Author: WBEZ Chicago

Screening, Assessment and Support Services, or SASS, is an Illinois program that focuses on connecting kids from low-income homes with mental health services. But some children are falling through the cracks. Reset digs into a WBEZ investigation of the issues and shortfalls with reporters Kristen Schorsch and Sarah Karp.

Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson clarified their policies and took digs at their opponent at the NBC-5 and Telemundo Chicago forum. Reset catches up on the debate with WBEZ city government and politics reporter.

Around the world, young people are on the frontlines of the fight to protect our planet from climate change. And for good reason — they’ll bear the brunt of destruction. Reset talks to author and environmentalist Bill McKibben about why “experienced Americans” over 60 also play a vital role in taking on climate action.

The FAA has approved the Rockford International Airport’s plan to build a road through a section of native dry gravel prairie, home to an endangered species called the rusty patched bumblebee. Reset hears from environmental activist Robbie Telfer of the group Save Bell Bowl Prairie about how we got here and how this will impact some of the last prairieland in Illinois.

Former Chicago Public Schools CEO Paul Vallas and Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson will face off in the first mayoral runoff debate Wednesday night at 6 p.m. on NBC 5 and Telemundo Chicago. Reset discusses with Tessa Weinberg, WBEZ city government and politics reporter.

You can see award-winning movies from international film festivals at the Gene Siskel Film Center through the end of March. Eleven of them are directed by women. To mark International Women’s Day, Reset talks to Rebecca Fons, director of programming at the Siskel about the festival and some of her favorite women-directed films from the series.

In cities across the country, fewer people are going downtown than they did before COVID-19. Here in Chicago, developers have responded to the city’s request for proposals with six ideas for how to bring LaSalle Street back to life. Reset gets the details from Block Club Chicago reporter Melody Mercado.

The group Mariachi Sirenas is challenging stereotypes while honoring Mexican traditions. Reset sits down with members Ibet Herrera and Laura Velazquez to learn more about their music and roots.