In the Loop (Segments)

Are you looking for something for your kids to do this winter break that’s fun, educational and won’t break the bank? Chicago’s Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum says it has what you’re looking for. Reset checks in with the Lincoln Park museum about new exhibits and what families can expect this winter season.

A tornado ripped through 200 miles and four states last week. Reset checks in with the Illinois Red Cross to find out what Chicagoans can do to help survivors of the natural disaster. Plus, atmospheric scientist Scott Collis explains the science behind 60-degree weather in mid-December.

Today marks one year since Sasha-Ann Simons’ first day on WBEZ as host of Reset. Sasha reflects on her top moments and memories.

Inflation’s at its highest level in 39 years. What’s behind the trend and when might it end?

A new WBEZ analysis found the gap between student grades has widened during the pandemic. Reset gets an update on that and more from WBEZ education reporter Sarah Karp.

The Chicago Bulls have entered 10 players into COVID-19 safety protocols since Dec. 1. Reset checks in with WBEZ’s Cheryl Raye Stout to discuss why it took nearly two weeks for the league to postpone Bulls games.

The city of Chicago’s Greencorps Chicago program provides intensive jobs training to give persons from marginalized communities a leg up in the green economy. Reset Sustainability Contributor Karen Weigert introduces one program graduate who says, “Greencorps saved my life.”

The City Council’s Finance Committee on Monday unanimously endorsed a $2.9 million settlement for Anjanette Young, the innocent Chicago woman who was handcuffed while naked during a botched police raid on her home in 2019. Reset talks to CBS Chicago’s Dave Savini for the latest in that case, and his investigation into the department’s handling of wrongful raids.

How has the pandemic affected the CTA bus and train schedule? Reset checks in with an urban planner and president of a local union representing train and bus operators.

Reset talks to PAWS Chicago about the shelter’s 14th annual Holiday Adopt-A-Thon and what people should consider before adopting a pet. Plus, tips on how to best protect our furry friends this winter.

Contact tracers around Illinois have interviewed hundreds of thousands of people who tested positive for the virus and their close contacts. But it’s been a challenge reaching everyone, and the job itself has taken an emotional and psychological toll on workers. Reset checks in with a contact tracer and an organization that’s providing mental health training to workers.

As all Illinois counties enter a “high-transmission” zone and the omicron variant arrives in Chicago, Reset checks back in with Dr. Mia Taormina for the latest public health guidance.

Sterling Bay, the firm behind Lincoln Yards, will reveal its plans for the North Side development to the public on Tuesday. Reset checks in with a reporter about some of the details that have already emerged, which include 800,000 square feet of buildings and a park.

Actor Jussie Smollett is found guilty of five charges that he staged and made a false report of a hate crime against himself. City Council struggles to redraw the ward boundaries and the new Omicron variant arrives in Chicago as COVID cases and hospitalizations surge throughout the state.

Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday announced a new water billing assistance program to help Illinois residents struggling with debt. This comes after a WBEZ investigation found that tens of thousands of Chicago homeowners racked up more than $421 million in delinquent water bills.

The Field Museum’s Africa hall hasn’t seen major updates since it opened to the public in 1993. A new assistant curator wants to change that.

A Chicago jury found actor Jussie Smollett guilty of falsely reporting he was a victim of a hate crime. Could this have any impact on how hate crimes are reported and prosecuted in the future? We talk to WBEZ criminal justice reporter Chip Mitchell and David Goldenberg, Midwest Regional Director for the Anti-Defamation League’s Midwest chapter.

Celebrity chef José Andrés joins Reset to discuss his new restaurant, Pigtail, and his other recent Chicago openings.

Disagreements about vaccines have highlighted growing divisions in our country— and, for some of us, our homes, too. Reset explores what happens when couples and co parents don’t agree on vaccines with Jessica Calarco, associate professor of sociology at Indiana University, and Lyz Lenz, author of the newsletter Men Yell at Me.

A volunteer program teaches Chicago students about the constitution and important legal cases throughout history. Their program director tells Reset how she keeps those lessons age-appropriate.

Reset talks to sociologist Robert Vargas about his latest research on the effects of gerrymandering and redistricting in Chicago, St. Louis and Milwaukee. The study found that the practice has been used by local governments to punish progressive advocates for racial and economic change.

President Joe Biden on Tuesday warned Russian President Vladimir Putin of consequences if his country invades Ukraine. Illinois Congressman Mike Quigley gives Reset his take on the crisis and other news from Capitol Hill.

The pandemic prompted us to use a lot of single-use plastic products. So, two Chicagoans organized Cleanup Club Chicago, a waste removal effort that now boasts 230 members.

Mayor Lightfoot’s proposal for a 2% tax on sports betting was met with opposition. Meanwhile, plans for new ward boundaries remain in limbo. Reset breaks down the latest city politics news with a longtime City Hall reporter.

Illinois’ first Omicron case has been detected in a fully vaccinated Chicago resident. Reset asks infectious disease specialist, Dr. Emily Landon, what she knows about the new variant.