the city, donations, memberships and attendance numbers are down and haven’t gotten back to pre-pandemic levels. Reset learns about what’s been happening and discusses potential solutions Leslé Honoré, poet and CEO of Urban Gateways, Kacie Smith of Arts Alliance Illinois and Kara Riopelle, managing director at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. If you love Reset, then you’ll also love our daily newsletter! You can sign up at wbez.org/resetnews.

Reset learns more about why Hispanics and Latinos are more at risk for the diseases. We also talk about the altar honoring those lost to the diseases at the National Museum of Mexican Art’s Día de Muertos exhibit. Our guests are Cesareo Moreno, chief curator at the museum, and Amelia Garza, manager of diversity and inclusion at the Alzheimer’s Association. You can also find our full catalog of interviews at wbez.org/reset.

Not many people who suffer from long COVID end up fully recovering from complications. So-called long-haulers can experience a myriad of debilitating symptoms, including extreme fatigue, brain fog and difficulty sleeping. Reset learns more about the study with Nirav Shah, primary investigator of RECOVER studies and director of infectious disease research at NorthShore – Edward-Elmhurst Health. We also check in with Chimére L. Sweeney, a long COVID patient, writer and advocate to see how she’s been living with the condition. You can also find our full catalog of interviews at wbez.org/reset.

In August, the Illinois Supreme Court upheld the assault weapons ban, which took effect earlier this year. Residents who owned these weapons prior to the ban now must register them by January 1. Reset checks in with Chicago Sun-Times reporter Mary Norkol and Adam Winkler, author of the book Gunfight: The Battle over the Right to Bear Arms in America. Did you know Reset also has a daily newsletter? Each edition features a breakdown of one big topic in news or culture, fun activities to try in the Chicago area and a chance to weigh in. Sign up at wbez.org/resetnews.

Meta, Bloomberg and others pirated more than 190,000 e-books to train generative AI, according to a dataset made searchable by The Atlantic. The news has sent shockwaves through the publishing industry. Reset speaks with Chicago authors Rebecca Makkai, Sonali Dev, and Ben Austen about their copyrighted material being used to train generative AI without their permission. You can also find our full catalog of interviews at wbez.org/reset

Borrowers suffering from financial hardship and other classes of people with outstanding federal student loans could benefit from President Biden’s latest efforts to wipe out student debt. The news came just as payments resumed after a suspension during the pandemic. Reset gets the latest on student loan forgiveness from WBEZ higher education reporter Lisa Philip. And don’t forget, we’re bringing you conversations like this every day. Find our full catalog of interviews at wbez.org/reset.

It’s officially fall. The season of pumpkins, leaves changing colors and 80 degree days, apparently. A recent poll shows that more adults in the U.S. are experiencing extreme weather and that more of them believe a warming planet is partially to blame. Reset discusses this shift in public opinion and fighting climate change with Lesley Showers of the Climate Action Museum and Reset sustainability contributor Karen Weigert. You can also find our full catalog of interviews at wbez.org/reset.

The Talking Heads 1984 classic concert film Stop Making Sense is back in theaters, and this time it’s in 4K. Reset hears from Michael Phillips of the Chicago Tribune, Camryn Lewis of Music Box Theatre and WBEZ’s Lisa Labuz. For more stories like this, check out Reset’s daily newsletter. You can sign up at wbez.org/resetnews.

The auto workers’ strike expands to Chicago. Hundreds more migrants arrive from the U.S.-Mexico border. The Chicago Park District quietly settles sexual misconduct cases. Plus, is a government shutdown inevitable? Reset breaks down the top stories of the week with David Greising of the Better Government Association, Rummana Hussain of the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ’s Dan Mihalopoulos. And don’t forget, we’re bringing you conversations like this every day. Find our full catalog of interviews at wbez.org/reset.

In another installment of What’s that Building, Reset gets a glimpse into the history of an elegant 100-story high-rise on the Mag Mile. Reset talks to journalist Dennis Rodkin about 875 N. Michigan’s unique design, why the name changed from the John Hancock Center, and what happened to the Signature Room.

As a potential government shutdown looms, over 42,000 Illinois federal workers are at risk of losing their paychecks. Some might even need to go without pay until funding comes through. And many governmental programs that people rely on – like food stamps and child care assistance – also hang in the balance. Reset learns more about who will be impacted from WBEZ statehouse reporter Mawa Iqbal. We also hear more about what changes Chicagoans could see from Kellie O’Connell, CEO of Nourishing Hope, a Chicago food pantry, and Tamisha Holifield, a parent who uses Head Start and WIC programs. For more deep dives into local news, check out Reset’s daily newsletter. It arrives in your inbox Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. You can sign up at wbez.org/resetnews.

A decades-old Illinois law is supposed to prevent Black drivers from being pulled over disproportionately, but it’s not working. In fact, the numbers are going in the wrong direction. Reset checks in with Alden Loury and Matt Kiefer from WBEZ’s data team for more on their investigation. For more deep dives into local news, check out Reset’s daily newsletter. It arrives in your inbox Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. You can sign up at wbez.org/resetnews.

Jianan Shi says he leads by “listening and collaborating” and that his experience as an immigrant shapes his views on how schools can lift up kids and their families. At 33, Shi is the district’s youngest leader in decades. And perhaps surprisingly for a board exec, he’s not a parent. Reset learns more about his vision for Chicago Public Schools. If you like this podcast, check out our conversation on why Chicago student math scores still lag behind pre-pandemic levels. You can also find our full catalog of interviews at wbez.org/reset.

The Johnson administration is ditching INVEST South/West, the Lightfoot-era program that aimed to bring economic development to underserved neighborhoods. It says it has its own approach. Meanwhile, the mayor and his allies are under fire for hiring a controversial security firm to monitor tent housing for migrants. Reset talks with WBEZ city government and politics reporters Tessa Weinberg and Mariah Woelfel. You can learn more about the Chicago region in Reset’s daily newsletter. It arrives in your inbox Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. Sign up at wbez.org/resetnews.

Did you know that unpaid doctor and hospital bills can lower your credit score? The Biden administration is taking steps to stop that from happening. Reset checks in with Edith Avila Olea from the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights and Carrie Chapman from the Legal Council for Health Justice. If you like this podcast, you may be interested in our interview on why more adults over 65 are giving cannabis a try. You can also check out our full catalog at wbez.org/reset.

The Windy City’s current system calls for annual inspections for some highrise apartments, but other rental units are only inspected when they’re built or when there’s a complaint. Dozens of people have died over the past few years in building fires in Chicago in structures the city knew had fire safety issues. Reset learns more about what issues tenants face today and where city officials can find solutions with Alex Nitkin, investigative reporter for the Illinois Answers Project at the Better Government Association, and John Bartlett, executive director of the Metropolitan Tenants Organization. You can check out more of Reset’s work at wbez.org/reset.

She’s a 12-foot wooden puppet of a Syrian girl who walks for the hundreds of thousands of displaced people worldwide, half of whom are children. Little Amal is making friends through art, food and education in a months-long tour across the United States — and this week she’ll be in Chicago. Reset speaks with local partners about where you can meet Little Amal and what you can learn from her while she’s in the city. Our guests include Lauren West, from the Syrian Community Network, Jacqueline Russell of the Chicago Children’s Theater and Paige Whitson-Martini of the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Did you know Reset also has a daily newsletter? Each edition features a breakdown of one big topic in news or culture, fun activities to try in the Chicago area and a chance to weigh in. Sign up at wbez.org/resetnews.

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration and the Illinois Restaurant Association struck a compromise Wednesday to raise tipped workers’ minimum wage over the next five years. The measure still needs approval from the full Council before it goes into effect. Reset checks in with WBEZ city government and politics reporter Tessa Weinberg and Saru Jayaraman, president of One Fair Wage.

Happy first day of fall! Don’t be left wondering what you’ll do on the weekend this fall. WBEZ has you covered. Reset checks in with WBEZ editor Cassie Walker Burke on the station’s Fall Bucket List to keep you in the loop.

Chicago sues chemical manufacturer Monsanto over polluted waterways. The defensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears resigns, and the team cuts its backup quarterback. Reset breaks down those stories and more with this week’s panel of journalists: Leigh Giangreco, government and politics reporter at Crain’s Chicago Business, Jacoby Cochran, host of City Cast Chicago, and Mick Dumke, investigative editor and reporter at Block Club Chicago.

Math scores remain low and low-income students are especially lagging, according to Chicago Public Schools data released this week. Reset talked with CPS director of math to hear about the district’s strategies to address the gap – and WBEZ’s Sarah Karp, who has covered this issue.

Whether you’ve been with the same sweetie for decades or are trying to lock it down with someone new, dates play an important role in maintaining the spark in a relationship. Dating expert Bela Gandhi offers tips for planning romantic outings, and Reset producer Claire Hyman plans a date for a Chicago couple.

Nearly a decade after medical marijuana became legal in Illinois, senior citizens are the fastest-growing age group of cannabis users. Reset speaks with Dr. Rahul Khare, founder and CEO of Innovative Care, Tom Gliszewski, owner of the Chicago Cannabis Company, and Jungle Cae, a social media cannabis educator, to learn more about safely using pot.

Chicago has long been an advertising industry hub, attracting all kinds of voice artists looking to make a buck. You may be more likely to succeed as a voice actor than for film or TV, but don’t expect that sending off a few voice recordings will be enough to bring the checks flying in. Reset learns more about the industry from Tal Rosenberg, freelance writer for Chicago Magazine. We’ll also meet two local voice actors: Harlan Hogan and Morgan Lavenstein.

TV and film production has slowed to a near-halt after unions for actors and writers started striking earlier this summer. But this week, the Writers Guild of America is set to return to the negotiating table with major Hollywood studios. But what about SAG-AFTRA’s effort? Reset checks in with Charles Andrew Gardner and Courtney Rioux, two local union members, about the progress of their strike.

Mayor Brandon Johnson is receiving some pushback for his progressive campaign pledges in the City Council, from raising wages for restaurant workers to raising revenue for the unhoused. Reset checks in with WBEZ city government reporters Tessa Weinberg and Mariah Woelfel on the mayor’s achievements and shortfalls.

Research shows spending stress-free time in nature regulates the nervous system and contributes to healthy brain function. In a new pilot program at the Lincoln Park Zoo, people with dementia and their loved ones and caregivers can do that and more. The Memory Enrichment program, which was developed in partnership with Sunrise Senior Living, is the first of its kind at a zoo or aquarium. Reset spoked to program creator Bill Green to learn more about why the program was developed and how it reduces the symptoms of dementia.