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Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons

1,680 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 months ago - ★★★★★ - 67 ratings

WBEZ's daily talk show brings listeners the news and conversations that matter most to their day-to-day lives.

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Episodes

Mayor Lori Lightfoot Says Farewell To City Hall

May 09, 2023 21:30 - 17 minutes - 16 MB

Monday, May 8 marked the start of Mayor Lightfoot’s final week as mayor of Chicago, and she delivered a goodbye address. Reset hears what she said and reviews her tenure with Tessa Weinberg and Mariah Woelfel, WBEZ city government and politics reporters.

Kanye West’s Rise And Fall From Grace

May 09, 2023 21:30 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MB

Season five of WBEZ’s Making podcast brings you the origin stories of some of the world’s biggest leaders and game changers. The latest installment begins with a two-part exploration into the making and “unmaking” of Chicago’s Kanye West, now known as Ye. Reset chats with Making host Brandon Pope.

Bears Take Key Step Toward Demolition Of Arlington Racecourse

May 09, 2023 11:05 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MB

The Chicago Bears are one step closer to moving away from Soldier Field to northwest suburban Arlington Heights. The team filed paperwork Wednesday to begin the demolition of the Arlington International Racecourse, which sits on the site of their proposed new stadium. Reset gets the latest details on the team’s next steps from WBEZ sports contributor Cheryl Raye-Stout. The Chicago Bears are one step closer to moving away from Soldier Field to northwest suburban Arlington Heights. The team f...

Chicago’s Contributions To Country And Folk Music

May 08, 2023 20:39 - 35 minutes - 32.8 MB

While Nashville often gets the credit for being the home of country music, Chicago has played an important role in the genre’s history since the very beginning. In his new book, Country & Midwestern: Chicago in the History of Country Music and the Folk Revival, author Mark Guarino celebrates the artists, venues, and organizers who made up the vibrant folk and country scene throughout the city. Reset talks to the author and musicians Robbie Fulks and Jane Baxter Miller, who were part of the sc...

Car Insurance Rates Are About to Increase

May 08, 2023 20:23 - 15 minutes - 13.7 MB

The state’s historical relationship of being hands-off with regulating car insurers is leading to potential negative outcomes for consumers. Reset learns the details from Chicago Sun-Times reporter Stephanie Zimmerman and hears from State Rep. Will Guzzardi who wants to pass legislation to combat the potential rate hikes.

Stalled Trains In Hammond, Indiana, Are Putting People In Danger

May 08, 2023 11:05 - 19 minutes - 17.6 MB

Stalled trains and blocked railroad crossings are normal in communities like Hammond, Ind. This has been an issue in the city for decades, but it’s getting worse and putting children in danger. Reset talks to Sterman, national investigative reporter for InvestigateTV and Mike Hull, president of Hammond Local 556, to find out why this is a persistent problem from. They also hear from Hammon Community members Carlotta Blake King and Akicia Henderson about what solutions they’d like to see.

Friko Performs Live And Opens Up About Recent Success

May 06, 2023 11:15 - 37 minutes - 34.3 MB

With a South by Southwest debut, and Bonnaroo in their future, it’s safe to say local indie-trio Friko are blowing up. The band joins Reset in the WBEZ’s performance studio to play a LIVE set and chat about putting a song together, their friends in the scene, and plans for the future.

WBEZ Weekly News Recap, May 5, 2023

May 05, 2023 21:30 - 45 minutes - 41.3 MB

Police stations, park district buildings, closed schools being used to house migrants, as more arrive on buses from Texas. Mayor-Elect Johnson chooses an interim police superintendent. Reset goes behind the headlines on the Weekly News Recap with Mike Lowe, reporter for WGN TV News, David Greising, president of the Better Government Association and Ray Long, Chicago Tribune investigative reporter and author of The House That Madigan Built: The Record Run of Illinois’ Velvet Hammer

Why Aren’t All Neighborhoods ‘Walkable’?

May 05, 2023 21:30 - 34 minutes - 31.8 MB

Is your neighborhood or town walkable? When Reset asked that question on Twitter, most people said yes — with room for improvement. Plus, a recent report shows that the demand for walkable neighborhoods far outstrips the supply. That, combined with today’s housing crisis, emphasizes the need for more mixed-income and well-connected real estate. Reset digs into what makes communities walkable, with Courtney Cobbs, co-founder of Better Streets Chicago, Sam Kling, a fellow and director of global...

What It Can Mean To Finish School As An Older Adult

May 05, 2023 11:05 - 32 minutes - 15.1 MB

From finishing up a degree, going for the first time, or pursuing a different career, going back to school as an adult can look so different from person to person. Whatever the reason, going back to school later in life presents opportunities and challenges. It can also be intimidating. Reset hears from non-traditional students about what going back to school was like and the impact it’s had on their lives. We also learn about programming that creatively meets the needs of adult students.

Chicago Dream-Pop Duo OK Cool Release Their New EP

May 04, 2023 21:30 - 19 minutes - 8.77 MB

At a breezy 17 minutes: fawn, the new EP from Chicago band OK Cool, explores big topics in a precise yet carefree way. When asked about the band's name, bassist Haley Blomquist says “...it fits the lack of seriousness I feel like we have.” Haley and Bridget Stiebris, creative partners behind OK Cool, join Reset to talk stop-motion music videos, musical inspirations, and their EP release show this evening at Schubas Tavern.

Chicago Is Running Out Of Resources, Shelter For Asylum Seekers

May 04, 2023 21:00 - 15 minutes - 6.88 MB

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says he will continue to bus more migrants to sanctuary cities like Chicago over the next few weeks. But the city is already struggling to find shelter and resources for more than 8,000 migrants who’ve arrived in Chicago since August. Reset talks to Sun-Times reporter, Elvia Malagón, and WBEZ reporter, Mike Puente, about the conditions asylum seekers are facing.

Media Representation Of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders

May 04, 2023 11:05 - 12 minutes - 11.7 MB

New research from Nielsen shows that Asian American, Native Hawaiin and Pacific Islander audiences watch more streaming content than the general population. But how well are these communities represented on screen? Reset digs into the report with Patricia Ratulangi, vice president of global communications for diversity, equity and inclusion at Nielsen.

Chicago’s Willis Tower Turns 50

May 03, 2023 21:30 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MB

The Chicago skyline’s tallest member is celebrating a major birthday. Reset hears from Randy Stancik, General Manager of SkyDeck Chicago at Willis Tower and Dennis Rodkin, reporter for Crain’s Chicago Business about the significance of the 50th anniversary.

What The ComEd Verdict Means For Michael Madigan

May 03, 2023 21:30 - 12 minutes - 11.4 MB

On Tuesday, 12 jurors handed down a guilty verdict to the four defendants in the ComEd bribery trial. Though a big win for the prosecutors, the fight is long from over as the case will likely head to Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Reset hears the latest from a WBEZ political reporter, Dave McKinney, and what’s next for the defendants and former House Speaker Michael Maddigan, who is set to begin his trial on April 1, 2024.

Chicago’s Greyhound Bus Station Is At A Crossroads

May 03, 2023 11:05 - 10 minutes - 9.6 MB

Real estate investor Twenty Lake Holdings bought the land Chicago’s Greyhound station is situated on last year and plans to turn the plot into residential developments. If the station were to close, Chicago would become the largest metropolitan area without an inter-city bus terminal. Reset discussed the implications of a closure or relocation on riders with Lee Bey, Chicago Sun-Times editorial board member and architecture critic.

Meet The New Head Of Little Village’s Chamber of Commerce

May 02, 2023 21:30 - 10 minutes - 9.67 MB

The two mile stretch of shopping along 26th street in Little Village is the second-highest-tax-revenue generating shopping district in the city of Chicago. Jennifer Aguilar, a former member of the group’s board, will lead the organization that supports Mexican and bilingual businesses across Chicago. Reset sat down with her to find out her top priorities in her new role.

Federal Judge Blocks Illinois Assault Weapon Ban

May 02, 2023 21:30 - 9 minutes - 8.7 MB

After the Northern District refused several lawsuits attempting to block the ban, a Southern District judge has ruled in favor of allowing assault weapons across the state. The ruling comes in the midst of a flurry of lawsuits and legislation following the Highland Park shooting. Reset checks in with WBEZ statehouse reporter Mawa Iqbal.

What Will Chicago’s New Mayor Do First?

May 02, 2023 11:05 - 12 minutes - 11 MB

Brandon Johnson will be inaugurated as Chicago’s 57th mayor on May 15. Reset talks with Emma Tai, one of the co-chairs of the overall team, about how the work of planning the next administration is coming together.

Chicago To Texas: Stop Sending Migrants, We Are Tapped Out

May 01, 2023 21:30 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MB

Mayor Lightfoot is sounding the alarm as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott prepares to bus more migrants to Chicago starting Monday. Recently arrived asylum seekers, including children, are sleeping on the floor of police stations as the city and aid organizations struggle to provide housing and services to an increasing number of migrants arriving from Central and South America. Reset checks in with Laura Mendoza, immigration organizer with The Resurrection Project, and Mario Garcia, executive director...

Introducing ‘The Democracy Solutions Project’

May 01, 2023 21:30 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MB

In what ways is democracy under threat in the United States? And how do we strengthen our union? Those are two of the key questions posed in a new series of reports, editorials, podcasts and radio segments from WBEZ and the Sun-Times called “The Democracy Solutions Project,” which will run through the 2024 presidential election. The project is a partnership between Chicago Public Media and the University of Chicago’s Center for Effective Government at the Harris School of Public Policy. To ki...

How Laundry Is Polluting The World’s Oceans And Lakes

May 01, 2023 11:05 - 21 minutes - 19.2 MB

The frequency with which we buy new clothes, wash and care for them and design clothes all contribute to this problem. But many environmental advocates say that the greatest responsibility of addressing this pollution is on manufacturers, not individuals, and that finding ways to design and manufacture clothes without petrochemicals is what’s needed. Reset learns about the scope of this problem, the way microplastics harm aquatic and human life and what can be done about it with Andrea Densha...

Chance The Rapper’s ‘Acid Rap’ Mixtape Is Turning 10

April 29, 2023 11:15 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MB

Chance the Rapper’s mixtape Acid Rap turns 10 this week, and the independent Chicago rapper is celebrating this major milestone with a concert at the United Center on Aug. 19. Reset hears from one of his early-career mentors, Ayana Contreras, content director of Vocalo, about his music and career.

WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: April 28, 2023

April 28, 2023 21:30 - 46 minutes - 42.4 MB

Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx announces she’s not running for a third term. Plus, Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson picks more members of his transition team. Reset goes behind the headlines of these stories and more with Alex Nitkin, reporter with the Illinois Answers Project for the Better Government Association, Heather Cherone, Chicago politics reporter for WTTW, and Kimberley Egonmwan, commentator for WVON and attorney.

The Power Of Books To Change Minds

April 28, 2023 21:30 - 16 minutes - 15 MB

New data from the American Library Association show attempted book bans are at its highest since the organization began collecting data more than 20 years ago. In 2022, there were more than 1,200 reported attempts to ban library books and resources. During National Library Week, Reset catches up with Tracie D. Hall, executive director of the American Library Association, to learn more about why book challenges are on the rise and what made the ALA’s list of the most challenged books.

Have We Been Teaching Reading All Wrong?

April 28, 2023 11:05 - 16 minutes - 15 MB

Only one in four third graders in Illinois can read at grade level, a gap that has only widened since the COVID-19 pandemic. To address this disparity in literacy, the Illinois State Board of Education is seeking to overhaul the way reading is taught by the state, and lawmakers want to give them a deadline to do it. Reset hears the latest on the proposed changes from Cassie Walker Burke, WBEZ editor.

More Women Are Choosing Not To Have Children, But It’s Not A New Phenomenon

April 27, 2023 21:30 - 28 minutes - 26.4 MB

In her new book Without Children: The Long History of Not Being a Mother, University of Chicago gender historian Peggy O’Donnell Heffington investigates the biggest reasons women have given for not having children and the impact it has on society today. Reset talks with the author.

A New Bill Seeks To Promote Native American History

April 27, 2023 21:30 - 17 minutes - 16.3 MB

Chicago is home to many federally recognized Native American tribes, including the Potawatomi. However, the guidance for teaching Native American history is based on pre-1900 standards. Reset hears from Susie An, WBEZ education reporter, who has been following the issue and Andrew Johnson, board member of the Chicago American Indian Community Collaborative, about how to improve education and how this relates to the fight for native land.

Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s Legacy

April 27, 2023 11:05 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MB

Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx has decided not to run for a third term, leaving the seat up for grabs next fall. Kim Foxx made history in 2016 when she became the first Black woman to be elected Cook County State’s Attorney. The progressive prosecutor announced Tuesday she won’t seek another term. Reset discusses what’s next for Foxx and the country’s second-largest prosecutor's office with WBEZ criminal justice reporter Patrick Smith.

Meet Chicago’s First-Ever Poet Laureate

April 26, 2023 21:30 - 18 minutes - 16.5 MB

Chicago’s first-ever poet laureate is avery r. young — an award-winning composer, teacher, visual artist and producer. young believes poetry is all around us, and that our earliest exposure comes from learning something as simple as the cadence of the alphabet. In his new role, he’ll act as an ambassador for poetry in Chicago, and create new public programming for young people and students. Reset sat down with the poet to hear more.

What Could Downtown’s New 20-Year Plan Look Like?

April 26, 2023 21:30 - 29 minutes - 27 MB

Chicago leaders are working on a new vision for downtown development over the next two decades and will kick off their planning process with a public webinar Thursday. What does the updated plan mean for the Loop’s future? We’ll get background from a reporter and hear from community members on what the city should prioritize.

Men Dying Much Earlier Than Women In The U.S.

April 26, 2023 11:05 - 31 minutes - 28.9 MB

In 2021, the U.S. life expectancy was about 73 years for men and about 79 years for women – the biggest gap in a quarter-century. Boys and men at every age are at higher risk of death than girls and women, according to the CDC. Some people point to biological factors — like high levels of testosterone weakening the immune system — while others point to social factors such as masculinity and a lack of support. Reset discusses what’s behind the growing longevity gap between men and women, and w...

Creating Spiritual Healing For Trauma Survivors

April 25, 2023 21:30 - 31 minutes - 28.9 MB

The Chicago-based nonprofit Surviving the Mic is led by, and serves, Black and brown femme survivors of sexual harm. After years of being volunteer-run, it’s now a nonprofit — allowing the group to reimagine how a healing art space can also function as a spiritual, church-like community. The group will begin hosting so-called Survivor’s Revivals on Sundays featuring poetry, storytelling and meditation. Reset learned more about the group and how its members are creating a space for survivors o...

How To Understand College Financial Aid

April 25, 2023 21:30 - 15 minutes - 14.5 MB

Financial aid letters aren’t federally regulated and can vary wildly from college to college. Most high school seniors across the country must decide where to go to college in the fall by May 1. Money can play a big role in which school they pick, and that can be challenging if you don’t have a good grasp of what your financial aid package offers. Reset learns more about how to understand those award letters from WBEZ higher education reporter Lisa Philip.

How Can We Address Xylazine Usage And The Opioid Crisis?

April 25, 2023 11:05 - 33 minutes - 30.7 MB

Public health and drug enforcement officials are raising alarms about a veterinary tranquilizer known as Xylazine. Reset hears from Matt Kiefer, digital editor for WBEZ, and Dr. David A. Ansell, Professor of Medicine at Rush University Medical Center, about how substance is impacting the opioid epidemic and what health and community organizers are doing to address it. Then they talk to Lindsay Allen, health economist, assistant professor in Northwest, and Vauna Hernandez, executive director o...

SCOTUS Allows Access To Abortion Pill, What Comes Next?

April 24, 2023 21:30 - 14 minutes - 12.9 MB

On Friday, the Supreme Court ruled to allow continued access to the drug Mifepristone by sending it back to the courts. Reset gets the latest on the case what it means for reproductive care access with Kristen Schorsch, health and county government reporter with WBEZ and Megan Jeyifo executive director Chicago Abortion Fund

Chicagoland Is A Rails-To-Trails Hotbed

April 24, 2023 21:30 - 18 minutes - 16.6 MB

From the Green Bay Trail to the Illinois Prairie Path to the 606 to the I&M Canal Trail, the Chicago area has a lot of beautiful trails to cycle on that were once train lines or canal paths. And more are in the works. Reset learns more about existing trails with Christine Hubert, Joliet resident, volunteer for Ride Illinois, and Alan Cubbage, president of the Evanston Bike Club, member of the National Rails to Trails organization.

Hyde Park’s Promontory Point Is Now A Historic Landmark

April 24, 2023 11:05 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MB

The Chicago City Council unanimously voted Wednesday to designate Promontory Park, a longstanding staple in the Hyde Park area, an official city landmark. Reset talks with Alderman-elect Desmon Yancy, 5th Ward and Ward Miller, executive director of Preservation Chicago, to learn more about the lengthy process to make this happen and what the designation means for the city and its residents.

Isabel Olive Connects With Her Roots in Half Gringa’s New EP ‘Ancestral Home’

April 22, 2023 11:15 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MB

Chicago band Half Gringa’s new EP contains a unique blend of alt-country rhythm, folk-inspired vocals and a dash of crunchy distorted guitars. Reset discusses ancestors, musical inspirations and coping with loss through music.

WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: April 21, 2023

April 21, 2023 21:30 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MB

Alderman Ed Burke gives his final speech on the floor of the City Council. Meanwhile, a judge upholds Illinois’ assault weapons ban. Reset goes behind the week’s headlines with Monica Eng, Chicago reporter for AXIOS, Carrie Shepherd, lead producer of daily podcast and newsletter City Cast Chicago, and Patrick Smith, criminal justice reporter, WBEZ.

Chef Rodolfo Cuadros Wants To Expand Plant-Based Options In Chicago

April 21, 2023 21:30 - 12 minutes - 11.9 MB

Research has shown cutting down or cutting meat out of your diet is one way to be kind to our planet. To celebrate Earth Day this weekend, Reset learns more about what inspired one James Beard Award-nominated chef, Rodolfo Cuadros, to open his third restaurant that serves Mexican vegan food.

What Programs Are There For Chicago’s Youth?

April 21, 2023 11:05 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MB

Twice over the weekend, large gatherings of young people turned violent — leaving three teens shot. This reignited a conversation about where teens should gather, what kinds of structure and support they need, and how to create safe spaces for teens to hang out especially in the warmer months.Reset checks in with Eric Davis, executive director of The BASE Chicago and Melissa Mister, Chief of Strategy and Staff, After School Matters, about the youth programming they provide and hears Carvell A...

Supreme Court Set To Rule On Abortion Pill Access By Friday

April 20, 2023 21:30 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MB

The high court is expected to drop its opinion deciding two conflicting federal rulings questioning FDA approval of mifepristone, a drug commonly used for abortions. Reset digs into when justices will drop that decision and how it could impact abortion access across the country with Steven Schwinn, Professor at University of Illinois Chicago Law School.

Illinois Legalized Marijuana 3 Years Ago, How’s It Going?

April 20, 2023 21:30 - 20 minutes - 18.3 MB

Reset gets an update on how the cannabis industry from Edie Moore, National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws Chicago chapter, Akilah Easter, dean of the urban agriculture department at Olive-Harvey College, and Melissa Picciola, director of pro bono and community partnerships at Chicago Legal Aid, to find out how its changed and evolved in the last three years, and where promises fell short when it came to clearing public records.

President Biden Wants To Expand Child Care Access. Is It Enough?

April 20, 2023 11:05 - 13 minutes - 11.9 MB

Providing childcare can be expensive. In fact, parents in Cook County with young children are spending about 20 percent of their income on, according to a recent report. Reset hears from Kaya Jackson, a local childcare provider in Chicago, who plans to bring her concerns to legislators in D.C.

WBEZ Investigation Reveals Health Disparities In Prisons

April 19, 2023 21:30 - 8 minutes - 8.07 MB

Nearly half of medical positions inside Illinois Prisons are unfilled, according to a recent WBEZ story looking at these realities of an aging incarcerated population. Reset speaks to criminal justice reporter, Shannon Heffernan, to learn more.

‘Redefine The Drive’ Aims To Revamp DuSable LSD On The North Side

April 19, 2023 21:30 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MB

The Illinois and Chicago Departments of Transportation launched their “Redefine The Drive” study in 2013. This spring and fall there will be more public hearings where people can weigh in on the latest plans. Reset talks with transportation experts Joseph Schwieterman, professor of public policy at DePaul University, Sam Kling, director of Global Cities research at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, and MarySue Barrett, former president of the Metropolitan Planning Council, about the plan...

The Fight Over Gender-Affirming Care

April 18, 2023 21:30 - 34 minutes - 32 MB

Lawmakers across the country have proposed over 100 pieces of legislation related to banning health care options for LGBTQ people. Indiana and Idaho are the latest states to pass bills that limit access to gender-affirming care for minors. Reset digs into why this care has become a target for GOP lawmakers with Lauren Chapman, digital editor for Indiana Public Broadcasting and Nora Huppert, staff attorney at Lambda Legal, and hears the personal story of a transgender woman living in Indiana.

Why Are Prescription Drug Prices So Damn High?

April 18, 2023 21:30 - 30 minutes - 27.7 MB

Americans spend roughly $1,300 every year on prescription drugs. The Kaiser Family Foundation found that cost leads people to not fill prescriptions, skip doses or cut their pills in half to ration the medicine. Reset learns why drug prices are so high, and offers recommendations on how to navigate options for lowering the amount you pay monthly.

The Biden Administration Is Making EVs Mandatory

April 18, 2023 11:05 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MB

Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced its most stringent rules to date on tailpipe emissions. The agency believes these rules could reduce CO2 emissions by 7.3 billion tons through 2055 and could result in 67% of vehicles being electric by 2032. Reset talks to Dany Robles from the Illinois Environmental Council, Brian Urbaszewski from the Respiratory Health Association, and Larissa Koehler from the Environmental Defense Fund about what impact the rules could have on th...

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