Author: WBEZ Chicago

In Illinois, Black residents are eight times more likely to be homeless than white residents. The lack of affordable housing, the racial wealth gap, the legacy of redlining all drive these high rates. This is outlined in a report from the Institute for Research on Race and Public Policy, commissioned by the Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness. Reset hears more about these structural factors and what can be done to alleviate these disparities from Illinois State Homelessness Chief Christine Haley. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

After a nine-year battle, James Rudisill won his Supreme Court case. Veterans who have reenlisted are now entitled to 48 months of college payments for themselves or eligible family members, up from 36 months. Yet, Rudisill’s legal team claims that the VA’s new process is still leaving out veterans who should qualify for additional benefits. Reset learns who the case will impact, how veterans can tap into their new benefits and who is still being left behind from Chicago Sun-Times consumer investigations reporter Stephanie Zimmermann and Veterans Legal Clinic director and assistant professor of law Yelena Duterte. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The U.S. Surgeon General is recommending warning labels on alcohol, just like you’d see on a pack of cigarettes. Reset examines the health risks of moderate drinking with President & CEO of Sinai Chicago Dr. Ngozi Ezike and vice-chair of education in the Department of Medicine at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine Dr. Aashish Didwania. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Jimmy Carter, America’s 39th president, died a little more than a week ago at the age of 100. Today, Carter lies in state at the U.S. Capitol. Back in 1988, Carter stopped by WBEZ to promote his latest book “An Outdoor Journal: Adventures and Reflections.” In the wide-ranging interview that’s more than 36 years old, Carter shares his concerns about issues that are still relevant today: presidential transitions of power, bipartisanship and even climate change and clean energy. In this episode, we share excerpts from that 1988 interview with then-host Ken Davis. You can also hear the full interview here: Jimmy Carter warned of rising temperatures back in 1988 on WBEZ. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago Public Schools start off the new year with more controversy as the teachers union accuses CEO Pedro Martinez of being responsible for stalled contract negotiations, a claim he disputes. “In fact, it’s just the opposite,” he says. So, what’s next? And could there be a strike? Reset gets the latest from Chalkbeat Chicago reporter Reema Amin. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

From an Afro-pop show at Promontory to a deep dive into David Bowie’s catalog at the Metro to an opportunity to participate in a live album recording at Rosa’s, there are plenty of concerts around Chicago this month worth checking out. Reset gets a roundup of shows you don’t want to miss from Mark Guarino, author of “Country & Midwestern: Chicago in the History of Country Music and the Folk Revival.” For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The state minimum wage is increasing, Gov. Pritzker’s healthcare reforms are going into effect, and digital IDs are now legal for Illinoisans. Reset got a round up of some of the most notable laws of 2025 from WBEZ statehouse reporter Mawa Iqbal. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Rock critics Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot can be called the Siskel and Ebert of music. And for more than 25 years, they’ve made a space for people who love music to come together. That space is the radio talk show and podcast Sound Opinions. This month, they celebrate a major milestone for the show: 1,000 episodes. Reset checks in with the hosts about the legacy of the show, standout moments, and what music they would take on a desert island. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.