In the Loop (Segments)

The latest COVID-19 stimulus bill earmarked $15 billion for arts funding, including relief for concert venues and theaters. Reset checks in with the head of Chicago’s Congo Square Theatre to discuss how artists are getting through the pandemic and what to expect from their 2021 production schedule.

About 50,000 people in Chicago have been wounded by gunfire in the last two decades. A few of those stories are featured in a new WBEZ series “Those Who Did Not Die: Survivors Of Chicago’s Gun Violence Epidemic.” Reset brings on criminal justice reporter Patrick Smith to learn more.

A reporter from Atlanta and a political science professor from Emory University join Reset to discuss the phone call and the Senate runoff elections in the state.

New Year’s Eve might look different this year, but there are still safe and fun ways to usher in 2021. Zanies Comedy Club will be livestreamining its New Year’s Eve event on YouTube from its Rosemont stage, with comedian Calvin Evans as host. Reset talks to the Chicago native to learn more about the event and to get his recommendations on what to read, watch and do this week.

To say it’s been a wild 2020 in Illinois and Chicago politics would be an understatement. The year started with the legalization of marijuana, saw a pandemic that shut down every corner of Illinois, streets filled with protesters in the wake of a police killing, boarded up storefronts, and even the early release of former governor Rod Blagojevich. Reset breaks down those stories and more during ou...

The audiobook industry is celebrating yet another record-breaking year. Reset brings on two book lovers to give us their “best of” lists for audiobooks during 2020.

When Iris Martinez was elected the first Latina ever to run the Circuit Court of Cook County, she chose education policy expert Cristina Pacione-Zayas to succeed her in the Illinois State Senate. Reset sits down with the two generations of Puerto Rican women leaders from the Northwest Side of Chicago to talk about passing the torch and what they both aim to achieve in their new roles.

Reset checks in with an atmospheric scientist for the latest on the weather in Chicago.

From wildfires to extreme weather to climate change influencing national politics, Reset reviews the biggest sustainability stories of 2020.

Almost a year since recreational cannabis became legal in Illinois, Reset looks back over the program’s first 12 months.

Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady received her first dose of the Pfizer vaccine Tuesday morning at one of the city’s new COVID-19 mass vaccination sites. Plus, vaccinations are underway at long-term care facilities around Illinois. Reset learns more about what these next steps mean in the fight against COVID-19 in Chicago and Illinois and what health care workers...

The non-profit organization Easterseals has a new sense of hope due to a large donation and the federal COVID relief package. Reset learns the latest about its plans moving forward.

This year there were more than 750 murders in Chicago — a 50 percent jump from last year, and on par with 2016, a year so bad that it compelled anti-violence groups to join forces in the fight. But the picture is a bit more complicated than it seems.

2020 has brought us a host of innovative, entertaining and thoughtful podcasts. Reset hears from two podcasting devotees about their favorites from the year.

This year changed the way a lot of us live, interact and spend our time. But one thing that we all have in common: We’ve never watched more TV. From Netflix’s “Love Is Blind” to HBO’s “Lovecraft County” to Amazon’s “Sylvie’s Love,” there was almost too much to watch. Reset takes a look back at the best and worst TV and film had to offer in 2020.

Hospitalizations and positivity rates are gradually declining across Illinois, but leaders and officials are still encouraging residents to remain vigilant as coronavirus vaccinations are underway. Reset checks in with Loretto Hospital for the latest on their efforts since administering the city’s first COVID-19 vaccine in mid-December.

The Lightfoot administration is expanding its Invest South/West program into Humboldt Park and Greater Roseland. Reset brings on two community voices who work in development to discuss what type of projects their neighborhoods need most.

With coronavirus vaccines on the way, the question for Chicago businesses in 2021 is: When will things get back to normal? No matter the industry, the challenge is planning for what has to be the most uncertain time in modern business history.

Reset checks in on what to expect from the world of Chicago sports in the coming weeks.

U.S. gun sales rose more than 70 percent this year, and the highest increase in sales is coming from Black consumers. Reset talks to reporters covering the story along with the founder of a Chicago chapter of the National African American Gun Association to discuss the trend and the complicated history around Black Americans' right to bear arms.

Airlines stand to get $15 billion in the COVID stimulus plan. Meanwhile, the much bigger restaurant industry isn’t getting the same support. Reset check in with a business journalist who covered the dichotomy in a piece called Why Airlines Outrank Restaurants In Relief Aid.

President Trump asked Congress Tuesday night to revise the previously agreed-upon $900 billion COVID-19 emergency relief package. Reset brings on a congressional reporter to unpack what this delay might mean for the deal.

Staying mentally healthy through the pandemic has been uniquely challenging for many people, especially those who have lost loved ones and people experiencing isolation due to social distancing. Reset brings on two mental health experts to give advice on what you can do to care for your mental wellbeing, particularly over the holidays and as you plan for the coming year.

The 43rd year of the Goodman Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Carol” is unlike any other. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the stage performance could not happen as planned. So, the performance was adapted as an audio play, which will air on WBEZ at 91.5 FM and Vocalo at 91.1 FM on Christmas Eve and Christmas. Reset is joined by the Goodman Theatre’s artistic director and the play’s lead...

Reset talks to the acclaimed poet, author and playwright about her future plans and how her upbringing on the city’s South Side influenced her writing and worldview.