Ask questions, vote and discover answers about Chicago, the region and its people. From WBEZ.
Chicago gangs: Real people. Real stories. A way forward. The new season of Motive explores violence on the streets of Chicago and the former gang members working to stop it.
Stories from Chicago's NPR News Station
“...affable, insightful film analysis since 2005."–NY Times / New + classic reviews and top 5s. Every episode and exclusive content at filmspottingfamily.com. Also on WBEZ Chicago.
The latest Chicago Bears news and analysis from the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ. Listen as we evaluate games, make predictions, provide insights and analyze the day’s big stories. Stay informed this football season with Chicago Sun-Times reporters and columnists Patrick Finley, Jason Lieser, Mark Potash, Rick Morrissey and Rick Telander.
WBEZ's daily talk show brings listeners the news and conversations that matter most to their day-to-day lives.
Take two nationally respected rock critics, the latest music news, personal commentary, and exclusive interviews and performances, add a huge pile of records old and new, and the result is Sound Opinions, where people who love music can come together.
In bite-sized episodes every weekday, we’ll keep you informed, tickled, geeked, and pondering on Chicago’s news, culture and people. Weekday mornings, stay in the loop with the news, as you take your first sip of adulting for the day. Three afternoons per week -- Monday, Wednesday and Friday -- hear the stories and conversations that shape the Windy City. The Rundown podcast is where curiosity meets FOMO.
WBEZ's critically-acclaimed bio-podcast series explores how an icon is made.
A podcast about the fatal police shooting of Laquan McDonald, the trial of Officer Jason Van Dyke, and the troubled relationship between African-Americans and the Chicago Police Department. Brought to you by WBEZ Chicago and The Chicago Tribune
WBEZ's global affairs program. Featuring in-depth conversations about international issues and their local impact. Also, foreign film reviews and human rights commentaries. Hosted by Jerome McDonnell. This podcast is free, in mp3, and updated weekdays.
Trouble — we've all been in it. Some more than others. Some worse than others. Award-winning storyteller Shannon Cason has faced a few problems of his own. Now he talks with others about getting in, and out, of trouble of all stripes.
Peter Sagal of 'Wait, Wait ... Don't Tell Me!' joins Greta Johnsen and Tricia Bobeda to scrutinize ... well, pretty much anything.
Last year in Chicago, there was a person shot about every other hour. So who picks up a gun, and why? Stories from a yearlong WBEZ project.
Cockroaches. Clean freaks. Cardboard pianos. Written Inside is a podcast about life inside a maximum-security prison cell.
On Background is WBEZ Chicago’s weekly political podcast. Each week, our top-notch team of political reporters brings you the backstory on the week’s big story. We’ll take you inside the back rooms of Chicago and Illinois government to explain the story, and why it matters.
Tony Sarabia and Jerome McDonnell explore music from around the world in this segment from WBEZ's Worldview program.
'South Side Stories' is a celebration of the real-life people and places that inspired Comedy Central’s hit new comedy series, 'South Side.' With lots of laughs, love and plenty of real talk, 'South Side Stories' proves that what you see on the news is only a small slice of a big city. btb.
Dueling theater critics Kelly Kleiman and Jonathan Abarbanel discuss the latest stage productions and dissect the best — and the worst — of Chicago's theater scene.
Host Jonathan Groubert and WBEZ have teamed up to bring back the revered program, The State We're In. In Season 1 of this podcast reboot, you'll hear astonishing true and personal stories from all over the globe. The sonically beautiful, and narratively gripping "talkumentary" program brings you guests who will amaze you, break your heart or leave you laughing -- sometimes, all at once. If you're a fan of This American Life, or captivating storytelling in general, you'll want to be sure to s ...
'Public Official A' uncovers the rise and fall of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. How he did whatever it took to reach the top. The trail of destruction left in his wake. And how the complexities, charisma, and tragic flaws of this public official resonate today.
The Paper Machete is a free, weekly “live magazine” covering pop culture, current events and American manners. Part spoken-word show, part vaudeville revue, The Paper Machete features comedians, journalists, storytellers and musical guests performing in the back room of a Chicago bar. The show was created and hosted by writer Christopher Piatt (pronounced like hot apple PIE-it). In June 2011 The Chicago Reader named The Paper Machete “Best Comedy Variety Show of 2011.” The Paper Machete podc ...
From WBEZ Chicago, Chewing the Fat is a weekly podcast with food journalists Louisa Chu and Monica Eng. Together they tackle cooking, dining, culture food policy, culinary characters and more.
Coming to you live from Carter's Barbershop in Chicago's North Lawndale neighborhood, The Barber Shop Show brings you a weekly dose of real talk, straight from the shop floor. No punches are pulled and no topic is considered off-topic. Produced in partnership with the Chicago Reporter, and hosted by WBEZ’s Richard Steele. Airs every Sunday at 9am CST on Vocalo 91.1FM, 89.5 FM, and streams live on Vocalo.org. The show also airs on Sundays at 3pm on WBEZ, 91.5FM, and streams live on WBEZ.org.
WBEZ’s way of helping you navigate the fast-changing world of technology and our digital lives (until the robots take over).
“Clever Apes” is a nano-sized show with a cosmic scope. It tells the stories of the Chicago-area’s rich scientific community, its quirky characters and the fascinating, often mind-bending questions they’re out to answer.
Each Thursday we podcast video of one song from a live music performance filmed in WBEZ's studios. Subscribe on iTunes.
Front and Center explores the issues that make our region what it is, taking time to investigate hard questions and follow rich stories. Our first series explores the most obvious aspect of the region: water. Front and Center is sponsored by the Joyce Foundation.
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Worldview Global Cinema with Milos Stehlik

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Worldview Global Cinema with Milos Stehlik
www.wbez.org/worldview
Each week Worldview film contributor Milos Stehlik of Chicago's Facets Multi-media reviews films and talks with actors, writers and producers of global cinema.
PleasureTown is a story-based podcast told in serial form that details the history of a little-known, failed Oklahoma utopian society. The town’s history is crowdsourced, piece by piece, by the producers, collaborators and audience members. PleasureTown is created and produced by Keith Ecker and Erin Kahoa, along with the assistance of WBEZ in Chicago.
Podcast by Minor Interruption
The Morning Shift is a live talk show from Chicago's WBEZ offering a dynamic mix of news, culture and music.
Excepts from Vocalo's afternoon show hosted by Luis Antonio Perez & Shantell Jamison
A four minute weekly radio comic strip. ...It's what Steve Inskeep and Renee Montagne might be hotly debating as they walk into the studio -- just before they get on mic. This short radiostrip plays out in the kitchen of 11 Central Ave, the home of an extended family where a hodgepodge of other characters regularly drops in.As they rush around in the morning drinking coffee, reading the paper, looking for their shoes, they're talking about everything from the most compelling topics of our ti ...
A beer podcast from WBEZ, Chicago's public radio station. Hosted by Andrew Gill and Alison Cuddy, episodes are recorded where ever good beer is found and include interviews with brewers, artists and craft beer lovers.
Homemade Stories is short stories and commentary for writer/storyteller, Shannon Cason. Homemade Stories is a podcast hosted by Shannon Cason, a powerful voice on the national storytelling front. Cason lays out his life for the listener, blessings and blemishes. Homemade Stories began several years ago with, as the name implies, some home recordings. In the corner of a closet, a coffee can for a "mic stand," Cason lays out vivid stories — many of them insightful and true, and others imaginat ...
The Weekender is a weekend guide from WBEZ & Eight Forty-Eight's Alison Cuddy.
The Afternoon Shift was a live WBEZ show featuring in-depth interviews and conversations with newsmakers and innovators. Its last show was June 5, 2015.
chicago born and raised, roy kinsey is a bit of an anomaly when it comes to tradition in his respective industries. where being a black, queer-identified, rapper, and librarian may be an intimidating choice for some, roy kinsey’s non-conformist ideology has informed his 4th album, and self proclaimed, “best work yet,” blackie: a story by roy kinsey. featured in and on major local, national, and international publications like Billboard, NPR, WBEZ’s Vocalo, the Chicago Tribune, WGCI and the R ...
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WBEZ Features


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Mental health, medical deserts: Chicago mayoral candidates
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While most of the candidates have pledged to reopen mental health clinics, they’re saying less about other pressing health care issues. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporters: Kristen Schorsch, Tessa WeinbergBy Chicago Public Media
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The Rundown | Chicago News


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Frustrated Chicagoans, all eyes on new UIC faculty contract, Sky prep for new season
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A new poll shows Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s re-election effort faces stiff headwinds as a majority of voters disapprove of her performance. Academics around the country are celebrating the UIC faculty’s newly ratified contract. Kahleah Copper may be the only Chicago Sky starter left after last season, but she’s ready to lead.…
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Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons


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Here’s Where Chicago’s Mayoral Candidates Stand On Health Issues
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Producer: Sarah Stark Editor: Andrew Meriwether
In this bonus episode, Jim and Greg talk with Damien Abraham and Sandy Miranda of Canadian punks Fucked Up about their new album, "One Day." Note: in this episode there is language not allowed on the radio. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3…
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Chicago Orgs Helping Turkey And Syria After Earthquake
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Producer: Daniel Tucker Editor: Andrew Meriwether
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Chicago Innovators: Artists Blake Jones and Steve Seeley
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Producer: Micah Yason Editor: Andrew Merwiether
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What Chicago’s Mayoral Candidates Have Planned For Public Schools
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Producer: Brenda Ruiz Editor: Andrew Meriwether
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The Rundown | Chicago News


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Low voter turnout, Pritzker warns of extremism, police officer mental health
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A WBEZ analysis suggests most Chicago voters will skip the upcoming municipal election. Meanwhile, Governor JB Pritzker wants people to pay attention to local elections to help root out what he calls “extreme ideology.” A report from the Chicago inspector general criticizes the city police department for failing to provide enough mental health supp…
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WBEZ Features


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The groundhog isn't always right. Here's a more accurate prediction for the winter ahead
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Punxsutawney Phil only guessed right 40% of the years in the last decade. In WBEZ’s weekly climate segment, we welcomed atmospheric scientist Dr. Scott Collis to get a more accurate prediction for the winter ahead.By Chicago Public Media
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Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons


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Chicago Innovators: How Hemp Can Heal Our Soil
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Producer: Micah Yason Editor: Andrew Meriwether
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Building Spiritual Resilience With Rev. Otis Moss III
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Producer: Lynnea Domienik Editor: Andrew Meriwether
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The Rundown | Chicago News


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Part I: The weight that anti-fat bias carries
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Whether it's through weight loss campaigns or outright discrimination, fat phobia seems to be one of the last acceptable kinds of bias. Sarah Stark is a freelance producer, and she launched the “Bias Against Bodies” series on WBEZ’s daily talk show, “Reset.” In five episodes, guests cover how pervasive anti-fat bias is in America and the negative m…
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WBEZ Features


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Does taking calculus help college applications?
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Calculus is an easy way to sort students: those who took it, and those who didn’t. But there’s a problem. Some students never had the chance. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporter: Lisa PhillipBy Chicago Public Media
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The Rundown | Chicago News


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Early voting spots, tenants lack heat and water, Medicaid protections ending
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Early voting is underway in Chicago; find out where to drop off your ballot. Tenants of a South Side apartment complex have been without heat and water for weeks. With Medicaid pandemic protections coming to an end March 31st, more than 300 thousand Illinois residents could lose health insurance.
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Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons


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Top Med Schools Rebel Against U.S. Rankings System
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Producer: Michael Liptrot Editor: Andrew Meriwether
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How To Find New Music And Support Artists Without Spotify
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Producer: Ethan Schwabe, Andrew Meriwether Editor: Andrew Meriwether
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Bias Against Bodies: Medical Fatphobia Has Real Consequences
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Producer: Sarah Stark Editor: Andrew Meriwether
Producer: Micah Yason, Brenda Ruiz Editor: Andrew Meriwether
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The Rundown | Chicago News


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‘Motive’ podcast follows former Chicago gang members working to stop violence
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When you hear the word “gang,” different thoughts may come to mind. But overall, why people join gangs and everything that happens after is complicated. And then there are those former gang members who’ve made it their job to stop the violence that comes with gang life. The host of WBEZ’s Motive podcast, Pat Smith, spent a year with these anti-viol…
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The Rundown | Chicago News


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Federal grant to help unhoused folks, new community complex, 'zombie' fungus
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The U.S. Housing Secretary gives Chicago $60 million dollars to address homelessness. The fungus in “The Last of Us” is among us – housed for research purposes at the Chicago Field Museum, and it’s not really that deadly. The new North Austin Community Center opened yesterday to much fanfare.
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75 Years Since The Chicago Sun-Times First Hit Newsstands
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Producer: Dan Tucker Editor: Andrew Meriwether
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Sound Opinions


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Kranky Records, Opinions on Iggy Pop & Ladytron
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This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot explore the history of the Chicago indie label Kranky Records, which has been home over the years to artists like Low, Deerhunter and Godspeed You! Black Emperor. They talk with Kranky co-founder and author of the book “You’re with Stupid,” Bruce Adams, about its creation, ethos and more. The hosts also r…
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Filmspotting


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#906: Top 5 Shyamalan Moments / Knock at the Cabin
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M. Night Shyamalan is on the short list of big-budget filmmakers who reliably bring original stories to the multiplex, which means that enthusiasm for his new work can be somewhat out of step with his recent track record. But with their Top 5 Shyamalan Moments (01:13), Adam and Josh prove that the director's best work is deserving of close attentio…
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Chicago Opera ‘The Factotum’ Blends Soul, Funk, Hip Hop And The Black Barbershop
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Producer: Andrew Meriwether Editor: Andrew Meriwether
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Bias Against Bodies: Fatphobia And Weight Stigma In The Workplace
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Producer: Sarah Stark Editor: Andrew Meriwether
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The Rundown | Chicago News


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Black History Month in Chicago, railway expansion, college enrollment drops
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It’s Black History Month and cultural institutions all over Chicago are celebrating with innovation, including a Shark Tank contest for Black entrepreneurs in the city. The Chicago City Council approved the Norfolk Southern Railway expansion to the 47th Street rail yard. Declining enrollment at Illinois colleges may be a sign of an upcoming demogra…
After a tumultuous few years, the Chicago Reader moved to non-profit status in 2022. A six-month nationwide search for the right person to lead the new organization led to tapping a homegrown talent with experience at the Better Government Association and other Chicago-based organizations. Reset checks in with the former publisher and the publisher…
Chicago gangs: Real people. Real stories. A way forward. The new season of Motive explores violence on the streets of Chicago and the former gang members working to stop it. Sirenzo Strong spends his work days trying to talk to gang members in Chicago’s East Garfield Park neighborhood. Part of his turf is the site of a former housing complex, Rockw…
Host: Patrick Smith Producer: Marie Mendoza
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Curious City


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Police accountability and the power of Chicago’s mayor
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With the death of Tyre Nichols at the hands of Memphis police officers, the people and mechanisms that hold cops accountable are in the spotlight once again. It’s something we talk about often here in Chicago. Later this month, city residents will be voting for mayor, and whoever wins that race will sit at the head of a large-and growing-police acc…
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Bias Against Bodies: The Evolution Of Plus-Size Fashion
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Plus-size fashion has come a long way in the 119 years since Lane Bryant opened its doors in 1904, but it still has a long way to go. Many people still struggle to access the same clothing options as straight-size people. Reset learns more from fashion blogger Natalie Craig and journalist Gianluca Russo, author of The Power of Plus. Then we’ll hear…
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Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons


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New WBEZ Must-Listen: ‘Shoes Off: A Sexy Asians Podcast’
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This newest WBEZ podcast shares stories of Asian Americans and their relationships with identity, confidence, and success. Reset chats with the hosts Susie An and Esther Yoon-Ji Kang, along with producer Stephanie Kim to get a behind-the-scenes look at the pod.
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The Rundown | Chicago News


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Book bans and sanctuaries: A look at war and peace in local libraries
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Libraries are often considered peaceful spaces, but in reality, they’ve long been battlegrounds for freedom of speech. To ban books or not to ban books? It’s an issue fueled by identity politics and critical questions about who has the authority to limit access to information. WBEZ’s Adora Namigadde talks about what censorship looks like for librar…
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WBEZ Features


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How Chicago mayoral candidates would strengthen CPS
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From school closings to shrinking enrollment and finances, the candidates for mayor have a lot to talk about for the future of Chicago’s schools. Host: Mary Dixon; Reporters: Sarah Karp, Mariah WoelfelBy Chicago Public Media
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The Rundown | Chicago News


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Upgrades at O’Hare, school staffing shortages, COVID disaster emergency to end
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Billions of dollars later, construction on the International Terminal at O’Hare is finally complete. Amid staffing shortages in Illinois public schools, the state has a new superintendent of education starting this month. Gov. JB Pritzker announced the end of Illinois’s COVID disaster emergencies, effective this spring.…
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Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons


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FDA Set To Ease Blood Donation Restrictions On Gay, Bisexual Men
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A lifetime ban on gay and bisexual men donating blood was instituted in 1985, but change is afoot. Reset hears from Dr. Anu Hazra, University of Chicago infectious disease specialist, Jim Pickett, senior advisor with AVAC, Global Advocacy for HIV Prevention, Luke Romesberg, director of Youth Housing Program at the Center on Halsted, and Jennifer Br…
In this bonus episode, Jim and Greg pay tribute to Van Conner of the Screaming Trees, who recently died at age 55. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit…
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Bias Against Bodies: Traveling With Plus-Size Women
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Structural fatphobia is everywhere, including the skies. Almost no one can get comfortable on airplanes, and that’s especially true for fat and plus-size people. Reset speaks to podcast hosts Nicci Nunez and Alex Stewart who are leading trips around the world for plus-size people.
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Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons


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Mental Health Care Is Out Of Reach For Many Migrants
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Many asylum seekers arrive in Chicago with little knowledge of where they’ll sleep or how they’ll access food and care, especially mental health care. Reset hears about one migrant’s experience from Chicago-Sun Times journalist Elvia Malagón and from professor and social worker Aimee Hilado about what support migrants needs most.…
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The Rundown | Chicago News


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Tyre Nichols protests continue, financial health, goodbye to Candace Parker
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Tyre Nichols protests continue in Chicago. A new report shows that Black and Latinx residents are more financially vulnerable than white ones, even accounting for income similarities. Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx’s office is expected to drop charges against R. Kelly in a court hearing today.…
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Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons


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How Chicago Voters Can Make Informed Decisions In The City Election
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Chicago has some major decision-making to do in the February 28 election, and WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times are here to help you get up-to-date on the issues you care about. Reset talks to politics editors Tony Arnold and Angela Rozas O’Toole about the new mayoral questionnaire and quiz.
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WBEZ Features


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Chicago’s winter has been warmer than average, but there’s cold ahead
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National Weather Service meteorologist Brett Borchardt gives us this week's forecast, and compares this winter to years past. Host: Lisa Labuz; Reporter Lauren FrostBy Chicago Public Media
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Bias Against Bodies: The Argument For ‘Weight-Neutral’ Fitness
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For countless Americans, the start of a new year brings renewed goals of weight loss, exercise and trying the latest diet trend. But for the sake of both mental and physical health, advocates are calling for a weight-neutral approach to fitness. Reset learns about what that would look like with Louise Green, C.P.T., plus-size trainer and founder of…
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Reset with Sasha-Ann Simons


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Chicagoans React To Fatal Police Beating Of Tyre Nichols
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Residents in Chicago and surrounding areas held vigils and protests demanding police accountability after the release of body cam footage that showed Memphis police officers brutally beating 29-year-old Tyre Nichols. He later died from his injuries. Reset talks with Sharon Fairley from the University of Chicago Law School, co-founder of the Let Us …