Category: 4-FrequentNewsStreams

Chicago’s hourly minimum wage is set to rise to $15.80 starting July 1, while tipped workers will get paid $9.80 an hour. Reset learns more about the so-called “subminimum wage” for tipped workers and the latest on discussions around phasing it out. We check in with Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa of the 35th Ward; Sam Toia, president and CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association; and Terri Evans, owner of Windy City Ribs & Whiskey.

As Chicago’s youth start their summer jobs, we follow up on Mayor Johnson’s campaign promise to bring more employment opportunities. WBEZ city government and politics reporter Tessa Weinberg gives us the update.

Research shows that queer youth who are supported by their families grow up to be happier and healthier adults. But some parents can feel unequipped to navigate their child’s coming out. Reset hears from two Chicago families about their experience navigating and supporting their own LGBTQ children: Florrie Chappa with the group Mama Bears joins the show with her son Javier Chapa with Howard Brown Health, and Mike Mazzeo, a parent of a nonbinary child.

The library is open, free of charge to all, bringing resources for accessing knowledge. And In the midst of battles over freedom of speech and book bans, the Chicago Public Library is committed to being a sanctuary for books. Reset talks with Alison Cuddy, host of the podcast Library for the People, about the ways the library has lived out its mission and served the people of Chicago for the past 150 years.

This week, Supreme Court justices are expected to drop opinions on several cases about major issues including student loan forgiveness and affirmative action. Reset learns more about how they could rule with Steven Schwinn, professor at University of Illinois Chicago School of Law.

The NASCAR Chicago Street Race will take place on July 1 and 2, bringing tens of thousands of spectators to downtown and closing off many roads to cars, buses and pedestrians. Reset hears from 1st Ward Ald. Daniel La Spata about what to expect before, during and after the events.

The former warehouse district of Fulton Market was a hub for meatpacking and meat wholesalers in the 19th and 20th centuries. But as the price of rent continues to increase in the area, many of these shops have left. Reset learns about Peoria Packing’s history as a mainstay in the West Loop and the changing nature of the neighborhood. We talk with Paul Durica, director of exhibitions at Chicago History Museum.

Reset hits the road and heads to South Shore for a day of barrel racing and horse tricks. The Broken Arrow Riding Club’s Speed and Action Rodeo and Horse Show is an annual event that puts a spotlight on the city’s little-known cowboy scene. Reset spends the day at the rodeo and learns more about the often-overlooked contributions of Black cowboys in American history. We talk to documentarian Charles Perry; Murdock, director and president of Broken Arrow Horseback Riding Club; and club members Amber Leslie, Korey Flowers, and Devyn Branscomb.

Chicago’s NASCAR race is gearing up. Illinois scales back healthcare benefits for undocumented immigrants. Cook County projects a nearly $86 million budget. And one Chicago startup is on a mission to make sustainable seafood with fungi. Reset goes behind the headlines of these stories and more in the Weekly News Recap. Our panel today: Paris Schutz, WTTW reporter and anchor; Amanda Vinicky, WTTW political correspondent; and Mariah Woelfel, WBEZ city government and politics reporter.

After some time on the road, Fran is back in Chicago. The local indie band will perform at the Empty Bottle on Friday. Doors open at 9 p.m. Reset talks to frontwoman and songwriter Maria Jacobson about the tour, her band’s latest album Leaving and the inspiration she gleaned from Alan Watts and his book The Wisdom of Insecurity.