Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - WBEZ’s Weekly News Recap: Sept. 15, 2023

Chicago opens its first casino. Libraries are evacuated over bomb threats. Mayor Johnson reveals a projected $538 million budget deficit for Chicago. Reset goes behind the headlines of those stories and much more with Carrie Shepherd, Chicago Axios reporter and Ray Long, investigative reporter at the Chicago Tribune.

Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - Chicago Sun-Times Columnist Mary Mitchell Launches Column On Aging

Mary Mitchell has been writing columns for the Sun-Times since the 1990s, but she’s taking her work in a new direction. Her new column ‘Starting Over’ will publish on Sundays, and focus on redefining what it means to be an older American. Reset gets to know the columnist and explores how ageism continues to be prevalent in our lives today.

Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - Chicago mobilizes to help Moroccans and Libyans

On September 8, 2023, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake devastated major cities in Western Morocco. The death toll is close to 3,000 and thousands more have been injured. Days later, heavy rainfall broke two dams in Libya leading to massive flooding killing over 2,000 people. Reset talks with an international relief organization about efforts to respond to these disasters.

Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Plan To Move Migrants From Police Stations To Tents

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announced a plan to move roughly 1,600 migrants from Chicago police stations to tent camps around the city. These tents are being modeled after the ones built in New York City that can house up to 1,000 people. Reset turned to WBEZ city government and politics reporters Mariah Woelfel and Tessa Weinberg to get the latest on that plan and on the city’s financial forecast.

Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - Illinois Becomes New Home For Out-Of-State Trans Youth And Families

More than a dozen states have passed laws that restrict the full participation of transgender students in K-12 schools, according to a Chalkbeat analysis. And at least 18 states have passed laws restricting gender-affirming health care for minors. Reset speaks with an organizer and a parent on how Illinois has become a new home for people leaving states that have passed laws targeting trans youth and adults.

Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - What A Red Line Extension Could Mean For Chicago’s Far South Side

The $3.7-billion project — 50 years in the making — has reached what transit officials call “the final phase” of the federal funding process. When complete, the Red Line will include four new stops, including a new terminus at 130th Street near Altgeld Gardens. Reset checks in with community leaders from the far South Side: Cheryl Johnson with People for Community Recovery, Rev. Otis Moss III from Trinity United Church of Christ, and Andrea Reed with Greater Roseland Chamber of Commerce. And they sound off about the potential positive impacts of connecting their neighborhoods to the El system.

Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - What We’re Watching On TV This Fall And Our Favorites So Far

With writers and actors on strike, studios are banking on reality TV more than ever. From The Golden Bachelor to The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Primetimer editor-in-chief Danette Chavez, WBEZ Morning Edition anchor Mary Dixon, and CW26 anchor and reporter Brandon Pope tell us what they’re watching – and skipping – this fall.

Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons - Groundwater Depletion Is A Big Problem For The Great Lakes Region

According to the EPA, approximately 90% of the nation’s water systems rely primarily on groundwater. Reset turns to water supply experts, like UIC’s Freshwater Lab director Rachel Havrelock, and Illinois Environmental Council Executive Director Jen Walling, to learn about sustainable ways to relieve Illinois’ stressed water systems. We also talk with Illinois’ 11th District State Representative Ann Williams.