Podcasts about wbez

One Curious City listener was skeptical about whether real people actually win WBEZ's pledge drive giveaways. They do. But there's a little more to that answer. Plus, an economist who studies fundraising explains why people give money during pledge drives in the first place. This episode was originally published on March 3, 2022.

Thousands of people gathered in Daley Plaza on Saturday, June 14, to protest the Trump administration's policies, including his mass deportation efforts. Reset sits down with WBEZ immigration reporter Adriana Cardona-Maguigad and Strategic Coordinator Organized Communities Against Deportations Antonio Gutierrez to discuss the latest. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Tempers flare as Governor Pritzker joins two Democratic Governors in testimony before the House Oversight Committee. Chicago leaders brace for massive “No Kings” protest as President Trump threatens to send military troops to quell protests in Democratic cities. Reset goes behind those headlines and more in our Weekly News Recap. This week's panelists include AXIOS Chicago reporter Carrie Shepherd, Chicago Tribune immigration reporter Laura Rodríguez Presa and Chicago Sun-Times reporter covering government and politics Mitchell Armentrout. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

In 2022, Cook County announced its partnership with Undue Medical Debt, a nonprofit that buys old uncollectable bills from hospitals and forgives it. Since then, over half a million people have had their medical debts erased – wiping out a more than $664-million burden on residents. Reset learns more from WBEZ's health care reporter Kristen Schorsch; Cook County deputy chief of staff for health Matt Richards; and Dan Weissmann, host and executive producer of An Arm and a Leg podcast. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

For decades, we've known Black drivers in Illinois get pulled over at rates higher than white drivers. A new analysis from the Investigative Project on Race and Equity, along with WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times, has found those disparities extend to the state's public college campuses, too.

Immigration agents detained at least 10 people in the South Loop after the government sent them instructions via text to show up for a routine appointment. The Chicago Fire's billionaire owner Joe Mansueto unveiled plans to build a $650 million stadium south of Roosevelt Road. Air quality in the city and suburbs was poor due to Canadian wildfires. Reset breaks down those stories and more with WBEZ midday anchor Lisa Labuz, Axios Chicago reporter Justin Kaufmann and Northwestern University's Natalie Moore. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Illinois lawmakers passed a $55.2 billion state budget Saturday night, successfully filling a $1 billion gap by levying tax hikes on tobacco users, sports gamblers and out-of-state corporations with a footprint in Illinois. Reset spoke with WBEZ statehouse reporter and Chicago Sun-Times reporter Mitchell Armentrout about what the budget means for you and why lawmakers did not pass a bill to fund public transit. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

If you need a one-stop shop to browse the best concert offerings at a range of venues and different price points, sit back and get ready to scroll. From blues to rock to dance music, WBEZ's summer concert guide has you covered. Reset learns about summer shows to put on your radar. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Illinois legislators are tackling unfinished business before the end of the spring legislative session. President Trump pardons a former Chicago gang leader. Navy Pier gets a new marina. Reset breaks down these stories and much more with Chicago Sun-Times chief political reporter Tina Sfondeles, Better Government Association president David Greising and City Cast Chicago host Jacoby Cochran. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Congresswoman Lauren Underwood opts out of Senate race. Lincoln artifacts auctioned off for millions. South suburban Dolton plans to acquire Pope Leo XIV's childhood home. Reset breaks down these stories and much more with a panel of journalists. This week's panel includes WTTW News correspondent Nick Blumberg, WBEZ data projects editor Alden Loury and Chicago Sun-Times investigative reporter Bob Herguth. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Since the pandemic, chronic absenteeism is a bigger problem for CPS high school students, but the district and schools are working to address the issue. Reset explores what's driving this trend and what's being done to solve the problem with WBEZ education reporter Sarah Karp. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago's population went up. Ben riffs. Alden Loury clarifies and explains the demographics. He goes on to annotate and explicate his Sun-Times column about his experience as a homeowner in Auburn Gresham on the South Side. His conclusion? "The tried-and-true beliefs we hold about American capitalism just don't apply quite the same for Black Americans." Alden is a columnist for the Sun-Times and an editor for WBEZ. His views are his own. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben Calhoun is the executive producer of "The Daily" (The New York Times). Previously, he was an editor and producer for This American Life and Serial , and VP of programming at WBEZ in Chicago.

As JB Pritzker goes back and forth on a third gubernatorial term and former Mayor Rahm Emanuel makes his own media rounds, speculation intensifies about whether the two Illinois politicians have plans to run for president. Reset gets the latest from WBEZ state politics reporter Dave McKinney. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Nearly a dozen South Side elementary students sickened after ingesting marijuana edibles. Mayor Johnson reaches the midpoint of his term. Congressional competitions heat up in the race to replace retiring Sen. Durbin and Rep. Schakowsky. Reset goes behind the headlines of those stories and much more in our Weekly News Recap with a panel of journalists. This week we have Block Club Chicago reporter Mack Liederman, WBEZ senior editor of government, politics and safety Angela Rzas O'Toole, and government finance and accountability reporter with the Illinois Answers Project at the Better Government Association Alex Nitkin. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

In Illinois, it is illegal for any housing provider to deny a tenant solely based on how they pay for rent. And in Chicago, “source of income” is a protected class and allows alleged victims of discrimination to file complaints with the Chicago Commission on Human Relations. But new reporting from WBEZ finds that people are being discriminated against for using rental assistance, in spite of local laws aimed at preventing that. Reset digs into why landlords are rejecting Section 8 vouchers, and who is most impacted with WBEZ data projects editor Alden Loury and data intern Ashley Soriano. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The new Pope has Chicago roots, Mayor Brandon Johnson's housing initiative gets City Council approval, and new candidates crowd the race to replace Sen. Durbin. Reset goes behind those headlines and much more in our Weekly News Recap. This week's panel features CW 26 reporter Brandon Pope, Chicago Sun-Times reporter Mitchell Armentrout and Chicago Tribune editor Chris Jones. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Mayor Brandon Johnson as he approaches his midterm anniversary. Joined by WBEZ city government reporter Mariah Woelfel, the discussion covers a variety of topics, including the Mayor's personal growth, his approach to governance, and the challenges faced in transforming the city of Chicago. Johnson reflects on his biggest mistakes, the importance of effective communication, and the necessity of being healthy and fit in his role. He also addresses his administration's efforts in public safety, education, housing, and more, while emphasizing his commitment to building a safe and affordable Chicago.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this special live episode of “Gathering Ground,” Mary sits down with journalist Natalie Moore to talk about her new podcast, “Making: Stories Without End.” The series explores the cultural and political power of soap operas—yes, soap operas—and why they deserve a second look.Episode Highlights:- The untold history of Erna Phillips and the women behind soap opera innovation- How soaps pioneered social issue storytelling through shows like “One Life to Live” and “Guiding Light”- Natalie's behind-the-scenes experience at “Days of Our Lives” and her journey creating this podcast passion projectLinks and Resources:- Making: Stories Without End – www.wbez.org/making-stories-without-end- WBEZ – www.wbez.org- Natalie Moore – www.natalieymoore.comIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Gathering Ground and leave us a review! Follow Morten Group, LLC on Instagram @mortengroup for more updates.

DePaul University President Robert Manuel will take part in a hearing this week called “Beyond the Ivy League: Stopping the Spread of Antisemitism on American Campuses.” Haverford College and California Polytechnic State University presidents are also called to testify. Reset digs into what's behind the hearing with WBEZ higher education reporter Lisa Kurian Philip. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Mayor Johnson visits Springfield, neighbors protest a proposed luxury hotel near the Obama Center, Sen. Duckworth backs Lt. Gov. Stratton for Senate seat. Reset goes behind the headlines of those stories and much more in our Weekly News Recap. This week's panel features Axios Chicago reporter Carrie Shepherd, Chicago Tribune criminal justice reporter Sam Charles and WBEZ statehouse reporter Alex Degman. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson sat down with Reset host Sasha-Ann Simons for a wide-ranging conversation that included live questions from listeners. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The Chicago Mayor's office held its first meeting on “teen trends” — large gatherings of teenagers — alongside the city's police, fire, and health departments, council members, and violence-prevention community organizations. Some want tighter curfews for teens, and to give more power to police to crack down on teen gatherings. But others say that sends the wrong message to teens – that they're not welcome downtown. Some law experts say there are ideas on the table that could infringe on constitutional rights. Reset breaks down the city's concerns and the disparate proposals floated with WBEZ city government and politics reporter Mariah Woelfel. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

80 year-old Senator Dick Durbin announces retirement, while 80 year-old Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky reportedly will also soon be stepping down. Chicago Catholics mourn the death of Pope Francis and DePaul University president called to testify before Congress. Reset breaks down those stories and more in the Weekly News Recap. This week's roundtable includes WBEZ senior editor of government and politics Angela Rozas O'Toole, Political Correspondent for Fox 32 Paris Schutz, and Government and politics reporter for Crain's Chicago Business Justin Laurence. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Ronald Reagan was president when Dick Durbin first became a lawmaker representing Illinois in Washington. Now, during the second Trump administration more than four decades later, Durbin, 80, says he will not run again when his term is up in January 2027. The announcement opens up a path for a new U.S. Senator from Illinois. Reset learns more about Durbin's decision with WBEZ state politics reporter Dave McKinney and takes a look back at his career and finds out who is vying to replace him. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

eison Rodrigo Jaimes-Rincon, a migrant from Venezuela, was deported to the Terrorism Confinement Center in El Salvador, also known as CECOT this month. He is one of 238 Venezuelans flown out by the Trump administration for purported gang affiliation, despite no evidence being provided. Reset digs into what we know, and what legal precedent this sets for immigrants in the United States with WBEZ immigration reporter Adriana Cardona-Maguigad. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Dan Weissmann is a reporter. He’s the host and creator of An Arm and a Leg, a podcast about why health care costs so freaking much, and what we can maybe do about it. Because Dan likes a challenge, the job he’s chosen with An Arm and a Leg is to take one of the most enraging, terrifying, depressing parts of American life — and create a show that’s entertaining, empowering, and useful. Before starting An Arm and a Leg in 2018, Dan was a staff reporter at WBEZ and Marketplace. His stories have appeared on shows like Reveal, 99 Percent Invisible, and Planet Money. Most Monday nights, Dan can be found practicing with the Blue Ribbon Glee Club, singing the punk rock canon. If that sounds like something you might dig, it abso-fucking-lutely is. And if it sounds like something you might enjoy being part of, definitely hit Dan up after the show. The First Time is a live lit and music series recorded at Martyrs in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. Each reader tells a true first tale, followed by any cover of the storyteller's choosing, performed by our house band, The First Time Three. The First Time is hosted by Jenn Sodini. Production by Andy Vasoyan and Executive Producer Bobby Evers. Podcast produced by Andy Vasoyan. Recorded by Tony Baker.

Alders ban January 6th Capitol riot participants from city jobs. Staff say the Chicago History Museum retaliated against them for unionizing. The University of Illinois sues the Department of Energy over funding cuts. Reset goes behind the headlines of those stories and much more in our Weekly News Recap with Heather Cherone, WTTW Chicago politics reporter; Ray Long, Chicago Tribune investigative reporter; and Lisa Kurian Philip, WBEZ higher education reporter. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Folk music surged in popularity across America in the late 1950s through the ‘70s, including here in the Chicago area. Last episode, we looked at how a few area coffeehouses catered to many patrons in their teens and early twenties. These were alcohol-free spaces where people could listen to live music and hangout for hours. Curious City host Erin Allen looks at one of those beloved coffeeshops of the 1970s: Amazingrace, which was born out of Vietnam War protests on the campus of Northwestern University and later moved to the heart of downtown Evanston. She was joined by a panel of Amazingrace founders, performers and patrons at last year's Evanston Folk Festival. WBEZ is a programming partner of the Evanston Folk Festival, which is taking place this year Sept. 6-7, 2025. A pre-sale is happening now through April 22. Enter the code EFFWBEZ to access the sale.

Mayor Johnson's first aldermanic appointment is approved and a Chicago City Council committee advances a measure banning Jan. 6 participants from city jobs. Reset dives into these and other top local stories in the Weekly News Recap with Quinn Myers, Block Club Chicago reporte; Brandis Friedman, WTTW “Chicago Tonight” anchor; and Tom Schuba, Chicago Sun-Times reporter. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Ready for some mandolin? How about music played on the balafon, a kind of West African marimba? Those are just two of the instruments taking center stage this month in concerts around Chicago as artists like Sierra Hull and Winard Harper come to town. Reset gets a roundup of shows you don't want to miss this month from Mark Guarino, WBEZ contributor, author of Country & Midwestern: Chicago in the History of Country Music and the Folk Revival. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Love triangles, amnesia, cliffhangers, blackmail – there's no trope or plot device that soap operas haven't seen – or invented. But who invented the soaps themselves? Turns out, the genre got its start in Chicago. It's a piece of broadcast and pop culture history that is getting its due in a new podcast from WBEZ. Reset gets the inside story with Natalie Moore, host of “Stories Without End,” a WBEZ Making podcast. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The list of the Trump administration's impacts on higher education in Chicago is long. Students are worried about financial aid, their immigration status, whether their research will be funded, and the future of free speech on campus. Not to mention Congressional investigations into institutions like Northwestern University. WBEZ higher education reporter Lisa Kurian Philip and host Jacoby Cochran discuss the various threats facing Chicago-area colleges. Good news: Al Scorch's Big Fantastical Residency – April Birthday Party! 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 April 7 episode: Navy Pier Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The U.S. and Canada have co-managed the Great Lakes for more than a century, but rising political tensions could change chat. What does this mean for the immediate and longterm future of the world's largest freshwater ecosystem? Reset finds out with Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco, WBEZ reporter on climate change, and Alaina Harkness, CEO of Current, a water innovation hub. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The 35th annual James Beard Foundation Awards will take place June 16 at the Lyric Opera – and Chicago makes its mark among the nominees. Reset gets the latest with WBEZ arts and culture reporter Courtney Kueppers. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The Chicago Teachers Union has a tentative contract agreement. What's in it and what comes next? Helping us break down the details, WBEZ assistant managing editor Kate Grossman and Injustice Watch investigative reporter Kelly Garcia. Plus we are discussing major challenges navigating the city's immigration courts, yet another congressional investigation for Northwestern, and Little Village's latest storefront, “The Tamale Lady.” 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 April 4 episode: Bookshop.org - Get 15% off your next order with code CITYCAST Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE

The Chicago Teachers Union reaches tentative contract deal with Chicago Public Schools. Teen violence in Streeterville has alder calling for earlier curfew. Jewish students at DePaul sue the university over alleged antisemitic attack. Reset dives into these and other top local stories with ABC 7 News anchor Ravi Baichwal, WBEZ senior education editor Kate Grossman and Better Government Association president David Greising. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Teachers Union have been negotiating a contract for nearly a year. This week, a key CTU bargaining committee approved the tentative deal, bringing the teachers one step closer to a final contract. Reset hears what's in the contract – and how it impacts schools – from WBEZ education reporter Sarah Karp. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Trump administration cuts $153 million in Illinois mental health and substance abuse services. Mayor Brandon Johnson struggles to find money for a $175 million pension payment. Also: can you name 1,000 things you love about Chicago? Reset goes behind the headlines in the Weekly News Recap. This week's roundtable includes Simone Alicea, City Cast Chicago executive producer; Alex Nitkin, government finance and accountability reporter with the Illinois Answers Project; and Nader Issa, Chicago Sun-Times education reporter. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

The City Fresh Market opened in 2004 to serve the Yugoslavian community with grocery items that were hard to find. “The desserts were a big reason my family would make the trip to the store when I was a kid,” says one of the managers. Reset tries some of the offerings – from borek to slices of dobos torte – and explores the role grocery store bakeries play in the community with WBEZ producers Lynnea Domienik and Cianna Graves, and the City Fresh Market manager Amina Krlicevic. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

From free admission days at several museums, to day trips, to visiting a park in a new neighborhood, there's a lot to offer in a short timeframe. Reset gets ideas from Kameron Stanton, co-founder Black People Outside; Tori Levy, staff writer of Secret Chicago; and WBEZ engineer Dave Miska. Listeners also weighed in on places to go and things to do. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Last week, the Chicago Sun-Times lost 20% of its workforce, as public media faces funding threats from Washington. So what's ahead for one of the largest non-profit media companies in the country? Reset sits down with Melissa Bell, CEO of Chicago Public Media, to learn how this will affect what readers and listeners can expect from CPM's newsrooms. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago Board of Education postpones vote on controversial loan to pay pension debt. Trump signs executive order closing Department of Education as Illinois comes under federal scrutiny for accommodating trans students. Reset goes behind those headlines and more with Chalkbeat Chicago reporter Reema Amin, NBC-5 Chicago reporter Christian Farr and Chicago Sun-Times reporter Mitchell Armentrout on the Weekly News Recap. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Illinois legislation could bring blackjack and poker to cellphones. But opponents warn it could lead to an increase in gambling addiction, hurt existing casinos and cut into the state's massive video gambling terminal business. Reset learns more from WBEZ statehouse reporter Alex Degman. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Chicago lawyers argued in federal court that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has violated immigration law and the constitutional rights of 22 people in the Midwest since January. Lawyers allege that agents had improper warrants and that in some cases, they created an administrative warrant after an arrest. Reset talks to WBEZ immigration reporter Adriana Cardona-Maguigad about the latest, including the case of Julio Noriega, a U.S. citizen who was arrested by ICE in the Chicago suburbs. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

A man was shot outside O'Hare Airport and a downtown alderman called for an 8 p.m. teen curfew after a shooting outside a Streeterville theater. Meanwhile, a jury awarded a record-breaking $120 million police misconduct settlement. Reset breaks down those stories and more with Carrie Shepherd, Chicago reporter for Axios, Tina Sfondeles, Chicago Sun-Times chief political reporter and Jake Sheridan, City Hall reporter for Chicago Tribune. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Northwestern and other schools received a letter from the Department of Education that said the universities were being investigated over claims of alleged antisemitism on campus. The warning letter comes on the heels of the detention of Columbia University student and protest organizer Mahmoud Khalil, who faces deportation without a specific charge. Reset turns to WBEZ higher education reporter Lisa Kurian Philip and the ACLU's Ed Yohnka to look at First Amendment concerns and why Northwestern is under the microscope. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Illinois saw a drop in drug overdose deaths in 2023, according to newly released data from the Illinois Department of Public Health. And in Cook County, that trend seems to have held in 2024 as well, according to preliminary data from the county coroner's office. Reset talks with Fanya Burford-Berry, a community worker at West Side Heroin Opioid Task Force, where they provide outreach to hear what's led to this decrease and what's needed to bring the numbers down even further and WBEZ reporter and anchor Araceli Gomez-Aldana. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

Mayor Brandon Johnson was on the hot seat Wednesday testifying before a Congressional hearing on sanctuary cities. How did he do? WBEZ's Susie An and Block Club Chicago's Madison Savedra are here with host Jacoby Cochran to grade his performance. Plus, the Highland Park shooting trial was cut short by a guilty plea, federal funding cuts are hitting researchers in Chicago, and one of the South Side's last bowling alleys is in trouble. This is City Cast Chicago's 1,000th episode! To celebrate, tell us something you love about Chicago. 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 March 7 episode: Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Steppenwolf Theatre Become a member of City Cast Chicago. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE 

While House Republicans took aim at Democratic mayors over immigration issues, and former Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel criticized Democrats, hinting he may run for political office again. Meanwhile, the Highland Park mass shooter pleaded guilty. Reset breaks down these stories and much more with WTTW News correspondent Nick Blumberg, Washington Post national and breaking news reporter Kim Bellware and WBEZ city politics reporter Mariah Woelfel. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.