In the Loop (Segments)

If you’ve been watching HBO’s post-apocalyptic pandemic drama Station Eleven, set and filmed in Chicago, you’ve probably noticed that the line between fact and fiction has gotten really blurry. Reset talks with the former Chicagoan who brought Station Eleven to life.

Last year gave us so many great tunes we still can’t get out of our heads, so what’s next? Reset talks through some of our favorites and which will be the earworms of 2022.

The Omicron variant and the holidays led to high demand for COVID tests that were in limited supply, driving people to their second, or third or fourth choice location for getting tested. Reset checks in with a reporter who has been covering this and digs into what you need to know before you head out for a COVID test.

In Illinois, 1.1 million low-income families do not have access to a computer. Across the country, four in 10 adults with low incomes face the same barrier. PCs for People wants to fix that by offering affordable computers and mobile internet service to low-income individuals and families in Chicago and beyond. For our weekly series “Chicago Innovators,” Reset checks in with the national nonprofit...

Mayor Lori Lightfoot has tapped attorney and longtime police reform advocate Adam Gross to lead the city’s new Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability. Reset checks in with WBEZ’s Patrick Smith to learn more about the new oversight board.

A new report from Propublica Illinois finds that Black and Latinx neighborhoods get hit the hardest by tickets issued through red-light and speed traffic cameras. And the pandemic only widens the gap. Reset talks to the ProPublica Illinois reporters behind the report to break down the data.

The pandemic has created work situations we constantly have to adjust and re-adjust to. Reset talks with a Washington Post reporter on how to build connections at work and what to consider when going back to the office.

School counselors and social workers were among the CPS staff who have been locked out of the google classroom by Mayor Lightfoot in the past week, during the standoff between the Chicago Teachers Union and Chicago Public Schools. Reset checks in with a counselor and social worker from a North Side CPS school about how the lockout has impacted their work.

Reset laughs it up with Chicago comedian Lisa Beasley. Her latest bit pokes fun at Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s response to Chicago Public Schools teachers’ concerns over in-person teaching during the omicron wave.

Reset checks in with PAWS Chicago CEO Susanna Homan to discuss the organization’s 2021 accomplishments and get tips for keeping pets safe this winter.

Sixteen major U.S. universities including Northwestern and UChicago are alleged to have colluded by creating a shared system that unfairly limited student financial aid, according to a federal lawsuit filed in Illinois. Reset checks in with the reporter who broke the story.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot is partnering with local arts organizations for a series of listening sessions to get input on opportunities to support Chicago creatives. Reset checks in with one of those partners and a local artist on what they hope to accomplish.

Over the last year, at least 19 states have passed laws making it harder to vote. Since January 6th, 25 religious leaders from around the country have been on a hunger strike to urge Congress to pass voting rights legislation.

Depending on the procedure or service you get, surprise medical bills can end up costing thousands of dollars. Thanks to the No Surprises Act, Americans have new federal protections against unexpected bills from out-of-network providers. Reset gets the latest on what the bill means for patients, providers and the healthcare industry. Plus, we open the phones to listeners to hear about their experi...

Chicago Public School classes will resume Wednesday after five days of no instruction. Mayor Lightfoot and the teachers union reached an agreement late Monday after a majority of CTU members voted to end its remote work action. But as officials, teachers and parents share concerns and frustrations, what’s on the minds of students? Reset checks in with two CPS seniors about what being out of the cl...

Reset brings on an infectious disease expert for our weekly check-in to provide insight to your comments and questions about COVID-19.

New York Times columnist Farhad Manjoo was never a very good sleeper, and his job as a tech journalist certainly came with its stress. When he discovered a simple technique for relaxing, he says his life changed for the better. Reset learns how to relax so you can too.

Reset checks in with WBEZ’s Sarah Karp to discuss ongoing negotiations between Chicago Public Schools and the teacher’s union in the ongoing battle over COVID safety protocols. Classes are canceled Monday for the fourth day in a row.

The Chicago Bears followed another bad loss on Sunday by firing its Head Coach Matt Nagy and General Manager Ryan Pace. Reset gets details from WBEZ’s Cheryl Raye-Stout.

With a year left until the next mayoral election, we look at how Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s track record and stances compare to her promises on the campaign trail.

It’s been one week since Cook County and Chicago rolled out a vaccine mandate for most indoor spaces. The order requires customers five and older to show proof of vaccination at restaurants, bars, gyms and movie theaters. Reset checks in with several business owners and staff for an update on how they’re handling the mandate.

The groundbreaking Black actor was a first in many regards but his success did not come without strife. Reset talks about how his life’s work became an inspiration to many young black actors and filmmakers.

In her new book, Ayana Contreras explores the cultural contributions of Black Chicago's artists and entrepreneurs, and how that work still influences creatives today. Reset sits down with the host of Vocalo Radio’s “Reclaimed Soul” about what inspired her to write her first book and what she hopes readers will take away from it.

Cook County launches vaccine mandate for restaurants, bars and gyms; Chicago cancels school after teachers refuse to teach in-person, and longtime Congressman Bobby Rush announces retirement. Reset goes behind the headlines on the Weekly News Recap with WVON’s Kimberly Egonmwan and the Chicago Tribune’s Dan Petrella.

On the heels of the anniversary of the January 6 Capitol insurrection, we look at what makes a thriving democracy. Reset checks in with the CEO and co-founder of a civic engagement organization about his vision.