Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons
1,680 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 months ago - ★★★★★ - 67 ratingsWBEZ's daily talk show brings listeners the news and conversations that matter most to their day-to-day lives.
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Episodes
WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: March 3, 2023
March 03, 2023 22:24 - 44 minutes - 20.2 MBMayor Lori Lightfoot is dealt a disappointing loss. Meanwhile, aldermanic seats are filling up after a wave of retirements from City Council. Plus, both the city’s top cop and top federal prosecutor announce their resignations. Reset breaks down the week’s biggest stories with WTTW Chicago politics reporter Heather Cherone, WBEZ city politics reporter Mariah Woelfel and recently retired Chicago Sun-Times columnist Maudlyne Ihejirika.
Black Joy: Marshall Callery Shares His Love For Performing
March 03, 2023 22:00 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MBThe 23-year-old Chicagoan has appeared on Showtime’s hit show “The Chi,” and hosts his own youth-led talk show. Reset talks to the multi-talented actor about his love for performing, networking and giving a platform to young people for our series on black joy.
Can Chicago’s New District Councils Change Policing For The Better?
March 03, 2023 12:05 - 19 minutes - 18.1 MBChicago’s new police District Councils are designed to bring more community input to police oversight and accountability. The three-member councils can recommend policies but not enact them — so what power do they really have? Reset talks to three newly elected representatives: Anthony Michael Tamez, 17th Police District Council member; Brad Kessler, 18th Police District Council member; and Daniel Martin, 16th Police District Council member.
Chicago Police Officer Killed, Top Cop Resigns
March 02, 2023 22:00 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MBChicago Police Superintendent David Brown resigned his post Wednesday, less than a day after incumbent Mayor Lori Lightfoot lost her bid for reelection. The news also comes on the same day the city learned that a Chicago police officer was shot and killed in the line of duty. Reset turns to WBEZ criminal justice reporter Patrick Smith for the latest details.
Aldermen-elect Get Ready To Shake Up City Council
March 02, 2023 22:00 - 14 minutes - 13.7 MBBy the time Wednesday morning came around, people across the city already knew who their aldermen-elect were. Some wards are seeing familiar faces while a handful are welcoming fresh faces. Reset sits down with Alderwoman-elect Julia Ramirez of the 12th Ward and Alderperson-elect Jessie Fuentes of the 26th Ward to talk about their plans.
How Crime Shaped The Chicago Mayor’s Race
March 02, 2023 12:05 - 16 minutes - 15.3 MBChicago voters were focused on crime and public safety when deciding on who should be the next mayor of Chicago. Reset hears from WBEZ criminal justice reporter Patrick Smith, Elmhurst University professor Connie Mixon and Democratic political strategist Delmarie Cobb about the role this issue played in the election.
Brandon Johnson On Advancing To Chicago’s Mayoral Runoff
March 02, 2023 11:12 - 9 minutes - 8.3 MBMayor Lori Lightfoot lost her bid for a second term in office. Meanwhile, former CPS CEO Paul Vallas and Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson, the top two vote getters, will head to a runoff on Apr. 4. Reset checks in with Johnson the morning after he learned he’s still in the running to be the next mayor of Chicago.
Lightfoot Out, Vallas And Johnson Head To Apr. 4 Runoff
March 01, 2023 22:41 - 35 minutes - 32.1 MBReset analyzes the results of Chicago’s municipal election — from a historic mayor’s race to aldermanic races to police district councils. Panelists include WBEZ city politics reporter Mariah Woelfel, WBEZ data projects editor Alden Loury and Northwestern University political science professor Jaime Dominguez.
How CTA Trains Got Their Colors
March 01, 2023 12:05 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MBChicagoans use the CTA to get around the city and use the color lines depending on where they need to go. But color coding isn’t always how the trains were organized. Reset talks to reporter Kayleigh Padar and transit historian Graham Garfield about when the color system was adopted and how some long-time Chicagoans are still nostalgic for the old days.
What’s That Building? Century And Consumers Buildings
February 28, 2023 21:26 - 11 minutes - 10.8 MBThe Century and Consumers Buildings on State Street have a commanding presence in Chicago’s Loop. But after 17 years of being held in limbo, the federal government plans on spending $52 million to demolish them. Reset learns more about the pair of early 20th-century skyscraper structures and the fight to save them with Dennis Rodkin, residential real estate reporter at Crain’s Chicago Business.
SCOTUS To Decide Future Of Student Debt Forgiveness
February 28, 2023 21:26 - 31 minutes - 28.4 MBThe Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Biden v. Nebraska today, the case that will decide the fate of the president’s student loan forgiveness program. Reset hears analysis from Steven Schwinn, professor at the University of Illinois Chicago Law School, NPR higher education reporter Elissa Nadworny and directly from people who would benefit from having their debt forgiven.
Headed To The Polls? Here’s What You Need To Know.
February 28, 2023 12:05 - 11 minutes - 10.2 MBIt’s Election Day in Chicago. Are you prepared? Reset discusses what to expect at the polls and gets a quick voter guide on key races in this year’s municipal election from Tessa Weinberg, WBEZ city politics and government reporter and Amy Qin, WBEZ data reporter.
Chicagoans Are Working Together To Help Migrants
February 27, 2023 21:07 - 22 minutes - 20.4 MBChicago is struggling to keep up with the number of migrants coming into the city. As officials scramble to open more housing, Chicagoans are stepping up to help migrants themselves. Reset gets the latest on how those efforts are shaping up with Elvia Malagón, social justice and wage gap reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times, Evelyn Figueroa, director of Pilsen Food Pantry and Jen Durham, volunteer for Nuevos Vecinos. Then Reset talks to WBEZ education reporter Nereida Moreno about migrant stude...
What’s That Building? Wendell Phillips High School
February 27, 2023 21:07 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MBThe Bronzeville high school on Chicago’s South Side has been fertile ground for numerous writers, civil rights leaders, professional athletes and more. For the latest in our “What’s That Building?” series, Reset hears from Dennis Rodkin of Crain’s Chicago Business about the history of the school and why it’s produced so many illustrious alumni.
Illinois Could Soon Have Mandatory Paid Leave
February 27, 2023 12:05 - 21 minutes - 19.3 MBMost industrialized nations offer workers paid time off, but it’s still somewhat rare in the United States outside of what’s often called “white collar” work. Reset discusses the Paid Leave For All Workers Act with Ben Opp, HR hotline advisor at HR Source and Mark Maxwell, political editor at KSDK News in St. Louis and former Capitol bureau chief for WCIA in Springfield.
Reset Presents City Cast Chicago
February 25, 2023 12:05 - 24 minutes - 22.2 MBWe’re switching it up and sharing one of our favorite podcasts: City Cast Chicago. It’s hosted by Reset regular Jacoby Cochran and features interviews with news and culture makers from across the city. So be sure to subscribe to their podcast so you can be even more of a Chicago insider.
Presenting City Cast Chicago
February 25, 2023 12:05 - 24 minutes - 22.2 MBWe’re switching it up and sharing one of our favorite podcasts: City Cast Chicago. It’s hosted by Reset regular Jacoby Cochran and features interviews with news and culture makers from across the city. So be sure to subscribe to their podcast so you can be even more of a Chicago insider.
Isabel Olive Connects With Her Roots In Half Gringa’s New EP ‘Ancestral Home’
February 25, 2023 12:05 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MBChicago 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: Feb. 24, 2023
February 24, 2023 22:30 - 45 minutes - 41.8 MBThe race for Chicago’s next mayor is in its final stretch. Who is in the lead, and what did voters this week say is the top issue on their minds? Also: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis visits Chicago and a favorite local show gets the ax. Reset breaks down these stories and much more with Jacoby Cochran, City Cast Chicago host, Tiffany Walden, editor-in-chief and co-founder of The Triibe, and Rachel Hinton, enterprise reporter for Illinois Answers Project with Better Government Association.
Dede Cadet Brings Racial Justice To Interior Design
February 24, 2023 22:30 - 18 minutes - 17.1 MBWhile navigating the nonprofit world, Dede Cadet discovered her newfound passion: decorating homes. This hobby has since grown to a slew of projects, different aesthetics and true happiness. Reset speaks to the artist about her life, journey and joy.
Re-Imagine Chicago: How City Council Works In Toronto
February 24, 2023 12:05 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MBToronto — the hometown of Reset host Sasha-Ann Simons — and Chicago were both incorporated as cities in the 1830s. And the similarities between Hogtown and the Hog Butcher for the World don’t end there. Reset takes a closer look at how legislative politics works in Toronto and whether those systems could be instructive for Chicago.
Ukrainians In Chicago React To One Year Anniversary Of War
February 23, 2023 22:30 - 31 minutes - 28.8 MBIt’s been one year since Russia invaded Ukraine. Reset hears from Ukrainian refugees about what it’s like building a life in Chicago, including: Olha Tsvyntarna, Ukrainian who fled the war, Anna Cirilli, principal at St. Nicholas Cathedral School, Oksana Vasylenko, Ukrainian refugee, mother of son attending St. Nicholas school, John Hewko, CEO of Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation, and Dan Diaczun, president of the Illinois division of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America.
DJ Spinderella Shows Public Housing’s Impact On Music
February 23, 2023 22:30 - 16 minutes - 14.7 MBDJ Spinderella is an iconic figure in hip-hop and music, rising to fame as one-third of the trio Salt-N-Pepa. And now, she’s swapping out headphones for a museum curator hat to design the music room of the National Public Housing Museum in Chicago. Reset talks to the DJ about the connection between public housing and music, her curator vision and the soundtrack to her childhood.
Re-Imagine Chicago: What If The Mayor Had A Different Set Of Powers?
February 23, 2023 12:05 - 24 minutes - 22.2 MBChicago has a “strong mayor” system, and during the pandemic, Mayor Lightfoot gained additional emergency powers. Things work differently in Phoenix, Ariz., which operates under a “weak mayor” or “council-manager” system. Reset examines the benefits and drawbacks of how things work in Phoenix, and what lessons Chicago can learn with David Swindell, associate professor and director for the Center for Urban Innovation at Arizona State University and Rick Naimark, former deputy city manager at P...
Medicaid Renewals Resuming Across Chicago And The Nation
February 22, 2023 22:37 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MBIn May, COVID-19 public health and national emergency declarations will end. That means hundreds of thousands of Illinois residents could lose access to Medicaid starting this summer. Resets speaks with healthcare experts Samantha Olds Frey and Jeff McInnes to learn more.
What’s Next For Chicago’s City Council?
February 22, 2023 22:36 - 46 minutes - 42.6 MBUnprecedented turnover among alderpersons, new ward boundaries and — possibly — a new mayoral administration could usher in a major sea change in how the Chicago City Council does business. Reset explores the challenges and opportunities for the legislative body after the Feb. 28 election with Alex Nitkin, Better Government Association reporter, Erin Hegarty, city hall reporter for The Daily Line, Jamie Nesbitt Golden, Bronzeville reporter for Block Club Chicago and Joe Ferguson, former City ...
Re-Imagine Chicago: Why Aldermen Work More Like ‘Mini-Mayors’
February 22, 2023 12:05 - 21 minutes - 20 MBWith the municipal election next week, Reset is revisiting our “Re-Imagine Chicago” series. What is the history of Chicago’s aldermanic system, and how does it impact residents and the city’s ability to get things done? Reset discusses with Chicago History Museum curator Julius L. Jones, 20th Ward Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor and 22nd Ward Alderman Michael Rodriguez.
Meet Grammy Award-Winning Chicago Poet J. Ivy
February 21, 2023 21:45 - 16 minutes - 14.7 MBSpoken word poetry got its own Grammy category this year and J. Ivy’s album, The Poet Who Sat By The Door, makes him the first to win. Reset chats with the Chicago-born artist about his journey, from being assigned poetry homework to writing his latest album.
Another Quake Struck Turkey and Syria. Here’s How You Can Help.
February 21, 2023 21:44 - 15 minutes - 13.8 MBA 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck the Turkey-Syria border region Monday, just weeks after a two other major quakes devastated the region. Reset hears from humanitarian advocates Amina Demir, COO at Zakat Foundation and Dr. Zaher Sahloul, president and co-founder of MedGlobal, about how to best support their recovery efforts.
Re-imagine Chicago: How City Government Works In The Windy City
February 21, 2023 12:05 - 24 minutes - 22.7 MBWith the municipal election next week, Reset is revisiting our “Re-Imagine Chicago” series. Is Chicago's City Council set up to best serve its residents? The "strong mayor" form of government has its pros and cons, but what could a better system look like? Reset explores that question with Dick Simpson, professor of political science at the University of Illinois at Chicago, former aldermen of the 44th ward (1971-1979), Helen Shiller, former alderman of the 46th ward (1987-2011), and Will How...
Rebecca Makkai's New Novel ‘I Have Some Questions For You’
February 20, 2023 22:07 - 22 minutes - 20.9 MBRebecca Makkai pulls from her own life to explore the country’s problematic obsession with true crime in her new novel. Reset talks with her about the intersection of cancel culture, systemic racism and the fetishization of the missing white woman in I Have Some Questions For You.
Voting Tips For Chicago’s Municipal Election
February 20, 2023 22:06 - 13 minutes - 12.6 MBEarly in-person voting and mail-in voting are underway for Chicago’s 2023 municipal elections. Whether you’ve dropped off your ballot or are waiting until election day on Feb. 28, we’ve got you covered. Reset breaks down voting options and voter turnout with Max Bever, director of public information at the Chicago Board of Elections.
Why Gov. Pritzker Is Promoting Home Visits
February 20, 2023 12:05 - 14 minutes - 13.2 MB“We’re not reaching enough families in these vital infant and toddler years,” Gov. JB Pritzker said during his State of the State speech Wednesday. “Smart Start’s expanded home visiting funding will allow us to help even more families.” Reset talks to Katelyn Kanwischer from Lurie Children’s Hospital and Sherneron Hilliard of Family Focus about what home visiting programs are like now and what they need to support more families moving forward.
Black Joy: Rochelle Trotter Combines A Love Of Food With Giving Back
February 18, 2023 12:05 - 19 minutes - 18.2 MBRochelle Trotter founded R’Culinare Consulting to help businesses reach their goals in the food and beverage industry. Through her non-profit The Charles and Rochelle Trotter Culinary Endowment, she’s also helping young people break into the industry. Reset talks with Trotter about creating and spreading joy through food.
WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: Feb. 17, 2023
February 17, 2023 22:30 - 45 minutes - 42 MBGov. JB Pritzker gives the State of the State address and unveils plans for education funding, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot focuses attacks on Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Bears take a giant leap toward Arlington Heights. We break down these top local stories and more with Brandon Pope, reporter/anchor at CW 26, Corli Jay, reporter with Crain’s Chicago Business and Derrick Blakley, former CBS2 Chicago politics reporter.
Chi Sounds Like: Mashing-Up Sci-Fi With Black Culture To Create New Narratives
February 17, 2023 21:00 - 8 minutes - 7.36 MBWBEZ’s sister station Vocalo features movers and shakers who work to bring healing, joy and inquiry to their communities throughout Chicago as part of the Chi Sounds Like series. Reset highlights a Vocalo feature about painter Ennis Martin.
Diaper Prices Are Too Damn High
February 17, 2023 12:05 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MBAsk any new parent and they’ll tell you diapers can be expensive, costing between 80 and 100 dollars a month. New legislation in Springfield could lighten that load for parents. Reset gets the the details from Lee Ann Porter, founder and executive director of Loving Bottoms Diaper Bank and with State Sen. Karina Villa.
Free Preschool Could Be Coming To Illinois By 2027
February 16, 2023 22:30 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MBYesterday, Governor Pritzker announced bold plans for Illinois when it comes to early childhood education. Reset digs into the impact these investments could have, what the programs might look like and how the state will pay for them with State Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas, UIC senior lecturer and program coordinator Catherine Main and UChicago economist James Heckman.
Chi Sounds Like: Writer Tempestt Hazel Revels In Bronzeville’s History And Culture
February 16, 2023 22:30 - 9 minutes - 9.09 MBWBEZ’s sister station Vocalo features movers and shakers who work to bring healing, joy and inquiry to their communities throughout Chicago as part of the Chi Sounds Like series. Reset highlights a Vocalo feature on writer and founder of Sixty Inches From Center Tempestt Hazel.
Beyond Braille: Hadley Creates Resources For People With Visual Impairments
February 16, 2023 12:05 - 19 minutes - 18.1 MBAround 12 million people in America over the age of 40 have a visual impairment, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For Low Vision Awareness Month, Reset checks in with Julie Tye and Douglas Walker of the Winnetka-based nonprofit Hadley about its free tools and resources for people with vision loss.
Chi Sounds Like: Teaching Neighbors To Be First Responders
February 15, 2023 22:12 - 8 minutes - 7.89 MBWBEZ’s sister station Vocalo features movers and shakers who work to bring healing, joy and inquiry to their communities throughout Chicago as part of the Chi Sounds Like series. Reset highlights a Vocalo feature on a training coordinator for a nonprofit saving lives through first response training.
Governor Pritzker’s State Of The State Address
February 15, 2023 22:11 - 56 minutes - 52.1 MBWe take a listen to Governor Pritzker as he provides an overview of his proposed budget for Illinois. And Reset checks in with WBEZ state politics reporter Dave McKinney and two lawmakers after the speech.
Two Million In Illinois Set To Lose Pandemic Food Benefits
February 15, 2023 12:05 - 20 minutes - 18.4 MBIn response to the pandemic, the Illinois Department of Human Services issued emergency allotments to help people pay for food. But those will go away by Feb. 28, even though food prices remain high. Reset talks with advocates Patricia Fernandez, Kellie O’Connell, and Alici McNeal as well as Christina, a recipient of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.
After-School Killings Spike Near CPS Schools
February 14, 2023 22:30 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MBThere were 41 after-school shooting incidents in 2022 near public schools in Chicago involving people 19 years old and younger. And in the last decade, there was an average of three murders of kids under 17 each year, a WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times analysis found. Now calls are growing louder for city officials and the district to take action. Reset finds out more on what’s behind the spike in shootings near CPS schools and learns about potential solutions with reporters Sarah Karp and Nader Issa.
Chi Sounds Like: Empowering Young People With African American Histor
February 14, 2023 22:30 - 10 minutes - 9.39 MBVocalo radio, WBEZ’s sister station, features movers and shakers who work to bring healing, joy and inquiry to their communities throughout Chicago as part of the Chi Sounds Like series. Reset highlights a Vocalo feature on a multidisciplinary artist who brings empowerment and joy through connecting youth to their African roots and history.
Why No Ranked Choice Voting In Chicago?
February 14, 2023 12:05 - 16 minutes - 15.1 MBWith nine candidates running in the Chicago mayoral election, it is widely assumed there will be a runoff election, which is all too common in municipal elections here. Some argue that moving to a ranked choice voting system could help prevent runoffs and make voting more democratic. Reset hears from advocates Andrew Szilva and Alisa Kaplan about why they want to see ranked choice voting instituted in Chicago and Illinois. Then we’ll hear from FairVote research analyst Rachel Hutchinson about...
Chicago Resiliency Fund 2.0 To Give Out $500 Payments
February 13, 2023 22:30 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MBFederal stimulus checks provided a lifeline to many folks earlier in the pandemic, but many didn’t qualify or weren’t able to access payments. The Chicago Resiliency Fund 2.0 aims to distribute one-time $500 payments to people who may have missed out on prior COVID stimulus money. Reset talks to nonprofit workers Katie Durrah and Kathryn Socha about coordinating fund distribution.
Introducing Vocalo’s ‘Chi Sound Like’ Series
February 13, 2023 22:30 - 15 minutes - 14.1 MBVocalo radio, WBEZ’s sister station on 91.1, is celebrating 15-years of bringing more Chicago artists and stories to the airwaves. Check out Chi Sounds Like for a full list of archived interviews. Reset chats with Ari Mejia who produced the series and the station director, Ayana Contreras to learn more about their programming and features a Vocalo interview with Djedi Ohm
Meet Lane Tech’s ‘Chicago Style Bot Dogs’ Robotics Team
February 13, 2023 12:05 - 17 minutes - 8.2 MBRobotics season has begun. Never heard of it? It’s when high school robotics teams meet up to meet the next challenge issued by First Robotics. Reset checks in with the Lane Tech team’s head coach Robert Berg, seniors Gabby Weffer and Joaquin Valencia and junior Jane Bazzell.
Black Joy: Rico No Suave Explores His Afro-Cuban Roots Through Salsa
February 11, 2023 13:05 - 15 minutes - 6.94 MBThe Chicago native brings his personality to life on the dance floor and through his talk show The Rico No Suave Show. Reset checks in with Rico No Suave about embracing his Afro-Cuban heritage, his electrifying salsa skills and what’s bringing him joy.