Author: WBEZ Chicago

Fibroids are the most common non-cancerous tumor that grows inside the uterus. According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, around 1 in 4 women of reproductive age have fibroids. While not everyone who has them experiences symptoms, it can cause pain that can impact a person’s daily life. Fibroids can cause heavy and painful menstrual cycles, cramping, bloating, lower back pain and frequent urination. Reset checks in with a doctor to learn more about these uterine growths and treatment. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

There’s a type of blues music that is native to Chicago. It can be characterized by its use of guitar, harmonica and rhythm sections. Between June 6-9, the largest free blues festival in the world is returning to Chicago. Legendary bluesman Buddy Guy will headline in one of his final performances. Reset checks in with three blues musicians to learn about the scene in Chicago and what to expect for the fest this year. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

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.