Podcasts about wbez

This week, City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran and pop culture writer Margaret H. Willison share their favorite news stories of the year. From real-life magicians to ficiton demon hunters, and museum detectives to Da Pope, there's plenty of good news to go around.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Who is Gregory Bovino? For months, the Border Patrol Commander-at-Large led agents through Chicago on an aggressive immigration enforcement campaign, while making sure his noticeably uncovered face was in front of as many cameras as possible. But there's very little information online about Bovino's background, his experience, or his rise to overnight prominence. So our team went digging – to his hometown in North Carolina, and to California where his Border Patrol career got started. In “Becoming Bovino,” Sun-Times investigative reporter Lauren FitzPatrick and WBEZ investigative reporter Dan Mihalopoulos sit down with WBEZ's Patrick Smith to share what they found about Gregory Bovino – from his upbringing, to his efforts to keep himself in the limelight.

Jon Hudson Odom and Helen Jon Lee (above) reveal how they bring surprising joy to their portrayals of the iconic Mr. and Mrs. Cratchit in this year's Goodman Theatre production of A Christmas Carol. Jon and Helen share the various productions that have inspired them; how they keep the performances fresh; how their own families shape their instincts; how the Cratchits code-switch; the moving and very personal interactions they've had with audience members; the value of avoiding "toxic positivity;" the Shakespearean nature of this classic text; and the importance of scorning the kind of modern-day Scrooges who would find this kind of diversity too "woke." Also: a special appearance by Erin Allen, producer and host of the WBEZ podcast Curious City. (Length 22:52) The post Meet The Cratchits appeared first on Reduced Shakespeare Company.

Are you an adventurous eater? Or are you married to your classic “go-tos?” How about some recs for the best places to get a bite with a twist? A trio of journalists behind a new guide from WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times review their favorite plates and treats on In the Loop. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

This week, professional pastry chef Faith Fedash stops by host Greta Johnsen's kitchen to make pumpkin pie cookies. (Find the full recipe for the cookies here!)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As their winning season heats up, the Chicago Bears make another play for an Indiana stadium. Lakeview neighbors replace presents for needy families collected by a local bar that was burglarized. Local public transit gets an overhaul. Meanwhile, Chicago is one step closer to an alternate budget proposed by alders. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more with WTTW News correspondent Nick Blumberg, Block Club Chicago reporter Mack Liederman and WBEZ city politics reporter Mariah Woelfel. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

In Episode 74, my sister Johanna Zorn turns the tables and interviews me about the podcast. This should be a familiar name to those who listen to the credits at the end of our episodes. She has helped edit many of the episodes we have released in the last two years and was in the background making suggestions years before that. She is a veteran of radio and the audio documentary format having worked at WBEZ public radio in Chicago and then founding the Third Coast International Audio Festival, an organization dedicated to audio storytelling. She is now a freelance editor and producer. So take a listen as she tries to get me to answer the question, why I make Why Make?

The solstice may be this weekend, but it's been winter in Chicago for weeks now. Still, there's plenty of cold ahead, so it's a good time to revisit last year's essential winter rules with WBEZ's Susie An. Vote City Cast Chicago as Best Podcast and Hey Chicago as Best Email Newsletter in the Reader's Best of 2025. Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 If you enjoyed this interview with Janessa White, the Director & General Manager of Simply Eloped, learn more here.  Learn more about the sponsors of this Dec. 17 episode:  Lincoln Park Zoo The Shops at North Bridge Joffrey Ballet Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Today, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City Council kicked off a series of high-profile budget meetings, and the clock is ticking for them to pass the 2026 budget. The major sticking point continues to be whether the corporate head tax as a revenue stream should be included in the proposal. A new WBEZ data analysis digs into the claim that it's a job killer, showing little connection between job trends in the city and an earlier version of the tax, which was repealed in 2014. We get more info from Mariah Woelfel, WBEZ city politics reporter; Amy Qin, WBEZ data reporter; and Bob Bruno, director of the labor education program at the School for Labor and Employment Relations at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Nick welcomes Axios Chicago's Monica Eng for a rundown of the stories she has been digging into lately, starting with the city budget and the complicated process required to get it passed. She also highlights a handful of terrific local gift shops for holiday shopping, the recent WBEZ power outage, and new data on CPS college enrollment. The conversation gets delightfully seasonal with a defense of pickled herring and a story about how Monica managed to get snowy bike lanes plowed through sheer persistence. Esmeralda Leon joins Nick afterward to catch up on life and mark National Stretching Day with the kind of chat that makes even basic self-care sound like a group project. She also shares her enthusiasm for a standout Netflix documentary on the legendary Mexican singer Juan Gabriel, a recommendation that quickly becomes its own mini conversation. [Ep 411]

Chicago's budget showdown continues, Indiana's legislature bucks Trump redistricting trend, and ICE agents were out in force in west suburban Elgin. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more in the Weekly News Recap. Our panel today: Tom Schuba, Chicago Sun-Times watchdog reporter; Monica Eng, Axios reporter; David Greising, Better Government Association president. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

The Dave Matthews Band has enjoyed a large and loyal following for over 30 years. They are a live performance giant. Perhaps nothing in the band's long history, however, looms quite as large as one very infamous incident that happened when one of the band's tour buses, well, dumped on some unsuspecting Chicago tourists. Joining Tess to talk through this hilarious scatological tale is comedian and Tess' Lady to Lady and Britney's Gram co-host Babs Gray (@babs_gray). Read the the WBEZ round up the the Dave Matthews Band IncidentRead “That's Not Water, Buddy,” from Chicago Mag Follow Pop Mystery Pod on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok @popmysterypod Pop Mystery Pod is written and produced by Tess Barker @tesstifybarker. Produced by Tyler Hill. Theme song by Rick Wood @Rickw00d.Support independent pop journalism and join us on Patreon at Pop Mystery Pod. Get access to ad free episodes, bonus content, and polls about upcoming topics. patreon.com/PopMysteryPodFollow Tess's other podcasts Lady to Lady and Toxic: The Britney Spears Story wherever you get your pods. Make sure to leave us a review! And tell a friend about the show! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson battles alders over a competing budget proposal. Northwestern agrees to pay $75 million in a deal with the federal government. A new independent candidate enters the race for retiring Congressman Chuy Garcia's seat. Gov. Pritzker signs legislation allowing Illinois to set its own vaccination guidelines. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more with Axios Chicago reporter Carrie Shepherd, WTTW Chicago politics reporter Heather Cherone and Chicago Sun-Times politics reporter Mitchell Armentrout. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Earlier this week, the City Council Finance Committee voted 25-10 to reject the mayor's budget proposal. Alders pushed back on a corporate head tax and borrowing for police settlements. The mayor said he would veto increases to garbage fees and grocery or property taxes. So what's next as the deadline to pass a budget draws closer? We ask The Tribune's Jake Sheridan and WBEZ's Mike Davis. Plus, five years after nationwide calls to further diversify theaters, has anything changed?  Good news: "Mika Scrooge" at ETA Theatre, "Sister Act" at Drury Lane, and Craig Dellimore and Ray Long honored  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this November 21st episode:  The Auditorium Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Chicago Symphony Orchestra Joffrey Ballet Simply Eloped MUBI Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says the withdrawal of Texas National Guard troops from Chicago represents “unconditional surrender” by the Trump administration. Meanwhile, alders hand the mayor a massive defeat by rejecting his budget plan. Plus, Illinois debuts digital driver's licenses. In the Loop dives into those and other top local stories with WBEZ city government and politics reporter Mariah Woelfel, Fox 32 political correspondent Paris Schutz and Chicago Sun-Times opinion pages editor and columnist Rummana Hussain. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Chicago is suing the Trump administration again. In the Loop looks at that latest lawsuit and what voting to end the government shutdown could mean for senior Senator Dick Durbin's political legacy. Plus, time for a retail reality check following a presidential post dissing Chicago's shopping mecca, Michigan Avenue. In the Loop breaks down those stories with David Greising of the Better Government Association, Sophie Sherry of the Chicago Sun-Times and Mack Liederman of Block Club Chicago. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

The longest government shutdown in U.S. history drags into day 38, affecting everything from air travel to SNAP benefits in Illinois. Democratic U.S. Congressman Chuy Garcia surprised constituents by announcing he won't be running for reelection. And a federal judge issued a key ruling on use of force by federal agents. Plus, snow could be coming to the Chicago area this weekend. In the Loop breaks down those stories with WBEZ's Alden Loury, Chicago Sun-Times' Jon Seidel, Block Club Chicago's Quinn Myers. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Decades ago, non-native carp were brought onto fish farms on the Mississippi River to control algae and parasites. They escaped, thrived, and eventually flooded the Illinois River, outcompeting native species and wreaking havoc. If the carp find their way into the Great Lakes, they could do major damage to those vital ecosystems.There's a proposed project to stop the fish—but it's expensive, and not everyone agrees it's the best solution. Host Flora Lichtman speaks with WBEZ and Grist reporter Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco and carp expert Cory Suski.Guests: Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco is an environmental reporter at WBEZ and Grist. Dr. Cory Suski is a professor of aquatic resources at the University of Illinois.Transcripts for each episode are available within 1-3 days at sciencefriday.com.  Subscribe to this podcast. Plus, to stay updated on all things science, sign up for Science Friday's newsletters.

President Trump's goal of deploying National Guard troops to Chicago is on hold as the Supreme Court requests more information. Meanwhile, a federal appeals court blocked an order requiring Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino to report to court daily, and in Little Village, high school students staged a walk-out to protest ICE actions. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more with NBC 5 Chicago reporter Christian Farr, government finance and accountability reporter with the Illinois Answers Project at the Better Government Association Alex Nitkin and Jackie Serrato, editor of La Voz, the Spanish language news site of the Chicago Sun-Times. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Judge scolds Border Patrol chief, Little Village students stage walk-out over ICE raids, downstate jury finds ex-cop guilty of second degree murder in Sonya Massey shooting.

Chicago has been dealing with a lot these days. The city has been a battleground for the Trump administration's immigration crackdown and efforts to deploy the National Guard. On today's show, Kimberly asks WBEZ's Sasha-Ann Simons about what it's like to be there now. And, we'll get into more economic stories from the Windy City you should know about. Plus, we'll play a game of Half Full/Half Empty!Here's everything we talked about today:"ICE Is Cracking Down on Chicago. Some Chicagoans Are Fighting Back." from The New York Times"Local leaders react to ‘brutal escalation' of immigration arrests in Little Village, Cicero" from WBEZ"Judge's order blocking National Guard deployment will remain in effect for now, but all eyes on Supreme Court" from WBEZ"Coca-Cola taps mini cans and new flavors to spark a fizzling soda market" from Marketplace"‘It's PR, not the ER': Gen Z is resisting the workplace emergency" The Washington Post"Netflix's ‘Stranger Things' Series Finale Officially Coming to Theaters, Despite Previous Statements" from The Hollywood Reporter"Amazon Plans to Replace More Than Half a Million Jobs With Robots" from The New York Times We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

Chicago has been dealing with a lot these days. The city has been a battleground for the Trump administration's immigration crackdown and efforts to deploy the National Guard. On today's show, Kimberly asks WBEZ's Sasha-Ann Simons about what it's like to be there now. And, we'll get into more economic stories from the Windy City you should know about. Plus, we'll play a game of Half Full/Half Empty!Here's everything we talked about today:"ICE Is Cracking Down on Chicago. Some Chicagoans Are Fighting Back." from The New York Times"Local leaders react to ‘brutal escalation' of immigration arrests in Little Village, Cicero" from WBEZ"Judge's order blocking National Guard deployment will remain in effect for now, but all eyes on Supreme Court" from WBEZ"Coca-Cola taps mini cans and new flavors to spark a fizzling soda market" from Marketplace"‘It's PR, not the ER': Gen Z is resisting the workplace emergency" The Washington Post"Netflix's ‘Stranger Things' Series Finale Officially Coming to Theaters, Despite Previous Statements" from The Hollywood Reporter"Amazon Plans to Replace More Than Half a Million Jobs With Robots" from The New York Times We love hearing from you. Leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART or email makemesmart@marketplace.org.

While a ton of attention has been focused on the federal government shutdown and Chicago's budget battle, south suburban Harvey is currently managing its own budget crisis and partial shutdown including layoffs and furloughs. Harvey World Herald founder Amethyst Davis is here to break down the latest. Plus, WBEZ's Mariah Woelfel joins to discuss the fallout from ICE raids in Little Village and Cicero earlier this week.  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Oct. 24th episode:  The Other Art Fair Broadway in Chicago Deborah's Place Window Nation MUBI Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

Federal agents arrested immigrants across the Chicago area and detained U.S. citizens, including a teen protester and will extend their stay at Great Lakes Naval Base. Lawmakers in Springfield condemned ICE raids and explored state responses to federal agents in Illinois. Mayor Johnson pitches a corporate head tax in his budget address. Reset breaks down these stories and much more with journalists Alex Nitkin with the Illinois Answers Project, City Cast Chicago's Jacoby Cochran, and Violet Miller with the Chicago Sun-Times. For a full archive of In The Loop interviews, head over to www.wbez.org/intheloop.

The Texas National Guard arrived in the Chicago area, then a judge granted a temporary restraining order on deploying the guard in Illinois. Meanwhile, ICE arrests and raids continued and the Chicago area began to feel the effects of the ongoing federal government shutdown. Reset dives into those and other top local stories with Chicago Sun-Times reporter Mark Norkol, Fox 32 political correspondent Paris Schutz and Borderless Magazine editorial director Mauricio Peña. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

From Portland to Chicago to Texas - President Trump's pushes for military forces in American cities is ramping up in the courts and in multiple American cities. On the latest episode of OPB Politics Now, we talk with public media reporters in Chicago and Houston about the situation there. WBEZ's Arcaceli Gómez-Aldana and The Texas Newsroom's Lucio Vasquez join us to discuss the situation in their communities, how immigration is at the center of it all and what the politics are from their two states.

You might mistake a recent video released by the Department of Homeland Security for an action movie trailer. It shows Border Patrol agents in military fatigues entering an apartment building in South Shore and arresting people alleged to be connected to Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang. Reporting from WBEZ, the Chicago Sun-Times and other outlets confirm that U.S. citizens were detained for hours, some of them in handcuffs and zip ties. None of that was shown. In the Loop talks to Jim Warren with NewsGuard and security affairs expert Robert Pape of UChicago about whether or not the federal government's videos of immigration raids – such as the one in South Shore – amount to propaganda about Chicago crime and immigrants. For a full archive of In The Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

After months of warnings, the federal government said 100 National Guard troops will be deployed in Chicago. President Trump told military leaders to use U.S. cities as a “training ground” for operations. Meanwhile, immigration arrests and protests continue throughout the Chicago region. In the Loop breaks down those stories and more in the Weekly News Recap with WBEZ senior editor Alden Loury, WTTW news correspondent Nick Blumbert and Block Club Chicago reporter Mack Liederman. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Chicago schools lose millions in federal grants. Protests gain steam outside the ICE detention facility in suburban Broadview. Chicago's City Council reaches a compromise on allowing so-called “granny flats.” In the Loop breaks down those stories and more in the Weekly News Recap with WTTW Chicago politics reporter Heather Cherone, Axios Chicago reporter Carrie Shepherd and Chicago Sun-Times reporter Tom Schuba. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Federal agents step up immigration raids. The Cubs make it to the playoffs. Former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar dies at 79. Kim Bellware of the Washington Post, WBEZ's Sarah Karp and Mitchell Armentrout of the Chicago Sun-Times break it down for us. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

Chicago landlords are increasingly using LLCs, often concealing individual owners' identities. WBEZ reporters Amy Qin and Esther Yoon-Ji Kang tell host Jacoby Cochran how these property owners become invisible and why this makes it difficult for tenants to hold their landlords accountable.  Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 15 episode: Chicago Architecture Center Kidney Cancer Association Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation The Newberry Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

WBEZ's new show “In the Loop” is your place for Chicago-area news and culture. Host Sasha-Ann Simons and executive producer Dan Tucker break down what to expect. Check this feed every weekday afternoon to stay In the Loop.

As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal forces into Chicago — a city he's referred to as the ‘murder capital' of the world — we have a look at Trump's long standing focus on Chicago, and how the city became a favourite metaphor in conservative politics.This month, Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to send federal forces into Chicago to confront what he calls 'the most dangerous city in the world.'His fixation on Chicago stretches back more than a decade, echoed across conservative media that cast the city as a symbol of urban decay, plagued by “Black-on-Black crime” and in need of harsher policing. In reality, violent crime in Chicago is falling, and the nation's highest rates are in southern states firmly in Trump's column.So why target Chicago? And how did this Midwestern city become a metaphor for America — from gun violence and race to policing, housing, and migration?Natalie Moore is a longtime journalist in Chicago with WBEZ and author of ‘The South Side: a portrait of Chicago and American Segregation.' She now teaches journalism at Northwestern University in Chicago. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts

There's been a whole lot of talk about crime in Chicago lately. The president claims that crime is rampant in Chicago, while the mayor and the governor counter that the data indicate violent crime is at historic lows. But then you have an alderman openly questioning the data. Host Jacoby Cochran sits down with Patrick Smith, co-host of WBEZ's new morning show Say More. Smith has spent years covering crime and public safety in the city and is here to break down how crime is tracked in Chicago and how the numbers match up (or don't) with public perception. Good News: Urban Birding Festival Want some more City Cast Chicago news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Chicago newsletter.  Follow us @citycastchicago You can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 773 780-0246 Learn more about the sponsors of this Sept. 10 episode: The Joffrey Ballet Steppenwolf Theatre Kidney Cancer Association Chicago Association of Realtors Window Nation Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The National Guard was deployed to Washington, D.C. earlier this month as a part of President Donald Trump's effort to mitigate crime in the capital. And Chicago could be next. City and state leaders, such as Gov. JB Pritzker, have made their message clear. “Do not come to Chicago.” Since then, the White House has issued a press release of its own. A bullet-pointed list of crime statistics and headlines. Reset will go behind those headlines and fact-check the White House's claims that Chicago residents want the National Guard in the city with WBEZ criminal justice reporter Chip Mitchell and Northwestern professor Andrew Papachristos. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago-based emergency room physician Dr. Thaer Ahmad is one of the dozens of health care workers from the area who have traveled to Gaza to provide humanitarian aid since the October 7, 2023 attacks. Ahmad and his colleagues are sharing their experiences with Illinois lawmakers in an effort to highlight the starvation in Gaza and to stop weapon transfers to Israel. Reset hears from Dr. Ahmad, WBEZ city politics Mariah Woelfel and Ertharin Cousin, former executive director of the United Nations World Food Programme.

Chicago's Inspector General urges City Council to police bad behavior. Democratic legislators return to Texas for a redistricting vote. Former Northwestern football coach reaches settlement with the university. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul files more lawsuits against the Trump administration and politicians push for Southwest side communities to be declared disaster areas after flooding. Reset dives into these and other top local stories with City Cast Chicago executive producer Simone Alicea, FOX 32 political correspondent Paris Schutz and WBEZ education reporter Sarah Karp. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Ordering wine and learning how to pair it with meals and summer produce can be intimidating – but it doesn't have to be! We talked to a chef, master sommelier and a food writer to learn how to pair what wine with what food, and how to do it in the least pretentious way possible. Today's panel: Maggie Hennessy, WBEZ contributor and food writer; Paul Virant, owner Gaijin, Vistro Prime and Petite Vie; Martin Beally, master sommelier, director of wine, beverage and ops integration at Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurants. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Lots of news this week! President Trump threatens to deploy the National Guard to Chicago. Texas House Democrats announce plans to leave Illinois and return home. And the Cook County State's Attorney decides not to file charges against officers who killed motorist Dexter Reed. Reset breaks down these stories and much more with WBEZ statehouse reporter Alex Degman, WTTW News correspondent Nick Blumberg and Chalkbeat Chicago reporter Reema Amin. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Summer is coming to an end, and it's time to go back to school. Today, the number of Chicago Public School students complaining about school lunch might only be matched by the complaints over homework assignments. So it may come as a surprise that decades ago CPS students actually looked forward to eating cafeteria lunch. In our last episode, WBEZ's Sarah Karp found that privatization of food services and revamped health guidelines shifted the menu for CPS students. During Karp's reporting, many alumni kept mentioning an old lunchtime staple, the famed CPS butter sugar cookie. This was a cookie served district wide and baked fresh by lunchroom staff during the 1960s-1980s. The cookie has long been discontinued in schools, but there's still a cult following. Dozens of copycat recipes pop up on a simple internet search, and one woman even turned it into a business. Curious City decided to put this cookie to the test. With the help of CPS culinary instructor Jeffrey Newman and a dupe recipe, we re-created this classic lunchroom treat. Is it worth all the hype? Will current CPS students like it? Or is this merely a dose of childhood nostalgia?

The FBI is said to be helping find Democratic Texas legislators who fled to Illinois. Indiana expands immigrant detention centers. The last of four convicted ComEd co-conspirators has been sentenced to prison. Chicago Public Schools cuts custodians in an effort to save money. Reset breaks down those stories and much more with Chicago Tribune political writer, Dan Petrella, Chicago Sun-Times reporter, Mary Norkol, and anchor of WTTW's “Chicago Tonight” and host of “Chicago Tonight: Black Voices,” Brandis Friedman. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Illinois has joined a multi-state federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's efforts to limit gender affirming care for young people. This comes as the fourth major hospital in Chicago rolls back the kind of care offered to patients under 19 years of age. To fill in these gaps, a rapid response team of volunteers is working to connect families to alternate providers. Reset learns more from Asher McMaher, executive director Trans Up Front Illinois who is coordinating this team, Dr. Jessica Lapinski, a physician at Outpatient Family Medicine Transformed who provides gender affirming care, Michelle Vallet, parent of a trans teen who works to foster understanding among allies, and Kristen Schorsch, WBEZ health care reporter. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

U.S. Rep. Danny Davis is leaving Congress. Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg dies. Canadian wildfires cause Chicago to once again have the worst air quality in the world. Plus, the Illinois Governor is urged to declare a state of emergency for flooded neighborhoods and much more. Reset goes behind those headlines and more with NBC-5 Chicago reporter Christian Farr, Block Club Chicago reporter Francia Garcia Hernandez and Chicago Sun-Times reporter Mitchell Armentrout. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The Context of White Supremacy hosts the weekly summit on Neutralizing Workplace Racism 07/31/25. Today we'll discuss the topic of retirement. WBEZ public radio in Chicago, Illinois had a fascinating segment where they discussed the obstacles for black females retiring from the workplace. It reminded Gus that White people do not intend for black people to be comfortable enough to retire from the plantation. Interestingly, the segment featured black female seniors without a single male. Gus wondered if black males are bale to retire from their jobs. We also discuss how black people are navigating the extreme heat while working and the value of a written acknowledgement of quality service from black workers who serve you. #WorkedToDeath #BlackPeopleDontRetire #NoPoliticsOnTheJob #INVEST in The COWS - http://paypal.me/TheCOWS Cash App: http://cash.app/$TheCOWS Call: 720.716.7300 Code: 564943#

After over 800 student visas were suddenly revoked this spring, immigrants studying or hoping to study in the U.S. fear sudden and unanticipated visa termination. Illinois has over 60,000 international students who bring in revenue to the state and its universities. With a constant fear of visa termination, and changes to the applicant vetting process, Reset digs deeper into what it all means for international students in Illinois. Our panel: Jay, a student visa holder; immigration lawyer Scott Pollock; WBEZ higher education reporter Lisa Kurian Philip; and University of Chicago Professor Clifford Ando. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The tax and spending bill recently signed into law radically alters how borrowers will pay back their student loans, lowers the amount of money graduate students and parents can borrow, and officially sunsets President Biden's SAVE program, which is known for low monthly payments, and expedited loan forgiveness. Reset speaks with student loan borrower Kia Clair, rising senior at Northern Illinois University; Alex Lundrigan, policy and advocacy manager, Young Invincibles; and Lisa Kurian Philip, WBEZ higher education reporter, about how these changes could affect local borrowers and what they can do to prepare. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Former ComEd CEO and Madigan confidante is sentenced to prison. O'Hare sees the busiest day ever. Vandals target immigration organizations in Little Village. NASCAR passes on another race in the Loop and Chicago Mayor Johnson introduces a new plan to snuff out smoking on CTA. Reset goes behind those headlines and more in our Weekly News Recap with Block Club Chicago reporter Mack Liederman, Chicago Sun-Times federal courts reporter Jon Seidel and WBEZ investigative reporter Dan Mihalopoulos. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

As we head into the dog days of summer, it's time to make the most of the season and check off items on our summer bucket lists. So, we sat down with John Kessler, Chicago Magazine dining critic, Ambar Colón, Chicago Sun-Times arts and culture reporter, Mike Davis, WBEZ theater reporter to get dining, ice cream and theater recommendations. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Congress cuts federal funding for public media. Chicago Public Schools lays off nearly 1,500 staff. Disgraced former congressman Jesse Jackson prepares for a possible comeback. And Chicago City Council fails to override a mayoral veto of the “snap curfew.” Reset breaks down those stories and more with AXIOS Chicago reporter Carrie Shepherd, WBEZ education reporter Sarah Karp and Block Club Chicago reporter Quinn Myers. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Former alderman Ed Burke was released from prison and former alderwoman Carrie Austin has been ruled too sick to stand trial. Meanwhile, current alderman Walter Burnett announced he's stepping down, city lawyers have approved more police misconduct settlements and Mayor Johnson had some harsh words for the Trump administration. Reset breaks down these stories and much more with WTTW Chicago politics reporter Heather Cherone, Block Club Chicago reporter Madison Savedra and WBEZ data projects editor Alden Loury. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.