Author: WBEZ Chicago

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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.
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Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - What Do ICE Raids Look Like In Chicago?

More than 100 people have been arrested in immigration raids in the city since President Donald Trump took office, according to Chicago officials. So, what do those raids look like? And what are community organizations doing to help immigrants know their rights? Reset checks in with WBEZ immigration reporter, Chicago Sun-Times social justice, immigration and income inequality reporter Elvia Malagón, volunteer with 25th Ward IPO and Pilsen Rapid Response Team Mimi Guiracocha and volunteer with Paso West Suburban Action Project Betty Alzamora. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.
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Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - A Winter Escape At Chicago Botanic Garden’s Orchid Show

As Chicagoans hunker down for what feels like the coldest stretch of a long Midwest winter, local indoor gardens are providing an escape and a taste of warmer days to come. Reset checks in with the Chicago Botanic Garden’s associate vice president Jodi Zombolo and their orchid flori-culturist Johanna Hutchins for what’s on the docket for February. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.
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Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - Cellist Ian Maksin On Using Music To Unite Audiences Around The World

Ian Maksin is one musician with a cello, but he can sound like an entire band. The cellist has toured the world, performing on his instruments and singing in nearly 40 languages. He has perfected bringing a fuller sound to audiences even when he’s playing solo. Reset sits down with Maksin ahead of a slew of shows in the Chicago area. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.