In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons

Research shows spending stress-free time in nature regulates the nervous system and contributes to healthy brain function. In a new pilot program at the Lincoln Park Zoo, people with dementia and their loved ones and caregivers can do that and more. The Memory Enrichment program, which was developed in partnership with Sunrise Senior Living, is the first of its kind at a zoo or aquarium. Reset spo...

Illinois became the first state in the U.S. to eliminate cash bail after years of debate and legal challenges. The change — which went into effect Monday, Sept. 18 — will dramatically impact the way people are detained in jail before trial. Reset discusses what this means for Illinois with WBEZ criminal justice editor Patrick Smith.

Chicago Public School data shows that the number of suspensions across the district dropped from 49,708 in 2014 to about 10,000 in 2022. The district also started moving away from a zero tolerance policy for misconduct and toward more restorative practices like peace circles that encourage students to reflect on their actions. Reset checks in with WBEZ Education reporter Sarah Karp for the details...

Teenage girls in the U.S. are reporting record levels of sadness and suicidal ideation. Reset speaks with the director of a school-based group counseling program and a health policy reporter to learn about how the Chicago-based program, Working on Womanhood, could become a national model to combat the crisis of mental health in girls.

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.

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.

Comedian Maggie Winters is About to Blow Up! This week, we hear from the Chicago-native about how her experience growing up in the city has shaped her journey in comedy, including her recent one-woman comedy show.

Poverty rose 12.4% in 2022 according to census data released Tuesday. So, why the rise? Reset talks with an economist who studies household finances and the labor market and with two Chicago leaders working to end poverty.

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.

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 foreca...

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...

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...

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.

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 An...

Hasbro’s classic murder mystery board game comes to life in Clue: A Walking Mystery. In this immersive investigation, “detectives” will visit various locations across downtown Chicago to collect clues and solve puzzles in order to find out who did it, with what weapon and in what room. Reset speaks with director of operations and actor Sophie Grimm and game designer Juliana Moreno to learn more ab...

The political career of the nation's longest serving state House Speaker comes to an end, while prosecutors prepare for the trial of Ed Burke. Plus the Taste of Chicago returns to Grant Park as the city’s first casino gets ready to open its doors. Reset breaks down these top local stories and more with Melody Mercado, Block Club Chicago reporter, Rick Pearson, chief political reporter at the Chica...

Narcan, the nasal spray version of opioid overdose reversal drug naloxone, will become available this week at pharmacy chains like Walgreens, CVS and Walmart without a prescription. Reset talks with harm reduction experts, including Fanya Burford-Berry with the West Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force, John Wernings with the Chicago Recovery Alliance and Chelsea Laliberte Barnes with the Illinois Harm R...

Catching up and chatting isn’t the only way for the older set to socialize. What if adults “played” with their friends like kids do? Reset checks in with Rhaina Cohen, producer and editor at NPR’s Embedded podcast, who explores the topic in a forthcoming book and an article in The Atlantic titled “What Adults Forget About Friendship.” We also hear from Reset digital engagement producer and improv...

Chicago is one of the nation’s freight hubs and the 17th most ozone-polluted city in the country, which the American Lung Association says can lead to heart and lung conditions and, in some cases, even death. Reset hears from two experts — Brian Urbaszewski from the Respiratory Health Association and Northwestern postdoctoral scholar Sara Camilleri — on a new study showing how Black and brown Chic...

From Chinese bao and Haitian doumbrey, to Filipino lumpia [loom-pee-AH] and South Asian samosas, Reset talks with event organizer Mónica Félix and Phillipe Sobon, a founder of Polombia, a participating restaurant, about how dumpling-like dishes can be unique in every culture.

We’re back with another update on the Johnson administration. This week, we’re taking a look at the long-awaited Medinah Temple temporary casino. WBEZ’s city government and politics reporters Tessa Weinberg and Mariah Woelfel give us the latest updates on what’s left to be done before opening day.

Chicago is losing a war with city rats. Reset discusses the root of the rat problem and takes a close look at a recent investigation into possible solutions. We spoke with Better Government Association reporter Casey Tuner, Block Club Chicago reporter Mina Bloom and Landmark Pest Solutions’ Rebecca Fyffe.

Inspired by the 1976 electronic album for plants and plant people, the Empty Bottle is organizing a celebration of electronic music and plants at the Garfield Park Conservatory. Reset learns more about the two day event from Brent Heyl, an organizer of Plantasia, and musician Jonn Wallen.

Illinois politicians press the federal government to grant work permits to migrants and questions remain about the White Sox game shooting as the team announces its new General Manager. Reset breaks down these stories and more with Alice Yin, politics reporter for the Chicago Tribune, Patrick Smith, criminal justice reporter at WBEZ, and Brandis Friedman, WTTW co-anchor and correspondent and host...

For the past three summers, the lakefront near Buena Park on the North Side has been home to a popular event: Friday Morning Swim Club. It started with a handful of friends and grew exponentially — nearly 3,000 people participated at its peak this summer. Reset talks with reporter Katie Anthony, and Megan, an attendee, about the popular swim club and what led to its cancellation.