Author: WBEZ Chicago

So much news, so little time. From a proposed teen curfew downtown to DNC security updates to sex-crazed “zombie” cicadas, Reset dives into the top local stories in the Weekly News Recap. Our panel this week is: The Chicago Sun-Times Mitchell Armentrout, WTTW’s Brandis Friedman, and Block Club Chicago’s Melody Mercado. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Illinois’ Department of Children and Family Services has faced challenges and reports of dysfunction for years – from failing to report cases of abuse in schools to reports of improper use of funds. But the department has just come under new leadership, and could see its focus—and efficacy—change. Reset checks in with the new leader of the embattled DCFS for how she plans to right the ship. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Dining out can be a treat. But as a guest, interactions with hosts, servers and bartenders can sometimes make or break a meal. And behind the scenes, there are dozens of decisions and approaches for staff to consider. Reset hears from two hospitality leaders – Patricia Prosen, owner Que Rico Mexican restaurant, and Loren Agron, manager Ed Debevic’s – about how they approach service in Chicago. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chemicals like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are on the rise in Lake Michigan, according to a new study published by the American Chemical Society. To learn more about this issue, Reset sat down with Chicago Tribune environment reporter Michael Hawthorne and Erik Olson, senior strategic director for health at the Natural Resources Defense Council. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

A new executive order from President Biden temporarily suspends the entry of most asylum seekers attempting to cross the border without authorization. The restrictions will continue until two weeks after unauthorized border crossings dip to or below a seven-day average of 1,500 per day, according to the Biden administration. Reset discusses what this means for current and future asylum seekers in Chicago. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is aiming to make good on a campaign promise to expand mental health services. Six city-run mental health clinics were closed in 2016 under Chicago’s then-mayor Rahm Emanuel. A majority of the closed clinics were on the city’s south and west sides. Two administrations later, Johnson is sharing plans to reopen the first clinic in Roseland. We dig into the plan and other news out of Chicago’s City Hall, including a potential sidewalk plowing initiative, with WBEZ city politics reporter Tessa Weinberg. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

As school winds down and we head into summer, it’s a great chance to dip a toe into the world of science. All you need is an internet connection and a curious mind. The Zooniverse program at Chicago’s Adler Planetarium brings together more than 2 million volunteer scientists worldwide to join research teams in diverse fields from astronomy to ecology, to even the history of science itself. Reset learns more about how you can participate with Samantha Blickhan, director of Zooniverse at Adler Planetarium; and Karen Weigert, director of Loyola University Chicago’s Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

As the Democratic National Convention and inevitable protests approach, Chicago’s Inspector General is raising the alarm. The IG’s latest report suggests that Chicago police are unprepared for protests and mass gatherings, and warns that police tactics like pepper spray and "kettling" protestors can escalate tensions. Meanwhile, some experts expect a push of Russian propaganda around the DNC. We dig into what to know with Chicago Sun-Times reporter Tom Schuba. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

From street fests to must-see performances, WBEZ’s arts and culture team is highlighting a guide of summer events and excitement. Reset checks in with senior editor Cassie Walker Burke, theater reporter Mike Davis, and arts reporter Courtney Kueppers. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.