In the Loop (Segments)

Rapper, activist and actor Vic Mensa wants to provide potentially transformative books to underserved prison libraries across the state. Reset learns more about his latest initiative, Books Before Bars.

Dozens of Illinois counties are now considered high risk for COVID-19 transmission. Meanwhile, the Harvard School of Medicine recently published a report detailing why we are particularly susceptible to upper respiratory infections during this time of year. Reset discusses what you need to know. GUEST: Dr. Mia Taormina, infectious disease specialist with Duly Health and Care

According to Nonprofit Source, an estimated 30 percent of charitable donations happen around the holiday season, but with so many causes to choose from, how should we think about maximizing impact? Reset speaks with several experts about the philosophical implications of different choices and provides some practical advice and resources to help. GUESTS: Dylan Matthews, senior correspondent and lea...

Morocco’s men’s soccer team made history this week when it faced the previous World Cup champions France. Reset hears from a local Moroccan restaurant about its cuisine and what it’s like to have the North African nation suddenly thrust into the global spotlight. GUEST: Yazan Al-Jadeed, owner of Kunafa Nabulsia

A cold front will hit Chicago this weekend, and next week will see temperatures in the single digits. Reset checks in with a local expert. GUEST: Scott Collis, atmospheric scientist, Argonne National Laboratory

Mayoral candidate Congressman Jesus “Chuy” Garcia faces criticism for controversial crypto campaign donation. A jury awards a former detective and CPD whistleblower nearly $1 million. Reset goes behind those headlines and more with local journalists in the Weekly News Recap. GUESTS: Tina Sfondeles, chief political reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times Mick Dumke, reporter and columnist for ProPublica...

A cold front will hit Chicago this weekend, and next week will see temperatures in the single digits. Reset checks in with a local expert. GUEST: Scott Collis, atmospheric scientist, Argonne National Laboratory

Midwest talent Elizabeth Moen chats with WBEZ’s Reset and performs some tracks LIVE off her latest album Wherever You Aren’t. Moen talks panic attacks, Chicago talent, and inner-growth. GUEST: Elizabeth Moen, Chicago Singer-songwriter

If you ever enjoyed a walk through Humboldt Park you’ve likely seen a fairytale looking building on Division Street. It's an iconic piece of Chicago architecture known as the Humboldt Park Receptory Building and Stable that currently houses a museum dedicated to Puertorican history and arts. But the building recently got a new neighbor, and many residents aren’t happy about it. In another installm...

Shabbat has been around since the first chapter of Genesis, but it’s recently taken off in a new way for the millennial and Gen Z crowd. Reset chatted with a group that’s making Shabbat accessible for young people. GUESTS: Aliza Kline, CEO of OneTable Leah Weinstein, head of OneTable’s Chicago Chapter

Fentanyl is taking more lives every year in the United States as more of the drug enters the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can’t track the number of overdose deaths in real time, but according to 2021 data, fentanyl was the primary cause of tracked drug overdoses last year. Reset digs deeper into a conversation around fentanyl. What makes it so deadly and how are we tackl...

2022 has had its share of ups and downs, so how about a little music therapy to cap the year off? Relaxing, smooth grooves by Chicago singers ALIAH, HXRY, Jason Ivy, rapper MFnMelo and musician THREEZERO have been playing all month on Vocalo Radio. Reset learns more about the new songs and up-and-coming Chicago artists. GUEST: Stephen Bekoe, host and producer at Vocalo

Heat pumps have two functions. They serve as air conditioners in the summer and can work in conjunction with your furnace to heat your home in the winter. And despite misconceptions, they can work in cold climates. Reset learns practical tips if you’re considering buying a heat pump and how they fit into the fight against climate change. GUESTS: Karen Weigert, director of Loyola University Chicago...

Chicago is one step closer to having a casino and entertainment district near the heart of the city. Reset learns about the last minute changes to that permit and when residents can expect construction to begin. GUEST: Justin Laurence, government and politics reporter at Crain’s Chicago Business

Chatting with a psychologist once a week is far from the only way that Black people are taking charge of their mental health. Reset hears from wellness advocates on other practices that work from them. GUESTS: DeAnna Taylor, certified life coach, founder of Mom-Care Oasis Ytasha Womack, writer, filmmaker, dance therapist, Afrofuturist Veronica Womack, associate director of inclusive learning commu...

Scientists recently managed to generate a net energy gain through atomic particle fusion, a big step toward a future source of green energy. Reset learns how far we are from wide use of that energy source. GUEST: Evan Halper, Washington Post business reporter covering the energy transition

The department has long had a diversity problem, with a predominantly white and male staff. And despite new testing procedures aimed at boosting Black and Brown applicants, some are still being locked out. Reset learns more about the issue with a CFD lieutenant and the reporter who covered the issue. GUESTS: Lieutenant Quention Curtis, head of Chicago’s Black Fire Brigade Will Lee, Chicago Tribune...

You’ve probably heard the phrase “social and emotional learning” a lot when it comes to education, but what exactly does that look like in practice? There are toys out there that help kids practice skills like identifying emotions, self-soothing and communicating their needs. Reset learns more about social and emotional learning toys, or SEL toys, and about the positive impact they can have on chi...

The NBA unveiled six newly-designed trophies Tuesday — all named after and honoring NBA legends — with the new MVP statue paying tribute to Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan. The Michael Jordan Trophy stands at 23.6 inches tall, and weighs 23.6 pounds — a nod to Jordan’s jersey number (23) and number of NBA championships (6). Reset finds out more about the new MVP trophy and how it pays tribute...

A viral video of the dean at Francis W. Parker school in Lincoln Park talking about an optional LGBTQ sex ed class made Reset wonder: What makes good sex ed? And what does inclusive, LGBTQ-affirming sex ed look like? [WBEZ Reset] Reset hears from sex educators and LGBTQ organizers. GUESTS: Stephanie Skora, chief operating officer of Brave Space Alliance Luke Romesberg, director of the Youth Housin...

Inflation has now dropped for five consecutive months, but it may not fall to levels the Federal Reserve considers manageable until 2024. Reset brings you the latest on price increases and the Fed’s moves to curb inflation. GUESTS: David Wessel, director of the Hutchins Center on Fiscal and Monetary Policy at the Brookings Institution

Article: The new film “Corsicana” tells the story of Bass Reeves, a formerly enslaved man who became the first Black deputy U.S. Marshall west of the Mississippi. GUEST: Isaiah Washington, actor and director of “Corsicana”

Earlier this year, Illinois educators began to roll out lessons on Asian American history to fulfill a new requirement in the state. Reset discusses the challenges of teaching traditionally underrepresented histories and how educators are working together to share a richer story of Asian Americans. GUESTS: Grace Pai, executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice Chicago Laura Houcque Pra...

Communities and businesses that were excited by the state’s climate initiatives say they’re still waiting for real-world results over a year after CEJA became law. Reset speaks with an advocate and journalist about what is causing the delays and if any developments are on the horizon. GUESTS: Yami Newell, associate director of Community Projects at Elevated Chicago Brett Chase, reporter for the Ch...

A solid morning routine can boost positivity, energy, even productivity, according to the National Alliance On Mental Illness. It can even help lower “decision fatigue.” But with hybrid work, maintaining a morning routine can be a challenge, especially if you’re starting from scratch. Reset gets tips on how to set reasonable goals for yourself as you balance working from home with working from the...