Author: WBEZ Chicago

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.

The watchdog group is out with a 62 page analysis of the state’s proposed FY20205 budget. It notes that Governor Pritzker’s $800 million in tax changes will help close the state’s budget deficit, but that any more could overwhelm taxpayers. If left unchecked, the report says the CTA, PACE and Metra face an over $700 million deficit as soon as 2026. Reset learns more about the impact this could have on Chicago area transit riders from Joe Ferguson, president of the Civic Federation. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Asian Americans are often perceived to be more adjusted, successful and thriving compared to other minority groups in the U.S. – largely due to stereotypes rooted in the model minority myth. But research suggests that Asian Americans experience higher rates of mental illness and fare worse with their mental health compared to non-Asian people. Reset digs into why with University of Chicago’s Yoonsun Choi, and Chicago writer Ada Cheng. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Some people incarcerated in Illinois prisons could be eligible for immediate release. That’s due to a new state law that would take time off prisoner’s sentences for taking part in work, educational, reentry or substance abuse programs. But the law isn’t being consistently applied to eligible prisoners. Reset learns more about why and how that can change from Open Campus’s Charlotte West, and the Illinois Prison Project’s Candace Chambliss. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.