Author: WBEZ Chicago

Ever wondered about life down in the depths of the ocean? For many of us, the deep ocean remains a mystery. In her new book, The Underworld, explorer and author Susan Casey uncovers the mysterious world of sea creatures and objects beneath the waves.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s allies want him to make good on his campaign promises, but 100 days into his first term, some say he’s less ambitious than his predecessors and hasn’t achieved enough. The mayor has defended his approach, saying it’s important to spend time building bridges. Reset checks in with WBEZ city government and politics reporter Mariah Woelfel about what the new mayor has accomplished so far.

A city law is supposed to protect abortion seekers from harassment by anti-abortion protesters as they enter clinics, but enforcing the buffer zone around the medical facilities has been a challenge. Reset hears from 34th ward Alderman Bill Conway about changes he says could strengthen the so-called “bubble ordinance” in Chicago.

Shopping on State Street holds fond memories for Chicagoans, but the growing popularity of online shopping has pushed storefront vacancies to record levels. A new city-commissioned panel offers recommendations on how to revitalize State Street. We checked in with two experts on the panel: Mark Kelly, former Commissioner of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), and Michael Edwards, president and CEO of Chicago Loop Alliance.

Director Andrew Davis is best known for his 1993 action-thriller “The Fugitive,” starring Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones. The Chicago-set film celebrates its 30th anniversary this month. And the film showcases a wide scope of early-’90s Chicago – from the realistic chaos of Cook County Hospital to a two-flat on 90th and Houston. A native Chicagoan, Davis says his local roots influenced his works, with other movies set in the city such as “Stony Island.” Reset talks with the director about the role Chicago plays in his work.

Held v. Montana is the first lawsuit of its kind to go to trial, with plaintiffs ranging from age 5 to age 22. It’s also a landmark ruling: climate change must now be considered when approving or renewing future fossil fuel projects in the state. Reset gets reaction from Danica Sun and Natasha Bahtia, youth climate activists in Illinois, and what they’re working on here. Then we turn to two policy experts: Howard Learner of the Environmental Law and Policy Center, and Karen Weigert, director of Loyola University, to learn what kind of related lawsuit could be possible in Illinois.

With free jazz and hip-hop influenced samples, the new album from the Chicago-based multidisciplinary artist takes the shape of a fictional pirate radio station, preaching ideas for a new future and societal change. The new album, released last month, is called New Future City Radio. Reset talks with Locks about meaning, multimedia collage, and his work as an educator.

Chicago Public School students are heading back to the classroom, with thousands still unclear how they’re getting there. President Biden issues a disaster declaration for Cook County and a man is sentenced for setting fire to a Peoria Planned Parenthood. Reset goes behind those headlines and more with Monica Eng, Chicago reporter for AXIOS; Becky Vevea, bureau chief for Chalkbeat Chicago; and Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune state government reporter on the Weekly News Recap.

Chicago Public School students are heading back to the classroom, with thousands still unclear how they’re getting there. President Biden issues a disaster declaration for Cook County and a man is sentenced for setting fire to a Peoria Planned Parenthood. Reset goes behind those headlines and more with Monica Eng, Chicago reporter for AXIOS; Becky Vevea, bureau chief for Chalkbeat Chicago; and Dan Petrella, Chicago Tribune state government reporter on the Weekly News Recap.

Rising seniors and incoming college students have big decisions to make: from how to pay for college to picking a major that will pay off in the long run. From FAFSA to scholarships to finding a lucrative career. Reset gets tips on how students and families can prepare for college finances. We also get advice on how to find out the cost (and pay-off) of a major. For help, we turn to Lynne Baker with the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, and Stacia Edwards, City Colleges of Chicago Deputy Provost.