Author: WBEZ Chicago

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Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - Chicago Black History: Civil Rights Activist Carl Hansberry

“A Raisin in the Sun” is a Chicago classic. The play by Lorainne Hansberry tells the story of a Black family looking to move out of a cramped South Side apartment and defy social and political limits to realize their dreams. There would be no “A Raisin in the Sun” without Lorraine’s father Carl Hansberry, a real estate broker turned civil rights activist who helped end restrictive covenant laws that prevent certain people from buying and living on a property. Reset learns more about Carl Hansberry with Gabrielle Randle-Bent, dramaturg, University of Chicago professor and associate artistic director at the Court Theatre. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.
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Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - Chicago’s Eve Ewing On How American Schools Harmed Black, Native Students By Design

What is the purpose of schools? Most people would say to teach children to meet their potential and to prepare them for the world. But in her new book “Original Sins: The (Mis)education of Black and Native Children and the Construction of American Racism,” Chicago author and sociologist Eve Ewing presents readers with an exhaustively researched history of how U.S. schools have been a place where separation and inequality have been enshrined by design. Reset checks in with Ewing to explore the role of schools in America and a better way forward. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.
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Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - The Love Advice You Didn’t Know You Needed To Hear

’Tis the season of love. Whether you’re dating, single, newly wed or married for years, everybody could use a little advice on love and relationships. Ahead of Valentine’s Day, Reset checks in with love guru and psychologist Alexandra Solomon, who is also the host of the podcast “Reimagining Love.” For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.
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Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - Celebrating Chicago Black Restaurant Week’s 10 Year Anniversary

From jerk chicken to fresh squeezed juice to sweet treats, Chicago Black Restaurant Week offers something for everyone, not to mention an opportunity to explore a new restaurant. Reset checks in with founder Lauran Smith and participating restaurateur Dave Clausell, owner of Jerk Yard Chicago. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.
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Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - What’s Next For Electric Vehicles Under Trump Admin?

Illinois is offering buyers an incentive of $4,000 per electric vehicle. But at the federal level, the Trump administration is moving in the opposite direction, cutting plans for more EV charging stations, among other moves. Reset gets the latest and learns what might be ahead for EVs in Illinois and beyond with Reset sustainability contributor Karen Weigert and Dany Robles, legislative relations director with the Illinois Environmental Council. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.
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Curious City - There’s a delicate alchemy to overturning a wrongful conviction

What does it take to get a wrongful conviction overturned? Quite a lot, according to investigative reporter Alison Flowers, who says proving innocence is much more difficult than proving guilt. She has investigated the cases of many wrongfully convicted individuals, including that of Chicagoan Robert Johnson. In our last episode, Invisible Institute reporter Erisa Apantaku explained how Johnson has spent nearly 30 years in prison for a murder almost everyone knows he did not commit. What’s clear is that a lot must go right to overturn a wrongful conviction (and even more so before the exonerated can try to earn compensation from the state). Flowers explains what a wrongfully convicted person needs — “the three-legged stool of wrongful convictions” — an advocate on the outside, an attorney in your corner and media attention.
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Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - Madigan Guilty Of Fraud, Bribery Conspiracy In Partial Verdict

Former Illinois House speaker Michael Madigan was found guilty on 10 counts and not guilty on 7 counts. The jury did not reach a unanimous decision on 12 other counts, leading to a partial verdict. Reset gets the details from WBEZ state politics reporter Dave McKinney. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.
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Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - New Local ACLU Legal Director Ready To Face Off With Trump Admin

Kevin Fee is the permanent replacement for the previous legal director who was appointed to the federal bench in 2023. Fee formerly worked at the Chicago office of Sidley Austin LLP focusing on white collar government investigations and consumer class actions while maintaining a pro bono practice. Reset talks to Fee about the ACLU’s plans to hold the Trump administration accountable and protect people’s civil rights and liberties. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.
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Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - President Trump Pardons Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is one of the latest people to receive a pardon from President Donald Trump. This comes five years after Trump commuted the governor’s 14-year sentence in 2020. Reset checks in with WBEZ state politics reporter Dave McKinney. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.