Author: WBEZ Chicago

The Board of Education has approved Chicago Public Schools’ proposed $9.9 billion dollar budget for the 2024-2025 school year, following pressure from the Chicago Teachers Union, Mayor Brandon Johnson, and even some board members. The budget excludes funding for upcoming union contracts, and Board of Education president Jinanan Shi called it “unfinished.” Reset learns what the budget is going to cover, and how it will impact CPS students and staff. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Athletes who caught the public eye but didn’t get a chance to compete in 2020, including gymnast Simone Biles and runner Sha-Carri Richardson, will do so this year. Several sports, including surfing, rock climbing and skateboarding will return to the Paris games for the second time and breakdancing makes its debut. Reset gets insight into who, and what, to watch. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

You can’t talk about Chicago blues without talking about Muddy Waters. His talent shaped the genre, and fostered a community of legends like John Lee Hooker, BB King and Chuck Berry. So for the latest in our "What's That Building?" series, architecture sleuth Dennis Rodkin takes us to Mojo Museum, the 19th century two-flat in Kenwood that was Muddy Waters' longtime home and rehearsal space. The sweet sounds of blues still ring throughout the area today during monthly backyard concerts. And we’ll hear from the family member keeping the blues great’s memory alive.

Megan Hammond came to Chicago in 2018 to study music at Columbia College. Since then, she’s released her own songs that highlight her powerful vocals, artful lyricism and genre-bending range. Now, she’ll be taking the stage at Lollapalooza as a part of the Chicago Made Music Showcase on Sunday, Aug. 4. Reset sits down with the singer to hear how she became the artist and musician she is today. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Illinois Democrats endorse Kamala Harris in her presidential bid. Plus, body-cam footage of a fatal police shooting in Springfield renews calls for police reform. Reset breaks down those stories and more in the Weekly News Recap. Our panel this week: Brandon Pope, reporter and anchor for CW 26; Leigh Giangreco, freelance journalist; and Jake Sheridan, City Hall reporter for Chicago Tribune. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

From jade pagodas and incense burners to mosaics, cameos and even dioramas, treasures abound in this suburban museum. Reset learns why this museum is a real hidden gem. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Charcuterie plates and wine are a classic cocktail hour snack. But 70% of the world is lactose intolerant, with more people limiting dairy because of environmental concerns. Luckily, there are tasty vegan cheese options that you can bring to your next party, and yes, you can still pair them with wine! Reset learns how the art of making vegan cheese has improved over the years, and best practices for pairing wine and dairy free cheese. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

When Illinois resident Sonya Massey called 911, she wanted help with a potential prowler. Instead, a police officer shot and killed her in her home. Illinois State Police released bodycam footage to the public this week, leading to renewed calls for police reform and accountability, as well as alternatives to police responses. A growing number of cities are redirecting some 9-1-1 calls to unarmed crisis workers, rather than police. One new program just launched in Evanston, and Chicago is continuing to pilot another approach. Reset checks in with a panel about these alternatives. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

llinois prosecutors are seeking first-degree murder charges against the police officer who shot and killed Sonya Massey in her home during a 911 response call. Reset digs into the state’s response and how the country is reacting. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.