Author: WBEZ Chicago

Emissions from diesel trucks can lead to respiratory health problems, asthma, cancer and even death. But according to a new Northwestern study, adopting similar rules to what are currently in place in California could save 500 lives in the Chicago area and prevent 600 new asthma cases in kids.This measure is currently before the Illinois Pollution Control Board. Reset gets the latest from Brian Urbaszewski, director of Environmental Health Programs at the Respiratory Health Association. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Illinois legislation could bring blackjack and poker to cellphones. But opponents warn it could lead to an increase in gambling addiction, hurt existing casinos and cut into the state’s massive video gambling terminal business. Reset learns more from WBEZ statehouse reporter Alex Degman. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Colorectal cancer can spread to the liver, and once it does, patients are often at the bottom of the list to receive a liver transplant. But Northwestern Medicine is now offering a new transplant option for select patients that involves splitting a deceased donor liver in two parts. Reset hears from the first patient to undergo this treatment, Barclay Missen, and one of the surgeons Dr. Zachary Dietch. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Drivers are being warned to expect massive delays and traffic complications, as the Kennedy Expressway enters its final phase of a three-year construction project. Labor groups are appealing to Springfield to adopt the groups’ own vision for the future of the Regional Transportation Authority. Lawmakers are considering charging Illinois drivers “a road usage” tax. And Metra’s 14 suburban commuter rails – like the Heritage Corridor, the SouthWest Service and the Union Pacific lines – could all be in for a rebranding. Reset gets a transportation roundup from Chicago Sun-Times general assignment reporter David Struett. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Measles was considered eradicated in the U.S., but five years after the beginning of the COVID shutdown, measles cases are on the rise, with outbreaks in states like Texas and New Mexico. Illinois public health officials are bracing for a possible outbreak in the state, as more and more students get exempted from receiving a measles vaccine. Reset checks in with Dr. Mia Taormina, infectious disease specialist with Duly Health and Care. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago lawyers argued in federal court that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has violated immigration law and the constitutional rights of 22 people in the Midwest since January. Lawyers allege that agents had improper warrants and that in some cases, they created an administrative warrant after an arrest. Reset talks to WBEZ immigration reporter Adriana Cardona-Maguigad about the latest, including the case of Julio Noriega, a U.S. citizen who was arrested by ICE in the Chicago suburbs. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago’s founding as a city has been historically attributed to Jean Baptise Pointe du Sable. However, he didn’t do it alone. His wife of Potawatomi descent, Kitihawa, was instrumental in the building of their thriving trading post. Reset learns more about her with SAIC professor and writer Elise Paschen. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago-style BBQ may not be as well known as other regional BBQs like those from Texas, Memphis or the Carolinas, but it’s just as unique. Reset digs into the history of Chicago-style BBQ with Gary Wiviott, pitmaster and author of “Low & Slow: Master the Art of Barbecue in 5 Easy Lessons” and Daniel Hammond, executive chef and owner of Smoky Soul Barbecue. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

A man was shot outside O’Hare Airport and a downtown alderman called for an 8 p.m. teen curfew after a shooting outside a Streeterville theater. Meanwhile, a jury awarded a record-breaking $120 million police misconduct settlement. Reset breaks down those stories and more with Carrie Shepherd, Chicago reporter for Axios, Tina Sfondeles, Chicago Sun-Times chief political reporter and Jake Sheridan, City Hall reporter for Chicago Tribune. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.