Author: WBEZ Chicago

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Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - ‘Abbott Elementary’ Star Lisa Ann Walter Is Competitive AF

You know her as the streetwise Melissa Schemmenti from South Philly on the ABC sitcom “Abbott Elementary.” But actress Lisa Ann Walter has more alternate personas in her back pocket – like stand-up comic, memoir writer, and even Jeopardy! Champion. Ahead of her stand-up shows this weekend at Zanie’s in Rosement, Reset sat down with Lisa Ann Walter to ask her: If Melissa Schemmenti had a five-minute comedy set, what would she say? For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.
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Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - Conservationists Push For Stronger Protections For Chicago’s Lakefront

Chicagoans can bike and walk along beaches and parks spanning nearly 30 miles because of planning, fighting and a belief that the lake is a resource that should be publicly accessible. The local conservation group Openlands is now calling for a new vision to strengthen the municipal laws that currently protect the lakefront. Reset gets more info from Emily Reusswig and Michael Davidson of Openlands and Reset sustainability contributor Karen Weigert. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.
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Curious City - Maria Rodriguez: From fashion designer to restaurateur

In our last episode, Curious City question-asker Emily Porter sent us on a quest exploring the world of local fashion designers, all after she found a thrift shop sweater with a tag that reads: “Maria Rodriguez Chicago.” Who is Maria Rodriguez? How did she get into the industry? And what is it like to be a fashion designer in Chicago? To answer those questions, we take a trip to the basement of the Chicago History Museum, where collection manager Jessica Pushor has archived several Maria Rodriguez ensembles and a case file of news clippings, photos and look books. We also stopped by El Nuevo Mexicano, a Mexican restaurant in Lakeview that Rodriguez now owns and operates, to get the story from the fashion designer herself.
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Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - U.S. Senator Durbin Says He Won’t Run For Reelection

Ronald Reagan was president when Dick Durbin first became a lawmaker representing Illinois in Washington. Now, during the second Trump administration more than four decades later, Durbin, 80, says he will not run again when his term is up in January 2027. The announcement opens up a path for a new U.S. Senator from Illinois. Reset learns more about Durbin’s decision with WBEZ state politics reporter Dave McKinney and takes a look back at his career and finds out who is vying to replace him. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.
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Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - Gallerists Share What To See At EXPO Chicago 2025

EXPO Chicago is the largest art fair in the Midwest, bringing together the best of the contemporary art world every April. From seasoned gallerists to amateur art collectors, this is not an event you want to miss. Reset chats with members of the 2025 selection committee John Corbett and Jim Dempsey to learn how to navigate the massive event and maybe walk away with a piece of artwork you love. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.
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Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - Chicagoan Deported To Maximum Security Prison In El Salvador

eison Rodrigo Jaimes-Rincon, a migrant from Venezuela, was deported to the Terrorism Confinement Center in El Salvador, also known as CECOT this month. He is one of 238 Venezuelans flown out by the Trump administration for purported gang affiliation, despite no evidence being provided. Reset digs into what we know, and what legal precedent this sets for immigrants in the United States with WBEZ immigration reporter Adriana Cardona-Maguigad. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.
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Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - What Trump’s Plans For Housing Could Mean For Illinois

Housing First is an approach to addressing homelessness that prioritizes housing without requiring supportive services for unhoused people. Reset learns more about how these changes could impact homelessness efforts in the city and the state with local leaders on the frontlines of the issue: Christine Haley, Chief Homelessness Officer of Illinois; Sendy Soto, Chicago’s Chief Homelessness Officer; and Mark Ishaug, CEO of Thresholds. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.
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Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - Catholic Chicagoans Reflect On Life And Death Of Pope Francis

Pope Francis died early Monday morning at the age of 88. Known for his championing of marginalized people, he was also known for prioritizing inclusion over traditional doctrine during his 12 years as the head of the Catholic Church. In his last public appearance on Easter Sunday, he used his Easter blessing to appeal for peace in Ukraine and Gaza. Reset checks in with local Catholics to reflect on the Pope’s life and legacy. 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 Northwestern Researchers In The Face Of Funding Cuts, Work Stoppages?

Many research projects at Northwestern University are coming to a stop. The Trump administration is cutting $790 million dollars in federal funding for the university. That money would go toward a variety of research projects from developing new technologies to disease research. On top of those cuts, the U.S. Department of Defense sent more than 100 stop-work orders to university research staff. To learn more, we spoke to a Northwestern researcher being affected by cuts and work stoppages. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.