Author: WBEZ Chicago

Chicago tears down a lot of buildings — the city issued nearly a thousand demolition permits in 2023 alone. But it’s not always clear why or what exactly is being torn down in the city. One Chicago photographer has made it his mission to document these doomed buildings before they get razed. Reset sits down with Soren Spicknall to talk about his photo series “Leave the Seat Empty.” For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Here in Chicago and Illinois, we have a rich history of LGBTQ+ activism. Now, we can visit a traveling exhibit about the last 50 years of fighting for LGBTQ+ rights. The exhibit, called “Queer Justice,” is being featured at Chicago’s Center on Halsted. Reset checks in with Camilla Taylor, the deputy legal director for litigation at Lambda Legal, a national legal organization that focuses on LGBTQ+ rights and for those living with HIV. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Criticism of diversity, equity and inclusion programs across the country is on the rise in state legislatures, schools, and at some private companies. While DEI is intended to correct inequities within an organization, opponents of DEI programs argue it instead promotes division. Reset sits down with Alida Miranda-Wolff, Chicago DEI expert and author of The First-Time Manager: DEI to hear how to foster a safe, inclusive and productive workplace. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Co-founders of the folk-punk group AJJ join Reset to discuss their latest album Disposable Everything. The band has eight studio albums and twenty years of performing under their belts. Sean Bonnett and Ben Gallaty talk about the therapy of song-writing, collaborations, and advice for the newcomers. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

We look back on Brandon Johnson’s first year in office. Plus, money news! The IRS audit of Trump Chicago Tower could cost the former president $100 million, former West Side hospital executive charged with embezzlement, and lawmakers debate the state budget in Springfield as busloads of CPS teachers arrive at the Capitol to lobby legislators. Reset breaks down these stories and much more with David Greising, president of the Better Government Association, Nick Blumberg, a correspondent for WTTW News and Tessa Weinberg, city government and politics reporter for WBEZ. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The greenspace is a point of pride for many Chicagoans, and hosts many popular events throughout the year. But people were conflicted about it early on, especially about the unique art it holds. Reset digs into the archives, and hears from Loyola professor Timothy Gilfoyle to learn more about the history of the city’s famous park. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

WBEZ’s May highlights of productions feature a mix of works at storefront and big-name theaters.The mix of local and national talent on stage is a testament to Chicago’s place in the theater ecosystem. Reset gets the scoop from WBEZ’s theater reporter, Mike Davis. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

More and more Chicagoans are opting for bikes to get around the city. According to a new analysis, the number of cyclists have doubled in the last five years in Chicago. But with more folks biking, what needs to be done to keep them safe? Reset checks in with Active Transportation Alliance’s executive director Amy Rynell, and Lacey Cordero, volunteer, with Chicago Family Biking on current efforts to address biking safety in the city and what more needs to be done. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.