Category: 4-FrequentNewsStreams

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.

Illinois became the first state in the U.S. to eliminate cash bail after years of debate and legal challenges. The change — which went into effect Monday, Sept. 18 — will dramatically impact the way people are detained in jail before trial. Reset discusses what this means for Illinois with WBEZ criminal justice editor Patrick Smith.

Chicago Public School data shows that the number of suspensions across the district dropped from 49,708 in 2014 to about 10,000 in 2022. The district also started moving away from a zero tolerance policy for misconduct and toward more restorative practices like peace circles that encourage students to reflect on their actions. Reset checks in with WBEZ Education reporter Sarah Karp for the details.