Author: WBEZ Chicago

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.

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 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. Get Reset in your inbox every morning by signing up for our newsletter.

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 scene in the ’80s and ’90s

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 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.

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.

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 cities research at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and Jose Manuel Almanza, director of advocacy and movement building for Equiticity

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

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.

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.