Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: March 8, 2024

Illinois lawmakers return to Springfield. Former state Senator Terry Link is sentenced to probation for tax evasion. Plus, votes will count for the “Bring Chicago Home” referendum, and former president Donald Trump remains on the primary ballot. Reset goes behind those headlines and more with WTTW political correspondent Amanda Vinicky, WBEZ city government and politics reporter Tessa Weinberg and Crain’s Chicago Business government and politics reporter Leigh Giangreco. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - How To Eat With The Seasons In The Midwest

Where can Midwesterners start if they want to eat seasonally? Getting a garden going can take a lot of planning, but each month on the podcast, we’ll drop a little inspiration to help you foster your green thumb and learn to eat with the seasons whether you’re gardening or just shopping for groceries. Reset check in with chef and cultural historian Jordan Wimby. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - llinois Lawmakers Want To Protect State Wetlands

A 2023 Supreme Court ruling removed decades-old protections for wetlands. Now, Illinois lawmakers are fighting back. Illinois lawmakers are hoping to pass protections for the state’s wetlands this spring. Reset checks in with Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco, environment reporter for WBEZ and Grist. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - Mark Your Calendars, Plan Your Skygazing Picnic: A Solar Eclipse is Coming

Four and a half minutes. That’s how long it will take for the moon to pass between the earth and the sun. Chicagoans won’t have to travel to catch a glimpse of the partial eclipse, but southern Illinois will experience “totality” for the second time in a decade. Reset learns more about how you can safely view this celestial phenomenon from: Geza Gyuk, director of astronomy at the Adler Planetarium; Ashley Walker, a third-year astronomy PhD student at Howard University and founder of Black in Astro; and Tom Auchter, a member Northwest Suburban Astronomers.

Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - One Of The Largest Feminist Bookstores In The Nation Thrives In Chicago

Chicago saw a wave of feminist bookstores opening in the 1970s, but how many are still open today? Women and Children First in Andersonville has stood the test of time for 45 years and find their work more relevant today than ever. Reset checks in with Linda Bubon, one of the store’s co-founders, and its current co-owners, Sarah Hollenbeck and Lynn Mooney, on the throughline to the bookstore’s success.

Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - ‘Bring Chicago Home’ Appeal, Voter Turnout: The Latest On Your Local Ballot

The Chicago Board of Elections is appealing last week’s decision by a Cook County judge rendering the “Bring Chicago Home” measure invalid. Real estate industry groups against the measure say it violates state law by combining both a tax hike and a tax cut in the same question. Reset catches up on the latest with WBEZ city politics reporters Mariah Woelfel and Tessa Weinberg. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - One Chicago Family’s Fight Against An Ultra Rare Disease

When you hear about “rare” diseases, it can be easy to think we’re talking about a one-in-a-million case. But actually, the “rare” is far more common than you think. About 1 in 10 Americans suffer from a rare disease. But because there are so many different kinds, getting diagnosed or even treated can be a nightmare of doctor appointments, long wait times on phone calls, and jumping through hoops. That was the case for young Charlie Sims. At just four years old, his parents noticed their son was exhibiting behavioral changes that compelled them to consult a doctor. Now seven years old, Charlie is the first and only person to receive therapy for his rare disease. Reset sits down with his parents, Matt and Leigh Sims, and RUSH pediatric neurologist Dr. Elizabeth Berry-Kravis to find out more about his story, and the importance of advocating for yourself and your family when seeking medical care. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.